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Hell Chose Me
Bryan Walsh is a killer for hire.
He is haunted by those who have fallen by his hand.
He will stop at nothing to avenge his brother's death.
When a lifetime of bad karma finally lands on Bryan's doorstep and leaves his brother dead, he must survive long enough to find the killers and get his revenge, but as the path only grows bloodier, Bryan may not be able to handle the steps he'll need to take against his enemies.
As he becomes more unstable and his past crashes into his present, Bryan must decide if vengeance is worth becoming the monster he always denied or if he could find a another path; one that could lead to something like redemption.
He is haunted by those who have fallen by his hand.
He will stop at nothing to avenge his brother's death.
When a lifetime of bad karma finally lands on Bryan's doorstep and leaves his brother dead, he must survive long enough to find the killers and get his revenge, but as the path only grows bloodier, Bryan may not be able to handle the steps he'll need to take against his enemies.
As he becomes more unstable and his past crashes into his present, Bryan must decide if vengeance is worth becoming the monster he always denied or if he could find a another path; one that could lead to something like redemption.
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2019
3 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Angel Luis Colón
30 books109 followersAngel Luis Colón is the award-winning author of INFESTED and MINECRAFT: HOUSE OF HORRORS. His fiction has appeared in multiple web and print publications including Thuglit, Literary Orphans, and Shotgun Honey.
When he isn’t writing, he’s usually busy baking bread.
You can keep up with him on social media or find links to his books here https://linktr.ee/angelluiscolon
When he isn’t writing, he’s usually busy baking bread.
You can keep up with him on social media or find links to his books here https://linktr.ee/angelluiscolon
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 3, 2019
Hell Chose Me, Angel Luis Colón's debut novella, is a thoroughly enjoyable, interesting and unique read. The main character, hitman Bryan Walsh, is fascinating and despite his unsavoury job description you can't help but root for him; he's a killer with a conscience if you will. A lot of attention is paid to developing him layer by layer, and it's exquisitely done. The minor characters such as Bryan's family and his victims are also complex and well drawn. Not only is Walsh multilayered, the plot is too, and you can't help but be intrigued as the different threads come together in surprising ways.
The paranormal aspect of the plot is very original; Bryan continually being haunted by the souls of those he's killed and adds an extra dimension to the story. It's well written and really easy to immerse yourself in amongst the words. The author has a sound understanding of how to create characters that are intricately crafted with many different personality traits but still full of humanity. This is a solid debut, and I look forward to reading more of Colón's work in the future.
Many thanks to Down & Out Books for an ARC.
You can also find my reviews posted here on my blog.
The paranormal aspect of the plot is very original; Bryan continually being haunted by the souls of those he's killed and adds an extra dimension to the story. It's well written and really easy to immerse yourself in amongst the words. The author has a sound understanding of how to create characters that are intricately crafted with many different personality traits but still full of humanity. This is a solid debut, and I look forward to reading more of Colón's work in the future.
Many thanks to Down & Out Books for an ARC.
You can also find my reviews posted here on my blog.
November 10, 2018
Hell Chose Me features a manic killer for hire haunted by the spirits of his victims. And he's really haunted cause they could turn up in the passenger's seat or in the shower or just about anywhere else. Think of Bryan Walsh's world as some kind of twisted Sixth Sense where the ghosts are just as real as flesh and blood. But, it's a bit more distracting talking to ghosts when you are a killer for hire who has to be alert and on guard at all times.
The street smart narrative voice makes this short novel sing as it takes you from the deserts of Iraq to the Irish troubles and back to the Bronx. Colon does a great job of really fleshing out this character and his background from crazy pig butchering stories to Gulf War battles to shootouts and betrayals and distrust. You've probably never met a hitman like Walsh, but then again you've probably not met too many hitmen and survived to talk about it.
The plain cover and simple title only hint at what's inside this crime fiction tale. Many thanks to Down & Out Books for providing a copy for review.
The street smart narrative voice makes this short novel sing as it takes you from the deserts of Iraq to the Irish troubles and back to the Bronx. Colon does a great job of really fleshing out this character and his background from crazy pig butchering stories to Gulf War battles to shootouts and betrayals and distrust. You've probably never met a hitman like Walsh, but then again you've probably not met too many hitmen and survived to talk about it.
The plain cover and simple title only hint at what's inside this crime fiction tale. Many thanks to Down & Out Books for providing a copy for review.
