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The Advocate #17
The Advocate's Quandary
Attorney Sabre Brown's heart races as she struggles to free herself and her young client, Eli, from the crushing weight of debris caused by a catastrophic earthquake. In the midst of their fight for survival, Sabre realizes they are being hunted, but she can't tell if it's her or Eli they are after.
A few weeks earlier, Sabre took on Eli's case and uncovered a web of corruption within the system, a missing sister, and a suspicious death. With the help of her partner, JP, a skilled private investigator, Sabre races against time to reveal the truth. But as the walls close in around them - both literally and figuratively - Sabre must do everything in her power to shield Eli from those who will stop at nothing to keep their dark secrets buried forever.
A few weeks earlier, Sabre took on Eli's case and uncovered a web of corruption within the system, a missing sister, and a suspicious death. With the help of her partner, JP, a skilled private investigator, Sabre races against time to reveal the truth. But as the walls close in around them - both literally and figuratively - Sabre must do everything in her power to shield Eli from those who will stop at nothing to keep their dark secrets buried forever.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2024
106 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Burrell
35 books430 followersTeresa Burrell maintained a private law practice where her work focused on abused minors. She has received several awards for her countless hours of pro bono work with children and their families. Burrell has also enjoyed a satisfying career as a teacher, working with children of all ages with diverse backgrounds and special needs. Now in semi-retirement, Burrell continues to educate groups about social issues impacting children and write novels, many of which are inspired by actual cases.
She has written 22 mystery novels: 17 in The Advocate Series, 4 in the Tuper Mystery Series, and one standalone, co-authored with LJ Sellers.
She has written 22 mystery novels: 17 in The Advocate Series, 4 in the Tuper Mystery Series, and one standalone, co-authored with LJ Sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 22, 2024
Attorney and child advocate Sabre Brown is thwarted from every angle as she attempts to take care of a family of four siblings. Each child has been placed with a different family, contrary to established policy, and she gets the runaround from the department of children’s services as she tries to find out why. In the midst of this, a catastrophic earthquake levels southern California, trapping Sabre and one of those children, Eli, in the rubble. A few weeks earlier, Sabre took on Eli's case and uncovered a web of corruption within the child welfare system, a missing sister, and a suspicious death. With the help of her partner, JP, a skilled private investigator, Sabre fights to reveal the truth.
Sabre works tirelessly to reunite the family, going the extra mile and doing the hard things even when they might be at a personal cost. I particularly appreciate the relationship between her and JP. He never poo-poohs her work, but rather supports her and trusts her instincts. I’m amazed they can spend that much time together and still like each other at the end of the day. Another thing I like is that they both treat everyone who comes across their path with respect, even when those people are wacky.
This is possibly the best entry in this series. As always, the writing is tight, the pacing and plotting perfection, the characters multi-layered, and the legal aspects spot on. I have loved every entry in this series, but this one really caught my attention. There was lots of action, emotional peaks and valleys, a darn good story, and a hopeful ending. Maybe everyone didn’t get what they wanted, but they had a safe place to fall and hope for the future. You could read this series out of order, as the author does an excellent job of filling in the backstories. I hope to see many more books in The Advocate series.
Sabre works tirelessly to reunite the family, going the extra mile and doing the hard things even when they might be at a personal cost. I particularly appreciate the relationship between her and JP. He never poo-poohs her work, but rather supports her and trusts her instincts. I’m amazed they can spend that much time together and still like each other at the end of the day. Another thing I like is that they both treat everyone who comes across their path with respect, even when those people are wacky.
This is possibly the best entry in this series. As always, the writing is tight, the pacing and plotting perfection, the characters multi-layered, and the legal aspects spot on. I have loved every entry in this series, but this one really caught my attention. There was lots of action, emotional peaks and valleys, a darn good story, and a hopeful ending. Maybe everyone didn’t get what they wanted, but they had a safe place to fall and hope for the future. You could read this series out of order, as the author does an excellent job of filling in the backstories. I hope to see many more books in The Advocate series.
November 30, 2024
Teresa Burrell's The Advocate’s Quandary is yet another captivating installment in her much-loved Advocate series. Known for her riveting legal thrillers featuring the sharp and compassionate attorney Sabre Brown, Burrell delivers a well-crafted narrative that blends courtroom drama, personal stakes, and a touch of suspense.
The story kicks off with Sabre navigating a complex legal case that tests her ethics and perseverance. As always, Burrell weaves an intricate plot with realistic legal intricacies and emotionally resonant characters. Sabre's unwavering dedication to justice and her ability to handle the pressures of a flawed system make her a protagonist worth rooting for.
Burrell’s writing shines through her meticulous attention to detail, making the legal proceedings both accessible and engaging to readers who may not be familiar with the courtroom setting. Beyond the legal drama, The Advocate’s Quandary also delves into Sabre’s personal life, adding depth to her character and enriching the overall narrative.
The pacing is brisk, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the mystery alongside Sabre. The ethical dilemmas she faces, combined with the stakes involved, create a thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the final page.
Fans of legal thrillers and courtroom dramas will find The Advocate’s Quandary a compelling read. Teresa Burrell continues to prove her mastery of the genre with this thought-provoking and emotionally engaging novel.
The story kicks off with Sabre navigating a complex legal case that tests her ethics and perseverance. As always, Burrell weaves an intricate plot with realistic legal intricacies and emotionally resonant characters. Sabre's unwavering dedication to justice and her ability to handle the pressures of a flawed system make her a protagonist worth rooting for.
Burrell’s writing shines through her meticulous attention to detail, making the legal proceedings both accessible and engaging to readers who may not be familiar with the courtroom setting. Beyond the legal drama, The Advocate’s Quandary also delves into Sabre’s personal life, adding depth to her character and enriching the overall narrative.
The pacing is brisk, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the mystery alongside Sabre. The ethical dilemmas she faces, combined with the stakes involved, create a thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the final page.
Fans of legal thrillers and courtroom dramas will find The Advocate’s Quandary a compelling read. Teresa Burrell continues to prove her mastery of the genre with this thought-provoking and emotionally engaging novel.
October 31, 2024
Oh wow, you certainly experience a roller coaster ride of emotions with this book. I did think the story was slow to get going, with a lot of legal negotiations but then the author shakes it all up (literally) and things get more exciting and the tissues come out. This author knows how to create an entertaining and emotionally charged stories that can be read in any order. The characters are human, facing human problems that most people will and should never have to face but it is done with heart and understanding that will have the reader heavily invested in the out. Sabre and JP are the type of characters that everybody wants in there corner. In this book Sabre is just working on one case which involves four children and the struggles and problems they face alone and together. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next alphabet case for the team.
Attorney Sabre Brown is appointed to see to the needs of a family of four children but she faces hurdles every step of the way. The first challenge is to find her charges, as each child has been placed with a different family and she can't find a reason why. Can she get the family back together? Especially as somebody seems intent on keeping them apart. If an earthquake can't keep them apart then a legal system that is supposed to help them shouldn't either.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Attorney Sabre Brown is appointed to see to the needs of a family of four children but she faces hurdles every step of the way. The first challenge is to find her charges, as each child has been placed with a different family and she can't find a reason why. Can she get the family back together? Especially as somebody seems intent on keeping them apart. If an earthquake can't keep them apart then a legal system that is supposed to help them shouldn't either.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 22, 2024
There really is no way to explain how very much I love this series! Sabre, the main character, is a child advocate attorney and she is fierce! She cares for her young clients and will do everything she can to make sure they are being treated as they should and that they're having their rights respected. If I had issues in my life, I'd want Sabre in my corner.
In the Advocate's Quandary, Sabre is looking into why three kids caught up in the foster care system aren't together or at the very least, being allowed to see each other. As always there's much more than meets the eye in this mystery and Teresa Burrell keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The author always makes me feel as if I'm sitting in the back of the courtroom taking it all in and I love that.
If you like solid, hard to figure out mysteries with recurring characters that do all they can in support of children that need them, these are the books for you! The author's legal background and work in the child advocacy field gives her writing the ring of authenticity and the ability to educate the reader while entertaining as well.
Do yourself a favor and pick up anything by Teresa Burrell. You'll be glad you did.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own and happily shared.
In the Advocate's Quandary, Sabre is looking into why three kids caught up in the foster care system aren't together or at the very least, being allowed to see each other. As always there's much more than meets the eye in this mystery and Teresa Burrell keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The author always makes me feel as if I'm sitting in the back of the courtroom taking it all in and I love that.
If you like solid, hard to figure out mysteries with recurring characters that do all they can in support of children that need them, these are the books for you! The author's legal background and work in the child advocacy field gives her writing the ring of authenticity and the ability to educate the reader while entertaining as well.
Do yourself a favor and pick up anything by Teresa Burrell. You'll be glad you did.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own and happily shared.
February 18, 2025
The best in the Advocate series of books so far!!!
This book kept me riveted to the story from the first word till the end. Sabre proves herself to be not only the best Advocate for the four children but a courageous, tough fighter locking horns and crossing swords with everyone in the department of Social Services who is trying to separate the four children who are extremely attached to each other.
How she achieves her objectives where the children are concerned after winning over their trust and affection is an awe-inspiring, astounding, fascinating and fabulous story that keeps the readers spellbound till the end. I am usually quiet when I read books but this book made me come out with exclamations, comments and other such expressions appropriate to what I was reading ; this telling me how deeply I was engrossed in the saga!! Bravo Sabre! Thank you for your unconditional support and help, JP!!
Thank you immensely for the wonderful experience of reading this enthralling book, Teresa Burrell!!
This book kept me riveted to the story from the first word till the end. Sabre proves herself to be not only the best Advocate for the four children but a courageous, tough fighter locking horns and crossing swords with everyone in the department of Social Services who is trying to separate the four children who are extremely attached to each other.
How she achieves her objectives where the children are concerned after winning over their trust and affection is an awe-inspiring, astounding, fascinating and fabulous story that keeps the readers spellbound till the end. I am usually quiet when I read books but this book made me come out with exclamations, comments and other such expressions appropriate to what I was reading ; this telling me how deeply I was engrossed in the saga!! Bravo Sabre! Thank you for your unconditional support and help, JP!!
Thank you immensely for the wonderful experience of reading this enthralling book, Teresa Burrell!!
November 28, 2024
I’ve read every book in the series as soon as they’re released
This is the 17th book in this series and I’ve read them all as soon as I can get them. The stories are truly heartrending but Sasha is definitely the advocate for her minor clients, children in the foster system. You can’t go wrong in reading this book along with all the others in the series. Each is a stand alone story but I would recommend reading them in order to get a complete understanding of Sasha’s personal life that builds and changes in each new book. The character development is great and you get to know Sasha personally and develop a relationship with her. You won’t regret beginning this series and I’m jealous that you will be able to read them consecutively rather than having to wait for each new book to be released.
This is the 17th book in this series and I’ve read them all as soon as I can get them. The stories are truly heartrending but Sasha is definitely the advocate for her minor clients, children in the foster system. You can’t go wrong in reading this book along with all the others in the series. Each is a stand alone story but I would recommend reading them in order to get a complete understanding of Sasha’s personal life that builds and changes in each new book. The character development is great and you get to know Sasha personally and develop a relationship with her. You won’t regret beginning this series and I’m jealous that you will be able to read them consecutively rather than having to wait for each new book to be released.
December 9, 2024
Although the story started a bit slow, it wasn't long before it turned into a suspenseful page-turner. I absolutely could not set it aside, only stopping once when I was about 1/5 of the way through. After that, my kindle, which the story was on, never left my hands. The characters were well-developed in a realistic plot.
Attorney Sabre Brown did everything in her power as a child advocate to bring 4 siblings, with a deceased mother, living back together in the foster care system - far more than any caseworker in social services ever accomplished.
Attorney Sabre Brown did everything in her power as a child advocate to bring 4 siblings, with a deceased mother, living back together in the foster care system - far more than any caseworker in social services ever accomplished.
November 8, 2024
Teresa Burrell always does a great job of spinning a good yarn. The Advocate’s Quandary is no exception. From the beginning, I was engrossed in the tale of the Winters children and the anguish they go through while trying to stay together in the foster care system. Ms. Burrell’s characters are extremely relatable, especially Sabre and JP. I have read every Sabre Brown book from A to Q, and I can’t wait for the next one!
November 22, 2024
Sabre truly does have a quandry in this case!
Four children are sent off in different directions by the foster care system. The system did not seem to be working on their behalf and in addition one of the foster parents thwarts Sabre's attempts to reunite the four children! One sibling goes missing causing more anguish.
This is such a great story; made me want to reachi into the book at times and throttle the the folks that work for an apparently very broken system.
Don't miss this one!
Four children are sent off in different directions by the foster care system. The system did not seem to be working on their behalf and in addition one of the foster parents thwarts Sabre's attempts to reunite the four children! One sibling goes missing causing more anguish.
This is such a great story; made me want to reachi into the book at times and throttle the the folks that work for an apparently very broken system.
Don't miss this one!
November 29, 2024
Action starts early. The judge has assigned Sabre a complex case that has been in the system for over a year. There is an unexplained death of one of the social workers and the system has left some mysterious questions unanswered. JP’s brother Gene is getting out of jail. What is going to be done about his children who have found a secure home with Sabre and JP? This is one of my favorite books in the Advocate series. Lots of mystery and perfect resolves.
December 4, 2024
This series never ceases to amaze me. Sabre and JP are back again, and quandry is right. This case is quite a quandry indeed. So many questions need to be asked about just how the system failed a group of siblings who become separated after going into care. Can Sabre make it right? She is the best advocate for them to have in their corner as she and JP tackle all of the obstacles along the way.
May 25, 2025
3.5/5 STARS! My first book in the series & I really enjoyed it a lot. The audiobook has a great narrator & the story was captivating. The authors background made her incredibly knowledgeable on foster care & the legal aspects of it & the book felt real. Very sad & heartbreaking story while managing to be thrilling without being over the top. Relatable characters that make you really root for them Great read.
Thank you to the author for a free audiobook copy.
Thank you to the author for a free audiobook copy.
November 13, 2024
I would give this book a 10 if I could. Teresa Burrell has done it again with The Advocate's Quandary keeping you on the edge of your seat about halfway through the book. The depiction of the characters draws you in and makes you want to cry and reach out to help them. The last 50 pages were so engaging, I didn't want to put it down. Definitely one of her best!!!
November 22, 2024
The Advocate’s Quandary
If you’re familiar with Teresa’s writing, you’re going to love this one! The entry into the world of adoption and fostering comes alive with suspense, earthquakes, and intrigue. Follow Sabre as she and JP fight to get siblings together in one home, despite bribery and corruption.
If you’re familiar with Teresa’s writing, you’re going to love this one! The entry into the world of adoption and fostering comes alive with suspense, earthquakes, and intrigue. Follow Sabre as she and JP fight to get siblings together in one home, despite bribery and corruption.
January 12, 2025
Excellent story
The Advocate’s Quandary spins Sabre’s and JT’s lives away from their family and into the Winter’s family. With their mother dead and their dad in rehab, the four children get put into foster care. Unfortunately they are separated, their Advocate dies and the oldest runs away. Quite a quandary… recommended.
The Advocate’s Quandary spins Sabre’s and JT’s lives away from their family and into the Winter’s family. With their mother dead and their dad in rehab, the four children get put into foster care. Unfortunately they are separated, their Advocate dies and the oldest runs away. Quite a quandary… recommended.
December 15, 2024
This was a great read!
Sabre takes on the tough job bringing together four children separated in foster care. Corruption a social worker killed in a car crash- was it intentional? A killer watching! Is Sabre the next victim or can she bring the children together?
Sabre takes on the tough job bringing together four children separated in foster care. Corruption a social worker killed in a car crash- was it intentional? A killer watching! Is Sabre the next victim or can she bring the children together?
February 11, 2025
One of the best book in the Advocate series
I just finished The Advocate’s Quandary. It is one of the best. I read all 17 in this series, and this one won’t disappoint you. It has everything you expect from Teresa Burrell and more. I couldn’t put it down.
I just finished The Advocate’s Quandary. It is one of the best. I read all 17 in this series, and this one won’t disappoint you. It has everything you expect from Teresa Burrell and more. I couldn’t put it down.
February 17, 2025
What a fantastic read! This is the last book in the series and I have read them all. I really got absorbed in Sabre and JP’s relationship and the dinamics of their family life as well as the children that Sabre advocates for. Very gripping, an excellent read from beginning to end. 10/10.
April 12, 2025
Great series
Love this whole series, can't wait for next book. Teresa Burrell's writing style keeps you engaged with the characters, you can image the character and the events are realistic.
Love this whole series, can't wait for next book. Teresa Burrell's writing style keeps you engaged with the characters, you can image the character and the events are realistic.
May 19, 2025
awesome read
I am never disappointed in the advocacy series. I cannot put them down!!! I find myself trying to figure out the details of the case and fighting for the clients as well.
I am never disappointed in the advocacy series. I cannot put them down!!! I find myself trying to figure out the details of the case and fighting for the clients as well.
June 11, 2025
Best book of the series
This moved along nicely and I cared about all the characters. I'd give it 5 stars except hurting Gene and the earthquake were over the top. The story didn't need it.
This moved along nicely and I cared about all the characters. I'd give it 5 stars except hurting Gene and the earthquake were over the top. The story didn't need it.
November 6, 2025
Excellent portrayal of children protection work. Some of the story lines seemed a bit hokey and incomplete. All said I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the workings of child protection.
October 30, 2024
Another great read! This time Sabre worked hard to save a family of 2 brothers and 2 sisters, with the usual twists and turns. I finished this with tears in my eyes!
November 22, 2024
Great story...the usual Burrell suspense. I've enjoyed every one of them.
November 29, 2024
Quite a difficult quandary.
Another excellent emotional, intense mystery. Sabre and JP make an unbeatable team. Lots if suspense, terror and drama with hearts being touched.
Another excellent emotional, intense mystery. Sabre and JP make an unbeatable team. Lots if suspense, terror and drama with hearts being touched.
December 1, 2024
This series is always a winner, but this installment was particularly powerful. I was completely gripped by the case, and I love the characters!
December 1, 2024
I love this whole series. This book doesn’t disappoint.
December 7, 2024
Beautiful Story
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of different plots, but many twist and turns to those plots. Sweet ending you will enjoy! .
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of different plots, but many twist and turns to those plots. Sweet ending you will enjoy! .
December 8, 2024
The Advocates Quandary
Once again Teresa's Burwell comes through. Great characters and great writing. I can not wait for her next book. I am hooked.
Once again Teresa's Burwell comes through. Great characters and great writing. I can not wait for her next book. I am hooked.
December 27, 2024
yet another great read
This is without a doubt Teresa Burrell’s best Advocate book. I just could not put it down. Just wish they were twice as long.
This is without a doubt Teresa Burrell’s best Advocate book. I just could not put it down. Just wish they were twice as long.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews