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Crazy Blood
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.
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.
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.
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.
290 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2016
93 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
About the author
T. Jefferson Parker
99 books852 followersT. Jefferson Parker is the bestselling author of 26 crime novels, including Edgar Award-winners SILENT JOE and CALIFORNIA GIRL. Parker's next work is coming-of-age thriller, A THOUSAND STEPS, set for January of 2022. He lives with his family in a small town in north San Diego County, and enjoys fishing, hiking and beachcombing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
February 22, 2016
Mixed feelings. Interesting story, good writing, but I didn't care for the interplay between the characters. Sky demanding apologies, and threatening to punish Wylie for what Sky considered to be offenses against him. It just didn't ring true to me. Yes, there are mentally unstable characters, but "crazy" in the title shouldn't be an excuse for anything goes. At least for me. Enjoyed the descriptions of the region and the racing, but there wasn't enough character development. I'm not saying this well, but it was just unsatisfying for me.
January 2, 2016
Whenever I start a new novel, I look to find characters I like and can root for as the plot unfolds. Unfortunately in this novel there are no likable people whatsoever. The author' s style is choppy and distracting and the plot is predictable. The whole story verges on the soup opera genre. I was very disappointed.
March 19, 2016
Don't waste your time. Very disappointing.
March 14, 2016
First, I must say I am a big Parker fan and have been for some time now, but this may possibly be the best of his many novels. I generally read thrillers, but this is more of a family saga and one that fits well into his genre. The characters are complex as is the plot. The reader will find himself captivated at the onset and held captive right up to the end. Excellent reading!
April 3, 2016
Not my favorite T. Jefferson Parker novel. That said, this is about family issues (and skiing), from many years ago and how it affects the family today. The drama left me wanting more suspense. I really didn't care for many of the characters.
February 8, 2018
It’s frustrating to read a book that you expect to be great, but discover to be mediocre. Such is my experience with the last several novels by T. Jefferson Parker. Is this the same genius who gave us Laguna Heat, Little Saigon, and Where Serpents Lie? Crazy Blood is just “OK”, and well beneath my expectations.
March 28, 2016
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Fabulous description of competitive skiing along with the emotional, physical and mental demands the sport requires. Your adrenaline hits an apex as you find yourself racing the course completely exhilarated attempting to shave off seconds from your time.
None of the charters left a mark, including Wylie, not much development more of a rough outline provided. Sky was theatrical and just plain weird along with Cynthia. Both characters and plot felt contrived, strong predictability factor. It's safe to say the narrative was very dramatic, would make a great Lifetime movie. Hardly a psychological thriller, behavior of characters too off the wall and the reactions of others equally bizarre.
I would read more from Parker, solid writing, the book has a great framework in need of minor tightening and tweaking with stronger characterization.
Fabulous description of competitive skiing along with the emotional, physical and mental demands the sport requires. Your adrenaline hits an apex as you find yourself racing the course completely exhilarated attempting to shave off seconds from your time.
None of the charters left a mark, including Wylie, not much development more of a rough outline provided. Sky was theatrical and just plain weird along with Cynthia. Both characters and plot felt contrived, strong predictability factor. It's safe to say the narrative was very dramatic, would make a great Lifetime movie. Hardly a psychological thriller, behavior of characters too off the wall and the reactions of others equally bizarre.
I would read more from Parker, solid writing, the book has a great framework in need of minor tightening and tweaking with stronger characterization.
January 29, 2016
Excellent book I won on Goodreads.
Wylie is an outcast in his home town of Mammoth Lake since his father was married to someone else when he was conceived. Richard Carson, his father, was killed by Cynthia Carson, the offended wife, and she spent 13 years in jail. His half-siblings Robert, Andrea, and Sky are just like the rest of the Carson family, excellent skiers. Wylie is also a very good skier.
After five years of being away, Wylie returns and decides to race for the Mammoth cup. If he wins then on to the other trials to get a ticket to the Olympics. Sky also competes for the mammoth cup and rivalry is at its best.
