S.A. Cosby has done it again!

Like Razorblade Tears, this tense, gritty Southern Gothic novel explores the racism and church-culture of the modern South. But, as with his previous novels, Cosby knows these are nuanced and hot-button subjects that need care when woven into a story, especially one that's a violence-soaked murder mystery. As far as I'm concerned, he's a master at doing this and just might be the best Southern noir author writing today.

Titus Crown is the first Black sheriff Charon, Virginia has ever had. A disgraced FBI agent who has regrets of his own, he's quickly immersed in a gruesome murder mystery. A lone Black student kills the town's beloved white teacher--and Titus's deputies kill the kid. The residents are enraged--both the white people who bristle at a Black sheriff and a Black minister fed up with the hatred aimed at his flock. The investigation widens to include the discovery of a serial killer, as the violence, hate, and perversion of faith simmering beneath the town come to light.

Cosby has once again reinvented the Southern Gothic novel for the modern age. Even amongst the violence, he expertly examines so many issues of today. Titus is the heart and soul beating beneath the horror. Unlike Randolph and Buddy Lee of Tears, he's a man of the law attempting to redeem himself, while blazing a new trail for his and his hometown's future. His love of his town--and the people in it--are what fuel all he does.

I loved this one. It's not an easy read--the evil that humans are capable of and how they often commit it in the name of God is a main theme--but it's absolutely an enthralling and necessary one. I got an early audio copy from @netgalley (so much thanks!). Adam Lazarre-White does an amazing job voicing Titus.

If you loved Cosby's previous books or the Southern Gothic genre in general, read this book. You won't regret it!