Review: IndieReader Review
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 18, 2013
Dominic and Spencer Duffy are two brothers who fight constantly and just can't get along.  Unlike Cain and Abel, however, neither sibling is pure evil, or pure good.  In this story, the role of evil incarnate belongs to Des Lynch, formerly known as Lar Mangan.Lar bullied Dominic when they were students at Xavier College, in Dublin, but it was Spencer who put an end to the senseless beatings and saved Dominic's skin - even though Spencer was expelled for his deeds.  Unfortunately, Lar continued to do what he did best, and was convicted of killing a classmate with a "fragile skull."  That criminal past spawns a name change.Years later, Dominic finds employment, and the formidable Des Lynch, neé Lar Mangan, at a media firm.  Dominic soon learns that Des is very driven and has positioned himself to inherit the company, the wealth.  Des dogs Dominic and his mates, but Dominic tolerates his creepy behavior and keeps his dark past a secret because he really needs the Euros, and Des' "unbridled" support.  One week into his new job, it's suddenly Dominic's responsibility to find his brother Spencer who has abandoned his job and lovely wife Emily for Thailand.  What follows is a series of terrible misfortunes, but with a dark force like Des on your side, egging you on, offering you violent solutions and his basement flat, you just know you can emerge victorious.  Right?Sibling rivalry is a gold mine, and to Murray's credit, the brothers share a history that is twisted and complex.  Murray's stark portrayal of Lars/Des, however, makes it very difficult to believe Dominic could ever trust his former abuser and convicted murderer. .BROTHER proves blood is thicker than water, and a whole lot messier.Reviewed by Lucy Wang for IndieReader