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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.
Kathy S. (Monroeville, AL)
Crazy Blood
This book weaves a story of family, both the good and the bad. Life is about the struggles as well as the triumphs. As I was reading I wanted to know it would end well for all. A heart touching story. Job well done.
Joanne V. (Towanda, PA)
Really good book about Olympic-level ski racing
I am a big fan of Mr. Parker's books and totally enjoyed this one. I loved the descriptions of ski racing and the competition and found the characters well developed (although not very likable) and was thoroughly entertained. He did not disappoint and I would recommend this book especially for those interested in skiing.