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LIT
Tim Sandlin is back with a deliciously subversive take on a “cozy” mystery that deftly, shrewdly and humorously reflects our turbulent times.
In a small town in the woods of northwest Wyoming, Kasey Cobb lives alone in a cabin, runs a drive-through coffee kiosk, and hangs out at the library, reading the classics. He’s the least-likely guy to become the center of a culture clash… and death. Yet that’s what happens when he strays past a book-bonfire, ignited by a pastor and his hapless followers, and inadvertently rescues a self-important (drunk) author from being burned with his obscure novel.
From that moment on, Kasey’s life becomes a whirlwind that sweeps up a laconic lawman, a pissed off grizzly bear, a relentless podcaster, a sensuous librarian obsessed with death, a fierce female rancher and, most troublesome of all, a devious murderer. And yet, amidst the chaos, Kasey chases another shot at a lasting love, even if it might kill him.
Praise for LIT
"In the slightly unhinged LIT...crimes eventually get solved, but spending time with the quirky, unforgettable characters is a lot more important." New York Times
"Wacky fun. Mystery fans with a love of the quirky will find much to enjoy here.Think Kinky Friedman, if he lived in northwestern Wyoming." Kirkus Reviews
"Sandlin is a national treasure. If you're looking for the comic heir to Charles Portis, look no further. LIT finds him at the top of his game, as droll, observant, and breezy as ever. I can't tell you how much fun it was being back in the world of GroVont!" Jonathan Evison, author of The Heart of Winter
"What a joy to read. This dude can write." Linwood Barclay, New York Times bestselling author
"Sandlin has always been a unique voice in the literary world and LIT once again treats fans to the beautifully drawn characters, subversive humor, and rich settings we’ve come to expect." Kyle Mills, #1 New York Times bestselling author.
"Sharp, hilarious, and a little unhinged. It skewers small-town quirks, literary pretension, and human frailty in equal measure. I loved it.” Tod Goldberg, New York Times bestselling author
"This is classic Sandlin—funny as ever, tender at the core, and steeped in the wild, quirky soul of the West." Tiffanie DeBartolo, author of Sorrow"Lit wraps you in a story of love, despair, and a gnarly whodunit, a deadly cliffhanger that threatens all the characters who have wrapped themselves around your heart." Deborah Turrell Atkinson, author of the Storm Kayama mysteries
Praise for Tim Sandlin
“Fiction to be savored.” Larry McMurtry
“Sandlin understands that the best black comedy is only a tiny slip away from despair, and he handles this walk without a misstep." Dallas Morning News
"Tim Sandlin writes about falling down, screwing up, and climbing back to grace with more wit and heart than anyone writing today." Wally Lamb
“In a region heretofore dominated by Larry McMurtry, Tom McGuane, and Ed Abbey, Tim Sandlin is emerging as a new and wickedly funny talent.” Publishers Weekly
“Sandlin can see that there is a kind of gruesome comedy in what happens to us, but the humor is never mean, and he loves his people too much not to understand that their
In a small town in the woods of northwest Wyoming, Kasey Cobb lives alone in a cabin, runs a drive-through coffee kiosk, and hangs out at the library, reading the classics. He’s the least-likely guy to become the center of a culture clash… and death. Yet that’s what happens when he strays past a book-bonfire, ignited by a pastor and his hapless followers, and inadvertently rescues a self-important (drunk) author from being burned with his obscure novel.
From that moment on, Kasey’s life becomes a whirlwind that sweeps up a laconic lawman, a pissed off grizzly bear, a relentless podcaster, a sensuous librarian obsessed with death, a fierce female rancher and, most troublesome of all, a devious murderer. And yet, amidst the chaos, Kasey chases another shot at a lasting love, even if it might kill him.
Praise for LIT
"In the slightly unhinged LIT...crimes eventually get solved, but spending time with the quirky, unforgettable characters is a lot more important." New York Times
"Wacky fun. Mystery fans with a love of the quirky will find much to enjoy here.Think Kinky Friedman, if he lived in northwestern Wyoming." Kirkus Reviews
"Sandlin is a national treasure. If you're looking for the comic heir to Charles Portis, look no further. LIT finds him at the top of his game, as droll, observant, and breezy as ever. I can't tell you how much fun it was being back in the world of GroVont!" Jonathan Evison, author of The Heart of Winter
"What a joy to read. This dude can write." Linwood Barclay, New York Times bestselling author
"Sandlin has always been a unique voice in the literary world and LIT once again treats fans to the beautifully drawn characters, subversive humor, and rich settings we’ve come to expect." Kyle Mills, #1 New York Times bestselling author.
"Sharp, hilarious, and a little unhinged. It skewers small-town quirks, literary pretension, and human frailty in equal measure. I loved it.” Tod Goldberg, New York Times bestselling author
"This is classic Sandlin—funny as ever, tender at the core, and steeped in the wild, quirky soul of the West." Tiffanie DeBartolo, author of Sorrow"Lit wraps you in a story of love, despair, and a gnarly whodunit, a deadly cliffhanger that threatens all the characters who have wrapped themselves around your heart." Deborah Turrell Atkinson, author of the Storm Kayama mysteries
Praise for Tim Sandlin
“Fiction to be savored.” Larry McMurtry
“Sandlin understands that the best black comedy is only a tiny slip away from despair, and he handles this walk without a misstep." Dallas Morning News
"Tim Sandlin writes about falling down, screwing up, and climbing back to grace with more wit and heart than anyone writing today." Wally Lamb
“In a region heretofore dominated by Larry McMurtry, Tom McGuane, and Ed Abbey, Tim Sandlin is emerging as a new and wickedly funny talent.” Publishers Weekly
“Sandlin can see that there is a kind of gruesome comedy in what happens to us, but the humor is never mean, and he loves his people too much not to understand that their
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
47 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Tim Sandlin
22 books149 followersTim Sandlin has published ten novels and a book of columns. He wrote eleven screenplays for hire; three have been made into movies. He turned forty with no phone, TV, or flush toilet and now he has all that stuff. Tim and his wife adopted a little girl from China. He is now living happily (indoors) with his family in Jackson, Wyoming.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 15, 2025
"Anyone who reads a book is better than anyone who doesn't."
Amen!
It must be my year for reading books about egotistical, insufferable authors; this one makes two in a row featuring pompous scribes, and I really enjoyed the heck out of both of them.
Sandlin's wacky novel starts with a book burning outside a public library that goes from bad to even badder. Things spiral in a nutty way in this quirky tale that mixes book-love, homicide, and plenty of coffee.
What's not to love?
I got a kick out of this one. Highly recommended to anyone who likes to see bad things happen to deserving people.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brash Books for sharing.
Amen!
It must be my year for reading books about egotistical, insufferable authors; this one makes two in a row featuring pompous scribes, and I really enjoyed the heck out of both of them.
Sandlin's wacky novel starts with a book burning outside a public library that goes from bad to even badder. Things spiral in a nutty way in this quirky tale that mixes book-love, homicide, and plenty of coffee.
What's not to love?
I got a kick out of this one. Highly recommended to anyone who likes to see bad things happen to deserving people.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brash Books for sharing.
August 8, 2025
Thank you to both #NetGalley and Brash Books for providing me an advance copy of Tim Sandlin's upcoming release, Lit, in exchange for an honest review.
#Lit is an offbeat satire couched in a "cozy" murder mystery of a plot, with a cheeky tone and quirky cast of characters. Set in an affluent town in Wyoming, the story probes a sweeping collection of themes ranging from religion to politics to 20th century literature, and even manages to cram in jabs about penning a novel as well as the differences between the residents of mountain country versus coastal elites.
Don't be fooled by the charming blurb on the cover. Although the novel eventually delivers on murder and a mystery in its own meandering way, the genre is more akin to literary fiction than thriller. Emphasis is on the characters and employed literary devices rather than the predictable plot. Nevertheless, the well-crafted introductions for each character primarily remained superficial and did not extend past the eloquent prose. Omitting a few tangential passages, and replacing said passages with substance to flesh out key secondary characters, would not only strengthen the overall novel, but also the reader experience.
