What is the author's style in the novel, Where the Line Bleeds?

The novel is written in modern-day American English with a lot of language meant to reflect the local dialect and slang of the main characters. The novel is aimed at adults and the language and subject matter reflect that. Many of the characters use curse words as part of their normal communication. Several freely use drugs and/or alcohol. When Christophe has trouble finding a job, Dunny gives him marijuana to sell which Dunny considers a favor to help Christophe. Christophe spends hours at a local park where he encounters a lot of customers. When someone sees Christophe's father Samuel leaning into Javon's car, they automatically assume Samuel is buying drugs. Few of the characters actively object to marijuana though many do not condone the use of harder drugs such as crack. These are adult situations and language that would not be appropriate for young readers.

The novel is divided between dialogue and narrative, though there is more narrative as the narrator reveals what some of the characters think. The narrative follows typical rules for grammar, but the dialogue does not. Characters drop letters, use the word “ain't,” and use verbs that do not agree with the subjects. These are not errors, but are meant to mimic the slang that these characters might actually use. The slang is not overwhelming and readers should have no trouble understanding the meanings. There are some drug references that may be unfamiliar to some readers. For example, the term “QP” appears several times. This is a “quarter pound” of marijuana. The author defines that term through dialogue but some readers may not immediately understand the meaning.