I had a really hard time getting into this one. It just wasn’t for me. I’m not sure why I just couldnt get into it.

Review posted to blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend.com/

Justice, Revenge, and Vengeance.

Sometimes there is a fine line between them and such is the case in S. A. Cosby’s Razorblade Tears.

If only I had loved this book. For me, a lot was missing. First, I did not feel a connection to the characters of Ike and Buddy Lee, whose gay sons were murdered, and sadly I felt that this book was full of stereotypes and left a lot to be desired.

The truth is, I went into this novel with trepidation - I liked this author’s prior book, Blacktop Wasteland, but didn’t quite love it. As it turns out, I was right to be concerned going into this. There is A LOT of homophobia and violence in this novel and for me, both were turnoffs. Admittedly, when discussing the amount of violence in this book with Kaceey, my book buddy with whom I read this novel, I said that sadly, I felt that it was realistic given where we are in this nation, and for that reason, the level of violence didn’t bother me. In thinking it over, however, that did not make it ok. There were so many stereotypes here: homophobic, racist, sexist, white men who at the end of the novel had a change of heart, about their sons and the world, it bordered on ridiculous.

What I will say however is that S. A. Cosby is an excellent writer and his storytelling skills are fabulous. While I’m not sure that I’m the right reader for his novels, I urge all of you to read other reviews as almost everyone else has loved his novels.

This was a buddy read with Ms. Kaceey. So glad we got to discuss this one and share our thoughts Kaceey!

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the alc.

Published on Goodreads and Twitter.

Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby is an action packed story about revenge and redemption. Two fathers (one white, one black) still revenge when their gay sons are murdered. Although neither father approved of their sons choice of partner, they are determined to find who killed them. This book is like watching an action film while reading it.

Two very different men brought together by the deaths of their sons.

Ike and Buddy Lee’s sons were happily married and raising a beautiful daughter. When the young couple is brutally murdered their fathers are left with profound grief…and guilt. Neither were ever able to accept their son’s lifestyle during their lives, now cut so horribly short. But is it truly too late for them? As they both struggle with the incomprehensible loss, is there hope in all the pain they may come to accept their sons and the love they had for one other?

One thing is certain…Buddy Lee feels the deaths must be avenged! In his mind, the police are doing little to find the killers. The two fathers team up, determined to bring some justice to their son’s death (by whatever means necessary.)

I absolutely loved S.A. Cosby’s previous book Blacktop Wasteland and I was certain I’d be placing this latest release right next to it on my favorites’ shelf. But alas, it wasn’t meant to be. It just didn’t connect to me the same way.

Perhaps it was the violence. Yes, my fellow readers, the violence was outrageously over the top. (in my humble opinion.) This gal just didn’t have the stomach for it, finding myself skimming over some of those darker scenes in order to make it through the book.

However, on the bright side, I listened to the audio version and felt the narrator did a fabulous job in the telling of the story.

There are so many five-star reviews for this book. So perhaps this book will work out better for you.

A buddy read with Susanne

Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio

What a ride this was! S.A. Cosby is a visual writer of the best kind, giving you a story that moves at breakneck speed, textured and complicated characters, and even a decent share of poignant moments. Two fathers in the South, one white, one Black, both grieving the loss of their sons who were married to each other. As men, they have little in common besides deep regret at having not showed their sons the love they had for them, simply because they were gay.

Ike (the Black dad) and Buddy Lee (the white one) decide that their differences are overshadowed by the need to avenge their sons' deaths, by any means necessary. Both men have checkered pasts, and a track record that indicates a willingness to use violence for causes a lot less noble than the one they are embarking on in their sons names. The chain of events they set off is nothing less than explosive, but this isn't all shock and awe stuff. Despite the many confrontations and conflagrations, Ike and Buddy Lee find time to reckon with what they did and didn't do as fathers, and to build a bridge to understanding not only their boys but each other.

I recently heard that the movie rights for this book, and for Cosby's debut novel 'Blacktop Wasteland' were bought and it makes perfect sense to me. So well-deserved. But I have to say, it is difficult to imagine that bringing this book to screen will make you see it more clearly than the author's words did. This is a writer whose work is going to justifiably generate lots of excitement.

Highly, highly recommended.

Audiobook note: Exceptional narrator!

