What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood Soaked #1
Blood Soaked and Contagious
I am not going to complain to you about my life.
We’ve got zombies. They are not the brainless, rotting creatures we’d been led to expect. Unfortunately for us, they’re just as smart as they were before they died, very fast, much stronger than you or me, and possess no internal editor at all.
Claws. Did I mention claws?
I kill them for a living, but it’s as much a vocation as a freelance career choice. It helps me, helps my neighborhood, and the people I consider to be my family of choice. What’s more? I’m really good at it.
My life had a nice rhythm, and I'd almost gotten used to it, but the military bungled an attempt to wipe out an organized bunch of undead near a major commuting route into DC. The formerly-human survivors relocated. Now they’re less than an hour’s stroll away from where I live.
The new Zombie Overlord is smarter, crazier, and much more well-equipped than anyone we'd dealt with in the past. We have something he wants, badly. I know he's going to come and get it and try and wipe us out in the process... men, women, and even the children. I'd seen it done before elsewhere for lesser reasons.
This is my home. These are my people, my family. This is personal.
We’ve got zombies. They are not the brainless, rotting creatures we’d been led to expect. Unfortunately for us, they’re just as smart as they were before they died, very fast, much stronger than you or me, and possess no internal editor at all.
Claws. Did I mention claws?
I kill them for a living, but it’s as much a vocation as a freelance career choice. It helps me, helps my neighborhood, and the people I consider to be my family of choice. What’s more? I’m really good at it.
My life had a nice rhythm, and I'd almost gotten used to it, but the military bungled an attempt to wipe out an organized bunch of undead near a major commuting route into DC. The formerly-human survivors relocated. Now they’re less than an hour’s stroll away from where I live.
The new Zombie Overlord is smarter, crazier, and much more well-equipped than anyone we'd dealt with in the past. We have something he wants, badly. I know he's going to come and get it and try and wipe us out in the process... men, women, and even the children. I'd seen it done before elsewhere for lesser reasons.
This is my home. These are my people, my family. This is personal.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2011
29 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 16, 2011
Honestly, for a first novel, I think I did pretty well. Why don't you buy it, give it a read, and see?
July 24, 2016
Well, damn! I just read the rec the author gave for this book and if I would have known it was dialogue driven I wouldn't have started it. I have the tendency to NOT read the blurbs as they sometimes spoil the story for me. So this is my view.
I didn't like it and I'mma tell you why.
There was hella hee-hee-hawing going on and it just didn't fly.
I'm all for snarky, but there must be a limit.
At times I thought the main character was a duh-duh-dimwit.
This story mixes genres; horror, comedy, sci-fi.
I've got to wonder if the story would have done better on a more serious side.
This read should be taken lightly, with a grain of salt.
I didn't care for it, it's not the author's fault.
~A snarky comment~
(The MC is overly saucy/snarky and he jokes too freaking much. (you have to say this next part real fast to get the full effect) Way over the top kung-fu, snap-pu, love you boo-boo, I can do jujitsu, I'm too cool for school, zombies don't rule, I want you, but I don't know what to do, sex me and I sex you. You're my friend, but I'll kill you if I need to, grab a tissue. *whew* Took my breath saying all that! LOL)
The writing itself was good, but too much talking/dialogue are a peeve of mine and this read didn't stand a chance. Not for me~
I didn't like it and I'mma tell you why.
There was hella hee-hee-hawing going on and it just didn't fly.
I'm all for snarky, but there must be a limit.
At times I thought the main character was a duh-duh-dimwit.
This story mixes genres; horror, comedy, sci-fi.
I've got to wonder if the story would have done better on a more serious side.
This read should be taken lightly, with a grain of salt.
I didn't care for it, it's not the author's fault.
~A snarky comment~
(The MC is overly saucy/snarky and he jokes too freaking much. (you have to say this next part real fast to get the full effect) Way over the top kung-fu, snap-pu, love you boo-boo, I can do jujitsu, I'm too cool for school, zombies don't rule, I want you, but I don't know what to do, sex me and I sex you. You're my friend, but I'll kill you if I need to, grab a tissue. *whew* Took my breath saying all that! LOL)
The writing itself was good, but too much talking/dialogue are a peeve of mine and this read didn't stand a chance. Not for me~
May 30, 2014
Ok, so one star removed because the tortured soul of the first chapter was not the horny bumbling idiot of the rest of the book (minus the ending).
