Razorblade Tears book cover

Razorblade Tears

S.A. Cosby
4.12(172470 Reviews)

Overview of Razorblade Tears

Two ex-cons - one Black, one white - unite to avenge their murdered gay sons in this NYT bestseller that won six major literary awards. Jerry Bruckheimer snagged film rights for this pulse-pounding thriller NPR called "a visceral full-body experience."

Key Themes in Razorblade Tears

  • vigilante justice
  • paternal regret
  • racial tension
  • homophobia in the south
  • toxic masculinity

Quotes from Razorblade Tears

  • They've pissed all over their graves.

  • Something special.

  • A visceral full-body experience.

  • Emotional depth.

Characters in Razorblade Tears

  • Ike RandolphBlack former gang leader and grieving father
  • Buddy Lee JenkinsWhite ex-con and alcoholic seeking vengeance
  • Isiah RandolphIke's murdered son, a journalist
  • Derek JenkinsBuddy Lee's murdered son
  • Amelia WatkinsManaging editor at The Rainbow Review

About the Author

About the Author of Razorblade Tears

S.A. Cosby (Shawn A. Cosby) is the New York Times bestselling author of Razorblade Tears and a leading voice in contemporary Southern noir fiction. Born and raised in Virginia, Cosby draws on his diverse work experience—including stints as a bouncer, construction worker, and mortician's assistant—to craft gritty, emotionally raw crime thrillers that explore themes of grief, redemption, racism, and violence in the American South.

His previous novel, Blacktop Wasteland, won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and was named Amazon's #1 Mystery and Thriller of the Year in 2020, earning multiple honors including the Anthony, Barry, and ITW awards.

Cosby's short fiction has also garnered acclaim, with "The Grass Beneath My Feet" winning the 2019 Anthony Award for Best Short Story. Razorblade Tears sparked a competitive bidding war for film rights, ultimately won by Paramount Players, solidifying Cosby's reputation as one of crime fiction's most sought-after storytellers.

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@Matt, YC alum
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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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