Member Reviews
This author can really craft a good story. The narrator does a good job as well. This is my fourth book by this author, and I'm pretty sure I'll be reading all of his future books as well. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Titus Crowne, former FBI agent and security expert, is the first black sheriff in Charon County. He has his hands full when a school shooting results in the deaths of a teacher and his former student who shot him. Upon further investigation, it is learned that the teacher had abused the student who killed him. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Titus's investigation leads to buried bodies, secrets, lies and murder.
S.A. Cosby has tackled many subjects in this book: school shooting, abuse, racism, family secrets, relationships, loss, and religion to name a few. He does so with both grace and grit. His writing is top notch and descriptive. I always get excited when I see that S.A. Cosby has a new book out and this book did not disappoint. Like his other books, this book is gritty and has violence, but I found this to not be as violent as his other books.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator. From the minute I pushed play, I was invested in this gripping book. S.A. Cosby is a born storyteller and brilliantly told this tale though his descriptive and beautiful passages. He effectively and beautifully displayed the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of Titus during his investigation.
Cosby always delivers and I look forward to what he writes next.
Gritty, intense, beautifully written and hard to put down!
4.5 stars
Words cannot express how excited I was to receive an ALC of S.A. Cosby's upcoming book. He has quickly become a must-read author for me. In true Cosby fashion, this book is engrossing and violent and raw, but mostly it is timely. I don't know how he does it, but in my mind, Cosby's writing just keeps getting better and better and he always keeps me at the edge of my seat with his writing. The audiobook narration was exquisite. A huge thanks to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio and the author for this amazing ALC. All opinions are my own.
S. A. Cosby has become one of my go to authors and once again, he did not disappoint. All the Sinners Bleed tackles a school shooting in a small Virginia rural town. The shooter, a troubled young black man, targets only a single teacher before being shot as the sheriff tries to talk him into giving up. The sheriff, Titus Crowne, is the first black sheriff of the county. He walks a fine line - being seen as “blue rather than black” by many in the black community while many in the white community are still fighting the Civil War. But it’s what comes up after the shootout that is the real tragedy. The shooter was one of many young people abused by the teacher and an unknown man. The hunt is on for the unknown man.
This is such a timely story. Titus is dealing with the black churches convinced the shooting was unnecessary and the white community not thinking him fit for the job.
Cosby handles a plethora of difficult and dark subjects with grace. His writing style is, at times, poetic. He has the ability to combine heartbreaking details with nonstop action. His characters come across as real, breathing individuals. Titus was my kind of main character- strong, agnostic but with a complete knowledge of his Bible verses, a loving child. “For a man that doesn’t believe in God, you sure talk about religious sh** a lot.” My heart went out to him, all the things he was forced to juggle.
This is one of those audiobooks I wanted to rush through to see how it would end while at the same time wanting to savor every minute.
I listened to this and I have mixed feelings about Adam Lazarre-White. His voice captured Titus. But he didn’t do the other voices justice and they all tended to sound alike.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook.
S.A. Cosby is back with a powerful new crime thriller. All The Sinner’s Bleed is set in the small community of Charon County Virginia and centers around former FBI agent turned county sheriff, Titus Crowne. A year to the day after Titus was first elected as the county’s first black sheriff, the town is rocked by a murder.
The town's most beloved high school teacher a white man named Jeff Spearman was gunned down by a former black student of his. What should be an open and shut case leads Titus on a nightmarish trail of dark secrets and the search for an unidentified perpetrator who could be hiding in plain sight.
Cosby’s powerful writing and prose completely consumed me. His depiction of a small southern town had me feeling like I was in Charon County. His main character Titus is one of my new favorite fictional characters. Titus is a badass former CIA agent, yet he was full of flaws and moments of self-doubt that made him seem real.
I listened to the audiobook version of All The Sinners Bleed which is narrated by Adam Lazarre-White, who also narrated Cosby’s prior three books. He did a fantastic job making this gripping crime thriller even more compelling. I struggled when I had to pause this one because I truly did not want to stop listening!
