kshertz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Mass/school shootings, Kidnapping, Murder, Stalking, Torture, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Classism, Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Body horror, Child death, Violence, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Drug abuse, Gore, Grief, Racism, Misogyny, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Sexual assault
tsundokukarla's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Murder, Racial slurs, Child abuse, Racism, Trafficking, Torture, Pedophilia, Child death, Religious bigotry, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Drug abuse and Drug use
astoriareader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
- Titus, a former FBI agent and current sheriff, returned to his small hometown in Charon County, Virginia, to take care of his elderly dad.
- The book opens with a school shooting, and without giving away more, the investigation pivots to deeper, darker secrets in the town.
- Very-well written + good pacing
- FINALLY! A diverse group of characters
- Police-procedural thriller
- Impressive character development
- Loved the main character, Titus, and found him easy to root for
- Satisfying ending
- Cosby is a talented storyteller
- Explores many tough topics, such as racism, hypocrisy, prejudice, religion, and prevalence of systemic, intergenerational hatred
- Heavy read; would encourage folks to check out trigger warnings
- I read a lot in these genre, and this book is an excellent reminder of why it’s important to read work by Black authors. Sadly, in 2023, Black authors’ voices are not as prevalent as they should be, and Crosby’s work is a scarce treasure in the literary world. Cosby takes time to incorporate race into the character development and plot, and he offers an glimpse into Black lives in rural America.
Graphic: Violence, Child abuse, Child death, Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, Murder, and Racism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Racial slurs
Minor: Alcoholism
klbreyfogle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Police brutality, Mass/school shootings, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Death, Sexual assault, Murder, Racism, Violence, Child abuse, Child death, Torture, Sexual violence, Rape, Pedophilia, Domestic abuse, Classism, Racial slurs, and Gore
rachel_reads_it_all's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I do not remember the last time I had to take so much time to read a book ( 15 days) because it was so raw, so real, it hurt to read. Crosby is a immensely gifted story teller, but is frightening how far inside your soul his story telling can burrow. I started listening to this on Audible, it is so well narrated, but had to switch to e-book to provide a bit more emotional distance.
Thriller readers who like dark, gritty, intense stories with a more anti-hero feel will want to pick up SA Crosby. A dark, soul bruising ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (five stars).
Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Child death, and Gore
chessakat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Hate crime, Racism, Sexual assault, Gore, Mental illness, Adult/minor relationship, Chronic illness, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Racial slurs, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, and Violence
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Alcoholism and Addiction
barbn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse and Sexual assault
nevertheless_she_reads's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This book begins with a high school shooting and through the investigation of the killer, unravels to reveal secrets of the victim, a beloved teacher in Charon County. At the head of the investigations, is Titus Crowne, the county's first ever Black sheriff.
This is a heavy book, as S.A. Cosby's books are, that comes with a multitude of content and trigger warnings, including racism, murder, child pornography, molestation and sexual assault of minors, and body mutilation.
While I struggled at times with the content, I pushed through because S.A. Cosby's work is powerful, and he always writes a good story.
This one is not for everyone. But I am grateful for the opportunity I had to listen.
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Body horror, Murder, Racism, and Sexual violence
brolivia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Racism, Sexual assault, and Child abuse