"[8] Langston Collin Wilkins of BookPage called the novel a "contemplative mystery and a stunning thrill ride" and praised Cosby's balance between "incredibly complicated characters" and "enveloping suspense."

Wilkins continues: "Razorblade Tears features poignant, purposeful social commentary as Cosby takes a critical yet sensitive look at homophobia, racism, classicism and toxic masculinity.

"[9] José H. Bográn of the Washington Independent Review of Books writes, "Although it touches on sensitive topics, Razorblade Tears is primarily crime fiction with a mystery at its core and a big reveal at the end.

Bell continues: "As uneasy as I was, he made me root for the redemption of two men with homophobia and bloody revenge in their hearts [...] Cosby's high-octane drama cements his ascension as a prince of the literary action thriller.

"[3] Adam Sternbergh of The New York Times says, "Cosby writes in a spirit of generous abundance and gleeful abandon and, unlike a lot of noir writers, he doesn't shy from operatic emotion.