I heard great things about Cosby’s last highly-rated book titled Blacktop Wasteland, so, I was excited to dig in!!

This book covered so many of today’s hot issues all wrapped up in a gripping whodunnit mystery/thriller. It covered sexuality, race, fatherhood, family, loss, regret, friendship, redemption and murder!

There are some graphic and violent scenes described in the book, but I felt like they were necessary for us to truly understand and "feel" the story, but it may not be for the faint at heart.

S.A. Cosby’s writing is at a different level. His passion comes through and he had me laughing, crying, scared and happy.....all the feels!

The narrator, Adam Lazarre-White, did a fantastic job of narrating all the different players in this book and made it more enjoyable.

I highly recommend this book to any thriller lover! This might just end up being in my top 10 for 2021!

Unfortunately I forgot to download this book before it was archived, so I only made it through halfway, but I absolutely loved this book! Shawn Crosby is a master of manipulating the reader's emotions, and the two lead characters are believable, imperfect, and absolutely compelling. I will be purchasing the book so I can finish reading it, and I can see why it has won so many awards. There are few technical things that jumped out at me, like putting "he said" at the end of a long stretch of dialogue, but nothing that detracted from the passionate beauty of the story itself.

I loved following the two dad in this story as they come to terms with their relationships with their sons while also looking into how they died. I was riveted as they interviewed people and were learning about their sons' last weeks alive.

Daaaiimnnn 😊 What Did I Just Listen To?!

I know it’s not the end of the year yet, but hey….as far as I am concerned Razorblade Tears is the 2021 winner for the most entertaining audiobook as of today!

I mean….WHO IS MAKING A MOVIE?!! 😊 Because Razorblade Tears movie MUST be made AND the videogame as well while we are at it…

Yes, it’s THAT good. Go listen to it, and make your significant other listen to it as well. Seriously, I cannot think of a human being who would not enjoy this action packed crime fiction novel that is sure to break your heart and put it back together (with maybe one piece missing…).

Two ex-cons, Ike, Riot Randolph, and Buddy Lee Jenkins strike an unlikely partnership when their sons, who were married to each other (yep😊 get brutally murdered in the middle of Richmond, VA in broad daylight. No one seems to know anything and the police investigation hits the dead end. But these two geezers cannot let it happen. Ike and Buddy Lee were unable to accept their sons while they were still alive, and now they are heartbroken and angry because they will NEVER be able to get it right with their boys. So they want to make peace the only way they know how to: by brutally avenging their boys. And as we all know revenge is better served cold. But not all is as simple as it sounds. While on the quest to find their sons’ murderers, Ike and Buddy Lee end up discovering parts of their own souls that they did not know existed. Yes, there is some blood (A LOT). And brains (Jesus, please help me overcome this new landscaping equipment phobia of mine!). But this revenge mission is also a long, and difficult road to healing for two grieving fathers.

Guys, when I am saying “one of the best books of the year” – I am NOT kidding. Razorblade Tears is entertaining as hell, yes. And the narrator, Adam Lazarre-White, deserves an Audie award if ever there was one! But…this book is so much more than just an action-packed thriller. The social commentary is on point, and the book touches on many important and complicated topics, such as racism, homophobia, transphobia and all sorts of the discrimination against ALL members of LGBTQ+ community. It discusses the difficult dynamics between race and sexuality, and parenting queer children. It talks about growing up in a family with the incarcerated father, and what trying to rebuild the relationship with the ex-con parent may look and feel like. The main takeaway of course is that LOVE IS LOVE. Love your children. Not the idea of your children. Tell them that you love them. NOW. TODAY. Don’t wait for it “all to work out somehow in the future”. None of us know what the future holds. It may not all work out in the future. There may be no future at all. Give all of your love TODAY.

Have you read or listened to Razorblade Tears? If yes, who would you cast in a movie?

I decided on Denzel Washington as Ike, Woody Harrelson as Buddy Lee, and Alexander Ludwig as Grayson.

.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mcmillan Audio and S.A. Cosby for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook!

It gives nothing away in describing the opening to S.A. Cosby's Razorblade Tears. Ike Randolph, a once very violent street gang member, reluctantly opens his front door to two police officers informing him that his gay son, Isiah, and his son's husband, Derek, have both been murdered. Ike is also informed very few leads have been developed in the investigation.