Love, hate, jealousy, greed, craziness, and heartbreak are all entwined in this book by a good author.
Recommend reading this book.
Wylie is an outcast in his home town of Mammoth Lake since his father was married to someone else when he was conceived. Richard Carson, his father, was killed by Cynthia Carson, the offended wife, and she spent 13 years in jail. His half-siblings Robert, Andrea, and Sky are just like the rest of the Carson family, excellent skiers. Wylie is also a very good skier.
After five years of being away, Wylie returns and decides to race for the Mammoth cup. If he wins then on to the other trials to get a ticket to the Olympics. Sky also competes for the mammoth cup and rivalry is at its best.
Love, hate, jealousy, greed, craziness, and heartbreak are all entwined in this book by a good author.
Recommend reading this book.
May 31, 2017
This book is not even close to the quality of the author's other books. Major disappointment.
February 13, 2023
3 stars
A story totally unlike anything I’ve read before. The story takes place on Mammoth Mountain, full of ski slopes and all of the attendant skiers and snow boarders. Grandpa Carson is head of the family dynasty and buoyed by his talented grandsons Robert, Sky and Wylie. Wylie is somewhat of an outcast. His mother had an affair with Grandpa Carson’s son Thomas and Wylie is the result of that union. Cynthia Carson, Thomas’ wife and mother of Robert and Sky, ended that affair by shooting and killing her husband. Sky deeply resents Wylie and the two half-brothers frequently have words. Unfortunately, fate takes a hand in this dysfunctional dynamic and things are about to come to a head.
A story totally unlike anything I’ve read before. The story takes place on Mammoth Mountain, full of ski slopes and all of the attendant skiers and snow boarders. Grandpa Carson is head of the family dynasty and buoyed by his talented grandsons Robert, Sky and Wylie. Wylie is somewhat of an outcast. His mother had an affair with Grandpa Carson’s son Thomas and Wylie is the result of that union. Cynthia Carson, Thomas’ wife and mother of Robert and Sky, ended that affair by shooting and killing her husband. Sky deeply resents Wylie and the two half-brothers frequently have words. Unfortunately, fate takes a hand in this dysfunctional dynamic and things are about to come to a head.
October 29, 2019
Wiley and Sky are half-brothers but there is no love lost between them. Both champion ski cross racers, they are both vying for the championship and will stop at nothing to get it. The virulent animosity between the two main characters made it hard to like either one and the other characters were mostly one-dimensional. I listened to the audio version and the reader's style didn't help. He read every sentence as if it was a challenge so that even encounters between people who liked each other seemed confrontational.
September 30, 2024
I have really gotten in to TJP, i love his choice of local locations, part of why I like his books. I am a native so cal dude so I love this setting in Mammoth. It has good characters with a cool story about a rivalry between two brothers, two families. The ending was OK, I wish we knew more about Whiley, oh well A good read.
December 12, 2019
We listened to the audio book on a road trip. It was engaging, so much so that we immediately finished listening to it the evening we returned home.
January 12, 2016
I received Crazy Blood as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Wylie Wellborn returns to his hometown of Mammoth Lakes after a tour of duty in Afghanistan and several additional years spent traveling the world. Once a gifted skier, Wylie is haunted by his past, the bastard son of the now-deceased town scion and a 17 year old chef. Aside from warm relationships with his half-brother Robert and paternal grandfather Adam, the powerful Carson clan is content to keep Wylie away from the slopes, particularly his other half brother Sky and Sky and Robert's mother Cynthia.
As he reacquaints himself, Wylie begins to rebuild relationships with his family--his mother, stepfather, and two half-sisters and immerse himself in the lifeblood of the community--winter sports. Wylie rebuilds his skills and begins working toward his goal of reentering the competitive ski circuit, and finds himself on the cusp of a new relationship. However, an antagonistic half-brother (and extended family), a tragic accident, and financial difficulties may threaten to derail the new life he is attempting to build for himself.