October 13, 2020
Good grief, this was insane and I loved it. Right from the opening, you know you're dealing with a bad person, an anti-hero, and yet you can't help but root for the guy (a sign of a truly skilled author). Fast-paced, violent, equally witty as it is profane, don't let the cute cover fool you. This story is also profound and achingly human. I couldn't flip the pages fast enough to find out if Bryan and his family would survive. More please, Mr. Colón, give us more.
February 10, 2019
This is a strange take on what makes us the person we are today. Written from the first person perspective Bryan Walsh. His life is one of failure. Overwhelmed by strained relationships, guilt that his brother lies in a comma and not enough money to pay for his medical care.
The present reality is shared with historical memories how he got into this mess and lost his way.
The biggest influence on his life was his Grandpa and when he died unexpectedly in a motor car accident Bryan lost his way. He almost immediately enlists to fight but a form of PTSD leaves him broken and unable to cope.
He calls his Uncle Sean for help but finds himself in great need of help and in debt he struggles to pay back.
Within the present he recognises his poor choices. His mental health remains a concern but fails to seek medical support and his odd job status has lost its appeal as he has become a contract killer. He passes it off as a job and he feels his targets deserve their end due to their own bad decisions. He does not recognise his own hypocrisy or troubled mind as recent victims share his consciousness after every hit.
I found it a unique slant on this type of story. Although interesting ideas and characters populate the novel I found it less than cohesive and one struggles with the rationale of this troubled narrative.
I guess it is a journey to one’s self but even though the story commends your attention and readers invest their time into Walsh’s direction of travel. I am not sure if I intimately cared whether he lives or dies, finds enlightenment or fades away.
A terrific project that is groundbreaking and bold in its conception but lost me somewhere along the way.
The present reality is shared with historical memories how he got into this mess and lost his way.
The biggest influence on his life was his Grandpa and when he died unexpectedly in a motor car accident Bryan lost his way. He almost immediately enlists to fight but a form of PTSD leaves him broken and unable to cope.
He calls his Uncle Sean for help but finds himself in great need of help and in debt he struggles to pay back.
Within the present he recognises his poor choices. His mental health remains a concern but fails to seek medical support and his odd job status has lost its appeal as he has become a contract killer. He passes it off as a job and he feels his targets deserve their end due to their own bad decisions. He does not recognise his own hypocrisy or troubled mind as recent victims share his consciousness after every hit.
I found it a unique slant on this type of story. Although interesting ideas and characters populate the novel I found it less than cohesive and one struggles with the rationale of this troubled narrative.
I guess it is a journey to one’s self but even though the story commends your attention and readers invest their time into Walsh’s direction of travel. I am not sure if I intimately cared whether he lives or dies, finds enlightenment or fades away.
A terrific project that is groundbreaking and bold in its conception but lost me somewhere along the way.
January 26, 2023
Any asshole can tell a story. True. It's how you get the reader to become invested in said story that becomes a writer's main objective. Does Angel Luis Colon achieve this? With ease, without a doubt, and the pig within the pages of HELL CHOSE ME, well, the poor bastard probably never saw it coming. That being said, I could go on and bring up Bryan Walsh himself, our narrator slash protagonist, and his struggle, but I don't think I will. I think instead I'll bring up how Colon worked some magic and I somehow found myself sympathizing with a murderer where I usually don't. Bravo, m'man. Kudos. This is me not even mentioning the dialogue, the cutting barbs, or the guest stars slash connections to the author's other works. Always nice, that. It means Angel Luis Colon here, he's told a proper story. One I cared about and one I recommend. It also means you should go forth, seek out, purchase and enjoy. Maybe tell 'em another lover of crime fiction sent you.
June 2, 2019
“We all suffer, fight, and scratch for our last moments in any existence to be an echo” (8).
“You’ll end up in a place where you have a choice and the best one isn’t always the right one” (33).
This book is something else. While about 90% of my reads are within the horror genre, I find myself looking for a great crime/noir read every so often. I saw a few other bookish friends who also enjoy a great noir mention this one and I decided to give it a ago. Man, am I glad I did.
HELL CHOSE ME is a gritty, brutal story that follows hitman Bryan Walsh as he navigates this world he has always been at odds with. The author has really done his homework and we find ourselves following two timelines that organically converge as the pages turn. One is modern day Bryan, and the other is his journey to this point - through his Irish background, a brutal uncle and grandfather in the IRA, and a story about a pig that ties it all together.
Another thing I loved? Ayah is a kick-ass female character that does NOT fall into any kind of “ooh hot female” character tropes. She is amazing and honestly, I’d love to read more about just her.
