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Book Summary and Reviews of Crazy Blood by T. Jefferson Parker

Crazy Blood by T. Jefferson Parker

Crazy Blood

by T. Jefferson Parker

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  • Mar 2016, 304 pages
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About this book

Book Summary

Combining exquisite writing with breathtaking scenes of high stakes skiing, Crazy Blood is an unforgettable story of two brothers on a ruthless quest for supremacy.

The Carson dynasty rules the ski resort town of Mammoth Lakes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Founded by patriarch Adam, the town is the site of the Mammoth Cup ski race-a qualifier for the Olympics. But when Wylie Welborn, Adam's illegitimate grandson, returns after a stint in Afghanistan, it reopens a dark moment in Carson family history: the murder of Wylie's father by his jealous and very pregnant wife, Cynthia. Her son Sky, born while his mother was in prison, and Wylie are half-brothers. They inherit not only superb athletic skills but an enmity that threatens to play out in a lethal drama on one of the fastest and most perilous ski slopes in the world.

Three powerful and unusual women have central roles in this volatile family feud: Cynthia, bent on destroying Wylie; his mother Kathleen, determined to protect him; and April Holly, a beautiful celebrity snowboarder, on track to win Olympic Gold. But, as Wylie falls in love with April and they begin to imagine a life away from the violence that has shattered his family, history threatens to repeat itself and destroy them both.

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Reviews

Media Reviews

"Despite a picturesque setting, there's little here beyond a drawn-out family squabble on skis." - Kirkus

"In a change of pace from his crime novels, three-time Edgar Award winner Parker (Full Measure; California Girl; Laguna Heat), delivers an intricate and atmospheric family drama reminiscent of the works of T.C. Boyle and John Steinbeck." - Library Journal

This information about Crazy Blood was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.

Reader Reviews

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Marguerite Ranney

Crazy Blood
Fast paced. Packed with Skiing info, Olympic hopefuls that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Jealous step family members, financial issues and a short term love affair.
Nice change from the Charley Hood series

Teresa K. (Broadlands, VA)

Crazy Blood
T. Jefferson Parker's, Crazy Blood, is a suspenseful and fast-paced novel set in the beautiful ski resort of Monmouth Lakes, California. The area is a dynasty created by Adam Carson whose son, Richard, fathered a child by his mistress, Kathleen, while his own wife, Cynthia, was pregnant with his child. Cynthia shot Richard to death when she discovered him with his lover. For that crime she was sentenced to prison where a son, Sky, was born. In the meantime Kathleen gave birth to her son, Wylie Welborn---- Sky's half-brother. The story focuses on bad blood between the Carson and Welborn families as well as the actions of individual family members. It begins when Wylie returns home after serving in Afghanistan. Before he left, he had won a big ski race and now wants to compete again even though he is five years older. The race is a first step to the Olympics and so he sees it as a way of helping his family keep their coffee shop, Let It Bean, going. On the other hand, Sky, who is obsessed with his hatred of Wylie, and suffers from malignant dark moods, wants to win the race to punish Wylie for imagined hurts and insults. While practicing for the race, Wylie falls in love with a beautiful champion ski-boarder, April. The author presents us with a dramatic conclusion in which the violent history of these families re-emerges with stunning results. All in all, Crazy Blood, is a fascinating book with the backdrop of exciting skiing.

Laurie H. (Stuart, FL)

Crazy good surprise
I have been trying to read books outside my "reading comfort zone". This book was one such journey. I was pleasantly surprised by the character development and my interest in the story. I found myself rooting for Wylie and trying to understand Cynthia. I even learned a few things about skiing. I see that T. Jefferson Parker has written quite a few books. I will check out some additional titles. Well done!

bridgnut

Crazy Blood
I am a big fan of T. Jefferson Parker and have read many of his books.

I have read so many books that I have to keep track of them in my computer.

Marie V. (San Marcos, CA)

the cursor will not let me select a rating.
If you have read many of T. Jefferson Parker's novels, you will recognize his troubled characters. The Patriarch of the Carson dynasty does his best trying to get his sons to get along but it is obviously a lost cause from the beginning. Skiers will appreciate the descriptions of the sport and the competition that drives the participants. However the plot is very predictable.

In spite of that, I enjoyed the book - and I do not ski. The characters are not always likable, but they are believable.

Darcy C. (San Diego, CA)

A Mountain Town Two Brothers = A Darn Good Story
I liked this book, but didn't love it. When reading about the skiing and the racing - I felt like I was on the mountain myself. Very well done. I couldn't relate to the character of "Sky" and felt that his personality was too shallow at times. His actions and words did not ring authentic, in my opinion. This minor criticism isn't large enough to detract from the overall story. Parker has always done an excellent job of portraying the towns and areas in his books. There were several intertwining stories happening at once and they all tied in nicely. I was surprised at the ending which made the read completely satisfying. I wouldn't say this will be a extraordinary bestseller, but I do think it will be very popular. I would recommend this story to others.

...14 more reader reviews

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Author Information

T. Jefferson Parker Author Biography

Photo: Marion Ettlinger

T. Jefferson Parker is the author of numerous novels and short stories, the winner of three Edgar Awards (for Silent Joe, California Girl, and the short story "Skinhead Central"), and the recipient of a Los Angeles Times Book Prize for best mystery (Silent Joe). Before becoming a full-time novelist, he was an award-winning reporter. He lives in Fallbrook, California.

Author Interview
Link to T. Jefferson Parker's Website

Other books by T. Jefferson Parker at BookBrowse

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