When I reviewed Razorblade Tears in 2021, I stated that Cosby is one of the best and most influential storytellers of our time. All The Sinner’s Bleed is further proof of this. This is my 4th remarkable read written by Cosby and a favorite for 2023. I highly recommend this book to all readers of Southern noir and crime thrillers.
All The Sinner’s Bleed by SA Cosby will be available on June 6. A massive thanks to Flatiron Books, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for the gifted copy!
“All violence is a confession of pain.”
Titus Crowne is the first black sheriff in a very small, rural town of Charon County. The book starts with a school shooting of a local, beloved teacher. The shooter, a student, is then taken down due to a police officer being too quick on the trigger. As the investigation deepens so many events are unraveled that leaves the town of Charon to be changed forever.
S.A. Cosby’s gift is being able to successfully build characters and the plot so conducively. This book is gritty and realistic to events that are currently happening. The characters are a mix of raw, lovely, awful, revengeful, pitiful and makes you feel that you know each one of them. This was great from start to finish. The plot never slows down without being overly written. If you enjoyed Razorblade Tears then this will be a great read for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review the book. All opinions are my own.
I have yet to find an S.A. Cosby book I don't like. This is my favorite book of 2023 for sure. Cosby is a master storyteller with unparalleled character building. You are transported into southern Virginia with his poetic descriptions. The setting feels like its own character. Adam Lazarre-White has narrated Cosby's previous novels and I couldn't imagine anyone else doing a better job. His narration adds another layer to the story. If you have a chance to listen to other S.A. Cosby audiobooks do it!
This story centers around Titus Crown, former FBI agent, who has returned to his hometown of Charon County, Virginia. Being a black sheriff in the south is not easy. But Titus has a strong moral code and does the job with fairness and transparency. The sheriffs office responds to school shooting which ends with one of his deputies killing the shooter. This uncovers a much more disturbing crime within his small Virginia town. That is all I will say. You will have to pick it up in June to see for yourself.
Triggers: Death, gun violence, child abuse and exploitation.
Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the advance copy for review
S.A. Cosby is soaring up to my favorite American author position. This book started off disturbing me deeply, but the county residents and the sheriff were compelling enough to push through. So glad I did, but I can see more sensitive readers doing a U-turn and bailing. This is not the book for some. However, for the rest of us, it's violent, tense, fast-paced, and almost crosses over from thriller into horror, to me. The characters have depth and develop through the story, there are curious arcs that feel like this would make a great series but every book I've read by Cosby has left me wanting more of those characters as well. There were a few parts that felt predictable, like what should have been a subtle foreshadow was a little more obvious, and most of the significant characters get what's coming to them, which can be quite satisfying, but also a little bit too neat. But this is a great book! Now I want to go back and read his other books again because I want more.
One of the best books that I have read all year. The author does a phenomenal job at making this rural Virginia setting just as interesting as any other urban setting. This book is filled with the most beautiful sentences combined with the most terrifying serial killers I've read. . He also took his time revealing the complexities of life for modern black men . The audiobook reader was also superb at bringing Titus's subdued emotions to life.
This is my second book I've read by S.A. Cosby. I may just have to go back to read his back catalog until his next book comes out.
I could not put this down! I wish it could have been longer!
Another great book by Cosby!
Read if you like; people with traumatic pasts, serial killers, cops solving crime
I just reviewed All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby. #NetGalley
The protagonist is the ultimate masculine man that all men should strive to be. He is flawed but also a good man. He gets shit done. He fights evil. He deals with disturbing stuff so other people don't have to. The narration was flawless. I don't think there is a better voice actor alive who could do this role.
I am so looking forward to the next one.
Bestselling author S.A. Cosby is back in his newest thriller novel about the balance between good and evil and a man searching for the truth somewhere in between. In All The Sinners Bleed, Titus Crowne is the first Black Sheriff of Charon County, who is caught in the crossfires of his constituents. When a school shooting brings simmering racial tensions to the surface, Titus and his team discover that the persons involved were entangled in a twisted web of horrific abuse, with a trail of bodies in their wake- a trail Titus must race to identify the remaining killer hiding in plain sight in Charon County, while contending with the realities of being a Black Sheriff in the South.
