This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
All the Sinners Bleed: A Novel by S.A. CosbyPublication Date: June 6, 2023
Publisher: Flatiron Books / Macmillan
Pages: 352
Goodreads
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / Thrillers / Crime
Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis:
New York Times bestselling and LA Times Book Prize-winning author S. A. Cosby is back with a new novel about the first Black sheriff in a small Southern town , and his hunt for a killer.
After years of working as an FBI agent, Titus Crown returns home to Charon County, land of moonshine and corn bread, fistfights and honeysuckle. Seeing his hometown struggling with a bigoted police force inspires Titus to run for sheriff. He wins and becomes the first Black sheriff in the history of the county.Then, a year to the day after his election, a young Black man is fatally shot by Titus’s deputies.
Titus pledges to follow the truth wherever it leads. But no one expected he would unearth a serial killer who has been hiding in plain sight, haunting the dirt lanes and woodland clearings of Charon.
Now Titus must pull off the impossible: stay true to his instincts, prevent outright panic, and investigate a shocking crime in a small town where everyone knows everyone yet secrets flourish—all while breaking up backroad bar fights and being forced to protect racist Confederate pride marchers.
For a Black man wearing a police uniform in the American South, that’s no easy feat. But Charon is Titus’s home and his heart, and he won’t let the darkness overtake it. Even as it threatens to consume him.
REVIEW
“All the Sinners Bleed: A Novel” by S.A. Crosby is not the first book I own by this author, but it is certainly the first one that I sat down and read from cover to cover. And let me tell you, it was an absolutely remarkable experience. From the very first line to the very last, this book had me hooked with its compelling storyline and gripping narrative. Every single event and detail that unfolded throughout the pages was not only captivating but also intricately connected to the overall story. There was a seamless cohesiveness in the way everything fit together, making each part feel essential and purposeful. It’s a rare feat in storytelling to have all the pieces come together so harmoniously, adding depth and substance to the narrative.
The story itself was gritty, engaging, and filled with intense moments that had me on the edge of my seat. It reminded me of watching an extended episode of Criminal Minds but with an even more raw and badass vibe. The main character, Titus Crowne, was flawlessly portrayed, with a realistic and pragmatic nature that made him relatable. He possessed a decent moral compass without being overly judgmental or sanctimonious, and every action he took or didn’t take had a clear and understandable reason behind it. It’s refreshing to come across a protagonist who feels so authentic and well-developed.
“All the Sinners Bleed: A Novel” by S.A. Crosby has undeniably earned its place on my shortlist for the book of the year. It’s a captivating and masterfully crafted work that deserves recognition for its exceptional storytelling and unforgettable characters. I eagerly anticipate diving into more books by this talented author and exploring the depths of their imagination.
