Blood Brothers

by Josephine Cox

Alice Jacobs has finally found the family she always wanted...

With her shy smile and kind nature, Alice wins the hearts of the Arnold family. A decent and well respected couple, Tom and Nancy Arnold have raised two very different sons, Frank and Joe. Frank is a devious, brutal man. Seeing Alice as the key to his fortune, he is determined to have her for himself. However, his younger brother Joe has fallen in love with Alice, so when she and Frank become engaged to marry, Joe leaves home, determined to put a distance between himself and temptation. He reluctantly returns when Frank summons him to be his best man. Alice finds herself inexplicably drawn to Joe, but feeling it to be her duty, she goes ahead and marries Frank, not wishing to hurt him. On their wedding night Frank shows his true colours and when he forces Alice to reveal a devastating secret, his evil nature reaps a shocking revenge. In his blind hatred, intent on punishing those who have crossed him, Frank plans the final, ultimate retribution. An act that could tear apart not only the Arnold family, but shatter the lives of those around them forever. Unless someone can stop him ...

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Ebooks, Adult

405 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Josephine Cox was born in Blackburn, one of ten children. At the age of sixteen, Josephine met and married her husband Ken, and had two sons. When the boys started school, she decided to go to college and eventually gained a place at university but was unable to take this up as it would have meant living away from home. Instead, she went into teaching – and started to write her first full-length novel. She won the ‘Superwoman of Great Britain’ Award, for which her family had secretly entered her, at the same time as her novel was accepted for publication. She is now a No.1 bestselling author with over 40 books to her name.

She wrote dark psychological thrillers under the name Jane Brindle.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️= Good
Hardback

This started off relatively gentle but soon turned gritty. The characters were fabulous and I was rooting for them all bar one. It was really engaging and I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s so good when you are pleasantly surprised by a book. Especially so in this case as the last book I read by JC was a disappointment.
The only very slight downfall was the rather abrupt ending.

[Alice Bola · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I read a novel that actually made me angry. I’m not talking about the kind of anger that comes from a novel skillfully written which conjures genuine emotions. I’m talking about a different kind of anger that is self-imposed because I could kick myself for investing this much time on Blood Brothers.

I’m hard-pressed to find something positive to write. Right from the beginning, Ms. Cox made Alice so annoying perfect. She’s pretty and kind and free spirited enough that not one, but two brothers instantly fell in love with her. I mean seriously, lambs follow her around. And no, this is not a fairy tale. Alice’s own mother and sister don’t like her and want her out of their lives. I can’t fault them in their feelings. Ms. Cox did her a great disservice by not giving her a flaw. Any flaw.

The story flows quickly, beginning during the preparation of Alice’s wedding to Frank, the bad son. Joe, the good son, returns after a yearlong exodus. Was he looking for adventure? Of course not, he was running away from his budding feelings for his brother’s new girlfriend. Mind you, she’s a woman who within seconds of meeting, he fell madly enough for that he needed to take off in the middle of the night to prevent him from acting on those feelings. His return was to fulfill Frank’s desire to have him stand up at their wedding. Joe also wanted to make sure that Alice was happy. Of course, we all know what happens next. After some shameful behavior, Frank leaves three people for dead. Oh, how the townsfolk tongues’ were wagging with sacks full of gossip.

After pages and pages of scandal, healing and naturally, unfailing love, Ms. Cox tied up the ending. To say it felt rushed is an understatement. Seriously 380 pages of set up in exchange for 20 pages of resolution. I felt a bit robbed, yet thankful that like Alice, my ordeal was finally over. I didn’t feel this incredible love Alice and Joe were suppose to have shared. I believe love like that exists. In a glance or a touch or smile, people connect. That kind of love is fierce, powerful, honest and true. Yet Ms. Cox doesn’t conjure any of that in Alice and Joe. It was as if they made the decision to love, not the fates making the decision for them.

The two shining stars in this novel were Nancy and Tom Arnold. Yes, Tom Arnold. I cracked up a little every time Ms. Cox mentions him by his full name. The one thing she succeeds in is writing an extremely believable romance between this twilight couple. I loved their interactions, how they played off each other. They teased each other and acted exactly how any couple would act after 25+ years of marriage providing that couple genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, of course.

I can’t imagine anyone really enjoying this novel unless it was some hopeless romantic who believes true love will with withstand time and one crazy brother who is hell-bent on seeking revenge.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and found it very hard to put down.

I've read a few novels by Josephine Cox, and find I always thoroughly enjoy them. Her writing style is easy to read, and the stories and characters she creates are always believable. It's easy to get emotionally involved when it comes to her books.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooooh, this reads a little like a V.C. Andrews book, which is fine by me as I quite enjoy the gothic, horror, family saga genre, and oh, doesn’t this take me back to my late teens when I was totally absorbed in those types of novels and it hasn’t changed so I wasn’t surprised that I’d enjoy Blood Brothers.

A dramatic tale and with more than a hint of evil that’s what you’ll find in this novel by Josephine Cox, also supplying an edge of your seat romantic, suspense thrillery ride. Ok, so there was less of the romance and more of the suspense and wait for it…. a whole lot of brutal psychopathic nauseating crazy awaits you in this page-turning novel. Anyone obsessed with these types of stories I’m sure this is for you.

Frank and Joe are in love with Alice. Alice is engaged to Frank. Joe left because of his feelings for Alice and returned a year later to fulfil his brothers wish to have him stand up at their wedding. Nancy and Tom Arnold adore the lovely Alice. Things turn nasty once Frank and Alice are wed.

Joe and Alice are wonderful characters, sweet and kind and pretty much without a flaw. Alice’s mother and sister are jealous, wicked people and Alice didn’t deserve to be treated the way she was by them just because of her sweet and flawless nature.
Frank is an evil, nasty so and so.
I couldn't get enough of Tom and Nancy Arnold, the banter between those two was hilarious, I cracked up every time they spoke to each other.
I wasn’t too impressed with the ending, I felt it was too rushed and I feel that type of sad conclusion wasn’t necessary.

All things considered it was a gripping read and recommended.

#Book Bingo 2018: ‘A book with a yellow cover’ - Blood Brothers by Josephine Cox

[Diane Hartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not like the killing of the one baby.
Sad story

[Helen Gazzara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had seen Josephine Cox books around for years, but had, for some unknown reason, avoided them. Now that I have read this one, I know that my instincts had been not only correct, but in overdrive. How to describe this book? Interestingly, the plot and premise were quite strong, but what let this book down was the cheesy, schmaltzy writing style, especially in the descriptions of the characters, which, despite Ms Cox' best efforts, she still managed to render them as unrelentingly one dimensional. Having spent the bulk of the book waxing lyrical, or not, about the charms or lack thereof, of her characters, she managed, by the skin of her teeth, to send out some extremely loose strings to tether the storylines and send the book screeching to an untimely and highly unbelievable ending ... of sorts.

[minnie’s_booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5

Talk about marrying the wrong brother! What a sick man! This book made me cry, and cry lots. Abuse, neglect and torture on one poor woman who should’ve been with the other brother. Such a good story, holy crap. The only reason this is not a five star for me is because the story did drag on slightly every so often. However, beware for the ending. It is a heartbreaking, yet heartfelt, ending. You will cry. Loved this story so much!

[Maude · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very badly written. Almost every paragraph begins with a present participle. Just as you would expect from a 12 year old who is learning the craft.

[Kunal Ninave · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't go beyond 2nd chapter. Cliched, trivial, very very predictable plot. Waste of time to be honest.

[Annette Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The suspense factor was definitely there but the writing was stereotyped, the plot was too much of a stretch and the characters clichéd. I draw the line too at the kidnapping and murdering of newborn babies. I found that repulsive and unnecessary. The amazing thing was that Josephine Cox made no mention of Alice's reaction to the death of one of her twin babies. That was a major oversight by the writer I thought.

When police are guarding a hospital room, they do not leave the door unattended even for a half hour, to just leave a nurse sitting at her desk to keep an eye out. Again most of the characters in a book would not turn up alongside the police in a man hunt, that would be considered too dangerous and a hinderance. Police would keep civilians well away. Something that annoyed me because in real life it probably wouldn't happen, was that characters spoke their thoughts out loud and gave too much information away to endanger themselves and others.

The book lurched from tragedy to tragedy with only a few events to celebrate. Alice was scarcely a believable character and neither was Frank who overnight went from an occasional psychotic episode in his life to being completely evil, plotting and bonkers. Tom who was a wise, kind man morphed overnight into a rash, embittered, nasty man who didn't blame his insanely psychotic son Frank as he should have done but heaped all the blame on the victim, Alice. Alice's mother and sister were equally unbelievable. They reminded me of Cinderella's step sisters.

I am sure Josephine Cox has the talent and I wanted to like her book but I just didn't.

[Meghann · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a cleverly written, gripping drama then perhaps avoid this book...The plot itself is ok but it takes approximately 100 pages to actually get into the heart of the story- I don’t know whether the author was trying to set the scene or let the reader get to know the characters, but I felt a lot of it was unnecessary repetition and could have been halved. After this point, the story does move along a lot quicker and becomes an enjoyable read, however the reader has to look past some fairly basic writing skills -the main one being that in a lot of cases the plot is furthered/something is explained by the characters speaking out loud to themselves- all of the characters chat away to themselves all the time, sometimes in the presence of other characters without it ever being questioned! There are also a lot page-filling conversations between characters that have no real purpose. I won’t be rushing to read this book again however if you can look past the writing and power through the first 100 pages it was not unenjoyable.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book although I thought the end was a little rushed.

What really annoyed me though was the fact that all the characters had conversations with themselves out loud. Who does that? I talk to myself all the time but not full conversations especially when a person is around who you don't want to know the things you are talking/thinking about.

Case in example - the bargeman - why on earth would he say what he did knowing Frank/Fred was there, lots of times this happened and just made it very unbelievable - but the basic story was quite good.

[Bathsheba Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feels like it was her first ever book as it seemed quite badly written, stilted, too much drama so quite unbelievable, nine of the characters were relatable, no resolution between mother and sister. It got tworse stars cause it did keep me till the end but I mostly skimmed it. Some bits dragged and yet others happened so fast .... like where was the devastation and horror over the baby dying? Too much narrative as well.

[Colette · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had a few redeeming features but was generally uninspiring. The characters were exaggerated and I was unable to relate to any of them. When tragedy piled upon tragedy with no relief, instead of feeling sorrow or sympathy, I just felt irritated. I don't like abandoning books once I have started reading them, but with this particular novel I was sorely tempted.

[Alysha · Rating 1 out of 5]

If AI could write a whole “romance” book this would be it. None of the characters have a pulse. There is no difference in voice or feeling in the book.
I’ll tell you the ending so you don’t waste your time with this book.
The bad guy dies. Good guy gets the girl, and they all lived happily ever after.

[Matthew Hardy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talk about a mixed bag! Plot very exciting if somewhat rushed in parts, but many characters are bland and one-dimensional. Even so it was a midly enjoyable read you don't have to think too hard about.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not at all surprised by the ending, but that's ok.
I found the writing a little stilted, especially at the beginning - and paragons are annoying;) but the story picked up with a bit more action and drama in the later sections.

[Lisa Sunderland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible book. Awfully written. Writes as if writing for children but adult themes. Could have been an OK plot but her story telling killed it. Nearly game up a few times. Bleak very bleak do not reccomend.

[Tracey Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how the story didn't just come to an end. I was hooked until the last page!

[Barbara Gard]

great

[Cheryll · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only got to chapter 2 - terrible

[Deborah Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best part was the last couple of chapters.

[Jane Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read from Josephine Cox.
You really get to know the characters, love them or hate them.
This one has been a journey. One that made me angry and sad.

[bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping story, couldn't put it down. The characters are easy to love.

[Libby Fraser · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay read. Some pretty brutal and hard to read. Felt the end was a bit rushed. Hard to put down at timed, hard to pick it up at times. Overall i enjoyed it.

[Vicki Frenz]

It’s 0 stars from me

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing! However, there was some times in the book where I found myself getting bored of the storyline- but that is purely down to personal preference!

[Νάτσο · Rating 2 out of 5]

shallow characters but overall an enjoyable read if you are in the mood for something to spend your time with without thinking much.

[Vaishnavi Attili · Rating 2 out of 5]

You could make this into one of those dramatic ahh Indian serials and it’ll do well. For those into star crossed lovers type stories, this book would be a good fit. Otherwise, not worth it.

[Andrea at Reading Lark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Posted on Reading Lark 8/12/11: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2011/...

Blood Brothers is a modernized Cain and Able tale in which two brothers in 1950's England are vying for the attention of the same woman, the young and beautiful Alice Jacobs. Written in haunting prose, Blood Brothers seeped into my veins creating a chill that I couldn't shake. The story lived within my head even when the book was not open and I couldn't help but experience the terror along with Alice.

Josephine Cox takes the old story of a forbidden love affair and turns it on its head throwing in family secrets and violence hidden behind handsome features. Joe, the younger brother, can't hide his feelings for Alice - even though she's engaged to his older brother, Frank. As passions ignite and logic is forgotten, Joe and Alice give into their hearts. They could never have guessed the tragedy that would follow because of their one night together. Once Frank learns of the betrayal, he spirals out of control leaving a wake of violence and hate.

Reading this book was an emotional roller coaster for me. I felt the anxiety and fear that all of the characters felt - especially when Frank heads into the fields after he learns about Joe and Alice. Cox has written this story in such a way that you have to know what happens next. There are moments that are so painful you want to look away, but you can't because you are so mesmerized by this plot. My heart broke for Alice and Joe. I hated how the blame for everything was placed at Alice's feet when she was the one who was perhaps hurt the most. Nobody should ever be treated the way Frank treats her. Reading the moments of violence was extremely difficult for me and may be too much for some readers. I can't imagine an evil like that lurking in someone. It's terrifying to even fathom.

My main issue with this book was I hated how many of the characters talked to themselves out loud. So many issues could have been avoided if they had learned the inner monologue trick. Frank flew off the handle countless times for things he overheard. I also didn't like that the book shifted between characters and plot points so frequently. There were moments when I had to reread in order to ground myself in what was happening at that moment because it didn't flow with the previous section.

Cox is an exceptional writer who crafts a story that will linger with you. The battle between revenge and love is one that makes a thrillingly good read. The English setting was also interesting; be prepared to learn lots of new words if you aren't familiar with the jargon.

One Last Gripe: I was really upset by the way Tom treated Alice. She was not the only one who made mistakes. I didn't like how he placed the blame on her when his sons were much more at fault.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: The sense of danger that lurks in every chapter compelling you to read on

First Sentence: Gently cradling the injured bird, he stood on the high ground, his quiet gaze drawn to the field below.

Favorite Character: Alice

Least Favorite Character: Maureen