For some time, Ike, unable to accept his son's sexuality, and has been estranged from his son. Because of what is felt as indifference to their murders and a stalled police investigation, Ike soon finds himself and Buddy Lee Jenkins, the father to Derek, slowly being drawn into the investigation to find out what led to their deaths.

Ike is Black and Buddy Lee an alcoholic White man, and like Ike, also an ex-convict, with both being from different worlds and cultures.

The story then continues with Ike and Buddy Lee investigating the murders on their own, which soon brings them into contact with a number of violent villains, including a racist motorcycle gang and dangerous former associate of Ike's. While Ike and Buddy Lee are working together, the novel keeps their relationship interesting by introducing friction between the two, while slowly revealing backstories to both characters.

Razorblade Tears is another enjoyable crime thriller by S.A. Cosby and just in time for an enjoyable late summer beach read.

Although I have one of Cosby's earlier novels in my TBR, this is my first experience with his writing - and now I am more excited than ever to pick up that earlier book! I really loved this!!

Set in Virginia, the book opens just after the violent deaths of married couple, Isaiah and Derek. Neither young man ever felt the approval of their lifestyles from their fathers - and the interracial couple also bonded over the fact they both grew up with felons for fathers. Ike and Buddy Lee provide the narration to this story as they put aside their own differences and prejudices and even open their hearts more than expected as they work through their grief through violent vengeance.

And there is certainly plenty of bloodshed - but also a lot of heart and even moments of humor. The whole book has such a cinematic quality to it and the setting and minor characters are just as vivid as the well-developed main characters. The plot may ultimately not surprise readers, but there were still plenty of scenes that made me gasp out loud as I listened. The audio is wonderfully performed! I really loved it! The narrator's voice is a genuine pleasure to listen to and I found myself just as entranced by his voice as by the story itself. I really loved it and definitely found myself listening to this one at every opportunity. And I can definitely see why this was selected as a July Book of the Month Club option! Truly excellent!!

Amazing novel. Cosby has an incredible talent with the written word. His writing is beautiful without being flowery. Although graphic at times, I was amazed at how easily Cosby wove in moments of humor or moments of grief and despair. The character development was amazing and I feel like anyone who be hard pressed to not root for these main characters, even when their actions are completely on the up and up. In addition to all these great qualities, this book touches with such finesse on topics regarding sexuality, gender identity, power, and race. This is my first S.A. Cosby read, but he may be a must buy author for me just based on this book!

I read BLACKTOP WASTELAND last year, the author’s debut novel, and I remember thinking that the book needed to be turned into a movie. And now, after finishing up Razorblade Tears, I’m feeling the same.

These books are just amazing!!!

Brilliantly written. Raw. Gritty. Dark. And they have all the ingredients of a great thriller movie. Fast paced. With fantastic action and really great characters. And an unputdownable plot.

The characters in Razorblade Tears were fantastic. Fleshed out and so distinctive that not ones did I mix up one voice with the other. Also the narration was superbly done. His voice brought out the grit and determination both fathers felt. They went all out, without giving the consequences much thought.

Ike and Buddy Lee will grow on you.

They became dear to me in their endeavour to bring down vengeance on the killers of their kids. It was certainly bloody, but fitting the situation and circumstances.

And Ike and Buddy Lee were such amazing characters, individually different, Ike the more quiet and brooding one who struggled with the way he treated his son. And Buddy Lee had me cracking up with his dry humor, one liners, and his sunnier personality. They were opposite in every way but found in each other a true friend.

Also, the author picked up some really resonating topics as both fathers didn’t accept their sons for who they were, and came to regrett it deeply. Their eyes were opened too late, but their journey was nevertheless impactful.

So, if this is a genre you might be interested in, put it on your tbr, you won’t regret it!!!

An interracial gay couple has been found slain. Their fathers come together to find their sons killers. They don’t think the police is doing everything they could to catch the killer. They might be different but they combine forces. It takes you on a wild ride with dicey characters. My dislike was I think the word “said” was completely overused.

This has to be one of the best books I’ve read this year. I truly found myself captivated the entire time by not only the thrill of the chase but also how emotionally connected I felt to the characters.

This is the story of Buddy Lee and Ike, two fathers who suffer the unimaginable, brutal murders of their two sons Isiah and Derek. They are left wondering who would do this, why them, and what could have led to their deaths? As they intertwine their search for the truth with the lives of the sons they’ve lost, they finally get to learn who their sons were and the beauty of their life and love for each other. All while stopping at absolutely NO lengths to find the truth and avenge their sons. These two fathers, black and white, navigate their experiences and understanding of grief, race, and the LGBTQ community in a way that tugs at your heartstrings, and as a reader you feel like you are with them though it all.

Not only was the story amazing, but I listened to it via audiobook and the voice and narration made it even more captivating. Extremely well done all around!

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan audio for the advanced audiobook version in exchange for an honest review.

Well hello to my favorite audiobook of the year so far. I really didn't think anything would beat All the Lonely People, but here we are.

Razorblade Tears isn't for the faint of heart. It is a wild ride filled with murder, prejudice, racism, and two ex-con dad's out for revenge for the murder of both their son's. It's extreme. And I could not stop listening.

I could easily see this being turned into a movie and honestly, it would be a major hit. (Especially if they got Billy Bob Thornton to play Buddy Lee - I could not stop picturing him in that role.)

I can't wait to see what S.A. Cosby writes next. Each book keeps getting better and better.

5/5⭐️

Can you say an author is an auto buy author after just one book?

How do you review a book that you think is perfect? ‘I adored it’ doesn’t even come close. I’ve never been great at expressing myself and this book had me feeling all the feels.

Ike and Buddy Lee felt real, they were flawed, and realizing their mistakes much too late. The development of their relationship from strangers to family was heartwarming. Not something I expected to feel from this. The two dealt with issues such as racism, homophobia and transphobia, and their growth throughout the novel, had me on the verge of tears so many times. Masterfully written.

I don’t normally read books with much violence, and there definitely is violence in Razorblade Tears. Some of it was pretty gory, but not once did I feel like there was violence for the sake of violence or that anything was over the top. Did I cringe? Yea! If it had been a movie I would definitely have closed my eyes and waited until my husband said it was safe. But, to be very clear, there is nothing I would remove from this book.

Last but not least, this is one of the best audiobooks I have listened to, I will still be getting myself a physical copy though. This needs to be in my shelf.

TLDR: Absolutely phenomenal! You will be hearing me recommend this to anyone who will listen for a long time.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

Based on the premise, this book isn't one that I'd normally pick up (two older men on a quest for revenge), but I kept hearing from so many other reviewers that it was amazing, so I decided to request it. I am SO glad I went out of my reading comfort zone. Plain and simple, this is really good storytelling. I was so invested in Ike and Buddy Lee's unlikely friendship, their growth (both as humans and as parents), their grief and regrets, and their journey to catching their sons' killer. Yes, I ended up liking the revenge plotline, and though that's the crux of the story, that's not why I listened to this entire book in two days. I was so invested in the characters. They are flawed. Whew, are they flawed. And yet, I loved them and was rooting for them. Buddy Lee and Ike felt real to me. Even when I didn't agree with them (which I very often didn't) or cringed at their actions, I understood them. And therein lies the brilliance of this book.

I listened to this one on audio, and I think it added to the experience. The narrator was fantastic. He made it feel like I was listening to a movie.

cw: I am a somewhat sensitive reader and there are some very explicitly violent scenes in this book that I had to knuckle my way (or, in the case of this audiobook, double-time speed my way) through.

Wow. This book had EVERYTHING. I really couldn't believe how much was intertwined into this storyline. There's just so much to unpack here, and all of it is just so compelling. The voice of the narrator is just incredible and raspy. It helped put me into the mindset of the two main characters and their plight to revenge the deaths of their sons. This was an incredible read, and I will be haunted by some of the imagery used in this book for awhile. This does get graphic, so be aware of that.

Two grief stricken fathers, gang of biker boys, musicians, gay bars, missing girl, and one big shot calling all the shots. This story is a whirlwind of grief, violence, murder, and unlikely friendships. Buddy Lee and Ike are determined to find the truth of why their sons, who were married to each other, were killed in cold blood. They encounter rough characters along the way. Have to fight off many people, some of them many times. The story and the characters are very well developed. Though I was not a fan of all of the gore, it was on theme with the story line. I give it 3.5-4 stars