Revenge, redemption, and brutality are merged with a story about family and sacrifice. I’ll definitely be reading more from Colón.
“You’ll end up in a place where you have a choice and the best one isn’t always the right one” (33).
This book is something else. While about 90% of my reads are within the horror genre, I find myself looking for a great crime/noir read every so often. I saw a few other bookish friends who also enjoy a great noir mention this one and I decided to give it a ago. Man, am I glad I did.
HELL CHOSE ME is a gritty, brutal story that follows hitman Bryan Walsh as he navigates this world he has always been at odds with. The author has really done his homework and we find ourselves following two timelines that organically converge as the pages turn. One is modern day Bryan, and the other is his journey to this point - through his Irish background, a brutal uncle and grandfather in the IRA, and a story about a pig that ties it all together.
Another thing I loved? Ayah is a kick-ass female character that does NOT fall into any kind of “ooh hot female” character tropes. She is amazing and honestly, I’d love to read more about just her.
Revenge, redemption, and brutality are merged with a story about family and sacrifice. I’ll definitely be reading more from Colón.
January 17, 2019
“We all suffer, fight, and scratch for our last moments in any existence to be an echo.”*
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bryan Walsh barely makes a living as hit man. All his cash goes into paying his brother’s mounting medical bills. Each time Bryan slays a mark, he’s haunted by guilt in the form of the person’s ghost, transforming his emotional baggage into an otherworldly entourage. One of his jobs goes sideways and he must revisit all the terrible decisions that led him to his towering list of regrets. If he can’t make peace with his past, he’ll have little chance at a future.
Bryan makes a great character. Sure he’s a murderer, but each of his nefarious acts are the result of him trying to do the right thing based on his own skewed world view. Even his acquisition of roommate Earl, shows Bryan’s many layers. The other characters are similarly well drawn from Bryan’s victims to his family members and his associates. Each person who steps onto the page is complex and achingly human. Bryan’s relationships with them are complicated. He judges everyone harshly, but with no less pessimism than he judges himself.
This is the first book I’ve read by Angel Luis Colón. I can’t wait to get acquainted with his other works.
Thanks to NetGalley and Down & Out Books for the opportunity to experience this novel in advance of its release.
*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bryan Walsh barely makes a living as hit man. All his cash goes into paying his brother’s mounting medical bills. Each time Bryan slays a mark, he’s haunted by guilt in the form of the person’s ghost, transforming his emotional baggage into an otherworldly entourage. One of his jobs goes sideways and he must revisit all the terrible decisions that led him to his towering list of regrets. If he can’t make peace with his past, he’ll have little chance at a future.
Bryan makes a great character. Sure he’s a murderer, but each of his nefarious acts are the result of him trying to do the right thing based on his own skewed world view. Even his acquisition of roommate Earl, shows Bryan’s many layers. The other characters are similarly well drawn from Bryan’s victims to his family members and his associates. Each person who steps onto the page is complex and achingly human. Bryan’s relationships with them are complicated. He judges everyone harshly, but with no less pessimism than he judges himself.
This is the first book I’ve read by Angel Luis Colón. I can’t wait to get acquainted with his other works.
Thanks to NetGalley and Down & Out Books for the opportunity to experience this novel in advance of its release.
*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.
March 3, 2019
Those who’ve followed Angel Luis Colón’s writing over the years know he’s not afraid to roll up his authorial sleeves and explore some dark territory. His short stories and novellas have earned him both a loyal following as well as numerous major award nominations, including the Derringer and the Anthony, and for good reason. In Hell Chose Me, his first full-length novel, Colón invites readers to buckle up and trust him for another, more extensive ride. And man is it worth it.
Using a framework that is not itself new, Colón nevertheless manages to find fresh angles to explore, all through a lens of unflinching, unsentimental truth. Bryan is not a Hollywood hit man with a heart of gold, nor is he an emotionless, stone-cold killer. He is fully aware of how screwed up his life is in every aspect, which makes him aware of both how horrible a person is, as well as how much he has thrown away by making the wrong choice at so many crucial crossroads in his life. He’s mostly resigned to that, and it’s only as things progress and his hand is forced that he realizes that though he can’t change the past, perhaps he can forge a future better than he’d always assumed he was doomed to inhabit.
