What do you think?
Crossroads Counsel #1
The Devil's Advocate
I thought I was having a breakdown when I started seeing glowing contracts written on people's skin. Turns out, I was just coming into my inheritance—and uncovering a conspiracy two centuries old.
My name is Margot Kane, and at forty-three, I was one of the best attorneys in Chicago. Then my grandmother died and left me the I'm a crossroads demon, born to negotiate deals between desperate mortals and the gods who've been exploiting them for sport.
My first cursed client? A jazz musician who sold his talent to Baron Samedi. Now the death god wants his six-year-old daughter as payment, and I'm supposed to facilitate this nightmare. Then I find my dead mother's research hidden in my grandmother's things, and everything changes.
Crossroads demons weren't meant to be facilitators. Our purpose is enforcement. We once had the power to nullify predatory contracts, to hold gods accountable, and to protect mortals from divine tyranny. Until 1823, when the lwa convinced us we'd never had that authority at all. They've been running unchecked ever since.
My mother died trying to restore those powers. Now I have three weeks to finish the job that got her killed before my client's daughter is condemned.
Baron Samedi is watching my every move with that infuriating smirk, waiting for me to fail. Papa Legba warns me I'm walking the same path that claimed my mother's life. And Erzulie—the goddess who murdered her—is already sharpening her knives.
I didn't go to law school to start a war with the gods. But I'll be damned if I let them keep exploiting mortals with their stipulations and manipulations.
The retainer is steep. The opposing counsel is immortal. And this career change could cost me my soul. But this time? I'm not just defending my client. I'm taking back everything they stole from us.
For fans of Kim Harrison's The Hollows and Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels, CROSSROADS OF THE DAMNED is a snarky, sexy urban fantasy where corporate law meets voodoo politics, and the only thing more dangerous than challenging the gods is falling for one.
My name is Margot Kane, and at forty-three, I was one of the best attorneys in Chicago. Then my grandmother died and left me the I'm a crossroads demon, born to negotiate deals between desperate mortals and the gods who've been exploiting them for sport.
My first cursed client? A jazz musician who sold his talent to Baron Samedi. Now the death god wants his six-year-old daughter as payment, and I'm supposed to facilitate this nightmare. Then I find my dead mother's research hidden in my grandmother's things, and everything changes.
Crossroads demons weren't meant to be facilitators. Our purpose is enforcement. We once had the power to nullify predatory contracts, to hold gods accountable, and to protect mortals from divine tyranny. Until 1823, when the lwa convinced us we'd never had that authority at all. They've been running unchecked ever since.
My mother died trying to restore those powers. Now I have three weeks to finish the job that got her killed before my client's daughter is condemned.
Baron Samedi is watching my every move with that infuriating smirk, waiting for me to fail. Papa Legba warns me I'm walking the same path that claimed my mother's life. And Erzulie—the goddess who murdered her—is already sharpening her knives.
I didn't go to law school to start a war with the gods. But I'll be damned if I let them keep exploiting mortals with their stipulations and manipulations.
The retainer is steep. The opposing counsel is immortal. And this career change could cost me my soul. But this time? I'm not just defending my client. I'm taking back everything they stole from us.
For fans of Kim Harrison's The Hollows and Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels, CROSSROADS OF THE DAMNED is a snarky, sexy urban fantasy where corporate law meets voodoo politics, and the only thing more dangerous than challenging the gods is falling for one.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2026
About the author
Brenda Trim
265 books791 followersBrenda's Paranormal Women's Fiction
Mystical Midlife in Maine Series
1. Magical Makeover
2. Laugh Lines & Lost Things
3. Hellmouth & Hot Flashes
4. Holidays With Hades
5. Saggy But Witty in Crescent City
6. Nasty Curses & Big Purses
7. Fae Forged Axes & Chin Waxes
8. Demonic Stones & Creaky Bones
9. Underworld Frights & Sleepless Nights
10. Pixie Dust & Brain Rust
11. Magical Hands & Silver Strands
12. Deadly Quips & Furry Lips
13. Enchanted Tattoos & Lost Fools
14. Shady Secrets & Sun Spots
Twisted Sisters Midlife Maelstrom Series
1. Packing Serious Magical Mojo
2. Cadaver On Canal Street
3. Seances & Second Line Parades
4. French Quarter Fae
5. King's Day Magical Mischief
6. Etou-Fae The Hard Way
7. Hurricanes, Heros & Hail Marys
8. Royal Street Romp
9. Levees, Lost Crowns & Loa
10. Mud Bugs & Cherished Hugs
11. Creole Dishes & Deadly Wishes
Brenda's Paranormal Romance Books
DARK WARRIOR ALLIANCE SERIES
1. Dream Warrior
2. Mystik Warrior
3. Pemas Storm
4. Isis Betrayal
5. Deviant Warrior
6. Suvi's Revenge
7. Scarred Warrior
8. Hellbound Warrior
9. Isobel
10. Rogue Warrior
11. Shattered Warrior
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 4, 2026
Threads, Crossroads, and Primordial Contracts: A Riveting Descent into the Iwa's Court
Brand new story from an amazing author. This story opens with Margot Kane attending the funeral of her grandmother, Evie, in New Orleans. In attendance are some characters she doesn't know and questions that are unusually dressed, as well as her grandfather, Louis. As the funeral ends, she is approached by an elderly gentleman who tells her she was hidden by her grandmother and it's time to come home to the crossroads, as the bindings placed on Margot dissipated with the loss of Evie. Margot is of course taken aback and wonders if this gentleman is sane. He mentions she's been seeing things, which is accurate. Margot has been seeing glowing threads around people's wrists, shadows that move independently, and unusual languages heard that shouldn't be understood yet are. As she turns, the gentleman reaches out and touches Margot; suddenly the area is as if lights were turned on. She sees various unusual beings, and everyone has these glowing threads. The gentleman is covered in glowing chains inscribed with symbols. Stepping back, the light dims somewhat but doesn't go away. The gentleman introduces himself as Papa Legba, the keeper of the crossroads, the one who opens doors. Later, back at the home of Louis and Evie for the wake, Margot has to escape the strangeness and visitors, going to Evie's bedroom and closing the door. However, Papa Legba seems to walk through the door and explains what's happening. Margot peels back layers, something she's done as a lawyer, and can really see Papa Legba. He's not entirely human, with pathways seen through him. A drawer had opened, and Papa Legba explains what's there for Margot to explore and reminds her that as a crossroads demon, she must broker contracts or agreements between mortals and gods—agreements sometimes signed under desperation—and Evie had worked to find loopholes. Papa Legba tells Margot she must accept this role, as her mother, Celestine, had tried to run to keep Margot from it and lost her life in the process. Papa Legba tells Margot her first case is in Chicago, a musician named James Sullivan. Trying to come to terms with all this, Margot steps out and can see threads everywhere, including on herself, with some seeming to pull her in a direction she thinks is Chicago.
The next day, Margot is attempting to get control with little sleep when at dawn, Papa Legba appears brewing a delicious coffee. Margot is seeing threads everywhere, and it's driving her crazy. Papa Legba explains her role, and Margot quickly figures out she's more or less the legal representation for the Iwa (or is it Iwa?), the gods, making sure the agreements are understood when signed. When questioning Papa Legba about the golden chains she sees, he deflects and says some things shouldn't be questioned. Apparently, her mother questioned those chains, that hold our world together, and it led to her demise. Papa Legba exits, and Margot goes to grab the ledger, reading the cases Evie had documented, and finds a hidden compartment. Inside is a note with a mirror gift Celestine left for Margot. The note is ominous with warnings not to trust Papa Legba. The mirror will help Margot see the truth in the chains. Leaving for the French Quarter, Margot runs into one of the ladies from the funeral who warns her to accept her role and not use the mirror. Margot, though, has a different perspective and is determined to take this on. With a new direction, she heads to the airport for Chicago.
