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davidalantodd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
justinkhchen's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars
A multi-faceted, gritty small town mystery, All the Sinners Bleed feels like a HBO crime series in the best way possible: dimensional characters, a setting with an underlying sociological tension, and not shying away from putting violence on page when necessary.
The novels takes its time setting the scene; with my previous reference point from S.A. Cosby being the Michael Bay-esque, fast-paced Razorblade Tears, I was initially a little thrown off by the intentionally slow pace. All the Sinners Bleed is more tension rather than action, and I came to appreciate it allotting space to flesh out characters and their complex dynamics (racism is very thought-provokingly explored here) before kick-starting the central mystery. Speaking of mystery, while the serial killer plot unfolds at a steady pace, with many gruesome set pieces making me wince along the way, I did find the reveals a little too straightforward (in many cases the red herring turn out to be the truth).
All the Sinners Bleed is eloquently written, drenched in dread, and featuring many current societal issues, which makes the violence all the more visceral and close to home. I wouldn't label this a 'fun' thriller—but if you're seeking something immersive with a fleshed-out protagonist (I can see this being a series starter), this will be the one to pick up.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
A multi-faceted, gritty small town mystery, All the Sinners Bleed feels like a HBO crime series in the best way possible: dimensional characters, a setting with an underlying sociological tension, and not shying away from putting violence on page when necessary.
The novels takes its time setting the scene; with my previous reference point from S.A. Cosby being the Michael Bay-esque, fast-paced Razorblade Tears, I was initially a little thrown off by the intentionally slow pace. All the Sinners Bleed is more tension rather than action, and I came to appreciate it allotting space to flesh out characters and their complex dynamics (racism is very thought-provokingly explored here) before kick-starting the central mystery. Speaking of mystery, while the serial killer plot unfolds at a steady pace, with many gruesome set pieces making me wince along the way, I did find the reveals a little too straightforward (in many cases the red herring turn out to be the truth).
All the Sinners Bleed is eloquently written, drenched in dread, and featuring many current societal issues, which makes the violence all the more visceral and close to home. I wouldn't label this a 'fun' thriller—but if you're seeking something immersive with a fleshed-out protagonist (I can see this being a series starter), this will be the one to pick up.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
kevabjo's review against another edition
4.0
Solid 3.75 ⭐️
The writing is beautiful. The way he describes even the most gruesome parts of the story is beautiful. I listened as an audio book so the narrator definitely had a hand in that but hoping I will feel the same actually trying to read a physical book by Crosby.
The story itself though is really good. Loved the mystery, loved the murder, loved the sadistic murder style, loved the Sheriff, and hating all the rascist assholes built into the story along the way.
The writing is beautiful. The way he describes even the most gruesome parts of the story is beautiful. I listened as an audio book so the narrator definitely had a hand in that but hoping I will feel the same actually trying to read a physical book by Crosby.
The story itself though is really good. Loved the mystery, loved the murder, loved the sadistic murder style, loved the Sheriff, and hating all the rascist assholes built into the story along the way.
joankelleher's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
bikes_books_yarn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
tanitaa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
benjobaggins's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hillmeister's review against another edition
5.0
The intensity and “edge of your seat” moments in this book do not originate from the crime solving and action sequences alone - it also comes from the protagonist, a black sheriff, Detective Titus Crown - confronting his southern hometown’s history of racism and violence. And it is executed flawlessly! If I could give this book more than five stars I would.
Below is one of my favorite interactions in this book (no spoilers).
Davy: …not everyone in that group is a racist, I’m just saying.
Detective Titus Crown: So not everyone in the Sons of the Confederacy Cricket Hill Regiment Number 2239 thinks slavery was an acceptable economic system for the south?
Davy: I….uh
Detective Titus Crown: I’m sorry, let me put it another way. Not everyone in the sons of the Confederacy Cricket Hill Regiment Number 2239 thinks the rightful place of the Negro is to be subservient to the white man like Alexander Stevens said in the Cornerstone Speech?
Davy: I was just saying, I mean, my cousin is in that group, and he isn’t a racist.
Detective Titus Crown: Davy, if your cousin isn’t a racist, he is mighty goddamn comfortable with being around racists. That’s a distinction without a difference.
Below is one of my favorite interactions in this book (no spoilers).
Davy: …not everyone in that group is a racist, I’m just saying.
Detective Titus Crown: So not everyone in the Sons of the Confederacy Cricket Hill Regiment Number 2239 thinks slavery was an acceptable economic system for the south?
Davy: I….uh
Detective Titus Crown: I’m sorry, let me put it another way. Not everyone in the sons of the Confederacy Cricket Hill Regiment Number 2239 thinks the rightful place of the Negro is to be subservient to the white man like Alexander Stevens said in the Cornerstone Speech?
Davy: I was just saying, I mean, my cousin is in that group, and he isn’t a racist.
Detective Titus Crown: Davy, if your cousin isn’t a racist, he is mighty goddamn comfortable with being around racists. That’s a distinction without a difference.