Razorblade Tears, by S. A. Cosby, 4.5 stars, [steeplechase][bwf]

[NancyJ]

I’m not usually interested in violent revenge thrillers, but this was so well done, I enjoyed it and I’m glad I read it. The story is about two ex-cons, one black and one white, connected only by the marriage of their gay sons. They didn’t accept their sons for who they were, and when the boys are murdered (possibly because of a story the reporter son was investigating) their grief is compounded by guilt. When the police investigation fails, they start talking to one another about finding their own answers. I most appreciated the conversations between the two fathers, about their regrets, the boys, race, and their own experiences. The halting conversations about sensitive issues felt genuine, even though these two men did not seem accustomed to speaking about their feelings. The author managed to humanize the men, even after showing us the violence they are willing to do.

Ike and Buddy Lee, two ex-cons with little else in common other than a criminal past and a love for their dead sons, band together in their desperate desire for revenge. In their quest to do better for their sons in death than they did in life, hardened men Ike and Buddy Lee will confront their own prejudices about their sons and each other, as they rain down vengeance upon those who hurt their boys.

Steeplechase
352 crime tags
36 authors of color tags
Bwf tag + letter

[Booknblues]

Good review. It captured how we all felt when we did the buddy read,

[Theresa]

Excellent review!

[NancyJ]

Thanks. I do want to read his latest book too, but I don’t know if the timing will work.

[Olivermagnus]

This was my first Cosby novel and I really liked it. I love revenge thrillers and this one was so unique. Great review!