I read Razorblade Tears by Cosby earlier this year, but I have to say- I enjoyed this book even more. The mystery and the hunt for the identity of the sadistic mastermind had me enthralled from start to finish, but the story about Charon County and its residents, its troubled history, and its challenges was also captivating. This was a fast-paced book. As always, narrator Adam Lazarre-White did a fantastic job with the audio performance, he brings all the characters to life! Honestly, he could read me the phone book and I would love it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is familiar with S.A. Cosby’s previous work such as Razorblade Tears. Cosby is masterful at setting scenes that are a little rough around the edges; this book does contain graphic descriptions of violence or threats of violence, including violence towards children, and it is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for a police-procedural thriller with themes of racial justice with a compelling mystery, this is the book for you!
Eternally grateful to netgalley and Macmillan audio for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review. No one writes a well weaved gripping fast paced book like SA Cosby. I will likely add to this review shortly but absolutely blown away by the atory telling and ability to have my heart racing and hands sweating while listening dping mundane tasks at home. Just wow.
Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for my listening copy.
As soon as I got the approval for this audiobook, I put my current read to the side and I don’t regret it at all. This story was so good and I finished this audiobook in two days. This book touched on several social themes and issues, but not in an overwhelming way. There was one scene with Titus and his mother towards the end that made me emotional. As someone who has questioned their faith many times, I understand his viewpoint. This read was heavy at times due to the subject matter, but I’m glad I stuck with this story. Adam Lazarre-White did a great job with this narration as always.
Triggers: Death, gun violence, child abuse and exploitation.
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this gritty, riveting, and thought-provoking ARC. Although some passages are disturbing and gruesome in their description, this crime novel was exceptionally well-written and constructed.
S.A. Cosby has become my most eagerly anticipated author for hard-boiled/southern noir crime thrillers. This book was intense, chilling, and memorable. The setting is a small town in Virginia that evokes a vivid sense of place with fully developed and memorable characters. It was superbly narrated by Adam Lazarre-White.
Titus Crowne is the first Black sheriff in Charon County, Virginia. He is a former FBI agent who, after a traumatizing work-related event, returned to the small town where he grew up to care for his father and keep watch on a wayward brother. He is a good man with a strong moral code and must struggle with racism and injustice, determined to be fair and apply the law equally to all sides.
For example, Titus faces a legal white supremacist march to honour their racist Confederate history. An angry opposing crowd gathers, consisting of Blacks, Latinos, some church ministers, and a few supportive whites. Titus must remain conscientious, arrest lawbreakers on both sides of the altercation, and protect a Confederate statue. He must keep a balance while juggling divisions in small-town politics, policing, religion and race. As a Black officer, he is not fully trusted by Black citizens who fear the police, and White citizens resent him because he is Black in a position of authority.
A year after being elected sheriff, a school shooting kills a beloved teacher. A young Black man who murdered the popular teacher emerges from the school, weapon in hand. Titus seems well on the way to convincing him to surrender, but he is shot dead by two White officers. This controversial killing by police officers seems guaranteed to stir up trouble in the already divided town. Tensions are bound to get much worse when secrets are revealed. Clues lead Titus and his officers to find the bodies of seven dead Black children, tortured, killed, and buried in close proximity over a period of time. Repugnant photos and videos reveal the now-dead teacher was one of the abusers and murderers, and an unknown masked killer was shown to be present. Now the hunt is on for a serial killer who knows the town and countryside well. He taunts the police. His motive is unknown, and he seems to be overcome by religious mania. An adult body is found, displayed in a grotesque manner. Now another young person has been kidnapped. Titus feels the shocking pictures will forever remain in his mind.
A heart-pounding race is on to identify and apprehend the killer before another victim is harmed. An attempt to capture him results in a violent encounter, endangering the lives of all involved. Recommended for those who want an exciting, gripping crime thriller but be aware of some disturbing content. Titus is a stellar character, and I would love to read more about him.
This is a beautifully written, gritty, violent novel that forces you to face issues you may wish to sweep under the carpet. SA Cosby puts a spotlight on a school shooting, racism, prejudices, religion, biases and violence. You will find yourself shocked, angry, and wondering how this is going to end. He is a master storyteller and lets it build in suspense.
Titus Crowne is a Black Sheriff and a school shooting in town disrupts a community and has people picking sides. Titus has a strong morale compass and stays calm in hostile situations. He soon realizes that this situation is part of something so much bigger. Someone in the community is a serial killer and has gotten away with killing children, The fact that seven children have been murdered is horrifying and the suffering the children endured is beyond your worst nightmare.
I really enjoyed this narrator. He was mesmerizing and even though this audiobook was 13 hours it went by in a flash.
I stayed up until 4am because I had to finish this. I was just completely gobsmacked by it. Stellar writing style, plot, characters, social/historical engagement. (Be warned: it is a bit rough, although nowhere near as bad as it could be given the topic.) I am eagerly tracking down his other books.
Highly recommended.
Review copy provided by publisher.
All the Sinners Bleed Audiobook
by S. A. Cosby
Narrated by Adam Lazarre-White
Pub Date 06 Jun 2023
Macmillan Audio
Mystery & Thrillers
Rating: 5/5
No writer can convey the harshness of life with the skill and capability of S. A. Cosby. All the Sinners Bleed is a beautifully written, gritty book about an unsung hero who shoulders the weight of his job and his community courageously. Combined with Adam Lazarre-White's dynamic narration, this audiobook is brilliant.
Titus Crowne, the black sheriff of a small-town in Virginia, is stunned by the death of a student, a teacher, and the taunting of a serial killer. As Titus protects his hometown in All The Sinners Bleed, S.A. Cosby weaves an unforgettable tale of one man's struggle with racism and injustice. An addictive, compelling and mature thriller, this audiobook is a must listen.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sharing this incredible audiobook with me. As my most anticipated audiobook of the year, it exceeded my expectations.
I really enjoyed Razorblade Tears so was very excited to listen to this new audiobook from S.A. Cosby
Former FBI agent Titus Crown returns to his small hometown in Charon, Virginia to help his elderly father after his hip replacement. While there, he decides to run for sheriff. Although the town is 60% Black, they haven't had much representation in the running of the county. He wins, much to everyone's surprise. He sets out to be fair and transparent in how he deals with the citizens he's sworn to protect. When he's called out to a report of a school shooting at the local high school, he worries his town is about to become famous, for all the wrong reasons. He and his deputies are working to evacuate the school when the lone gunman, a man Titus knows well, comes out of the school. He has just shot a beloved teacher in the school and is ranting about religious topics. When the gunman moves toward the officers, several of the deputies fire and he's killed. This happens in full view of many people, including students who are, of course, filming everything. Before he can worry too much about the optics of a Black gunman being killed by white officers, Titus begins investigating both the gunman and his victim. It turns out that what is on their cellphones will lead this seemingly all-t00-common school shooting into a direction of unimaginable brutality and horror. It seems that there has been an evil person doing terrible things in the county for many years. It's now up to Titus to root out the evil and get justice for the victims. At the same time, he has to deal with racism, a brother who's gone off the rails, an old girlfriend who reappears to interview him for her true crime podcast, and religious groups who hide their terrible deeds behind piety.
I enjoyed the book and all of the issues that Titus had to face. He also had some personal demons that he had to wrestle with. All in all, I liked seeing how Titus grappled with all of the various problems in his personal and professional life.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGally for allow
S.A. Cosby’s latest thriller, All the Sinners Bleed, is a prime example of why Cosby’s novels should not be missed! The story opens with a school shooting. When everyone’s favorite teacher is killed and questionable photos appear on the teacher’s phone, Sheriff Titus Crowne jumps to investigate and soon discovers a serial killer is on the loose.
Cosby’s writing is detailed, and can be graphic at times, but these details are what make his writing stand out! Cosby makes it easy to picture the setting and characters and get immersed in the story.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audio of this book. The narrator is good, but I felt he talked way too slow. Once I realized I could speed up his pace, I enjoyed the narrator much more.
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.