Crazy Blood is a dark novel with (by and large) dark characters, including the protagonist, Wylie. In this resort town, innocence is a rare thing and even young people have dark secrets. That said, it's an excellent book. Parker does a great job of comparing the extreme elements with the cutthroat pace of life in Mammoth Falls, from interpersonal disputes to clashing businesses and corporate entities. The climax happens only in the last couple of pages, which took me by surprise, though part of me wishes it had been stretched out a bit more--things seem to wrap up very quickly. All in all, though, Crazy Blood is full of just plain good storytelling.
Wylie Wellborn returns to his hometown of Mammoth Lakes after a tour of duty in Afghanistan and several additional years spent traveling the world. Once a gifted skier, Wylie is haunted by his past, the bastard son of the now-deceased town scion and a 17 year old chef. Aside from warm relationships with his half-brother Robert and paternal grandfather Adam, the powerful Carson clan is content to keep Wylie away from the slopes, particularly his other half brother Sky and Sky and Robert's mother Cynthia.
As he reacquaints himself, Wylie begins to rebuild relationships with his family--his mother, stepfather, and two half-sisters and immerse himself in the lifeblood of the community--winter sports. Wylie rebuilds his skills and begins working toward his goal of reentering the competitive ski circuit, and finds himself on the cusp of a new relationship. However, an antagonistic half-brother (and extended family), a tragic accident, and financial difficulties may threaten to derail the new life he is attempting to build for himself.
Crazy Blood is a dark novel with (by and large) dark characters, including the protagonist, Wylie. In this resort town, innocence is a rare thing and even young people have dark secrets. That said, it's an excellent book. Parker does a great job of comparing the extreme elements with the cutthroat pace of life in Mammoth Falls, from interpersonal disputes to clashing businesses and corporate entities. The climax happens only in the last couple of pages, which took me by surprise, though part of me wishes it had been stretched out a bit more--things seem to wrap up very quickly. All in all, though, Crazy Blood is full of just plain good storytelling.
July 4, 2020
On the surface, and even throughout the book, it seems like a Cain and Abel ski competition book, and while it remains that way, there is darker stuff going on the inside.
Two half brothers, both skiing phenoms have a huge rivalry. One is the product of Mammoth skiing royalty, the illegitimate, part of a fling that ended in their mutual father getting shot by his wife.
Both are slated to be in a major competition that will lead to greater things. Confusing things are the obsessive hatred of Cynthia (legitimate kid Sky's mom), the small coffee shop Wylie (the illegitimate one) withering from the competition of a big-brand coffee shop that has come to town, and the arrival of ski star April Holly, who gets involved with Wylie.
Sky is excitable, immature and deeply insecure, covering it up with partying and bravado, while Wylie is more secure with himself, but stubborn in his own way. Both battle psychological demons, which Wylie compartmentalizes and Sky lets fly. they are competitive on many levels, and it comes to a head.
Parker peppers up what could be a safe Disney ski story with pathos closer to an East of Eden. The Family demons, aided by class issues and small town drama becomes something different altogether.
Two half brothers, both skiing phenoms have a huge rivalry. One is the product of Mammoth skiing royalty, the illegitimate, part of a fling that ended in their mutual father getting shot by his wife.
Both are slated to be in a major competition that will lead to greater things. Confusing things are the obsessive hatred of Cynthia (legitimate kid Sky's mom), the small coffee shop Wylie (the illegitimate one) withering from the competition of a big-brand coffee shop that has come to town, and the arrival of ski star April Holly, who gets involved with Wylie.
Sky is excitable, immature and deeply insecure, covering it up with partying and bravado, while Wylie is more secure with himself, but stubborn in his own way. Both battle psychological demons, which Wylie compartmentalizes and Sky lets fly. they are competitive on many levels, and it comes to a head.
Parker peppers up what could be a safe Disney ski story with pathos closer to an East of Eden. The Family demons, aided by class issues and small town drama becomes something different altogether.
