Review: Dirty Little Angels by Chris Tusa

In Dirty Little Angels, Chris Tusa tells the story of Hailey Trosclair. Her father has lost his job and spends most of his time in a pool hall. Her mother is mostly bed ridden due to grief from a miscarriage. Hailey has no one to help her with the roaches that are crawling through her mind.

Hailey tries to figure out what life is all about. She turns to her brother and her best friend Meridian. Meridian is fake, in personality as well as her enhanced teenage body. Her brother introduces her to his friend Moses. Moses is a bad individual who is trying to convert an old bank into a drive through church.

Hailey experiences some of the worst parts of being human, murder, rape, death, betrayal, infidelity and hopelessness. Her thoughts crawl around in her head like roaches and she doesn't know how to stop them. She heads down a path that will change her life forever.

Chris Tusa is able to convey more through his characters' dialogue than most people can with a photograph. The story comes to life quickly and believably. This is a very fast read that you will find hard to step away from.

This book is bold and a little uncomfortable with it's message. The author dives deep into the darker side of human nature. The action is captivating even though the message is very depressing.

I encourage you to read this, but don't expect the typical cookie cutter type story. This book gets better the more you think about the characters, even after the story is over.