A review by missingmybreezy
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

adventurous dark emotional 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

4.25

This is a book that DID live up to the hype. I tittered on the edge of giving 4 or 5 stars. I don't mind a gritty story - of which this is definitely one - and maybe my not reading straight through it and having a weeks gap midway through created part of my dilemma, but I finally settled on 4.25 stars. Better than most books, but not quite to that - for me - unreachable peak of a 5 star book. 

Two fathers - one white and one black - who normally would not have even glanced at each other, become patriots in arms to tackle a problem that affected them both. They both had gay sons - who they did not support - until those boys, who married, were killed. With the police not working fast enough to solve the crime, the two fathers take it upon themselves to find the murderer. 

As I stated, this book is gritty with harsh language and does not shy away from detailing bloody scenes. The characters are rough and the setting is often explosive. It tackles homophobia and racism, often not in a quiet or sanitized way. 

Cosby's writing reminds me a lot of David Joy's writing - nothing sweet and saccharin - all angry bull ready to charge. However I am ready for Cosby's next novel - how about a 5 star, Cosby? Let me have it!! 
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