Blood Relations (Weiner)

Series: Few challenges prove more nettlesome than a change in family business leadership, especially, when the family business is murder-for-hire. The Carrullo Family is in transition: Father-in-law, family patriarch, lead assassin, is giving way to his new son-in-law. Dad has carried forward the artistry he learned from his father. His new son-in-law was a former special forces operator and sniper in the armed forces trained in speed, stealth, and function. Four generations living in the same household from the oldest, "Nana," to the recent newborns, all of whom are involved in the family business. Some by choice. Some not. The Book: Fraternal twins are, raised by an ambivalent aunt, who provides an unusual childhood experience. One twin leaves home to join the armed forces and is ultimately, assigned to a special forces unit conducting clandestine operations in North Korea. The death of one of his unit members yields an introduction to an organized crime family specializing in murder for hire. The funeral for the family's son and an interest in their daughter brings new blood to the family business The family patriarch, eager to step aside, takes a page from a noted mobster and takes on the mantle of dementia to gracefully retire from a culture that otherwise prefers to bury its secrets.

Having an enemy in high places is never a good idea. Even worse when your enemy is the president of an unfriendly foreign government and a former officer in that country's national intelligence service. An individual whose power and wealth is beyond comprehension. A person never to be denied. The Carrullo Family has worked for the major families in America's Mafia for generations. Each generation providing a service the other families cannot be seen to carry out on their own. The latest generation includes an outsider selected and trained by the U.S. military for the most dangerous, clandestine missions on foreign soil. The old and the newest member in the Carrullo family are a marriage made in heaven. The old ways coupled with the talents of a special operator could not escape the notice of this country's national intelligence service. Two countries demand the services of the Carrullos. Neither country is willing to be denied. At present, the U.S. has won the battle for control. Their enemy is unwilling to accept this state of affairs. If their most powerful enemy sees this as a zero-sum game. Zero is what he has for now. How long will he accept being on the losing end of the battle to control the Carrullos?