Upon arrival and trying to decipher being a crossroads demon, Margot decides she needs normalcy and heads to her office, a junior partner at Barrett & Schmidt's, seeing the threads on folks including her paralegal, Thomas, whom she's able to figure out what agreement he made. Taking on reviewing files, she responds to a text from her ex-husband, Detective David Webb. The divorce was amicable and fair between them, and Margot needs something familiar, making plans for dinner that evening. After a good conversation with David, Margot gets in the car to leave and sees threads around her throat. She decides, against better judgment, to use the mirror. Seeing the bindings agreement on her skin, the agreement also had sections apparently scratched out. This was made upon her birth, and someone had tried to alter the contract. Margot is determined to get answers regardless of the danger she may face.
The next morning, Papa Legba has made coffee and demands Margot get going to her first client, James, whose contract expires at midnight. He had signed away his most precious treasure to Baron Samedi, which turned out to be his daughter. Margot must find a loophole and save both James and his daughter. Feeling the pull of the threads, Margot follows Papa Legba to the space where the worlds thin. Entering an unusual space, they meet with James and are shown the contract. Margot studies the details and finds some possible options; she suggests finding the definition of James' greatest treasure as a way to buy time, which requires a hearing with the Iwa.
With limited time, Margot and James head to her apartment, where she calls her assistant, asking Thomas to research corporate law and ambiguous agreements, then she studies the threads surrounding James. Papa Legba reappears and infuses a crossroads mark into Margot's wrist that defines her role. After Papa Legba leaves, she pulls the mirror and can see the underlying text of the threads. Margot only has a few hours to build her argument and starts to put it together with what she found and what Thomas sent.
Hours later, exhausted and caffeine-fueled, building her case, suddenly the temperature drops, Thomas disappears, and a smooth voice is heard. Baron Samedi appears in Margot's living room where James had fallen asleep. Baron explains how Margot will lose and there is no loophole. Any previous cases won by Evie were granted by Baron, or so he claims. The system is rigged, with the Iwa having all the power, but Margot sees there is a shred of fear in Baron. What is he hiding? Baron decides the short time Margot had to build a defense wasn't fair and grants another 24 hours. After another tirade about the system and why Celestine failed, Baron leaves, with James reappearing. Having more time, Margot readjusts her arguments to include that contracts are written to exploit mortals rather than serve them. Baron assumed she would lose thinking like a mortal lawyer, and Margot disagrees.
Realizing there may have been important history at Evie and Louis' house, Margot books a flight back to New Orleans for both of them, with the goal to enter the crossroads from there. Sending James to the Quarter to play—maybe his last time—Margot talks with Louis, who discloses he knew a little of what his wife and daughter were involved with and shares a hidden container with Margot. Inside are journals with text written in various languages referencing Primordial Contracts. Apparently, crossroads demons have the power to nullify divine contracts if the Iwa violate their own rules, and that knowledge was suppressed or the Iwa hid it. Reading the notes and contracts, spending hours figuring out her best direction, Margot must invoke the Primordial Contract at the right time to save James and maybe all crossroads demons.
Meeting with James, taking notes on exactly how he made the agreement and coaching him on responding to questions, Margot then meets with Papa Legba, who becomes almost terrifying when she mentions invoking the Primordial Contract. She is warned not to pursue that direction, which has Margot thinking it's the right call. Returning to Louis' house, she has little time left to prepare.
At the appointed time, Margot collects James, speaks the invocation, and they proceed to an unusual courthouse. Inside they see several Iwa described in the texts Margot read. There is no podium, just a center of seats with a marble bench where the Iwa judge and Margot presents her arguments. She has the Primordial Contract hidden for use if needed. Baron presents his case, and the Iwa agree, pointing out Margot arguing as a mortal lawyer. Margot knows she's losing, and the case is adjourned, with Baron giving James three days to say goodbye to his daughter. What can Margot do in three days?
Being deposited from the courthouse to the biting cold of Chicago at 3 a.m., Margot gets a text from David suggesting dinner. Instead, she needs the distraction and suggests no delays. Hopping into an Uber, she heads to David's apartment. After a brief meal and nap, she heads home and releases the grief. Seeing a note left by Baron along with a cryptic note from someone claiming to be a friend, she gets a text from the unknown person who provides some clues on how to invoke the Primordial Contract along with another contact, Simone Baptiste, who may know of those that also have fragments of the contract.