Using the sparing, yet elegant, prose he is known for, Colón uses Bryan to examine how feelings of obligation combined with toxic relationships, especially when both spring from familial ties, can warp not just a person’s outlook, but arguably fundamentally warp the person himself. Through Bryan’s journey, Colón asks who’s to blame for the resulting reprehensible person. Or is no one to blame, some things just preordained, an unalterable fate to be accepted and dealt with? The question may be easy, but the answer is anything but.
If you’re new to Colón’s writing, Hell Chose Me is the perfect place to jump in and see what you’ve been missing, while readers who’ve been along for the ride since the beginning will delight in seeing Colón stretch out and run for distance this go round. They’ll also be treated to a nice literary Easter egg in the form of one of Colón’s previous characters popping up unexpectedly, but most welcome.
Using a framework that is not itself new, Colón nevertheless manages to find fresh angles to explore, all through a lens of unflinching, unsentimental truth. Bryan is not a Hollywood hit man with a heart of gold, nor is he an emotionless, stone-cold killer. He is fully aware of how screwed up his life is in every aspect, which makes him aware of both how horrible a person is, as well as how much he has thrown away by making the wrong choice at so many crucial crossroads in his life. He’s mostly resigned to that, and it’s only as things progress and his hand is forced that he realizes that though he can’t change the past, perhaps he can forge a future better than he’d always assumed he was doomed to inhabit.
Using the sparing, yet elegant, prose he is known for, Colón uses Bryan to examine how feelings of obligation combined with toxic relationships, especially when both spring from familial ties, can warp not just a person’s outlook, but arguably fundamentally warp the person himself. Through Bryan’s journey, Colón asks who’s to blame for the resulting reprehensible person. Or is no one to blame, some things just preordained, an unalterable fate to be accepted and dealt with? The question may be easy, but the answer is anything but.
If you’re new to Colón’s writing, Hell Chose Me is the perfect place to jump in and see what you’ve been missing, while readers who’ve been along for the ride since the beginning will delight in seeing Colón stretch out and run for distance this go round. They’ll also be treated to a nice literary Easter egg in the form of one of Colón’s previous characters popping up unexpectedly, but most welcome.
Read
December 31, 2020What a trippy crime novel. Colon took familiar elements and blended them into a dark little gem of a story. I dug the hell out of this. Right up my alley.
June 2, 2022
Brian is a hitman for hire, usually knocking off low-lifes and bottom-feeders who were entangled in the business of bad men. He comes by and permanently puts them to bed. The catch? The ghosts of the recently deceased stick around haunting Brian until they're good and ready to go. Quite the tax. All this bad business just to keep his little brother pumping on life support. When will Brian catch a break?
I loved it. Bottom line up front. I loved it. This thing gets cooking fast and doesn't relent. Brian gets into so many hectic situations which exacerbates his psychological symptoms. Colón does something with crime fiction I have not yet seen and I cannot recommend this book enough.
I loved it. Bottom line up front. I loved it. This thing gets cooking fast and doesn't relent. Brian gets into so many hectic situations which exacerbates his psychological symptoms. Colón does something with crime fiction I have not yet seen and I cannot recommend this book enough.
February 18, 2019
Hitman stories might be plentiful, but from Angel's past work, I knew he would bring something new and entertaining to the genre and I was not disappointed. In Bryan Walsh, a hitman who is literally haunted by his past actions, Angel crafts a character who I was never fully comfortable in rooting for. Angel also uses Bryan to comment on family, the bonds of brotherhood, and feeling like an Other. Hell Chose Me also ties together some of Angel's previous work with the appearance of a certain character, something that I was not expecting. Thankfully, this character fits in the Bryan's world and doesn't feel like some sort of guest star. Overall a fantastic novel and one which I hope leads to more of Bryan down to the road.
February 3, 2019
I truly loved two thirds of this book and whether it was my disjointed reading in the latter part dealing with a sick child or not, I didn't feel the same connection with the latter third of the book. It seemed to get too slow and a bit too introspective with the protagonist compared to earlier in the book where we skip between the present and filling in the character's backstory.
Bryan Walsh is an aging hitman with extensive hospital bills to pay with his brother in a vegetative state. On top of that Bryan sees apparitions/hallucinations of the people he has killed. With the bills mounting Bryan takes a bit job against his better judgement.
As noted the book interchanges between the present and the story of Bryan's life. Once the backstory is through and the plot takes it turn the book never regains that early momentum. Whether this is a product of this being Colòn's first novel is something I've wondered.
I love Colòn's narrative voice and fan's of his Blacky Jaguar series (haven't read them yet) are in for a treat. Colòn certainly has the potential to be one of our modern crime fiction greats, but in the end this one kind of got away from him.
Bryan Walsh is an aging hitman with extensive hospital bills to pay with his brother in a vegetative state. On top of that Bryan sees apparitions/hallucinations of the people he has killed. With the bills mounting Bryan takes a bit job against his better judgement.
As noted the book interchanges between the present and the story of Bryan's life. Once the backstory is through and the plot takes it turn the book never regains that early momentum. Whether this is a product of this being Colòn's first novel is something I've wondered.
I love Colòn's narrative voice and fan's of his Blacky Jaguar series (haven't read them yet) are in for a treat. Colòn certainly has the potential to be one of our modern crime fiction greats, but in the end this one kind of got away from him.
April 3, 2019
Hell wants YOU to check out this book!
Angel is all voice and violence in Hell Chose Me. What sets this book apart from other noir tales, are the different ghosts in various states of death, taunting the main character, Bryan. Despite Bryan being less than saintly, you can't help but like the guy and all his ghosts.
We all have those things we can't let go of, those things that remind ourselves that we can be pretty shitty individuals.
I have to say, I enjoyed the story so much I will even let it slide he calls strip club 90s hip hop the worst. Boy, bye. Those my college years! 😉😂 I definitely recommend this book if you like fast paced crime with cool characters (can I get a book all about Ayah😃ladies, you’re gonna love her). The supernatural element is what really does it for me. I couldn’t stop envisioning Bryan speaking to dead people like David speaking to Jack in American Werewolf in London.
Angel is a Latinx writer I hope you will support by buying and reviewing his book👍🏽✊🏽!
Angel is all voice and violence in Hell Chose Me. What sets this book apart from other noir tales, are the different ghosts in various states of death, taunting the main character, Bryan. Despite Bryan being less than saintly, you can't help but like the guy and all his ghosts.
We all have those things we can't let go of, those things that remind ourselves that we can be pretty shitty individuals.
I have to say, I enjoyed the story so much I will even let it slide he calls strip club 90s hip hop the worst. Boy, bye. Those my college years! 😉😂 I definitely recommend this book if you like fast paced crime with cool characters (can I get a book all about Ayah😃ladies, you’re gonna love her). The supernatural element is what really does it for me. I couldn’t stop envisioning Bryan speaking to dead people like David speaking to Jack in American Werewolf in London.
Angel is a Latinx writer I hope you will support by buying and reviewing his book👍🏽✊🏽!
April 11, 2021
Excellent crime novel with a unique protagonist. Highly recommend!
February 19, 2019
Bryan Walsh is haunted-literally-by those he has eliminated in his capacity as a hired enforcer, first for his uncle in the IRA and then for an organized crime syndicate in the Bronx. Angel Luis Colon’s novel Hell Chose Me is narrated by this mercenary whose conscience is manifested in the shadows that follow him as reminders of his wrongdoings. A wanted man and a deserter from the Marines, Bryan rationalizes his actions since he needs to financially support the care of his brother, who is in a coma. As the story progresses, Bryan discovers that he has been framed and betrayed by those closest to him. He attempts to enact revenge while distracted by the increasing number of ghosts that constantly demand his attention. Bryan’s loyalty and sanity are tested, especially when he is forced make some ultimate sacrifices. Hell Chose Me would be a fitting selection for readers who relish cinematic action scenes and are not squeamish about graphic depictions of violence.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Down and Out Books for an ARC of this title in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Down and Out Books for an ARC of this title in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 6, 2019
First off, the cover: That thing is a beaut and one of the best I've seen, be it indie publisher, big 5, whichever. Kudos to the author and design team on that one. So this book was on my list from the get go and it just took me a while to get to it. But glad I did. This is a layered, nuanced hit man tale. Bryan is the hired killer you haven't read before and same with many of the twists coming your way should you choose to follow tour guide Angel Luis Colon into the Bronx night. And I would recommend that you do.
August 24, 2025
Part thriller, part horror, part character study. while I found it a little difficult to get into at the beginning, by the end I was missing stops on the train to keep reading. I love what Colón did with this distinctly New York Irish novel. I heard about him in an interview with V. Castro where she recommended him and I'm so glad I got my hands on this.
October 11, 2020
This was excellent, super fun crime storytelling at its best. Colon has a unique and compelling authorial voice, and has created a great character in narrator Brian Walsh. Throw in the ghosts of Brian's past, and you have the recipe for flawless enjoyment.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews