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Beaufort & Company #5
Angel Condemned
Representing her Aunt Cissy's fiancé, museum curator Prosper White, in a case of fraud, attorney and celestial advocate Brianna Winston- Beaufort hopes to settle the matter out of court. But when Prosper is murdered and Cissy's arrested for the crime, Bree will have to solve the mystery of the Cross of Justinian-an artifact of interest in both Prosper's lawsuit and Bree's celestial case-to clear her aunt's name...
290 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stanton
58 books320 followersMary Stanton was born in Florida and grew up in Japan and Hawaii, after which she returned to the United States and received a B.A. in Philosophy and Literature from the University of Minnesota.
Stanton’s career as a fiction writer began with the publication of her first novel, The Heavenly Horse from the Outermost West, in 1984. A beast fable similar in tone and theme to Watership Down, it was published in the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. The sequel to that novel, Piper at the Gates, appeared in 1989. She sold her first mystery to The Berkley Publishing Group in 1994.
In all, Stanton has written nineteen mystery novels, two adult fantasy novels, eleven novels for middle-grade readers (including the successful series, The Unicorns of Balinor), and three scripts for a television cartoon series, Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders, as well as edited three short story anthologies. Her nonfiction articles on horse care and veterinary medicine have appeared in national and regional magazines.
Stanton's newest series, The Beaufort & Company Mysteries, was launched in December 2008 with the publication of Defending Angels. Set in Savannah, Georgia, the paranormal mysteries chronicle the adventures of Bree Winston-Beaufort, a young lawyer who inherits her uncle's law firm and its deceased clientele, whom she represents in appeals before the Celestial Court.
The second book in the series, Angel's Advocate, was published in June 2009, followed by Avenging Angels in February 2010.
Mary also publishes the Hemlock Falls and Dr. McKenzie mysteries under the name Claudia Bishop. See the Claudia Bishop web site for more information.
Stanton’s interests outside writing have remained consistent over the years. She is a horsewoman, a goat aficionado, an enthusiastic (if inept) gardener, and a fan of gourmet food, but not an expert. She has developed a writing program for teens and middle grade readers that has had considerable success in schools.
Stanton has been a dedicated reader all her life, with particular emphasis on biography, history, veterinary science, medicine, psychology and current affairs. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.
Stanton’s career as a fiction writer began with the publication of her first novel, The Heavenly Horse from the Outermost West, in 1984. A beast fable similar in tone and theme to Watership Down, it was published in the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. The sequel to that novel, Piper at the Gates, appeared in 1989. She sold her first mystery to The Berkley Publishing Group in 1994.
In all, Stanton has written nineteen mystery novels, two adult fantasy novels, eleven novels for middle-grade readers (including the successful series, The Unicorns of Balinor), and three scripts for a television cartoon series, Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders, as well as edited three short story anthologies. Her nonfiction articles on horse care and veterinary medicine have appeared in national and regional magazines.
Stanton's newest series, The Beaufort & Company Mysteries, was launched in December 2008 with the publication of Defending Angels. Set in Savannah, Georgia, the paranormal mysteries chronicle the adventures of Bree Winston-Beaufort, a young lawyer who inherits her uncle's law firm and its deceased clientele, whom she represents in appeals before the Celestial Court.
The second book in the series, Angel's Advocate, was published in June 2009, followed by Avenging Angels in February 2010.
Mary also publishes the Hemlock Falls and Dr. McKenzie mysteries under the name Claudia Bishop. See the Claudia Bishop web site for more information.
Stanton’s interests outside writing have remained consistent over the years. She is a horsewoman, a goat aficionado, an enthusiastic (if inept) gardener, and a fan of gourmet food, but not an expert. She has developed a writing program for teens and middle grade readers that has had considerable success in schools.
Stanton has been a dedicated reader all her life, with particular emphasis on biography, history, veterinary science, medicine, psychology and current affairs. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 23, 2020
Please let there be another book. This by far was the greatest of the series.
August 5, 2018
This was probably the best in the series. Not everything is resolved, but I don't see any more titles coming out. We finally get more information on what is going on and a glimpse of Bree's future.
August 7, 2018
A bit disappointing.
I feel the ending of the series was a bit flat. The series characters were tied up loosely and did not satisfy as they did in the earlier books. I am sorry to see the end of the storylines.
I feel the ending of the series was a bit flat. The series characters were tied up loosely and did not satisfy as they did in the earlier books. I am sorry to see the end of the storylines.
October 10, 2018
Sad to see the last of this series- judging by the copyright I'm guessing there might not be any more coming. This one wrapped up a few things so I feel I had a little bit of closure. But I'm hoping somewhere there might be another...
January 12, 2024
The fifth installment
The characters remain the same, but the storytelling in this one feels forced. It does feel like an ending to the series. There are some minor editing goofs in this one that many will not notice and which do not defer from the story.
The characters remain the same, but the storytelling in this one feels forced. It does feel like an ending to the series. There are some minor editing goofs in this one that many will not notice and which do not defer from the story.
May 22, 2017
was ok.
October 14, 2017
Sadly, the final book in the series. :(
March 31, 2018
It feels unfinished .. it was just getting really good by the end.
June 9, 2025
So, it seems this was the final book? Huh. I still have questions. The end felt abrupt and really rushed even with the epi.
July 2, 2017
Angel Condemned by Mary Stanton is the fifth in a cozy paranormal mystery series called Beaufort and Company. In this installment we have an ancient artifact that may be a key to one of the gates of hell, a murder and a case that can be linked back to Brianna’s mother Leah. This suspenseful novel was delightful and I loved re-visiting all the unique and colorful characters.
Brianna Winston-Beaufort has recently opened two law firms in Savannah, Georgia. She inherited the practices from her Uncle Frank. The first office is located in a beautiful old office building on Bay Street. She has hired a spunky secretary who works part-time while obtaining her GED. She plans to go to college to become a Para-legal. Here Brianna deals with temporal cases or cases involving living clients. Brianna’s second office is located in a house on Angelus Street. This office is surrounded by a cemetery. Here Brianna’s staff consists of angels. This is her celestial office and she deals with souls who believe they have been wrongly condemned to hell. A lot of times the two cases are connected. Since opening her doors, Brianna and her staff have solved four murders for her temporal office and reduced or eliminated the sentences for four souls. All of this occurs because she and her staff are forced to act as detectives to solve the celestial cases. Because of the nature of her work, she has been provided a lot of heavenly help. She has a loving dog named Sasha who can communicate and warn her. Vicious guard dogs, her staff and an Arch Angel who appears when she is in grave danger.
In this novel, Brianna’s Aunt Cissy wants her to represent her fiance in a lawsuit regarding a magazine. This case is anything but simple, when the fiance is murdered with Aunt Cissy’s kitchen knife. Then an old artifact surfaces with a soul condemned to spend eternity in hell. Brianna has been burning the wick at both ends, and these two cases may be more then she can handle. The tale that unfolds is interesting with twists and turns.
The characters in Stanton’s novel are delightfully southern and each unique. I always enjoy their interactions. Brianna’s family would give me a headache with their meddling ways, but they love Brianna. Stanton does a wonderful job of describing Savannah and the buildings there. The celestial court, Brianna's role and the cases are all fascinating and Stanton's attention to detail is appreciated.
Brianna Winston-Beaufort has recently opened two law firms in Savannah, Georgia. She inherited the practices from her Uncle Frank. The first office is located in a beautiful old office building on Bay Street. She has hired a spunky secretary who works part-time while obtaining her GED. She plans to go to college to become a Para-legal. Here Brianna deals with temporal cases or cases involving living clients. Brianna’s second office is located in a house on Angelus Street. This office is surrounded by a cemetery. Here Brianna’s staff consists of angels. This is her celestial office and she deals with souls who believe they have been wrongly condemned to hell. A lot of times the two cases are connected. Since opening her doors, Brianna and her staff have solved four murders for her temporal office and reduced or eliminated the sentences for four souls. All of this occurs because she and her staff are forced to act as detectives to solve the celestial cases. Because of the nature of her work, she has been provided a lot of heavenly help. She has a loving dog named Sasha who can communicate and warn her. Vicious guard dogs, her staff and an Arch Angel who appears when she is in grave danger.
In this novel, Brianna’s Aunt Cissy wants her to represent her fiance in a lawsuit regarding a magazine. This case is anything but simple, when the fiance is murdered with Aunt Cissy’s kitchen knife. Then an old artifact surfaces with a soul condemned to spend eternity in hell. Brianna has been burning the wick at both ends, and these two cases may be more then she can handle. The tale that unfolds is interesting with twists and turns.
The characters in Stanton’s novel are delightfully southern and each unique. I always enjoy their interactions. Brianna’s family would give me a headache with their meddling ways, but they love Brianna. Stanton does a wonderful job of describing Savannah and the buildings there. The celestial court, Brianna's role and the cases are all fascinating and Stanton's attention to detail is appreciated.
December 9, 2011
Angel Condemned
By: Mary Stanton
Copyright November 2011
Publisher Berkeley Prime Crime
Reluctantly agreeing to defend museum curator Prosper White, her Aunt Cissy’s fiancé in a case of fraud, Bree hopes to settle the matter out of court. When Prosper is murdered on the steps of the Frazier Museum, Bree discovers that Aunt Cissy is the only one who found her fiancé engaging.
Cissy is arrested for the crime, and to clear her aunt’s name, Bree must solve the mystery of the Cross of Justinian, an artifact of great interest to the multiple suspects who wanted Prosper dead. The Cross is also a crucial piece of evidence in Bree’s newest celestial case, a case that threatens her mortal family as well as her very existence.
Bree is definitely NOT a happy camper. Her Aunt’s Fiancé (who is not liked by anyone in the family) is being sued and she is forced into defending him. She finds herself also being contacted by a new celestial case which turns out to be connected to her mundane case and the hole she’s fallen into just keeps getting deeper and deeper.
While her celestial office staff and do their stuff, unless it directly affects the well being of Bree they can’t get involved in the mundane. Guess what? Bree’s complete compliment of staff, plus walk ons will be coming across your pages. Bree is going to be stretching herself to the limit in this case. In fact this one case is going to be more trouble than all her other cases to date rolled into one.
It’s another roller coaster ride and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that. I totally expect everyone to find this a great read, and a wonderful investment of your reading time.
FTC Full Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the Brooklyn Public Library System for the purposes of writing this review.
By: Mary Stanton
Copyright November 2011
Publisher Berkeley Prime Crime
Reluctantly agreeing to defend museum curator Prosper White, her Aunt Cissy’s fiancé in a case of fraud, Bree hopes to settle the matter out of court. When Prosper is murdered on the steps of the Frazier Museum, Bree discovers that Aunt Cissy is the only one who found her fiancé engaging.
Cissy is arrested for the crime, and to clear her aunt’s name, Bree must solve the mystery of the Cross of Justinian, an artifact of great interest to the multiple suspects who wanted Prosper dead. The Cross is also a crucial piece of evidence in Bree’s newest celestial case, a case that threatens her mortal family as well as her very existence.
Bree is definitely NOT a happy camper. Her Aunt’s Fiancé (who is not liked by anyone in the family) is being sued and she is forced into defending him. She finds herself also being contacted by a new celestial case which turns out to be connected to her mundane case and the hole she’s fallen into just keeps getting deeper and deeper.
While her celestial office staff and do their stuff, unless it directly affects the well being of Bree they can’t get involved in the mundane. Guess what? Bree’s complete compliment of staff, plus walk ons will be coming across your pages. Bree is going to be stretching herself to the limit in this case. In fact this one case is going to be more trouble than all her other cases to date rolled into one.
It’s another roller coaster ride and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that. I totally expect everyone to find this a great read, and a wonderful investment of your reading time.
FTC Full Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the Brooklyn Public Library System for the purposes of writing this review.
August 9, 2013
I was a little disappointed with the last book in this series, but wanted to give it one more try, because I love the creativity of the premise, and the characters were really fun to read about. This book brought me back to loving the series!
Bree is still recovering - emotionally, if not physically - from the accident in which her leg was broken. She's also still trying to figure out how to balance her role as a celestial advocate representing damned souls who want to appeal their sentences, with having a real life and family responsibilities.
When Brianna's aunt Cissy asks her to represent Cissy's fiancé in a fraud case, Bree would rather not, since Prosper White - the fiancé - is a condescending, arrogant boor of a man. But she agrees, because, well, it's family!
But then, White is murdered on the steps of the museum where he was set to show a special exhibit before Bree can even start the paperwork on his case. Very shortly afterwards, aunt Cissy is arrested for the murder and Bree has to scramble to find the real murderer so Cissy doesn't end up in jail.
At the same time, Bree is discovering more about her role as a celestial advocate, her angelic staff, and what the implications of the role will be for her over the long-term. Bree also has to make some tough decisions in this installment of the series.
I really do love the characters in this series, and the premise of a celestial court with its own rules, is really interesting and clever. Some of the issues I had with the last book were resolved through the plot of this book, and where the character of Bree was taken. I will definitely read any future books in this series. Recommended for people who enjoy light, fun paranormal stories with a mystery/legal twist and subtle Southern humour and flavour. No sex, and only brief mentions of violence that are mild.
Bree is still recovering - emotionally, if not physically - from the accident in which her leg was broken. She's also still trying to figure out how to balance her role as a celestial advocate representing damned souls who want to appeal their sentences, with having a real life and family responsibilities.
When Brianna's aunt Cissy asks her to represent Cissy's fiancé in a fraud case, Bree would rather not, since Prosper White - the fiancé - is a condescending, arrogant boor of a man. But she agrees, because, well, it's family!
But then, White is murdered on the steps of the museum where he was set to show a special exhibit before Bree can even start the paperwork on his case. Very shortly afterwards, aunt Cissy is arrested for the murder and Bree has to scramble to find the real murderer so Cissy doesn't end up in jail.
At the same time, Bree is discovering more about her role as a celestial advocate, her angelic staff, and what the implications of the role will be for her over the long-term. Bree also has to make some tough decisions in this installment of the series.
I really do love the characters in this series, and the premise of a celestial court with its own rules, is really interesting and clever. Some of the issues I had with the last book were resolved through the plot of this book, and where the character of Bree was taken. I will definitely read any future books in this series. Recommended for people who enjoy light, fun paranormal stories with a mystery/legal twist and subtle Southern humour and flavour. No sex, and only brief mentions of violence that are mild.
February 8, 2014
‘Beaufort & Company’ was in drought of etherealness and information; its development sluggish. “Angel’s Condemned” is more like it! I came closest to bestowing four stars. For once a case directly leads to Heavenly issues: a cataclysmic encounter and at very long last; a surreal vista beyond our plane. It’s awe-inspiring but occurs with brevity. When some authors, like Susan Wittig Albert, reach the crux of much-touted subject matter and it can be revved up no further; they grow shy about the explosion we’ve awaited and it’s restrained. In her ‘Cottage Tales’, it takes 5 or 6 books for Beatrix to kiss Will but it’s off-scene. We finally look upstairs in Lavinia’s house but don’t see any animals?
Bree might have occasion to see her Mother but they mustn’t speak and even that momentous experience is described in an aside to someone else. Of all the pages taken up with petty banter by Ron, Payton, Antonia, Bree’s parents, aunt, and false starts with Sam; can’t these authors reward us by showing the parts we want to see? Many of us have endured those excess pages for the sake of seeing them and are unrequited in that regard. The surreal battle is almost frightening and the professor’s meeting is educational like never before. We understand who’s who, which should have been covered by volume two and this scope of celestial clash, by volume three. The doses we’ve been fed were too small and when the back story itself has sparked, the series is concluding.
Mary’s idea about an artifact identified by Leah, involving her for a change, is great. The parts glued together weakly. Sissy’s fiancé was unnecessary, the spirit garnered no interest, and there were too many clients. What I loved best is the warrior might that Lavinia shows us.
Bree might have occasion to see her Mother but they mustn’t speak and even that momentous experience is described in an aside to someone else. Of all the pages taken up with petty banter by Ron, Payton, Antonia, Bree’s parents, aunt, and false starts with Sam; can’t these authors reward us by showing the parts we want to see? Many of us have endured those excess pages for the sake of seeing them and are unrequited in that regard. The surreal battle is almost frightening and the professor’s meeting is educational like never before. We understand who’s who, which should have been covered by volume two and this scope of celestial clash, by volume three. The doses we’ve been fed were too small and when the back story itself has sparked, the series is concluding.
