Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review.

An Irish comedian, Patrick, with dreams of the big stage finds himself needing to flee his hometown sooner (and more permanent) than anticipated due to his role in the death of a bigot. But as it often is, he simply managed to jump from the frying pan into the fire and in his quest for success finds himself courted by a powerful organization. They might be the Mob, or they might be something much, much darker. Either way, they are not taking no for an answer and so he soon finds himself working for them, always waiting for the other shoe to drop. But there is also a spark of joy to be found. A nice man he met at his first night at a bar (Lorenzo?) and who might, like him, be interested in a different kind of relationship. But even here, the question remains, can he really trust anybody?
The novella wonderfully showcases the ever-present dread of not only being a newcomer in an unfamiliar place and having to find your way amidst new people, but also of having a secret (or in Patrick’s case two) dogging your every step. The characters are often from marginalized backgrounds, and I really enjoyed the way the story made sure to present a varied and diverse cast, without falling into the trap of respectability politics, where we need to be perfect to be acceptable. Instead, the characters are often flawed and for that vastly more interesting. While I admit that I found myself wondering how everything was going to come together when the supernatural aspects were introduced to the story, I do think the payoff and the conclusion was more than worth it.
I particularly enjoyed the writing style and the use of time-accurate vernacular as it made the story feel different and intriguing. You just can’t help but root for Patrick and wonder how he is going to survive all this. I also liked that the novel allows for marginalized rage to take such a front and center stage and so even though I found myself a little bit bored during the set-up, the pay-off was more than worth it and I really enjoyed that I could accompany Patrick on his trip through Vegas.
Marginalizations examined in this novel are mainly poverty, homophobia and race-based (Latinx, Native American and Black) but it also touches on gender, transphobia and ableism in ways that made my heart ache and rage. If you enjoy marginalized anger and also sometimes just want to see the world burn, do yourself a favor and check this book out and enjoy the ride!

tw: homophobia, past suicide, murder, violence, being burned alive, ableism, racism