Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

 

Ike Randolph has a good life these days.  His prison days are fifteen years behind him and he owns his own landscaping business which is doing well.  When he hears that his son, Isiah, has been killed along with his husband, Ike is devastated.  All his revenge and violence rises to the top but Isiah has left a small daughter behind that Ike and his wife will now be raising.  As a black man, Ike never accepted his son as a gay man, nor did he have any relationship with his white husband, Derek.  Now both are gone along with any chance to heal the relationship.

Buddy Lee, Derek's father, has the same issues.  Disbelief that this tragedy could have happened and lifelong regret that he allowed Derek's sexual identity to rob them of a relationship.  Buddy Lee's time in prison is much more recent and he hasn't thrived once released.  He still has connections to the outlaw world and is determined to revenge Derek.

The first time Buddy Lee approaches Ike, Ike turns him down flat.  His need to be there to raise his granddaughter has to be his first consideration.  But when he is pushed too far, he goes back to Buddy Lee and the two agree to work together to avenge their sons.  Their investigation puts them afoul of a local motorcycle gang and the influential men who are connected to the gang.  Can they find peace by bringing the killers to justice?

This novel is fast-paced and full of violence.  But there are positive aspects also.  The love of these men for their sons who they never could accept is searing.  Their growing acceptance that they were at fault and it can never be put right is redemptive.  Their friendship as they fight together, forgetting their racial differences, is hopeful.  This book has won high praise and I'd add my voice to that chorus.  This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction and thrillers.