Mary’s idea about an artifact identified by Leah, involving her for a change, is great. The parts glued together weakly. Sissy’s fiancé was unnecessary, the spirit garnered no interest, and there were too many clients. What I loved best is the warrior might that Lavinia shows us.
December 28, 2011
Brianna Winston-Beaufort has two law practices. The "temporal" office, the one that pays the bills, is located in an office building on Savannah's Bay Street. The celestial office is located in a house on Angelus Street, and can only be found by Bree and the Company who work there with her, and perhaps the occasional client.
The staff and clients of the Angelus office are not living humans. The staff are what is commonly known as angels, while the clients are the souls of the dead who believe they've been wrongly condemned to Hell.
In this, the fifth installment in the series, Bree's aunt asks her to represent her fiancé Prosper White. Prosper is being sued by an antiques dealer for allegedly stealing a valuable magazine cover for a museum display. Bree hopes to settle out of court, but before she has a chance to do much, Prosper is murdered and Cissy is the prime suspect, although there is no shortage of people who disliked Prosper.
Meanwhile, Bree is trying to ignore the summons of a celestial client, who also claims to have been wronged by Prosper as well as Allard Chambers, the antique dealer.
Mary Stanton has created a believable protagonist in Bree, who understands the task she has inherited, but sometimes wants to decline, and is always frustrated by bureaucracy, whether temporal or celestial. And although all the elements of a horror story are here: evil attorneys opposing Bree, mirrors that reflect demons and paintings that portray reality, this is not a frightening tale.
Rather, the philosophy underlying this unputdownable book, that there is someone working to correct divine mistakes, is a comfort.
The staff and clients of the Angelus office are not living humans. The staff are what is commonly known as angels, while the clients are the souls of the dead who believe they've been wrongly condemned to Hell.
In this, the fifth installment in the series, Bree's aunt asks her to represent her fiancé Prosper White. Prosper is being sued by an antiques dealer for allegedly stealing a valuable magazine cover for a museum display. Bree hopes to settle out of court, but before she has a chance to do much, Prosper is murdered and Cissy is the prime suspect, although there is no shortage of people who disliked Prosper.
Meanwhile, Bree is trying to ignore the summons of a celestial client, who also claims to have been wronged by Prosper as well as Allard Chambers, the antique dealer.
Mary Stanton has created a believable protagonist in Bree, who understands the task she has inherited, but sometimes wants to decline, and is always frustrated by bureaucracy, whether temporal or celestial. And although all the elements of a horror story are here: evil attorneys opposing Bree, mirrors that reflect demons and paintings that portray reality, this is not a frightening tale.
Rather, the philosophy underlying this unputdownable book, that there is someone working to correct divine mistakes, is a comfort.
December 20, 2011
If you enjoy a good mystery with a paranormal edge, Mary Stanton’s the Beaufort & Company mysteries are the books to read. Angel Condemned is a tasty little morsel giving the reader a little more insight into the personal life of Attorney to the Dead, Bree Beaufort and her family. In this episode, Bree’s Aunt Cissy is engaged to Proper White, an art dealer. Prosper is being sued and Cissy will not abide anyone other than Bree handling his case. However, Prosper has many secrets that will soon come to life when he is murdered.
During the investigation, Bree and Det. Sam Hunter must put their budding relationship on hold in order to avoid the accusation of conflict of interest. This nearly broke my heart because I really wanted to read more about them and I will confess that I stomped about like a spoiled child because I could not get many Hunter/Bree smooches. However, Mary Stanton is a smart writer and knows that their relationship could not be a central issue at this time in the series. Many secrets will be revealed, Bree’s emotional balance will be rocked to its’ core and a beloved character will die. Additionally, there is a new bad guy who is truly evil; so much so, he gave me the shivers.
I loved this book and this series. Unfortunately, there was a certain feeling of finality with this book. I hope I am wrong and that there will be many more.
During the investigation, Bree and Det. Sam Hunter must put their budding relationship on hold in order to avoid the accusation of conflict of interest. This nearly broke my heart because I really wanted to read more about them and I will confess that I stomped about like a spoiled child because I could not get many Hunter/Bree smooches. However, Mary Stanton is a smart writer and knows that their relationship could not be a central issue at this time in the series. Many secrets will be revealed, Bree’s emotional balance will be rocked to its’ core and a beloved character will die. Additionally, there is a new bad guy who is truly evil; so much so, he gave me the shivers.
I loved this book and this series. Unfortunately, there was a certain feeling of finality with this book. I hope I am wrong and that there will be many more.
November 23, 2011
The 5th Novel in the series of Beaufort & Co. mystery series, readable as a standalone but if the previous ones are read it will bring greater knowledge of the characters.
Brianna Winston-Beaufort (Bree) an attorney that held two offices, one for mortals and one for the celestial court which was inherited from her family predecessor down to her.
On this installment, she finds herself bound to represent her aunt and her soon to be husband, which the whole family feels is using her, in a suit for the misappropriation of a relic. The case turn from bad to worse when it becomes a murder of the fiancee and the prime suspect is her aunt Cissy.
Digging for facts, she finds that this case is connected to the one she has been trying to avoid representing in the Celestial Court. Once the unexpected family ties are discovered, it becomes impossible for her to renounce becoming the advocate for the soul in question. With the help of her heavenly staff of Angels and her bravery and determination she uncovers the mystery behind the artifact that entwined these cases in both realms and with that also facts and more history behind her real mother.
A thrilling mystery with a mix of paranormal, angels and earthly crime to complement this great tale and make a great read.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
Brianna Winston-Beaufort (Bree) an attorney that held two offices, one for mortals and one for the celestial court which was inherited from her family predecessor down to her.
On this installment, she finds herself bound to represent her aunt and her soon to be husband, which the whole family feels is using her, in a suit for the misappropriation of a relic. The case turn from bad to worse when it becomes a murder of the fiancee and the prime suspect is her aunt Cissy.
Digging for facts, she finds that this case is connected to the one she has been trying to avoid representing in the Celestial Court. Once the unexpected family ties are discovered, it becomes impossible for her to renounce becoming the advocate for the soul in question. With the help of her heavenly staff of Angels and her bravery and determination she uncovers the mystery behind the artifact that entwined these cases in both realms and with that also facts and more history behind her real mother.
A thrilling mystery with a mix of paranormal, angels and earthly crime to complement this great tale and make a great read.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
November 14, 2011
Angel"s Condemned is the fifth book in A Beaufort and Company Mystery series.
Brianna (Bree) Winston-Beaufort, against her better judgment agrees to represent her Aunt Cissy's future husband, Prosper White, in a fraud case. White has been accused of fraudulently obtaining a magazine that he has on display in the Frazier Museum. The person bringing the suit is Allard Chambers. White was responsible for Chamber losing his, and also his wife's, professor's jobs.
As White is about to begin a speech on the steps of the Frazier Museum, a group of protesters is forming and suddenly White is stabbed to death. the weapon uses is a knife from Aunt Cissy's kitchen.
Chambers and White, in the past had involved in illegally obtaining rare artifacts and this is really what has been the problem. In an earlier dig a young is drowns in the ocean during a storm. Bree learns that this drowning and White's murder seem to be tied together.
Bree must defend the young man who drowned before the Celestial Court before she loses any members of her family. Stanton skillfully weaves the Celestial Court into the rest of the book and makes it all believable.
This is a very enjoyable series, written around a great cast of characters.
Fred
Brianna (Bree) Winston-Beaufort, against her better judgment agrees to represent her Aunt Cissy's future husband, Prosper White, in a fraud case. White has been accused of fraudulently obtaining a magazine that he has on display in the Frazier Museum. The person bringing the suit is Allard Chambers. White was responsible for Chamber losing his, and also his wife's, professor's jobs.
As White is about to begin a speech on the steps of the Frazier Museum, a group of protesters is forming and suddenly White is stabbed to death. the weapon uses is a knife from Aunt Cissy's kitchen.
Chambers and White, in the past had involved in illegally obtaining rare artifacts and this is really what has been the problem. In an earlier dig a young is drowns in the ocean during a storm. Bree learns that this drowning and White's murder seem to be tied together.
Bree must defend the young man who drowned before the Celestial Court before she loses any members of her family. Stanton skillfully weaves the Celestial Court into the rest of the book and makes it all believable.
This is a very enjoyable series, written around a great cast of characters.
Fred
November 11, 2025
I love this series of books - and they just keep getting better.
In this one, Bree Winston-Beaufort's aunt Cissy has become involved with a man none of the family like or approve of. Prosper White is a small-time museum operator who has charmed Cissy and gets her to make out a will in his favor as he makes out his in her favor. There is a big stir when Dr Allard Chambers, a former archeologist, files suit claiming a magazine he is using for his exhibit was improperly obtained. Bree reluctantly agrees to represent Prosper in the suit. She goes to see Allard Chambers at his antique store and he tosses a cross at her that he says is the fake he got back from Prosper after the real one is sent to White to verify it. When she gets it home, a wisp of smoke comes out of it and Scholfield Martin appears in her mirror asking her to take his case of appeal in the Celestial Courts.
Bree is unhappy about this because the case appears to be linked in some way to her aunt. She does not want her family involved in these cases. Then Beazley, an opponent from Celestial Courts, turns up dead - very dead, unpleasantly dead.
In this one, Bree Winston-Beaufort's aunt Cissy has become involved with a man none of the family like or approve of. Prosper White is a small-time museum operator who has charmed Cissy and gets her to make out a will in his favor as he makes out his in her favor. There is a big stir when Dr Allard Chambers, a former archeologist, files suit claiming a magazine he is using for his exhibit was improperly obtained. Bree reluctantly agrees to represent Prosper in the suit. She goes to see Allard Chambers at his antique store and he tosses a cross at her that he says is the fake he got back from Prosper after the real one is sent to White to verify it. When she gets it home, a wisp of smoke comes out of it and Scholfield Martin appears in her mirror asking her to take his case of appeal in the Celestial Courts.
Bree is unhappy about this because the case appears to be linked in some way to her aunt. She does not want her family involved in these cases. Then Beazley, an opponent from Celestial Courts, turns up dead - very dead, unpleasantly dead.
December 6, 2011
Bree Winston-Beaufort is a busy lawyer. Bree has two practices and in this book they merge. The Bay Street office is for Temporals and civil law. Bree has only one assistant, EB, and she is clever beyond her learning. Bree needs this firm to pay the bills and support her while she runs the other office on Angelus Street pro bono, but with the aid of Angels. Angelus Street office is Bree's firm for trying cases by the Celestial Court.
Bree's adoptive Auntie, Cissy's Fiance is Prosper White, and he is being sued over a magazine cover being used in a museum show. Bree's family, and herself, feel uneasy about Aunt Cissy's choice. The fact that she is paying the bills is only one reason. The fact that the man suing Prosper has in his possession a Justinian cross that has a soul attached to it that is asking Bree's help in repealing his sentence by the Celestial Court.
Take time to read this book as the layers contained in what sounds like a simple paranormal mystery is many and they are thought provoking.
This is an excellent series and I eagerly await the next installment.
Bree's adoptive Auntie, Cissy's Fiance is Prosper White, and he is being sued over a magazine cover being used in a museum show. Bree's family, and herself, feel uneasy about Aunt Cissy's choice. The fact that she is paying the bills is only one reason. The fact that the man suing Prosper has in his possession a Justinian cross that has a soul attached to it that is asking Bree's help in repealing his sentence by the Celestial Court.
Take time to read this book as the layers contained in what sounds like a simple paranormal mystery is many and they are thought provoking.
This is an excellent series and I eagerly await the next installment.
July 16, 2012
This was by far the best one in the series. Bree has done everything in her power to keep her family safely in the dark about what she does at the Angelus Street office, but with this newest case, that won't be so easy. Cissy is engaged, and when her fiance Prosper White is served papers who does Cissy run to? Only the BEST lawyer in Sanannah, her niece Brianna Winston-Beaufort. Bree really doesn't want to take on this case, but can't turn it down. While trying to get background into Prosper and Allard Chambers (the man sueing Prosper), she meets her newest client through the Celestial Court system.