Another star removed because of all the "Woe is me! I wanna have sex with you right now but I can't!" scenes. Was this being submitted as a Harlequin novel with Fabio on the cover?
Seriously, I get it. Here we are in a zombie infested wasteland and some godess walking among mere mortals falls for you. You'd be pretty excited that your dim existence avoiding becoming food finally has some meaning. But when by chapter 40 I realized that the majority of the book was Frank and Charlie bantering, them taking showers/baths/changing clothes, them talking to other people about how much they want to do each other and, finally and mercifully, how they did each other I felt robbed.
The book has a great premise, it is well-written (outside the witty remarks that eventually have the effect of a Dremel tool in your brain) and sets itself up for more interesting stories.
Really disappointed that it missed the mark with the characters. I should not be rooting for the zombies but sadly I was.
Another star removed because of all the "Woe is me! I wanna have sex with you right now but I can't!" scenes. Was this being submitted as a Harlequin novel with Fabio on the cover?
Seriously, I get it. Here we are in a zombie infested wasteland and some godess walking among mere mortals falls for you. You'd be pretty excited that your dim existence avoiding becoming food finally has some meaning. But when by chapter 40 I realized that the majority of the book was Frank and Charlie bantering, them taking showers/baths/changing clothes, them talking to other people about how much they want to do each other and, finally and mercifully, how they did each other I felt robbed.
The book has a great premise, it is well-written (outside the witty remarks that eventually have the effect of a Dremel tool in your brain) and sets itself up for more interesting stories.
Really disappointed that it missed the mark with the characters. I should not be rooting for the zombies but sadly I was.
February 21, 2025
The book starts out good but the constant sarky comments by the main character gets boring quick. Also there’s too many conversations between the characters. And the main character Franks relationship with Charlotte is just cringe. In particular the sex scene! Was glad for it to end if I’m honest. I doubt I’ll ever bother with book 2. It’s an interesting idea just a bit boringly played out.
December 5, 2013
Please find this complete review at audiobookreview.com and bookie-monster.com
Zombie Fallout fans or Mark Tufo fans in general there is now another player on the zombie apocalypse front and his name is James Crawford. Crawford has created his own unique variety of walking dead, faster, stronger, meaner than the humans they once were, with one important note, they are no smarter that they once were. Along with that there is the protagonist Frank a zombie killer for hire that is an amazing mix of Micheal Talbot and Rambo. With his ultra macho demeanor and non-stop sarcastic thoughts and comments that on more than one occasion made me spontaneously laugh out loud, really I didn't even know it was happening until it was. I got more than a few "looks" from my wife and coworkers. Often times I find that zombie audiobooks try to take themselves so seriously that they miss the connection with the listener. That was not so with Blood Soaked and Contagious: Blood Soaked, Book 1, Crawford doesn't seem to take the whole zombie apocalypse very seriously and that is what made it so much fun. Non stop drama, inappropriate situations and comments, and as the title suggests, blood soaked and disturbing action scenes that kept me engaged and wanting more. I have already gone and purchased book 2 to the series and wish I didn't have other books in the queue right now.
Zombie Fallout fans or Mark Tufo fans in general there is now another player on the zombie apocalypse front and his name is James Crawford. Crawford has created his own unique variety of walking dead, faster, stronger, meaner than the humans they once were, with one important note, they are no smarter that they once were. Along with that there is the protagonist Frank a zombie killer for hire that is an amazing mix of Micheal Talbot and Rambo. With his ultra macho demeanor and non-stop sarcastic thoughts and comments that on more than one occasion made me spontaneously laugh out loud, really I didn't even know it was happening until it was. I got more than a few "looks" from my wife and coworkers. Often times I find that zombie audiobooks try to take themselves so seriously that they miss the connection with the listener. That was not so with Blood Soaked and Contagious: Blood Soaked, Book 1, Crawford doesn't seem to take the whole zombie apocalypse very seriously and that is what made it so much fun. Non stop drama, inappropriate situations and comments, and as the title suggests, blood soaked and disturbing action scenes that kept me engaged and wanting more. I have already gone and purchased book 2 to the series and wish I didn't have other books in the queue right now.