August 23, 2016
3.5 stars. In this family saga set on the ski slopes of northern California, grandfather Adam Carson tries to negotiate peace between half siblings Sky and Wylie. The family drama goes back many years. Sky's mother murdered Sky's father because he cheated on her with Wylie's mother. She spent 13 years in prison for this crime. Wylie returns from Afghanistan to compete in ski-cross at the family ski operation. Wylie's family is not doing well at running their coffee shop, being forced out of business by a mega-chain. Sky and Wylie are competitors and Sky believes Wylie pushes him on the slopes. With all the past bad blood and the current tensions running high, the scene is set for a final confrontation.
I picked the-is book because I like T. Jefferson Parker's novels. I've only read his mystery/thrillers before and this is not one of those typical stories. I thought he set up the scenes well for drama. I liked the beauty of the ski slopes and learned a good bit about skiing and snowboarding competitions. If you like soap operas, lots of drama, and tragic situations, you will like this book.
I picked the-is book because I like T. Jefferson Parker's novels. I've only read his mystery/thrillers before and this is not one of those typical stories. I thought he set up the scenes well for drama. I liked the beauty of the ski slopes and learned a good bit about skiing and snowboarding competitions. If you like soap operas, lots of drama, and tragic situations, you will like this book.
April 28, 2016
T. Jefferson Parker is one of my favorite authors and I always read his latest as soon as it is available. "Crazy Blood" is a departure from Jeff's trademark SoCal crime/thrillers, but it is, nonetheless, an outstanding read.
Set in Mammoth Mountain, a ski resort off I395, "Crazy Blood" is all about ski racing and a complicated and difficult family, the fictional Carsons, who "founded" the resort in the some sixty or seventy years ago. Sky and Wylie, half brothers, are the Cain and Abel of the story, but to me the focus of this novel is not plot and characterization, but the evocative and beautiful rendition of setting. Mammoth in all its seasons is highlighted here, from the thrill and danger of ski racing to the peace of camping and fly-fishing its rivers (definitely made me want to reread "A River Runs Through It").
One of my favorite things is to immerse myself in the time and place of a novel and vicariously experience it. "Crazy Blood" is one of those books that played like a movie in my mind as I read it.
Set in Mammoth Mountain, a ski resort off I395, "Crazy Blood" is all about ski racing and a complicated and difficult family, the fictional Carsons, who "founded" the resort in the some sixty or seventy years ago. Sky and Wylie, half brothers, are the Cain and Abel of the story, but to me the focus of this novel is not plot and characterization, but the evocative and beautiful rendition of setting. Mammoth in all its seasons is highlighted here, from the thrill and danger of ski racing to the peace of camping and fly-fishing its rivers (definitely made me want to reread "A River Runs Through It").
One of my favorite things is to immerse myself in the time and place of a novel and vicariously experience it. "Crazy Blood" is one of those books that played like a movie in my mind as I read it.
November 12, 2016
First of all, this novel is a sharp departure from Parker's previous books set in Southern California or in Mexico. The Northern California town of Mammoth Lakes, specifically the ski resort located there, is the setting and focus of this book.
The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, replete with the intricacies, thrills and dangers of the sport of ski cross racing, and peopled by a family dynasty that has plenty of!! "crazy blood" running through its veins.
That said, for me the book was primarily a family saga in which violence, sibling rivalry and some borderline insanity coupled with a troubling family history lead apparently inevitably to a tragic but realistic outcome, despite the voices of rationality in said family trying to shape a more positive outcome.
The emotional highs and lows of the story, the intermittent tranquility provided by the setting, the thrill of ski racing and the very well developed humanity of the. characters combine to produce a satisfying, somewhat unique read
The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, replete with the intricacies, thrills and dangers of the sport of ski cross racing, and peopled by a family dynasty that has plenty of!! "crazy blood" running through its veins.
That said, for me the book was primarily a family saga in which violence, sibling rivalry and some borderline insanity coupled with a troubling family history lead apparently inevitably to a tragic but realistic outcome, despite the voices of rationality in said family trying to shape a more positive outcome.
The emotional highs and lows of the story, the intermittent tranquility provided by the setting, the thrill of ski racing and the very well developed humanity of the. characters combine to produce a satisfying, somewhat unique read
January 28, 2016
I received this book from the Goodreads First Reads program.
This book intrigued me. It is not something I would normally have picked to read, but I really liked the premise of the story. The characters were all a little selfish. All trying to make their own dreams come true and taking everything else as slights against themselves. This led to a large amount of misunderstanding and escalating violence. The main problems throughout the book are between half brothers that seem to hate eachother just for the sake of hating eachother. Both refusing to be the bigger person. I did feel that the story was more of a novella that had been fleshed out a little too much, but I did enjoy reading it.
This book intrigued me. It is not something I would normally have picked to read, but I really liked the premise of the story. The characters were all a little selfish. All trying to make their own dreams come true and taking everything else as slights against themselves. This led to a large amount of misunderstanding and escalating violence. The main problems throughout the book are between half brothers that seem to hate eachother just for the sake of hating eachother. Both refusing to be the bigger person. I did feel that the story was more of a novella that had been fleshed out a little too much, but I did enjoy reading it.
April 13, 2016
After reading Full Measure, I was very pleased to receive an ARC for this book. It has many of the same elements that I loved in that book - the strong sense of place, vividly-drawn characters. I like the way he used the trope of the returning traveler in this book. Then I hit the last ten pages and wanted to throw the book across the room. Of all the cliches, I hate the "killing the character at their moment of triumph" with a passion. If you can cope with that you might enjoy reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2017
Good crime novel filled with ins and outs of skiing, and family drama.
October 30, 2017
Really like this writing.
December 23, 2017
An interesting story that takes place in Mammoth Lakes, CA, about the Mammoth Cup ski competition -- and so much more, of course. I'm a big fan of T. Jefferson Parker, and I really enjoyed the book.
May 30, 2021
Parker lands the title of this book with the same skill and precision with which his characters land their skiing maneuvers as they navigate the snowy slopes of Mammoth Lakes in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Familial ties - mostly broken - and blood relationships - mostly bad - are the pulse that pumps life into this story. There's plenty of "crazy" to go around beginning with the fact that a mother served prison time for shooting her husband for infidelity, and she did so without regret. "The sins of the mother" is an interesting twist on the old patriarchal saw, and like the Biblical curse, it follows into the next generation.
Half brothers Sky, born while Cynthia, his mother, was in prison, and Wylie, whose father Cynthia shot, are both skiers with big dreams of winning. They compete with each other and both struggle with hot tempers. Skye is out for revenge; Wylie would like to win big prize money to save his family's coffee shop, Let It Bean, which he helps run with his mother, two sisters, and his stepfather. A corporate Starbucks-like chain is trying - and succeeding - to force the family-run business out of town.
My loyalties were all with Wylie. I liked his relationship with his sisters; his admiration of his camper, a beautiful, custom-built, maple and teak MPP (Module, personal, portable); and his love for April Holly, an accomplished snowboarder whose talents he admires and whose quirky good luck, pre-race rituals he supports without question. I also liked his mother's revelations about his real father as mother and son craft croissants.
I know nothing about skiing, but Parker's descriptions of action on the slopes are gripping; like an announcer calling a sports event. Clearly voluminous research, and maybe lots of re-write?, went into them. I always admire Parker's descriptions of outdoor life. In this one, hiking, fly fishing, and the natural beauty of the area are as equally well-done as the skiing scenes.
Half brothers Sky, born while Cynthia, his mother, was in prison, and Wylie, whose father Cynthia shot, are both skiers with big dreams of winning. They compete with each other and both struggle with hot tempers. Skye is out for revenge; Wylie would like to win big prize money to save his family's coffee shop, Let It Bean, which he helps run with his mother, two sisters, and his stepfather. A corporate Starbucks-like chain is trying - and succeeding - to force the family-run business out of town.
My loyalties were all with Wylie. I liked his relationship with his sisters; his admiration of his camper, a beautiful, custom-built, maple and teak MPP (Module, personal, portable); and his love for April Holly, an accomplished snowboarder whose talents he admires and whose quirky good luck, pre-race rituals he supports without question. I also liked his mother's revelations about his real father as mother and son craft croissants.
I know nothing about skiing, but Parker's descriptions of action on the slopes are gripping; like an announcer calling a sports event. Clearly voluminous research, and maybe lots of re-write?, went into them. I always admire Parker's descriptions of outdoor life. In this one, hiking, fly fishing, and the natural beauty of the area are as equally well-done as the skiing scenes.
March 14, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 2, 2024
This is a really fun read especially as a long time local of over 50 years and ski coach for the Mammoth Mountain Ski Team. It all takes place here at Mammoth Lakes and is accurate about our town and culture here. You can tell, Parker really loves our little mountain resort town. My brother in-law found it in a used bookstore in Ohio and it was published in 2016 and I couldn't believe I had never heard about this novel. The plot is a bit cheesy, but it’s all about ski racing and the mountain team program here (although we don’t have a skier cross team in our program.) The author is quite familiar, but I’m not sure if I know him, although I do know most everyone in his acknowledgement. When I ask them about it, they all say he came and interviewed them a couple of times for an hour or so.Can't believe Parker got it so right just from those interviews! Fun read! I feel like I should know Parker and his characters well!
July 31, 2023
Crazy Blood by T. Jefferson Parker is set in contemporary Mammoth Lakes, CA. Wylie Welborn returns home after 5 years absence: 3 years service as a Marine, 2 years wandering around the world. Wylie has 2 half brothers, Robert and Sky, sons of Richard and Cynthia Carson. Wylie has 2 half sisters, Beatrice and Belle, daughters of Kathleen and Steen Welborn. Wylie is the son of Kathleen and Richard. Cynthia killed Richard shortly after Wylie was conceived.
Robert, Sky, Wylie are fierce ski cross competitors on the slopes; Sky holds a grudge against Wylie.
A dysfunctional family saga, not as gripping as "Little Saigon". Far less compelling or memorable than "Laguna Heat" or "Silent Joe".
Robert, Sky, Wylie are fierce ski cross competitors on the slopes; Sky holds a grudge against Wylie.
A dysfunctional family saga, not as gripping as "Little Saigon". Far less compelling or memorable than "Laguna Heat" or "Silent Joe".
April 30, 2022
The bones of this story of two ski champion brothers caught up in a lifelong family feud are good, and Parker is certainly a visceral, commanding writer, but the whole thing seemed a bit too...contrived? Taking everything a bit too far? It all was so Movie-of-the-Week plot-wise. As an example: the big bad Starbucks-like corporation aiming to put the main character's indie shop out of business is called "Gargantua". Too easy a dig. If Parker had used shorter brushstrokes instead of big, sweeping ones I would have enjoyed this more.
May 16, 2019
I've read most of Mr. Parker's novels. They are for the most part, hard hitting and you pray that there is no such thing as some of his evil characters. That's how well defined they are and how I get hooked from the first page.
This one took me by surprise. A different format and a heavy dose of family dysfunction, all taking place within the world of professional competitive skiing. He's so good, I read it within hours!
This one took me by surprise. A different format and a heavy dose of family dysfunction, all taking place within the world of professional competitive skiing. He's so good, I read it within hours!
September 14, 2020
If you read T.Jefferson Parker, this is a detour from what we have come to expect from him. Having said that this book is a visually appealing change from the jungle and deserts he normally takes us. I like the characters he has developed for the book and I appreciate the research that he did in the subjects explored. If you know me you know I'm a sucker for a love story and I can't stand an unhappy ending to a story that needed one. Enough said. Good read glad we went there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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