No one writes with such power, while managing to convey the brutality of life, as S.A. Cosby does. His latest book, All the Sinners Bleed, is beautifully written, gritty, with a hero who carries the weight of his job and his community on his shoulders. Sheriff Titus Crown is a giant of a man in so many ways.
After ten years with the FBI, Titus Crown returned home to Charon, Virginia, where he was elected the first Black sheriff in a community founded on corruption and racism. In many ways, Charon hasn’t changed, but Titus doesn’t want Black people to be afraid to turn to the sheriff’s department for help. He knows the ugly side of the town, but it becomes even more evident the day there’s a call that there’s an active shooter at Jefferson Davis High School.
While Titus tries to talk Latrell Macdonald into dropping his weapon, he says some strange things. Then, it’s too late to question him because two of Crown’s deputies shoot and kill him. The only other victim was Mr. Spearman, one of the teachers. But, Latrell’s comments make Titus pull the phone and computer records for both men. Although most of Charon worshipped Spearman, the images Titus finds won’t easily be forgotten. None of Titus’ deputies had the stomach to watch the child pornography and murders of young Black people. But, there are three men in those video clips. Latrell and Spearman are dead. Who is the third man in the wolf mask?
Sheriff Titus Crown knows he has a duty to all the citizens of Charon. While he’s looking for a killer, looking for bodies, and, later, dealing with more murders, he also has to juggle his regular duties. Fall Fest is coming up, and a group of white men have a permit to march in support of the Confederate statue in town. Some of the Black churches are mounting opposition. Titus faces regular opposition from the head of the Board of Supervisors, the richest man in town. He can’t forget the town’s deaths from drugs, and his suspicion about the men who run the Watering Hole who may be major suppliers. Right now, though, Crown wants to find the third man in those videos.
Once again, the author of Razorblade Tears, tells a compelling story of social justice and racism. It’s all the more powerful because Titus Crown cares so deeply and won’t give an inch when it comes to his own conscience. He’s a towering figure fighting for justice, but he’s still human. S.A. Cosby’s All The Sinners Bleed is an unforgettable story of one man fighting for his own soul, and the soul of his hometown.
All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby. Flatiron Books, 2023. ISBN 9781250831910 (hardcover), 368p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received an ARC from the publisher, with no promise of a review.
Can’t wait for this one. He is the best.
He is, and this book is terrific. The last paragraph, as Stephen King said, is wonderful.
LOVed the book!!! And yes, that last paragraph is pretty darn wonderful.
I did, too, Kaye. Now, thanks to you, I want to read David Joy’s book.
And i want you to read it as well!
Next year’s Edgar winner?
Well, I would think so, but then, I thought he should have won for Razorblade Tears.
I’m reading it now and fully agree with your opinion of it.
Great, isn’t it, Sandra?
The publisher ignored my #NetGalley request–did not deny it, just never responded on it— so I have to wait for the library. That is going to be a while as things are still shutdown as we roll into month two of the ransomware attack. Not only can they not order new books, they can not process any shipments that arrive. They also still not can not do any transfer of materials, check in books, or do anything.
They still have no idea when things might be closer to normal. Scott thinks it will be the entire summer as primary systems, such as police, fire, and the courts, are still having major issues.
What a disaster for avid users like you and Scott. That’s just awful, Kevin. I’m sorry.
It happens. I just think it is weird. At this point, I have heard from a double digit number of folks, more than half who were authors, who were also ignored.
Publishing is such a strange business.
You’re right, Kevin. Publishing is a strange business.
Can you message me the correct name of the book about the lady boat welder spy you just reviewed. It came up with the “sinner name😱
Done, Carol Jeanne! Check your Facebook messages.