January 18, 2012
Full disclosure, I am not a zombie fan. I just can’t deal with the gore, and BSAC does not disappoint in that regard. Despite the abundance of entrails and brains (and yeah, the brains almost put me over the edge), I found myself really enjoying Mr. Crawford’s debut novel. The characters pulled me in right away and I was immediately rooting for the survival of this little community. I fully believe family is more than blood relations, and our zombie-decapitating hero Frank is willing to kill and die if necessary for the people who have become his family. If you like your zombies with a side of snark, a wicked blade, great fight scenes, and of course, plenty of gore, then you will want to get a copy of Blood Soaked and Contagious. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment to see what’s in store for Frank and his friends.
November 23, 2013
3.75 stars
SO much fun! (As long as your idea of fun involves blood and gore, carnage, nThis book was SO much fun! (As long as your idea of fun involves blood and gore, carnage, nudity, violence, foul language and laughing. So. Much. Laughing.) Although technically it's a zombie novel, these aren't your typical mindless feeding machines, hellbent on devouring every living being with a pulse. Don't get me wrong! There is plenty of devouring, but they are very selective about their meal choices. They are just as smart as they were when they were alive, only now they are using their intelligence for more deadly purposes. There is a certain sci-fi aspect to the story as well as the horror, and even a little romance. It's a killer combo!
The book is told in a narrated format, with the main character, Frank, talking directly to the reader. Frank's internal voice is cynical and sarcastic, and chock full of personality. In fact, ALL of the characters are so diverse and unique and they practically pop off the page! The dialogue was easily my favorite part of this book, with a back-and-forth banter that is stuck somewhere between clever and silly. I found myself highlighting constantly, so many quotable quotes! I would share them all with you guys, but some of them are NOT appropriate for our underage readers. ;)
Did I mention that this book is for mature readers? Besides all of the required blood and gore, there are mature themes, language and sexuality. This book is not for the faint of heart, or the easily offended. Frank is constantly giving euphemisms for his privates, such as "Don Quixote, Sancho and Sancho", or the "Three-Course Gourmet Feast". The sexual innuendos are GOLD!
Now for the downside, because every book has to have one. It was a little long, with some tedious descriptions of tactical maneuvers which were unnecessary. It didn't feel crisp and clean, but that was part of its appeal as well. With a little more editing, it could be tightened up and would easily be a five star read.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
SO much fun! (As long as your idea of fun involves blood and gore, carnage, nThis book was SO much fun! (As long as your idea of fun involves blood and gore, carnage, nudity, violence, foul language and laughing. So. Much. Laughing.) Although technically it's a zombie novel, these aren't your typical mindless feeding machines, hellbent on devouring every living being with a pulse. Don't get me wrong! There is plenty of devouring, but they are very selective about their meal choices. They are just as smart as they were when they were alive, only now they are using their intelligence for more deadly purposes. There is a certain sci-fi aspect to the story as well as the horror, and even a little romance. It's a killer combo!
The book is told in a narrated format, with the main character, Frank, talking directly to the reader. Frank's internal voice is cynical and sarcastic, and chock full of personality. In fact, ALL of the characters are so diverse and unique and they practically pop off the page! The dialogue was easily my favorite part of this book, with a back-and-forth banter that is stuck somewhere between clever and silly. I found myself highlighting constantly, so many quotable quotes! I would share them all with you guys, but some of them are NOT appropriate for our underage readers. ;)
Did I mention that this book is for mature readers? Besides all of the required blood and gore, there are mature themes, language and sexuality. This book is not for the faint of heart, or the easily offended. Frank is constantly giving euphemisms for his privates, such as "Don Quixote, Sancho and Sancho", or the "Three-Course Gourmet Feast". The sexual innuendos are GOLD!
Now for the downside, because every book has to have one. It was a little long, with some tedious descriptions of tactical maneuvers which were unnecessary. It didn't feel crisp and clean, but that was part of its appeal as well. With a little more editing, it could be tightened up and would easily be a five star read.
There are not many occasions in a fellow's life when he gets to really dig into the primal meat of fighting for his life while not wearing a stitch of clothing and armed only with a knife and toilet bowl cleaner.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2014
I love zombie books and this one has a new twist. The zombies are smart and they plan to use the remaining uninfected people as cattle. They plan to capture and keep them as food. This book has all the things I love in a book. Horror, science fiction, romance and humor all rounded into one book. Frank is the main character of the book has and enter dialog going on that is funny as hell. Also there are some crazy, family dysfunctional values which help provide the humor. He is friends with a man and wife, who are a brilliant scientist and a doctor. There is an evil villain that wants the scientist to work for him. This is where the science fiction comes in. Frank fall in love with his other friend sister. She is both beautiful and very adept to the new zombie world. In other words she can and does kick ass, hence the romance. As for the horror, it is a zombie book. Need I say more? Ok, it is an excellent zombie book. This novel has lots of action and lots of gore. The author is wonderful at description and brings the scenes alive with words. The characters are real and amazing.
I haven’t read anything by James Crawford previously and received this book when it was free on amazon. As soon as I finished Blood Soaked and Contagious I went back to amazon and purchased Blood Soaked and Invaded which is actually the first book.
Don’t miss this one or you will be missing out on a fantastic read. I can’t wait to start reading the beginning novel. Hope this series continues past Blood Soaked and Contagious. I want to know what happens to my new friends.
I haven’t read anything by James Crawford previously and received this book when it was free on amazon. As soon as I finished Blood Soaked and Contagious I went back to amazon and purchased Blood Soaked and Invaded which is actually the first book.
Don’t miss this one or you will be missing out on a fantastic read. I can’t wait to start reading the beginning novel. Hope this series continues past Blood Soaked and Contagious. I want to know what happens to my new friends.
June 10, 2024
A unique and exhilarating spin on the zombie apocalypse genre, blending humor, horror, and heart in a narrative that's as entertaining as it is gripping. Crawford's novel is not just another zombie story; it's a journey into a meticulously crafted world where the undead are just one of the many challenges the characters face.
The protagonist of the story is far from your typical hero, bringing a refreshing dose of realism and wit to the survival narrative. His perspective is cynical yet humorous, providing a narrative voice that resonates with authenticity and charm. Crawford does a fantastic job of fleshing out his characters, making them memorable and relatable, even in the most bizarre situations.
The plot is fast-paced and filled with action-packed sequences that are well-written and thrilling. Crawford's ability to mix action with character-driven storytelling is a standout feature of the book. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with humor, lightening the mood and balancing the more intense scenes of horror and gore.
In addition to thrilling zombie encounters, the book explores themes of human nature, survival, and the lengths to which people will go in extreme situations. Crawford's world is dangerous and unpredictable, but also filled with moments of unexpected solidarity and kindness.Overall, "Blood Soaked and Contagious" is a must-read for fans of the genre looking for something that breaks the mold with its blend of dark comedy and classic zombie fare. It's a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing and biting your nails in equal measure.
The protagonist of the story is far from your typical hero, bringing a refreshing dose of realism and wit to the survival narrative. His perspective is cynical yet humorous, providing a narrative voice that resonates with authenticity and charm. Crawford does a fantastic job of fleshing out his characters, making them memorable and relatable, even in the most bizarre situations.
The plot is fast-paced and filled with action-packed sequences that are well-written and thrilling. Crawford's ability to mix action with character-driven storytelling is a standout feature of the book. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with humor, lightening the mood and balancing the more intense scenes of horror and gore.
In addition to thrilling zombie encounters, the book explores themes of human nature, survival, and the lengths to which people will go in extreme situations. Crawford's world is dangerous and unpredictable, but also filled with moments of unexpected solidarity and kindness.Overall, "Blood Soaked and Contagious" is a must-read for fans of the genre looking for something that breaks the mold with its blend of dark comedy and classic zombie fare. It's a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing and biting your nails in equal measure.
April 27, 2014
As I've likely said before, I'm not a fan of zombies — books, movies, or any other medium. The only work related to the genre I've read is Colson Whitehead's book, Zone One. All of that notwithstanding, I loved Blood Soaked and Contagious.
The narrator recalls Salinger's Holden Caulfield in his almost adolescent naivete. But he possesses the mechanical killing prowess of The Punisher, created for Marvel Comics by Gerry Conway. More important, for a book that is, topically speaking, this fantastical, bordering on absurd, James Crawford's writing is remarkably, surprisingly, touchingly human. To wit:
"The thing I sought all my life was already with me. All I had to do was act in accordance with what I hold dear."
"This is one of those evolutionary bio-psychological quirks about humans in tribes: outsiders equal danger to the troop."
"There's a certain stasis that is hard to move past when you've decided you're always going to be alone."
"A simple thing, like having someone to whom you really have taken a shine in bed with you, is unbelievably comforting."
I have the distinct sense that Blood Soaked and Contagious is something allegorically more, a parable of our conflicted, divided, and divisive times. I'll have to read it again to be sure. This first time around, I was irresistibly turning pages too quickly for that kind of measured reflection. Yes. The book is that good.
The narrator recalls Salinger's Holden Caulfield in his almost adolescent naivete. But he possesses the mechanical killing prowess of The Punisher, created for Marvel Comics by Gerry Conway. More important, for a book that is, topically speaking, this fantastical, bordering on absurd, James Crawford's writing is remarkably, surprisingly, touchingly human. To wit:
"The thing I sought all my life was already with me. All I had to do was act in accordance with what I hold dear."
"This is one of those evolutionary bio-psychological quirks about humans in tribes: outsiders equal danger to the troop."
"There's a certain stasis that is hard to move past when you've decided you're always going to be alone."
"A simple thing, like having someone to whom you really have taken a shine in bed with you, is unbelievably comforting."
I have the distinct sense that Blood Soaked and Contagious is something allegorically more, a parable of our conflicted, divided, and divisive times. I'll have to read it again to be sure. This first time around, I was irresistibly turning pages too quickly for that kind of measured reflection. Yes. The book is that good.
February 28, 2016
Let me just say the snark factor here was pretty high... And I loved that about the book. Jokes came rapid fire and spot on. The way Frank and Charlie started off their little love affair and some of the creative zombie kills all through the first half of the book were great. But then, in my humble and sometimes meaningless opinion, the story just sort of stalled out on me. The snark wore a little thin and it was hard to keep going in spots, this even with an introduction of some cool add-ins to the plot.
I heard this was the author's first book and, if so, look for great things from Crawford in the future.
I recommend this book if you like your snark high, hard, and unapologetic.
I heard this was the author's first book and, if so, look for great things from Crawford in the future.
I recommend this book if you like your snark high, hard, and unapologetic.
November 17, 2011
Well-written and witty, clever, entertaining and a touch sarcastic. These zombies are mostly intact and kept their intelligence when they reverted. Makes for much better action than the usual ... "uuuuugh, braaaiiinns" - "kill the zombie". There is a book two coming out that I will be looking for. I didn't expect it to be so funny! If you liked Zombieland or Sean of the Dead you will definitely enjoy this read.
July 9, 2014
I appreciated the uniqueness of the take on a zombie survival book, and I also got a kick out of the fact that it took place in Arlington, VA! But, I didn't really connect with the characters -- which all read the same to me despite the book being written from 1st person. Romance felt forced too, which is always something that turns me off regardless of genre.
March 29, 2014
A Great New Take On.Zombies
I read a lot of paranormal stuff an a lot of zombie stuff. From the beginning this book held my attention. The new type.of zombies and the snarky humor were great.Gotta read next chapter!!
I read a lot of paranormal stuff an a lot of zombie stuff. From the beginning this book held my attention. The new type.of zombies and the snarky humor were great.Gotta read next chapter!!
March 31, 2014
Entertaining
I found this book entertaining. But, that is about it. Just something to read for a few days, keeps one entertained for a bit, nothing special. No memorable characters or moments, just something to keep me occupied until something better comes along..
I found this book entertaining. But, that is about it. Just something to read for a few days, keeps one entertained for a bit, nothing special. No memorable characters or moments, just something to keep me occupied until something better comes along..
August 7, 2015
Zombies with intelligence.
I really enjoyed this new take on zombies and the apocalypse. It added some futuristic aspects in the science fiction genre, with enough combat scenes to keep things interesting.
I really enjoyed this new take on zombies and the apocalypse. It added some futuristic aspects in the science fiction genre, with enough combat scenes to keep things interesting.
got-it-unread
March 23, 2014Free until March 26th, 2014.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NF3SGK/r...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NF3SGK/r...
March 25, 2014
Inane dialogue and sentient zombies ruined this lame entry into the zombie genre. Back to the drawing board for this author.
May 26, 2015
I can't even finish! Boo!
April 7, 2014
I didn't think too much about this one. Kinda boring!!
November 8, 2015
Loved the first 3/4s, but then it became a bit too grotesque for my taste. Still, overall a great read and interesting plot.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews