All the Sinners Bleed

Written by S. A. Cosby and published in 2023, All the Sinners Bleed is a thriller and Southern crime novel that focuses on Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff in his hometown of Charon County, Virginia, to which he has recently returned to care for his father. Hoping to change the criminal justice system for the better, Titus embraces his job to serve and protect the community. However, the past (both personal and historical) comes back to haunt Titus as he deals with a school shooting, a serial killer who targets Black children, cult-like churches featuring poisonous snakes, and violent neo-Confederate groups. Using his past training from the FBI and navigating through institutionalized racism, Titus works to find answers to crimes without losing himself.

This guide refers to the hardcover edition published by Flatiron Books in 2023.

Content Warning: All the Sinners Bleed and this guide describe and discuss violence, torture, assault, murder, racism, hate crimes, and sexual abuse.

Plot Summary

Charon County, Virginia, is haunted by its violent past, despite what residents believe. Titus Crown, the first local Black sheriff, knows that it is only a matter of time until the violence returns. Titus grew up in Charon County but moved away to complete college and to pursue a career with the FBI.