S.A. Cosby’s Razor Blade Tears

First read of the year: Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

This gritty, action packed thriller starts off at a steady pace but quickly accelerates into a relentless, heart pounding ride. Razorblade Tears follows Ike Randolph and Buddy Lee Jenkins, two men who couldn’t be more different, one a Black ex-con who’s worked hard to build a legitimate life, the other a white, rough around the edges career criminal with a reckless streak. The one thing they have in common? Both are grieving the brutal murders of their sons, Isaiah and Derek, a married couple whose deaths have gone largely ignored by law enforcement.

Fueled by guilt, rage, and a desperate need for justice, Ike and Buddy Lee form an uneasy alliance to uncover the truth behind the killings. Their investigation leads them into the dangerous underbelly of organized crime, facing ruthless enemies who will do anything to keep their secrets buried. Along the way, both men are forced to confront their own prejudices, past mistakes, and failures as fathers.

Cosby’s storytelling is raw and unflinching, blending hard hitting action with deep emotional layers. The violence is brutal, the stakes are high, and the themes redemption, grief, masculinity, and the cost of change hit hard. But at its core, this is a story about two flawed men trying to make amends the only way they know how.

The ending? Emotional, gut wrenching, and unforgettable. Razorblade Tears is a gripping, thought provoking novel that doesn’t shy away from tough conversations. If you’re looking for a thriller with heart, depth, and unrelenting tension, this four-star read is well worth the journey.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars