So, this was the book club pick for this month and I have to say, I am not disappointed! All the Sinners Bleed was insanely fast paced, heartbreaking, and all the adjectives in between. There were many times when I had to stop and thin “Can people really do this to one another?” but the answer, sadly, was always a resolute yes. 

All the Sinners Bleed lands its punches with such precision that I found myself feeling guilty even though I definitely would never hang a confederate flag. I felt guilty that anyone in my past, anyone I’ve come into contact with, would ever feel like they have the right to wave it. I don’t consider that heritage, I consider it hate, but I am absolutely loathe to say that I have seen this up close and personal while growing up in a small town with small-minded people. I wish those people could read this book and see how truly stupid they look for holding on to those beliefs that waving a confederate flag is some sort of pride for their heritage. 

Okay, enough ranting. To the actual story of the book. This serial killer business? Phew. It wore me out in the best way. This was the best kind of thriller with so many strings and so many close calls. I was all in from the very beginning. You want a thriller/mystery? This is the book for you. If I hadn’t already posted about best mystery books for book club, this novel would certainly be on that list. 

The characters are so deep and developed that I often felt like I was in Titus’ mind. I was submerged in Charon and its racism and the black sheriff who was trying to change his home. It made me so sad for Titus because he tried so hard, but sometimes, people just didn’t change. 

The religious references felt very cult-ish so there’s a lot of that in this novel. I am actually a religious person and am so disappointed to see that there wasn’t a single shining light with the (what was it?) dozen or so churches in Charon. Religion can be corrupt, yes, but it is mainly from corrupt people, not corrupt beliefs. I wish a little more would have been put on how religion wasn’t all bad instead of making it seem like all religious people were cheats, liars, and drunks who beat their children. 

Overall, though, I seriously enjoyed this book. I love serial killer movies, so this was such a fun read for me. Titus is overwhelmingly relatable and such a stand up dude that when he cuts himself down, you just want to give him a hug. 5/5 stars for this beautiful novel that shows graphic depictions of racism today where small towns just can’t seem to let go. There are themes of acceptance, peace, and kindness that really make you sit back and wonder why a person could ever be so cruel to another human being. 

Source: Audiobook from Libby Public Library

(P.S. You can read this book for free by signing up for a free trial of Audible, which gives you two free audiobooks of your choice!)