In this book, you will get to find out more about the painting The rise of the Cormorant, how the company works, the different level of the sphere, and about Leah. With all the secrets revealed in this book, it could be the last of the series. However, it was also left in a way, that there could be more. I will be watching, because I would certainly like to see how Bree handles the next phase of her life.
In this book, you will get to find out more about the painting The rise of the Cormorant, how the company works, the different level of the sphere, and about Leah. With all the secrets revealed in this book, it could be the last of the series. However, it was also left in a way, that there could be more. I will be watching, because I would certainly like to see how Bree handles the next phase of her life.
June 20, 2016
When I saw this book in my unread file I couldn't remember why I'd stopped after the previous book in the series. After all, there was just one book left, and I didn't dislike them, even if I thought they were flawed. I remembered soon after that the previous book had left a bad taste in my mouth, but despite the similar rating I actually enjoyed this one more. It tied its threads together better and the actions necessary to drive the plot didn't feel as forced. But what it did was have way too many balls in the air for its length, and none of them really got the attention it deserved. The Caldecott and Beazly angle disappeared for a while, then once Cissy was abruptly freed she virtually drops out of the story, not to mention the fact that while the celestial case might be wrapped up, the mortal case was left hanging. There were moments that played well but they were divorced from one another.
November 7, 2013
Angel Condemned was definitely an improvement on the previous book in the series. I left quite a while before reading this one as I found that Bree had become quite annoying. She never ate, was always tired, looked terrible, etc. but still looked beautiful... I was beginning to think that perhaps the author might have n eating disorder! However, in this book Bree eats several times and looks much healthier. There are still a lot of references to her looks which are a bit unnecessary as it's book 5.
The mystery is solved and wrapped up a touch too fast. Bree's relationship with Hunter is barely mentioned, which is a shame and Hunter is not really even in this book except for a few moments. Never-the-less I did like this one more as there was a lot less soul searching (pardon the pun) and more of a can do attitude.
The mystery is solved and wrapped up a touch too fast. Bree's relationship with Hunter is barely mentioned, which is a shame and Hunter is not really even in this book except for a few moments. Never-the-less I did like this one more as there was a lot less soul searching (pardon the pun) and more of a can do attitude.
July 28, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
November 13, 2011
This series started out likeable, but annoying because the main character was kept in the dark and it didn't seem to occur to her to demand answers about her fate. But that has largely been taken care of in each of the subsequent books and this has become one of my favourite series. This book had a great plot, which I found really interesting, and it was intricate enough that I didn't guess the murderer until I was supposed to. I really hope Ms. Stanton continues with this series, I've come to really look forward to each new book.
August 22, 2012
I really enjoyed this mystery with a paranormal twist. Despite not having read the previous 4 books in the series (I won a copy of the book from the blog The Qwillery), I was easily able to follow along with the secondary characters, and I liked how the mystery played out. I would have liked a bit more information about the resolution of the case (plans are set in motion and the assumption is that they will be approved?), but otherwise I felt this was a solid mystery.
April 12, 2013
Representing her Aunt Cissy's fiancé, museum curator Prosper White, in a case of fraud, attorney and celestial advocate Brianna Winston- Beaufort hopes to settle the matter out of court. But when Prosper is murdered and Cissy's arrested for the crime, Bree will have to solve the mystery of the Cross of Justinian-an artifact of interest in both Prosper's lawsuit and Bree's celestial case-to clear her aunt's name...
November 14, 2011
Mary Stanton has created a real winner with her Beaufort & Co. series! Brianna Winston-Beaufort is a lawyer, in both the mortal world as well as the litigious temporal world between Heaven and Hell. With each progressive book in the series the characters become more endearing, and the stories more intriguing. I absolutely love them! Great job Mary!!!!
November 8, 2011
Loved this newest entry in the Beaufort & Company mystery series. Bree is once again working on both celestial and temporal cases. This time they are connected by an ancient artifact and someone special. A good mystery and more details on the celestial hierarchy. A bittersweet ending leaves the reader wanting more.
August 24, 2012
The world Mary Stanton created here has blossomed fully with this last volume. I find myself wondering what is happening to each character as the books evolves. When tragedy befalls one character you feel for that character and Bree the protagonist. I am definitely waiting for the next volume with anticipation.
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