Member Reviews
Sometimes I forget how much I love reading a pitch perfect thriller because there have been, IMHO, so many that are just meh, so when I hit a great one, I’m like YES!!!
This is a great one.
love S.A. Cosby and have read all his books. But this is his best.
Titus Collins is the first Black sheriff in his hometown of Charon County Virginia. With a shot the novel opens on a school shooting immediately squeezing you in its grip. The victim is a beloved white teacher killed by a young Black man who exits the school obviously distraught and repeating what seems like gibberish. But what quickly gets revealed is horrifying and the personification of evil at its purest, and Titus just might be in over his head especially once he realizes what he’s dealing with.
Feeling like the novel he was leading up to his whole career thus far, it feels very reminiscent of another phenomenal set of literally thrillers set in the Deep South, Greg Iles ‘Natchez Burning’.
Cosby lays bare the deep seated racism that divides a town and that can let some secrets stay buried, while creating one of the most memorable heroes this year in Titus. He’s a brilliant bad ass, a former FBI agent trying to settle his own demons while navigating detractors and skeptics that think he’s not able and worthy of his job.
I listened to this one on audio and would highly recommend. Read by Adam Lazarre-White he does an exceptional job, with a voice that will draw you in and does full justice to Cosby’s words. A absolute great book for summer and one of the best of the year. Thanks to Macmillan audio and @netgalley for the advance copy.
A big trigger warning on this for those with trauma tied to school shootings. I stopped listening at 3.5% because I just couldn't handle any discussion of it.
I was sad to put this one aside because I think the premise of digging through the struggles of a Black sheriff in the South could be really powerful. From what I listened to, the audio narration was incredible -- I was so caught up in it.
Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for the early audio copy of this.
All the Sinners Bleed is a five star mystery crime thriller. I love the way S.A. Cosby brings social justice to the page.
We get to see the daily life and struggles of Titus Crowne, the first Black sheriff in the history of his county. The bs he has to put up with is ridiculous. Not only does he have to deal with racism on the daily including having to provide security for a white racist rally, but he soon has a serial killer on his hands on top of it all. It all started after a school shooting left a teacher and student dead, and what comes to light after will shock you.
It's fascinating getting to see him use his FBI training to help profile and catch the killer. My little true crime junkie heart loved it.
Thank you for the audio ARC of this book.
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This book was captivating. S.A. Cosby's incredible atmospheric writing combined perfectly with Adam Lazarre-White's narration. I honestly didn't want to stop listening to this until it was finished!
Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this one.
Every time I read an S.A. Cosby book I feel like I'm watching a movie. He has a way of setting a scene with characters that are so distinct that I can see everything play out. I found this book to be the same Though the storyline is a bit disturbing I was captivated by the story.
Wow!!! Brutally honest writing and story. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Narrator was great. He’s closing in on being my fav author.
S.A.Cosby knocks it out of the park again. His latest mystery deals with extreme, violent crimes without glorifying the gore but rather taking care to highlight the humanity of the victims. Stellar narration as well.
Dive into the gripping world of "All the Sinners Bleed" by S.A. Cosby, a crime fiction masterpiece that immerses readers in a small Southern US town, its first Black Sheriff, and a relentless pursuit of a White supremacist killer. Beyond its exploration of racism, this novel delves into various social issues, painting a dark and thought-provoking narrative that challenges the very foundations of faith. In this review, I will provide my thoughts of the strengths and weaknesses of this compelling read, capturing its atmospheric setting, immersive mood, and moments of gripping suspense.
Engaging Elements: One of the standout qualities of "All the Sinners Bleed" is the author's ability to vividly paint the scenery, immersing readers in the atmospheric setting of the small Southern town. The dark and somber mood of the book is palpable, adding depth to the story and enhancing the overall reading experience. Additionally, the skillful narration of Adam Lazarre-White adds suspense and drama to moments that may have otherwise lacked intensity, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. The build-up to the ending is executed with finesse, creating anticipation and a desire to see how the story unfolds.
Room for Improvement: While "All the Sinners Bleed" excels in many aspects, there are a few elements that I thought could have been refined. Firstly, Titus' repetitive and tedious distrust of faith may have weighed down the narrative at times, potentially benefiting from a more nuanced exploration. Furthermore, the ending, while not lacking impact, could have been more climactic compared to the rest of the book. Additionally, the abundance of subplots, although adding complexity, may have occasionally overwhelmed the main storyline, diluting its impact.
