S.A. “Shawn” Cosby has quickly risen from the ranks of “an author to watch” to one whose novels are highly anticipated. His second novel, “Blacktop Wasteland” (2020), and third novel, “Razorblade Tears” (2021) were each rapturously reviewed by myriad publications, deservedly won awards and nominations, and landed on many best-of lists. These two stand-alone novels delved into themes of racism, economics, family issues and what motivates people to hate and to love, both wrapped in adrenaline-infused plots.

Those two novels were so well received that his publisher re-issued his critically acclaimed but neglected 2019 debut, “My Darkest Prayer.”

Those high standards continue in his superb fourth novel, “All the Sinners Bleed,” a thoughtfully plotted, unflinching look at Cosby’s familiar themes with precise character studies, crackling dialogue and the backdrop of a small town in Virginia. Cosby’s characters are flawed and fragile but with spines made of steel and an unwillingness to bend in the face of adversity.

“All the Sinners Bleed” centers on Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff of Charon County, Va., “the foundation” of which was sown with “Blood and tears. Violence and mayhem. Love and hate.” Yet, the past “terrors and horrors had moved into the realm of legend” as only two murders had occurred in 15 years, one of which was solved in 15 minutes.

That foundation becomes the crux of Titus’ latest case in which a beloved white history teacher is killed in his classroom by a Black former student, who himself is shot to death on the school steps by one of Titus’ deputies.

In such a small area, everyone knows each other, the residents quickly move to mourn the teacher and, just as fast, demonize his killer, who was the son of two of Titus’ best friends.

But the investigation takes a turn when Titus finds evidence that both men, along with a third unidentified man, were involved in the ritualistic killings of seven Black and brown children during the past several years. The investigation takes Titus and his deputies to the homes of prominent families, Black leaders, a racist minister and wooded areas deep enough to hide a multitude of sins.

Cosby shapes Titus as a fully developed character who tries to do the right thing yet knows he is capable of stumbling.

A former FBI agent, Titus returned to his hometown to help care for his father.

His job often puts him on the outside of both the Black and the white townspeople.

Cosby’s in-depth storytelling explores raw emotion as the case ends the veil of innocence that the community has tried to hide behind, believing it has moved beyond its past. The residents don’t deny their racism but believe their bigotry doesn’t result in the violence of the past. Cosby quietly, yet forcefully, parallels the reality of the history teacher’s actions with the meaning of the Confederate statue of “Ol’ Rebel Joe” in the courthouse square. Cosby imbues “All the Sinners Bleed” with references to mythology, Shakespeare, Yeats, the Iliad and other classics.

“All the Sinners Bleed” again showcases Cosby’s skills.