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runlaurarun's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Animal death, Torture, and Racism
Moderate: Death of parent, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, and Racial slurs
realhousewifeofthelibrary'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
5.0
Moderate: Violence, Child death, Racism, Child abuse, and Sexual violence
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
ryanthegirl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Racism, Child death, and Sexual violence
jnsreads's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Physical abuse, and Sexual violence
blacksphinx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
S.A. Cosby knows how to put words in front of each other, really painting a vivid image of this rural southern community and its conflicts. This is only enhanced by Adam Lazarre-White's incredible narration which brought each character to life. I found this book to really take its ideas and themes seriously and with the level of nuance they deserved, even if I felt some points could have been pushed farther or were fumbled. It hit more often than it missed.
I wouldn't say it's perfect? There's a question I wanted answered that didn't, there's a romantic plot line that I felt didn't really add anything, and sometimes I found the narration to be repetitive (yes there's a serial killer running around and you want to catch him, I've been reading the book I know this!). But when the book finished playing, I didn't think it detracted enough from my overall enjoyment and appreciation to give the book anything less than 5 stars. I am absolutely going to go and read the rest of S.A. Cosby's books now.
Graphic: Violence, Grief, Gore, Racism, Racial slurs, Blood, Death, Torture, Child abuse, Child death, Murder, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Hate crime
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Mass/school shootings, Classism, Terminal illness, Medical content, Death of parent, and Pedophilia
Minor: Homophobia, Alcoholism, Sexual violence, Addiction, Pregnancy, and Excrement
There is a brief description of an unseen character dying from HIV/AIDS in the 80's.rebel_rocketman'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
4.5
Graphic: Murder, Child death, Gore, Gun violence, Blood, Racism, and Animal death
Moderate: Sexual violence, Torture, and Religious bigotry
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
sarajaneandtall'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
4.25
Moderate: Mass/school shootings, Sexual violence, and Child death
dariajs's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence, and Gun violence