This book goes hard. Really hard. S.A. Cosby takes us to a small Southern town with big secrets, and the result is a gritty, emotional rollercoaster that’s part murder mystery, part social commentary, and completely impossible to put down.

The story follows Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff in a deeply divided Virginia county, as he investigates a horrifically disturbing crime. What starts as one murder quickly unravels into something much darker, and Titus ends up confronting not just a killer, but the deep-rooted racism and hypocrisy baked into the town's history.

Cosby's writing is sharp, raw, and real. He’s got a way with words that hits you right in the gut—one minute you’re caught in a tense shootout, the next you’re reflecting on trauma, justice, and what it means to do the right thing in a messed-up world.

Titus is a total standout—flawed, principled, tired, but relentless. He’s the kind of character you root for because he’s trying so hard in a place that’s actively working against him.
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If you’re into crime thrillers with depth, soul, and a little blood on the page, All the Sinners Bleed is your book. S.A. Cosby is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

Get it at the library or download the audiobook or eBook.

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

​Jodi Picoult’s Nineteen Minutes tackles school shootings, bullying, and the way a community reacts when tragedy strikes. The story focuses on Peter Houghton, a kid who’s been bullied for years, and Josie Cormier, his former best friend who’s now part of the popular crowd. When Peter finally snaps and commits a mass shooting at his high school, the book digs into the events leading up to it, exploring perspectives from students, parents, and even the legal system.

Picoult is known for diving into tough, emotional topics, and she doesn’t hold back here. She doesn’t excuse Peter’s actions, but she does force you to think about how constant bullying and social pressures can push someone over the edge. The shifting timelines and multiple viewpoints can be a bit much at times, but they help paint a full picture of the situation.

One of the most interesting (and controversial) things about Nineteen Minutes is that it’s been banned in some schools. Probably because it doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like violence, bullying, and even some sexual content. But honestly, that’s exactly why it’s an important book—because it makes people think and sparks necessary conversations about mental health, school culture, and the warning signs we often ignore.

If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good read, this isn’t it. But if you want something powerful, thought-provoking, and painfully relevant, Nineteen Minutes is definitely worth your time.

Fun fact, did you know that you pronounce her last name PEE-coe?

We have the book available in regular and large print, or opt for eBook or audiobook.

​Aimee Clark, IT Librarian