This was my first encounter with the author's work, and certainly, will not be my last. The stylistic choices, unique voice, and observations were intriguing, as was the witty commentary. The author is exceptionally adept at interlacing minutiae and recurring gags throughout the text. Considering I had been duped by the description (never judge a book by its cover), I was pleased to discover a new (at least to me) and refreshing perspective in fiction; especially, given some of the heavy topics mentioned, such as addiction, dementia, mental health conditions, and abortion.
The novel possesses a je ne sais quoi that prompts even the most "elite" readers to continue flipping pages. Saturated with a midwestern vibe, unconventional descriptors, and meta-criticism, this relatively short book packs a strong punch. Based on this draft alone, I would happily read other works written by Mr. Sandlin. With a handful of keener edits and logically refined topics, this could easily be a four-star novel. To conclude, 3.5 stars rounded down until edits are complete and the final draft is published.
#Lit is an offbeat satire couched in a "cozy" murder mystery of a plot, with a cheeky tone and quirky cast of characters. Set in an affluent town in Wyoming, the story probes a sweeping collection of themes ranging from religion to politics to 20th century literature, and even manages to cram in jabs about penning a novel as well as the differences between the residents of mountain country versus coastal elites.
Don't be fooled by the charming blurb on the cover. Although the novel eventually delivers on murder and a mystery in its own meandering way, the genre is more akin to literary fiction than thriller. Emphasis is on the characters and employed literary devices rather than the predictable plot. Nevertheless, the well-crafted introductions for each character primarily remained superficial and did not extend past the eloquent prose. Omitting a few tangential passages, and replacing said passages with substance to flesh out key secondary characters, would not only strengthen the overall novel, but also the reader experience.
This was my first encounter with the author's work, and certainly, will not be my last. The stylistic choices, unique voice, and observations were intriguing, as was the witty commentary. The author is exceptionally adept at interlacing minutiae and recurring gags throughout the text. Considering I had been duped by the description (never judge a book by its cover), I was pleased to discover a new (at least to me) and refreshing perspective in fiction; especially, given some of the heavy topics mentioned, such as addiction, dementia, mental health conditions, and abortion.
The novel possesses a je ne sais quoi that prompts even the most "elite" readers to continue flipping pages. Saturated with a midwestern vibe, unconventional descriptors, and meta-criticism, this relatively short book packs a strong punch. Based on this draft alone, I would happily read other works written by Mr. Sandlin. With a handful of keener edits and logically refined topics, this could easily be a four-star novel. To conclude, 3.5 stars rounded down until edits are complete and the final draft is published.
December 19, 2025
it took me a few chapters to get into this book, but once the ball got rolling it was a pretty fun ride. We start with a book burning initiated by the local preacher and his son, and no good things ever start from book burnings. However, this fire seems to light the fuse for the rest of the book as we encounter an author who is determined to protect books and the body of the preacher being found in the author's book shed.
Kasey seems to be a pretty normal guy who is just trying to live his life in Wyoming, running a coffee shop and reading books. During the book fire, Kasey finds himself drawn into the fray to help a local author. The author, Judge, isn't incredibly likeable and seems to have more flaws than positive traits, but the community seems fairly small in this area, so book lovers need to stick together,
It's a fairly wild and wacky ride and i found the beginning to be just a bit confusing before I was able to fall into the rhythm of the writer's style. This was my first read by this author and I do think he is fairly unique in his literary voice. I may have to pick up another book and see what else this author has to offer.
Kasey seems to be a pretty normal guy who is just trying to live his life in Wyoming, running a coffee shop and reading books. During the book fire, Kasey finds himself drawn into the fray to help a local author. The author, Judge, isn't incredibly likeable and seems to have more flaws than positive traits, but the community seems fairly small in this area, so book lovers need to stick together,
It's a fairly wild and wacky ride and i found the beginning to be just a bit confusing before I was able to fall into the rhythm of the writer's style. This was my first read by this author and I do think he is fairly unique in his literary voice. I may have to pick up another book and see what else this author has to offer.
September 1, 2025
Lit by Tim Sandlin is a novel of delightful immersion on many levels. The plot, characters, and setting are equally engaging, framed by the central mystery of a conservative church pastor’s murder. Kasey, the protagonist, draws the reader in as he becomes entangled in the killing while also protecting his friend Judge, whose books are being burned at an event organized by the pastor.
What stands out most is Sandlin’s literary talent, which makes the novel a thoroughly engaging read. It has the warmth and charm of a cozy mystery—but with more depth—featuring colorful, memorable characters who feel real and richly drawn. The result is a smooth, immersive story that lingers long after the final page.
I was provided an advanced ebook copy of this novel by the publisher with the suggestion that I leave an honest review, which I endeavor to do so here.
What stands out most is Sandlin’s literary talent, which makes the novel a thoroughly engaging read. It has the warmth and charm of a cozy mystery—but with more depth—featuring colorful, memorable characters who feel real and richly drawn. The result is a smooth, immersive story that lingers long after the final page.
I was provided an advanced ebook copy of this novel by the publisher with the suggestion that I leave an honest review, which I endeavor to do so here.
November 20, 2025
I read a free digital advance review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
When 49-year-old Kasey Cobb heads off to his small town Wyoming library, a book burning being conducted in the parking lot by the local pastor, deacon, and some of their mouth-breathing followers is just the start of a week that includes murder, multiple false accusations, an evisceration, the antics of the local alcoholic egomaniacal writer, a runaway podcast success, and poignant love.
It’s a wild plot, populated with quirky characters, set near Jackson Hole but in a far, far less glamorous town, and infused with a love of books and an intense disdain for bibliophobes. And, of course, there is a mystery to be solved by Kasey and his friends—because it sure isn’t going to be done by local law enforcement.
This is a rollicking yarn, but with plenty of heart.
When 49-year-old Kasey Cobb heads off to his small town Wyoming library, a book burning being conducted in the parking lot by the local pastor, deacon, and some of their mouth-breathing followers is just the start of a week that includes murder, multiple false accusations, an evisceration, the antics of the local alcoholic egomaniacal writer, a runaway podcast success, and poignant love.
It’s a wild plot, populated with quirky characters, set near Jackson Hole but in a far, far less glamorous town, and infused with a love of books and an intense disdain for bibliophobes. And, of course, there is a mystery to be solved by Kasey and his friends—because it sure isn’t going to be done by local law enforcement.
This is a rollicking yarn, but with plenty of heart.
August 21, 2025
What an entertaining book. Full of irony and astute observations. There's a murder, there are several suspects, and the whole thing is set in a small town — so all the ingredients for a "cozy" are there. And yet...
It was precisely the scenes with the book burning, the stubbornness of some of the people involved, the arrogance of deciding on the content of books they hadn't read, all of this and more contributed to me having feelings other than "cozy" while reading.
So you get the whole package!
Full recommendation from me, even if there's a risk that it might be "literature."
Thanks go to Brash Books for the ARC
It was precisely the scenes with the book burning, the stubbornness of some of the people involved, the arrogance of deciding on the content of books they hadn't read, all of this and more contributed to me having feelings other than "cozy" while reading.
So you get the whole package!
Full recommendation from me, even if there's a risk that it might be "literature."
Thanks go to Brash Books for the ARC
August 25, 2025
I've been reading Brash books for a while now. Most of them hit the same "amusing but nothing special" note with me, and this one was no exception.
It's billed as a sort of cozy with twist, which I suppose it is.
The book's protagonist is a forty-nine-year-old who acts like he's decades older and lives in a middle of nowhere Wyoming. One way or another, he becomes tangled with a bunch of colorful locals and falls into a romance. It's all pretty quaint with a sort of gee-haw charm to it that seldom works for me but may prove swoonworthy to others.
Overall, a mildly entertaining read that passed the time and was forgotten soon after. User mileage may vary. Thanks Netgalley.
It's billed as a sort of cozy with twist, which I suppose it is.
