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Club Mysteries Book Reviews
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Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
An abrasive tale of regret and revenge, where the author challenges racist homophobic paradigms.
“Chesterfield County… encompassed several small towns within its borders and enormous swaths of wilderness that remained essentially unchanged since before Captain John Smith told his first lie about his adventures in the New World.”
We begin at a funeral service for Isiah and Derek, two young men who overcame bleak childhoods raised by a single parent while their fathers served prison terms. Ike, the Riot, Randolph and Buddy Lee form an improbable alliance, searching for answers regarding the brutal murders of their sons. It starts as a straightforward tale of death, remorse and vengeance—at least until chapter six, when the author introduces the first of several plot twists.
The vicious assault on Isiah resurrects Riot, Ike’s dark alter ego, molded by gang violence and the Coldwater State Penitentiary. Anger fuels Riot’s crusade to deliver street justice. Meanwhile, Buddy Lee struggles with physical ailments while reflecting upon his poor parenting and neglect of Derek. Mya, Ike’s wife, plays a supportive role. Her silent affirmation approving of his quest. Christine, Buddy Lee’s ex-wife, unknowingly holds crucial information about the motive for the murders.
During their unlikely alliance, Ike and Buddy Lee discover several commonalities—including love for their granddaughter, Arianna. They vow to commit any sin necessary to guarantee the child’s safety. As the ex-con duo race across Chesterfield County, bodies accumulate like dung in a manure pile.
This book is not for the squeamish. It reminded me of reading Walter Mosley, where I enjoyed the narratives but became overwhelmed by the brutality of inequality. This novel speaks truth to the cultural inconsistencies present in a society crippled by injustice. It contains no overt sex, but the graphic violence may deter some. I recommend Razorblade Tears. No surprise it made the New York Times Bestsellers List. This is the second powerful novel by S. A. Cosby. If you enjoy it, consider Blacktop Wasteland.
Toxic masculity disrupts relationships, destroys families, and kills.
The Inheritance is the first book in the new Johanna Hudson mystery series, by author R. Franklin James.
Hudson and Lowell Legacy Consultants is a genealogy business formed by Johanna, our protagonist. The first line of the novel reads, “... clients don’t consider… that genealogy outcomes can be disappointingly unpredictable.” This statement is a prelude to the conflict weaving throughout the novel.
Trinidad, a housekeeper in Johanna’s east bay office, recommends Eloise Manley to Legacy Consultants. Raised in foster care, Eloise lived on the streets before regaining sobriety but not before surrendering her own daughter, Ruby, to adoption. A letter purporting to be from her biological family encourages Eloise’s interest in her ancestry. Shortly after hiring Legacy Consultants, someone murders Eloise.
Johanna continues investigating Eloise’s antecedents, especially once the police charge Trinidad with the murder. A lawsuit from a former client alleging malfeasance by Johanna’s deceased husband complicates her efforts to free Trinidad. R. Franklin James maintains a narrative thick with suspense. I completed this book in one night. Each chapter left me eager for answers, preventing me from closing the book until the end. If you are unfamiliar with R. Franklin James, I recommend The Inheritance. I gave it five stars on Goodreads.
Johanna continues investigating Eloise’s antecedents, especially once the police charge Trinidad with the murder. A lawsuit from a former client alleging malfeasance by Johanna’s deceased husband complicates her efforts to free Trinidad. R. Franklin James maintains a narrative thick with suspense. I completed this book in one night. Each chapter left me eager for answers, preventing me from closing the book until the end. If you are unfamiliar with R. Franklin James, I recommend The Inheritance. I gave it five stars on Goodreads.