Undeniably, "All the Sinners Bleed" is a page-turner that hooks readers from beginning to end. It captivates with its exploration of justice, darkness, and societal issues beyond racism. While some parts may have felt monotonous, the novel's strengths in scenic descriptions, somber atmosphere, skillful narration, and a well-crafted build-up make it an unforgettable reading experience. If you're seeking a thought-provoking crime fiction that pushes the boundaries, "All the Sinners Bleed" is a book that shouldn't be missed.
Talk about an emotional thriller! This newest story from SA Cosby is dark, heart pounding and full of emotions.
I love the backstories and motivations Cosby gives to his MCs. This book was no different on that front! I connected with Titus because of his deep sense of grief and regret. Those feelings are palpable from the very beginning of this book.
Cosby also does a fantastic job (in this book and his others) at blending fiction and real life in regards to the glaring societal issues we deal with in our country.
This one was a five star for me. Other than the fact that all of Cosby’s MCs do feel a bit copy pasted…this was one story that kept me hooked the whole way through!
Short synopsis: After a school shooting, the new Sheriff Titus (former FBI agent and the first Black Sheriff of small town Charon County) digs deep and finds a series of serial murders.
My thoughts: This one is gritty. It’s heavy, and it’s not for the faint of heart. The details were graphic, and so difficult to read at times. I had to keep taking breaks because my heart needed time to slow down.
The writing in this is phenomenal. I’ve never read a crime fiction novel that was written so smart. The details were described with such precision, completely unlike anything I’ve read before.
I really enjoyed this wild ride, but my only hesitation in giving it five stars was I felt like there were too many side plots. The town went from almost no criminal activity to the poor officers not being able to go to bed at night. It felt a little much, but at the same time I do see how it totally threw all my predictions off.
The story tackled some very important topics: religion, racism, classism, and social injustice. I’ve had Razorblade Tears on my shelf for over a year, and can’t wait to get started on it.
The audio was narrated by Adam Lazarre-Whit and he did such a great job at pulling me into the story. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC
I love the way S.A. Cosby spins a story! The way it unfolds is always such a journey and I’m not left wanting for suspense!
I surprisingly enjoyed the procedural-like story of this one. While that isn’t always my thing, this one does it really well. We get the emotions and the suspense this type of story will require to be good.
The narrator, as always, was absolutely fantastic. I absolutely love the voice and the tones used really bring the characters to life and allow for the story to feel more real. I appreciate this in any story. Definitely recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ALC. This was such a good listen. It makes you feel like you’re watching a movie. There’s murder, corruption, and secrets to suck you in. There were some hard parts to listen to, but overall the story was really really good! I highly recommend.
The main character in this book, Titus, is so well developed that I feel like I know him. He's somewhat of a tortured soul and that comes through beautifully. This story is brutal, introspective and driven by a great plot. I never stopped wanting to read it. The narrator is phenomenal and adds so much to the story.
S.A. Cosby’s latest southern crime thriller All the Sinners Bleed is not for the faint of heart, but wow, what a book!
Set in Charon County, a fictional small town in Virginia, this story follows Titus Crowne, a former FBI agent who is now Charon County’s first black sheriff.
Titus’ job is challenging on the best of days. Because he’s law enforcement, the black community questions his loyalty to them, and because he’s black, the white folks don’t trust or respect him.
When a young black man enters the school and shoots dead a beloved English teacher, who also happens to be white, tensions run high all around. The shooter is killed when police confront him, but the townspeople still want to know why this happened and they look to Titus to find those answers. Needless to say, Titus is caught between rock and a hard place.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers since this is a thriller and you’ll want to experience the many twists and turns yourself, so all I’ll say is that this investigation leads Titus through a dirty and twisty trail of sexual abuse, dead bodies, and long-buried. Cosby’s writing is powerful, and the story is raw, gritty, and absolutely riveting! It’s also an emotional read, exploring themes of family and grief.
I listened to the audiobook, and thought Adam Lazarre-White’s narration was outstanding.
This is the third book I’ve read from S.A. Cosby and he just continues to impress!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks so much to @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for the audio review copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to read something by S.A. Cosby, as a VA native who previously lived near the area described in the book this was especially interesting. This was a complex thriller with an incredible main character. S.A. Cosby’s excellent writing and his ability characterize so well kept me hooked throughout. I was highly invested in the serial killer mystery and Sheriff Titus as a character. This novel is raw and real - Cosby doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of racism in the south and the complexities that come from having a black sheriff in Virginia for the Sheriff himself or the town. This is a must read that I highly recommend. A few story beats felt unfinished for me, so this doesn’t quite hit five stars, but is still phenomenal at 4.5!
SA Cosby has done it again - in 2021 his book „Razorblade Tears“ was one of my very favorite books of the year and now he is back with yet another „tough-as-nails, compulsively readable noir thriller set in rural Virginia, dark and unrelenting as the spirit that drives its (…) protagonist“ - quoting from my own 2021 review here since it’s just as applicable. This book is a five star read for me and definitely a contender for one of my 2023 favorites !
All The Sinner's Bleed starts out with a disastrous day for the small community of Charon County, Virginia and it’s sheriff Titus Crowne. A year to the day after Titus was elected as the county's first black sheriff, the town is rocked by a school shooting that claims two victims - the county‘s most beloved high school teacher a white man and his killer a former black student of his - who is shot by the police when exiting the building with his gun. What should be an open and basically already shut case leads Titus into a web of dark and darker secrets.
Cosby's fantastic writing and and evocative prose had me and my husband completely captivated. Charon County truly came to life in all it‘s contradictions.
Titus was a great main character - yes, he has a hero complex and is out to save the day, the county and it’s citizens but he is not without doubts and flaws and a rampant inner monologue and he has a complete and fitting back story.
I listened to the audiobook version of All The Sinners Bleed narrated by Adam Lazarre-White, and yet again he did a fantastic job using his voice and tone to create even more of an atmosphere than SA Cosby’s words alone (not an easy task since they are fabulous).
This book is special !!
I picked up this novel knowing that there was a high chance that I would not finish it given my dislike for the crime/thriller genre yet gave it a chance due to my mid-level response to Cosby's previous title. Only making it to the 10% mark on this book validates my understanding on how tell I tend to interact with the genre. I found it too similar to crime procedurals, which I have very little interest in.
Now that was some gritty southern crime fiction!
This was my first S.A. Cosby novel and I have to say.. I did not know what I was getting myself into!
This was dark. Layered. Compelling. And so much more. The character development was *chefs kiss* 🤌🏼
All The Sinners Bleed is both a serial killer mystery layered with a story about a black sheriff in the south dealing with hatred from white supremacists and black people who have been harmed by the police in the past.
If you are someone who checks for trigger warnings before reading a book, definitely look into the trigger warnings for this one.
Adam Lazarre-White’s narration was unmatched! I’m so glad I listened to this one as an audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second Cosby title that has had me enthralled from beginning to end! Razorblade Tears was phenomenal. I did the audio for this one, and the narrator is perfect for the main character and does believable and distinguishable voices for the supporting characters. The mystery story was intriguing, and I love stories with good character development, people whom I come to care about. I hate stories that have unreliable narrators, or anti-heroes. If I am going to spend several hours with a character, I want to like them enough to put in the time and care about their fate. Cosby’s characters often are good people who do the wrong thing, but for the right reasons, much like most people would if we were to find ourselves in that situation. I bought his other two books in audio recently, and am currently enjoying Blacktop Wasteland right now, with the same narrator. I’m a huge fan right now, have already recommended Razorblade to several customers. I’m looking forward to having this on my shelves!
S.A. Cosby is a master at southern crime fiction and he just keeps getting better and better with each book, although I don’t know how that is possible. I have read and loved everything he has written, and let me just say that the audiobooks are fantastic, Adam Lazarre White is one of my favorites and he reads this one so, so well. All The Sinners Bleed is a heavy thriller, covering topics such as racism, mental illness, religion, and a school shooting, and Cosby does so perfectly. This starts off quick from the first page and does not stop until the very end, which I have come to expect from his books. This one will be in my top reads list, and I highly recommend you add it to your list if you have not yet read it.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.