The book's protagonist is a forty-nine-year-old who acts like he's decades older and lives in a middle of nowhere Wyoming. One way or another, he becomes tangled with a bunch of colorful locals and falls into a romance. It's all pretty quaint with a sort of gee-haw charm to it that seldom works for me but may prove swoonworthy to others.
Overall, a mildly entertaining read that passed the time and was forgotten soon after. User mileage may vary. Thanks Netgalley.
August 27, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Brash Books for a review copy.
Lit is unlike any other cosy mystery I have read. There is a murder and a small town where everyone knows everyone, which fits into the cosy vibe very well. However the book doesn't feel cosy. It has a grit to it which I wasn't expecting. Nothing was ever too scary or too tense, yet there was always a sense that anything could happen to any of the characters at any point.
I really enjoyed reading Lit, however. The plot was gripping and the characters believable and engaging, if not always likeable. I would definitely recommend this if you like a mystery and maybe want to try something with a bit of a different feel to it.
Lit is unlike any other cosy mystery I have read. There is a murder and a small town where everyone knows everyone, which fits into the cosy vibe very well. However the book doesn't feel cosy. It has a grit to it which I wasn't expecting. Nothing was ever too scary or too tense, yet there was always a sense that anything could happen to any of the characters at any point.
I really enjoyed reading Lit, however. The plot was gripping and the characters believable and engaging, if not always likeable. I would definitely recommend this if you like a mystery and maybe want to try something with a bit of a different feel to it.
December 17, 2025
This is a cozy mystery of sorts with plenty of very unusual characters, the main character being Kasey Cobb, an almost-50 guy who lives in a cabin in the woods in northwestern Wyoming. A fairly affluent small town is nearby, however, and Kasey becomes entangled with all sorts of colorful (and quirky) local residents and involved in the mystery of a local book-burning pastor’s murder. The novel has some humorous points which add to the interesting storyline. All in all, this was a good read, and I thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
August 10, 2025
What a brilliant romp. Set in Gro Vont, Wyoming, where the residents love and hate each other, a chain of events is kicked off by a book burning. Leading to murder, we follow the characters as they try to solve it all the while finding out about each other.
I needed this after reading a series of flops. It was witty, funny, a sort of spoof of a cozy mystery. It was a fresh read and the type of mystery I definitely enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley & Brash Books for this ARC.
I needed this after reading a series of flops. It was witty, funny, a sort of spoof of a cozy mystery. It was a fresh read and the type of mystery I definitely enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley & Brash Books for this ARC.
November 25, 2025
I loved Sandlin's book Honey Don't, and Jimi Hendrix Turns 80 is in my all-time top 10. This book was...fine. The premise ticked all my boxes: book burning religious fundamentalists against librarians and proud, independent Western ranchers. It had some funny parts, and great characters, a well-described setting, and a compelling storyline. But I wasn't overly thrilled with the laconic declarative sentence style of the narrator/MC Kasey Cobb, although he was a very appealing character.
December 24, 2025
Its real characters and believable setting and action.
I listened to this story tv away, I didn't recognize the ending was upon me, and restarted the last few chapters. It was the end. Story world was believable and easy to be absorbed in to. I really only liked one character and pulled for him/her. The reveal of the villain surprised me. Where did that sneak up? Good story. Don't miss this one.
I listened to this story tv away, I didn't recognize the ending was upon me, and restarted the last few chapters. It was the end. Story world was believable and easy to be absorbed in to. I really only liked one character and pulled for him/her. The reveal of the villain surprised me. Where did that sneak up? Good story. Don't miss this one.
November 27, 2025
Full review at www.NerdyNerdyBookBook.com
Arc courtesy of NetGalley
Arc courtesy of NetGalley
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December 17, 2025This book is not my thing.
December 29, 2025
3.5-4*
December 31, 2025
lots of fun in mythical Wyoming
Honestly I’ve been all over this fair state. I wish I could find THIS place. Quick and funny, very diverting.
Honestly I’ve been all over this fair state. I wish I could find THIS place. Quick and funny, very diverting.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews