What do you think?
Rate this book
A Brush with Death
In 1888 London, Isabel Vanderton is facing down the society gossips with defiance and indifference. As the only child of Marcus Vanderton, she is the rightful heir to the Vanderton fortune, and whomever dares to marry her would inherit the lot, winner take all.
As rumors of her ill-health circulate, Isabel finds herself encountering suitor after suitor, no doubt hoping to win her hand—and her inheritance—before she passes to an early grave.
An endless wave of greedy suitors is not the only thing Isabel has to contend with. Her legs are failing her, her body is weak, and she is being haunted by a man of such breath-taking beauty that he cannot possibly exist.
But exist he does. Terrified of slipping into madness, Isabel tries to ignore the pull he has over her mind and her body as she suffers through encounter after encounter with a man no one but she can see.
Death is impatient.
Since Isabel’s mother died thirteen years ago, he has watched her. He has haunted her for years, and now he has come to claim what is rightfully his. He will have Isabel at any cost.
Determined, Death sets out on a careful game of seduction that threatens Isabel’s very sanity. She will succumb to him, or she will suffer the consequences.
As Isabel bargains desperately for her soul, Jack the Ripper stalks the London streets, endangering everything and everyone Isabel holds dear.
"Josephine Blake writes a good, wonderful combination of romance, action, humor and suspense." —Amazon Reviewer
"Another great story. Love the great character development. Unusual turn of events to keep the reader guessing." — Amazon Reviewer
As rumors of her ill-health circulate, Isabel finds herself encountering suitor after suitor, no doubt hoping to win her hand—and her inheritance—before she passes to an early grave.
An endless wave of greedy suitors is not the only thing Isabel has to contend with. Her legs are failing her, her body is weak, and she is being haunted by a man of such breath-taking beauty that he cannot possibly exist.
But exist he does. Terrified of slipping into madness, Isabel tries to ignore the pull he has over her mind and her body as she suffers through encounter after encounter with a man no one but she can see.
Death is impatient.
Since Isabel’s mother died thirteen years ago, he has watched her. He has haunted her for years, and now he has come to claim what is rightfully his. He will have Isabel at any cost.
Determined, Death sets out on a careful game of seduction that threatens Isabel’s very sanity. She will succumb to him, or she will suffer the consequences.
As Isabel bargains desperately for her soul, Jack the Ripper stalks the London streets, endangering everything and everyone Isabel holds dear.
"Josephine Blake writes a good, wonderful combination of romance, action, humor and suspense." —Amazon Reviewer
"Another great story. Love the great character development. Unusual turn of events to keep the reader guessing." — Amazon Reviewer
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2017
16 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Blake
39 books58 followersJosephine Blake is a bestselling author and award-winning graphic designer. She enjoys a quiet life on a comfortable piece of property in her very own small-town in the Willamette Valley.
With over 23 published books in the romance genre, Josephine works hard to make sure her stories bring a little more love into this crazy world.
She and her husband spend most days chasing their little one around their farmhouse with thankful hearts.
Notable Works:
Josephine Blake’s debut Historical Romance novel, Dianna, hit the shelves in August of 2016 and became a bestseller two years later. Her Gothic Historical Romance novel, A Brush with Death, followed suit later that year in 2018. Yours at Yuletide became her very first Contemporary Romance release in the winter of 2019.
She’d love to hear from you. Shoot her an email at admin@awordfromjosephineblake.com
With over 23 published books in the romance genre, Josephine works hard to make sure her stories bring a little more love into this crazy world.
She and her husband spend most days chasing their little one around their farmhouse with thankful hearts.
Notable Works:
Josephine Blake’s debut Historical Romance novel, Dianna, hit the shelves in August of 2016 and became a bestseller two years later. Her Gothic Historical Romance novel, A Brush with Death, followed suit later that year in 2018. Yours at Yuletide became her very first Contemporary Romance release in the winter of 2019.
She’d love to hear from you. Shoot her an email at admin@awordfromjosephineblake.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 13, 2019
I absolutely adored this book! Of course, anything Gothic or that has to do with Jack the Ripper is intriguing to me. But this goes even further with a spin between a dying woman and her romance with... Death? The descriptions were beautiful and enchanting. It’s been a long time since I read a book this captivating, and the fact it was original! All I can say is well done!
April 24, 2018
Isobel Vanderton is dying though she tries to keep her illness a secret. She's a wealthy heiress, but no suitor has tempted her to marriage yet - until Death appears in the guise of a gentleman.
I had high hopes for this book. The premise sounded interesting with the possibility of a Persephone retelling mixed in with Jack the Ripper. It lost me almost at once with the talk about Denise, her lady, accompanying Isobel to a ball. Confused, I reread and then read on, finally figuring out that Denise was her lady's maid. I'm not sure why Isobel keeps referring to her as her lady or even as Denise (ladies maids were generally referred to by their surnames in Victorian households). I ignored the dialogue which constantly uses modern phrasing though that's the kind of thing that stops me cold when I'm reading. The whole scene at Almack's was ridiculous; Almack's was closed by this point, was only open on Wednesday evenings to those with vouchers, and required extremely formal dress (not what one would wear to a tennis match).
I was glad to see the reference to Erewhon and most of the Ripper parts were correct which made it all the more confusing to me as to why research hadn't been done for the rest of the story. Watching Downton Abbey should have been enough to explain how the servants were supposed to work in a wealthy household. Valets and ladies maids don't answer the front door, for example. Also, the author didn't understand how titles work among the nobility. A gentleman can't inherit the title of Earl from his uncle when his father is still alive, especially if all the names are different and his father is a Baron. A duke is addressed as 'Your Grace' and any dukes in England would be well-known; one can't just appear.
It may seem as if I'm being picky, but each time an anachronism appears, it can take the reader right out of the story. Once in a great while, I'll read a book where I can forgive this because the story is so great, but here it was just a not very interesting love triangle. Isobel is spoiled and not that likable. Devon was just bland. Death was the most compelling character, but too often he seemed to develop some trait just in time to fill a plot hole.
In the end, I found this book disappointing. Other readers may feel differently, but it certainly wasn't for me.
I had high hopes for this book. The premise sounded interesting with the possibility of a Persephone retelling mixed in with Jack the Ripper. It lost me almost at once with the talk about Denise, her lady, accompanying Isobel to a ball. Confused, I reread and then read on, finally figuring out that Denise was her lady's maid. I'm not sure why Isobel keeps referring to her as her lady or even as Denise (ladies maids were generally referred to by their surnames in Victorian households). I ignored the dialogue which constantly uses modern phrasing though that's the kind of thing that stops me cold when I'm reading. The whole scene at Almack's was ridiculous; Almack's was closed by this point, was only open on Wednesday evenings to those with vouchers, and required extremely formal dress (not what one would wear to a tennis match).
I was glad to see the reference to Erewhon and most of the Ripper parts were correct which made it all the more confusing to me as to why research hadn't been done for the rest of the story. Watching Downton Abbey should have been enough to explain how the servants were supposed to work in a wealthy household. Valets and ladies maids don't answer the front door, for example. Also, the author didn't understand how titles work among the nobility. A gentleman can't inherit the title of Earl from his uncle when his father is still alive, especially if all the names are different and his father is a Baron. A duke is addressed as 'Your Grace' and any dukes in England would be well-known; one can't just appear.
It may seem as if I'm being picky, but each time an anachronism appears, it can take the reader right out of the story. Once in a great while, I'll read a book where I can forgive this because the story is so great, but here it was just a not very interesting love triangle. Isobel is spoiled and not that likable. Devon was just bland. Death was the most compelling character, but too often he seemed to develop some trait just in time to fill a plot hole.
In the end, I found this book disappointing. Other readers may feel differently, but it certainly wasn't for me.
November 20, 2017
I have mixed feeling on this story it is a little out there. It is very creative writing with wonderful twist. I would have never thought about having a relation with death who seems to be a really nice guy but very jealous. It was very interesting how death and Jack the Ripper worked out. I liked how Death watched over Isabel when her mother died the only thing she wanted was him to promise he would. I really wanted Death to win the girl and that is really twisted. How can you like someone who takes lives? But then again he just waits for them to die and helps them get to the right side. But that is weird and even scary. The romance is touching, bold and really gothic. I have to say the author really thought this plot out and it is very well written. Looking in a mirror seeing a man there is just more than my mind can think about but falling for a man that deals with death blows it out of the water.
The characters are nice, the author does pull you in, the plot is great I would never have thought of something like this. For me it was interesting but not way over my head. All in all I enjoyed it and glad I read it.
The characters are nice, the author does pull you in, the plot is great I would never have thought of something like this. For me it was interesting but not way over my head. All in all I enjoyed it and glad I read it.
October 30, 2017
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This is my first by Ms Blake
And quite honestly , I was blown away
I found it to be both Macabre and Beautiful
Disturbing and Fantastic
Loving and Destructive
A wonderful piece of writing, that I will revisit and will stay on top of my book list for a long while x
This is my first by Ms Blake
And quite honestly , I was blown away
I found it to be both Macabre and Beautiful
Disturbing and Fantastic
Loving and Destructive
A wonderful piece of writing, that I will revisit and will stay on top of my book list for a long while x
October 28, 2017
In starting to read this story I was not sure what to expect. The reality was intense but also mesmerizing. This is a true gothic tale set in 1888 London, with the main character, Isabel Vanderton feeling she was being haunted. Isabel had lost her mother many years back from a debilitating illness that she herself seems to have inherited. Being the only child of Marcus Vanderton, she is a heiress and is very close to her father. Having been surrounded by suitors who she feels no strong affection, she longs to find love. Her ill health is catching up with her though and she then encounters Death in the form of a very handsome man. I know you are saying Death as a man? He is truly unworldly but takes the form that she can actually see and converse with. This is truly a brilliant story as it weaves through intense emotions, romance included and a mystery to be solved. The characters come alive and the plot thickens as murders begin happening in London and a madman heralded as Jack the Ripper appears. I had no idea how this tale would end with all the twist and turns. But I encourage you to read this excellent story and plan to not forget it for a long time! Well done Josephine Blake and looking forward to reading more from you in the future!!
October 31, 2017
This book captivated me from the first few words of chapter one. Isabel Vanderton has had an illness for quiet some time, and for her it's hard to find a suitor. She has been seeing this man... and felt his presence almost all of her life. Low and behold it's death that has been hanging around. Josephine gives death a personality, feelings,.... a heart. Isabel just don't see them together... hello? he is death! But Isabel told him that she would except her fate and would go willingly. Somewhere in all of this Jack the Ripper is killing all these women and death is there to see it all. Isabel tries to get death to somehow tell who it is but again... he is death how could he? My gosh I just loved this book.. I could not turn the page fast enough. The climax got me like whoa! I was mad then.... I got un-mad because Death got what he wanted in the end.. maybe not how he originally wanted .. but hey I cheered all this on... I mean death should have a HEA! I really loved this book!!!!
November 15, 2017
I didn’t know what to expect from this story but it succeeded in sucking me in and making me cheer for Death, of all things! Not your typical sunshiny romance, which is what makes it all the more endearing. Don't get me wrong - there IS romance! Who would have thought of this angle? Death has a job – Isabel doesn’t care and wants to do the right thing. Jack the Ripper is running wild and causing mayhem and fear! I had never thought anyone could make Death swoon worthy and human, but she does. He is the surprising and satisfactory hero! I love how Isabel isn’t the simpering heroine. She’s strong in character and knows what is right. The dialogue and interaction between the two is engaging and page turning. The suspense builds as you turn the pages and you will find yourself looking over your shoulder! This author made a sparks-flying romance eerily gothic and heart tugging without being scary or at all dull. What a feat! Bookshelf keeper for sure.
November 2, 2017
A Brush With Death
What a truly uniquely captivating story I would recommend everyone to read. The story from beginning to end has so many emotions. Death courting Isabel made me laugh the character was so likeable yet you felt it wrong to feel that way, yet as the story unfolds you begin to see him in a different light in fact it's his job to guide the spirits. Isabel is a very lovable and strong character even though some of her decision are reckless,and the story makes references to Jack the ripper who starked the streets of London murdering young women the twist at the end was brilliant I never for once thought throughout the book that it was this character until the end. I can't wait for the next adventures with Josephine and where she will take us 5 stars yet deserves so many more.
What a truly uniquely captivating story I would recommend everyone to read. The story from beginning to end has so many emotions. Death courting Isabel made me laugh the character was so likeable yet you felt it wrong to feel that way, yet as the story unfolds you begin to see him in a different light in fact it's his job to guide the spirits. Isabel is a very lovable and strong character even though some of her decision are reckless,and the story makes references to Jack the ripper who starked the streets of London murdering young women the twist at the end was brilliant I never for once thought throughout the book that it was this character until the end. I can't wait for the next adventures with Josephine and where she will take us 5 stars yet deserves so many more.
November 4, 2017
I am STILL not sure on how I feel about this book.. I've never read a "gothic" style story before, but was curious after reading about this one. We have Isobel who's clearly dying. Death has been watching her since she was 4 yrs old when he came for her mother and has been slowly falling in love with her. That part of the story I had no problem with. Isobel wasn't afraid of Death or death for that matter. I loved the different aspect of how one handles dying and how our priorities effect our actions. I do like how the story progressed up until the end. Without giving spoilers away, I wasn't happy with the ending. It seemed a bit rushed in places and how the "HEA" came about, I didn't care for. Up until that point I really liked the book, but for the ending it loses a star for me.
September 6, 2018
Love trumps death
Though it may not seem like it, this is a love story. Isabelle is young woman about to be robbed of life all too soon. Death, the dark guardian cursed to spend eternity guiding souls into the light, has discovered that he is capable of feeling. He has watched over Isabelle since she was a very young child. Escorting her mother into the light, she demands his oath to keep her daughter safe. Isabelle is plagued is the same disease a her mother, doomed to death far too soon. Desperately woos her with promise of eternal life with him. When she is violently killed, Death is consumed with rage and desperation as she finally decided Kate's her love for him. He is doomed to continue on alone. Or is he?
Though it may not seem like it, this is a love story. Isabelle is young woman about to be robbed of life all too soon. Death, the dark guardian cursed to spend eternity guiding souls into the light, has discovered that he is capable of feeling. He has watched over Isabelle since she was a very young child. Escorting her mother into the light, she demands his oath to keep her daughter safe. Isabelle is plagued is the same disease a her mother, doomed to death far too soon. Desperately woos her with promise of eternal life with him. When she is violently killed, Death is consumed with rage and desperation as she finally decided Kate's her love for him. He is doomed to continue on alone. Or is he?
October 27, 2017
I usually don't read paranormals or dark books, but I do enjoy Josephine Blake stories, so I thought I would give this one a try. This is a unique portrayal of Death. He is not the Grim Reaper, but an entity who works along with Fate. In this story, he develops human feelings and falls in love with Isabel, who is slowly dying. It is a very intense story, and kept me enthralled.
March 23, 2018
Extremely boring and almost unreadable. Was recommended by an author i like so kept reading thinking it will improve. It simply did not. A completely unbelievable tale in which the author was not able to engage us in a way to make it belevable. I took 4 days to read this while any good book i would normally finish in less than a day.
January 9, 2023
I'm glad I picked this book as my first read of the year, it was an enjoyable reading, I think the author had a great job the the characters personality and development, the plot was interesting but not too elaborate in a way that was perfect to me. The character had a great chemistry, and I personally liked Isabel a lot.
November 23, 2017
I absolutely loved it! I couldn't help but feel sad for Isabel and Death, since they were stuck in an impossible situation. Death is an unlikely hero that I couldn't help but cheer on. Then there is Jack the Ripper who brings more intrigue to the story. I didn't want to put it down.
October 29, 2017
Loved this book
I’m not good at writing . But this book kept me up to read it all the way thur, it’s well written and keeps you going. Can’t wait for more. Thank you
I’m not good at writing . But this book kept me up to read it all the way thur, it’s well written and keeps you going. Can’t wait for more. Thank you
December 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! It was an unusual romance, but wonderfully written! I was really pleased with the attention to historical detail. Highly recommend this book, to everyone!
November 11, 2017
Whimsical entertaining story about Death! Different with lots of imagination ! Rather enjoyed it in spite of Jack !
May 3, 2018
Awesome
I read the second book first lol so then I had to go read the first haha wow I really enjoyed reading both stories! Looking forward to reading more!
I read the second book first lol so then I had to go read the first haha wow I really enjoyed reading both stories! Looking forward to reading more!
February 20, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! Highly recommend it for everyone
September 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
unsatisfying/ unexplained ending but such a unique idea i really enjoyed this one
unsatisfying/ unexplained ending but such a unique idea i really enjoyed this one
October 31, 2017
This author has a very creative, twisted, overwhelming mind. Most people fear Death but can you fall in love with Death?? Not my usual reading style but I loved it. Mystery, heartache, murder and love this story has it all. I highly recommend you read this book. Happy Reading 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews