Book Review: All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby ( Audiobook narrated by Adam Lazarre-White)

My Rating: 4.5⭐️


A year to the day former FBI Agent Sheriff Titus Crowne is elected the first Black sheriff in the history of Charon County, Virginia, the community is shocked by a school shooting that results in the death of a much-loved school teacher by a local young man who is cornered and shot to death by the police who respond to the call. The investigation into the incident reveals a sinister side to the deceased teacher and his shooter which ultimately leads to the discovery of several acts of heinous crimes against children. Evidence points to the existence of another accomplice, who seems to have ties to the community and an agenda of his own and personal scores to settle. When more people are brutally murdered and the threats become more personal, Titus and his team race against time to uncover the identity of the killer and catch him before it’s too late.

With its powerful writing, intriguing plot and compelling characters, S.A. Cosby’s All the Sinners Bleed is a gritty and intense story that had me riveted from the very first sentence. In addition to crafting an intricately plotted mystery, the author seamlessly incorporates themes of trauma, racism and social injustice into the narrative, which enriches the story without making it overwhelming. The author does a magnificent job of describing the setting, the small town dynamics with its racial divisiveness, and its historical legacy which fuels conflicts within the community. Titus Crowne is a complex character, dealing with own past trauma and conflicted over his duties as the first Black Sheriff of Charon County, determined to make a difference but duty bound to protect even those who maintain their Confederate pride. I also liked how Titus’s personal life – his relationships with his father, brother, girlfriend, and his community, in general, are portrayed in the course of the story. Though I did feel that a few aspects of the mystery needed to explored a bit more, overall I was satisfied with how the author chose to end the novel.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Adam Lazarre-White who does a fabulous job of voicing the characters and making the story come to life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of All the Sinners Bleed. The novel/audiobook is due to be released on June 6, 2023.

⚠Gun violence and sexual exploitation and murder of children.

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