Josephine Cox (1938–2020)

This book has got some very mixed reviews, including some poor ones; I'm not sure why this is the case unless people picked the book up not knowing what type of book it was. This is essentially a romance book with an element of mystery in it. If you read it from this perspective it is a very enjoyable book! There are multi facets to the story, characters you like and are rooting for, and characters you just hate! It is quite a long story but as with this type of book you know it is going to show more come right in the end. If you are looking for a light enjoyable romance, with an element of mystery thrown in then this could be the book for you, if you are looking for a high brow classic that might win a prestigious award then I would say avoid this one! Overall I enjoyed it and will continue to read books occasionally by Josephine Cox. show less

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 show more 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. show less

This was an interesting audio book to listen to although I do have some misgivings regarding Molly's father Frank toward the end. I just can't believe that such a violent alcoholic man could be redeemed so quickly and completely without some kind of divine intervention or at the very least some serious soul searching. I think that aspect of the story could have been explored more fully. The narrator did a great job with the accents of all the characters and it was well paced. Recommended for show more the historical fiction genre and those who enjoy audio books. show less

Sadness upon sadness.

This is the third of Josephine Cox's novels (also: Lovers and Liars and Born Bad) that I have listened to in abridged audiobook format, and the third one that I have given just three stars to. I find them rather depressing and the target is always a woman who is being treated badly by a man. I wasn't taken with the narrator either, Carol Bond's voice felt patronising and enhanced how cheesy I was finding the story.

Maddy Delaney is the Songbird of the title. She sings in show more a London nightclub run by the sleazy crook, Steve Drayton. She has fallen for him in a big way, but it seems he is just using her until he's ready to move on to his next victim. Things go seriously wrong and she ends up on the run.
There were some lovely people who help her along the way, but she never settles long and the past has a way of catching up with her.

This is a sad story with sadness piling upon sadness, even the ending was only partly satisfying.
I always wonder what I have missed when I listen to abridged audiobooks, were the best bits missing?

I'm aware that Josephine Cox is a popular author, so this is only my own opinion of the book, but I think I will pass my JC books on and make space in my bookshelves for other authors. show less