Book Review: All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

S.A. Cosby’s All the Sinners Bleed is a gripping Southern noir that masterfully blends crime, social commentary, and deeply human storytelling. Set in the fictional Charon County, Virginia, the novel follows Titus Crown, the county’s first Black sheriff, as he navigates a harrowing investigation into a school shooting that unravels into a chilling hunt for a serial killer.

Cosby’s writing is both raw and poetic, painting vivid pictures of the Southern landscape while delving into the complexities of race, justice, and morality. Titus Crown is a compelling protagonist—haunted by his past, yet determined to bring justice to a community steeped in secrets and prejudice. The narrative is fast-paced, with twists that keep readers on edge, while also offering moments of introspection and emotional depth.
The novel doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, tackling themes of systemic racism, religious hypocrisy, and the scars of history. Cosby’s portrayal of Charon County is as much a character as the people within it, a place where beauty and brutality coexist.

All the Sinners Bleed is a powerful and thought-provoking read, cementing S.A. Cosby’s reputation as a standout voice in contemporary crime fiction. It’s a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone seeking a story that challenges and resonates.

Another winner for SA Crosby! I will read anything this man writes and can't wait for whatever he comes up with next!

S.A. Cosby did it again. He is an absolute master at building these microcosmic environments, filled with believable characters. He keeps you guessing and breaks your heart all at the same time.

I loved this. The South is a slithering cesspool of racism and hate. This book perfectly captured the race relations between the white and Black community in a small town in Virginia.

Titus is the first Black sheriff in the history of his hometown. Things that remain segregated are church and funeral homes.

A beloved teacher has a hidden past. He shouldn't be so beloved. Who knew? Anyone that watches true crime?

If you're not disgusted by the rape, murder, and terrorization of young Black youth, there is also the white community that insists on their Confederate parade. Classy.

🍤 Take a shot every time you shouldn't trust a male teacher
🍤 Take a shot every time a white person is racist
🍤 Take a shot every time small town camaraderie is questionable

🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio

There’s something about S.A. Cosby’s writing that sticks with me months later. He’s really perfected his take on southern crime noir.

I was really engaged reading about Titus’ fight and struggle to bring a killer to justice while protecting his community. The suspense in this book and audiobook makes it extremely hard to put down!!!

I also love Adam Lazarre-White’s narration!!!

Cosby’s latest is a powerful, gritty mystery about a small-town sheriff confronting racial tension and a chilling series of murders. The writing is raw and emotional, balancing social commentary with heart-stopping suspense. The characters feel incredibly real, and the twists hit hard. A gripping and thought-provoking read.

Gosh, this book was so intense. Set in Charon County, a small town community in the Bible Belt, Titus Crown has had a target on his back ever since he was elected as the first Black sheriff. But he’s here to uphold the law and protect people, not make friends. Of course, things get out of control — a school shooting, a serial killer, and a protest gone wrong all happen under Titus’s watch and he’s determined to get to the bottom of everything to restore his home town.

If you’re new to SA Cosby, his writing plays out like an action movie, and it’s addictive. There’s some extremely dark stuff in here (I listed out some in the synopsis but there’s also horrific pedophilia that thankfully isn’t detailed but mentioned a lot). Proceed with caution!

I loved the audiobook— the narrator totally brings Titus to life!

This was dark and captivating. I still think about this book weeks later. Sheriff Titus is knowledgeable of his abilities and deficits. This makes him a likable character and makes you invest in both his professional and personal struggles. The crimes are handled with enough details to make the reader horrified and angry, but not on page to drive the plot. An original southern noir.

4.5/5.0

Story 4.0
Narration 5.0

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. I listened to the audiobook on cloudLibrary for this review.

I wasn't expecting the school shooting in the beginning but then it just gets more and more wild as the story progressed. Lazarre-White is such a great narrator.

4.5 stars!

Gripping, visceral, and profound, S.A. Cosby's "All the Sinners Bleed" is an absolute must-read. It is full of thrilling twists, bloody action, and important conversations about race, good versus evil, police brutality/necessity, religion, and the general direction in which our country is headed. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, and just when you think you know what will happen, Cosby yanks you in a different direction. I was enthralled and entranced by this book. This story is dripping with suspense and mystery and intrigue, and I loved every single minute of it. S.A. Cosby is an immensely talented writer, and I cannot wait to read what he writes next. Some readers might find this book too violent and bloody, but I think it serves a purpose and is integral to the plot. Adam Lazarre-White's voiceover narration is some of the best I have ever heard. His voice aids in making this book effective and potently powerful. Just tremendous work here all around.

Thank you to NetGalley, S.A. Cosby, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I just couldn't get into this book. The narrators voice was amazing but this just wasn't for me.

Loved this. This was my first S.A. Cosby novel but it certainly won't be my last. Gripping and profound.

Unpopular opinion: i don't connect to S. A. Cosby's writing at all. I tried to start this one on audio a few times and did not get into it. I couldn't get past like 10%, even though I tried. The story was interesting but the writing was just not working for me. I had a similar experience with Razorblade Tears, though I do intend to give that one another try at some point. Just not for me!

Razorblade Tears is a favorite of mine and this one is right up there! I loved the audio version and am so glad I got to listen to this one.

My love affair with S.A. Cosby continues - #allthesinnersbleed was a wild ride of a book that lots of twists and great character arcs. Adam Lazarre-White's narration does so much justice to the excellent and thrilling story - he is an incredible asset to Cosby's fantastic novels.

This is an EXCELLENT depiction of Crime Fiction. Crosby really did his due diligence with this story. From the writing, to the anticipation of finding the killer. It was just fantastic. I will say that I did not care for the narrators voice so I ended up switching to reading a physical copy but the story is still excellent.

S.A. Cosby does it again! I adored Razorblade Tears, so I was excited to see that this one was available. It is like his other books, bloody, full of action, and suspenseful. His MC was well-rounded. I'll forever be a Cosby fan, and can't wait to see what he thinks up next. The narrator was perfect for this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the audio ARC. All opinions are my own.

This gripping mystery revolves around Titus, Charon County's first black sheriff in Virginia. Titus being a former FBI agent who uncovers hidden complexities in his seemingly quiet town. The aftermath of a school shooting unravels unimaginable secrets, leading to escalating emotions and feuds. As a suspected serial killer taunts Titus, the narrator, Adam Lazarre-White, impressively brings the characters to life, enhancing the overall listening experience. If you enjoy intense mysteries, "All Sinner's Bleed" is highly recommended.

Give me S.A.COSBY ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!!! I just absolutely love the way these books are BEYOND comprehension and SO FULL of OOMPH, danger, VIOLENCE AND ACTION!

I devoured this book and it was delicious!! I swear, I am a non-violent person, but something about reading these books gets me all amped up and my heart rate climbing....I just want to be a part of the retribution and the destruction!


READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO BE ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT- AUDIO IS A MUST AS WELL IF YOU WANT TO LIVE IN THE ACTION!


This is definitely not a book for all readers, if anyone has triggers they should do their due diligence in researching the type of content and situations that arise in this author's work because I cannot fully capture or list every single thing that could be bothersome to people.

This audiobook leaves you on the edge of your seat while forcing you to think of real life things. I very much enjoyed the narrator and recognized him from First 48.