Giving Thomas more requests for research, Margot heads to the shop to talk with Simone, who closes the shop and takes Margot to the back. Simone shares there are six pieces of the contract required to prove crossroads demons are not just facilitating—they also enforce—and Papa Legba's addendum of silence violates the Primordial Contract. Simone writes down a couple of names and locations of others that may have the pieces, and the others have been waiting for the right demon to stand up to the Iwa. Gathering the material and Simone's promise to be there, Margot heads to James, who reports his daughter had been taken early by Baron. Getting a call from Ayizan, a mambo who claims to have the final piece and wants to help, the mambo says she'll meet with Margot at Graceland Cemetery at midnight. Showing James her notes and getting him to eat, Margot heads to Graceland and can already feel the magic with the other pieces in her messenger bag. Meeting Ayizan, an elderly-appearing lady with power radiating, the mambo claims she tried to help Celestine and wants to see Margot succeed.
Upon hearing Ayizan explain why they neglected to help Margot's mother, she hands the piece to Margot, being the Protection of Essence, which explains the mortal must agree to their sacrifice in detail. Ayizan teaches Margot how to ward the messenger bag with the pieces inside from the mambo, preventing them from seeing what's inside. Then she has Margot repeat the invocation several times, as the words and pronunciation must be exact for the contract to be executed along with required witnesses. Ayizan makes sure Margot understands the weight of her responsibilities and walks her to the cemetery exit.
At her apartment, Margot receives a visit from Thomas, who surprisingly can see a mild glow and the Iwa magic. Not sure of his bloodline, Margot takes a chance and tells him everything, relieved. Thomas takes on helping Margot with gusto, reviewing what she found and her research. With a plan in place, Thomas' help and travel arranged, Margot feels she at least has a chance.
Arriving in Miami and meeting Renata, who warns Margot the Iwa are always watching and Baron knows what Margot is doing. After a battle with Baron's hounds and Renata hurt, Margot grabs the contract piece with Renata directing her to a healer, Isolde, who immediately pulls them inside, seeing Renata hurt. With exam tables and slightly glowing objects, Isolde stabilizes Renata, and they head back to Renata's house. With another flight to catch, Margot heads to the airport with time slowed down to a crawl and Baron waiting with an alternative. He doesn't know exactly what she's doing and doesn't like it. Margot won't accept Baron's alternative, and after he releases time, she boards the plane to São Paulo.
Meeting Helena, who has various ways to prove Margot is really a crossroads demon, she provides a potion meant to help Margot see multiple realities where the other piece of the contract is hidden. Arriving at a seemingly rundown ruin of a cathedral, then drinking the foul-tasting potion, Margot has to somehow find stability, seeing two realities. Reaching the altar, she is challenged by a Kalfou, a warden in place by Papa Legba who does not agree with the control he's under, nor the Primordial Contract being suppressed by the Iwa. Against his will and with Margot's attraction to him, he challenges her right to the fragment. Thinking she won, Margot exits right into an ambush.
Surrounded by Sirens who hum a melody of dreams, Margot fights to erect a mental barrier. With Helena's help, they are able to disarm the magic and get out of there. After a brief explanation and a meal, Margot gets back on the plane to return to New Orleans.
Upon returning, with Louis acting as defender with a rifle loaded with iron, Margot heads into the cemetery and the tomb of the original crossroads demons that established their legacy. The tomb is warded by Celestine, though it should recognize Margot as Celestine's daughter. Getting past the wards and guardians, with Nix's help, Margot is able to get the last piece and attempts to leave, only Erzulie is there to stop her. Upon offering Margot a way out, Erzulie instead steps aside and allows Margot to leave. Thomas sends a message stating he will be there that evening and is creating a database of the history and events. With the contract in hand and support from loved ones, Margot heads back to Louis' residence to prepare for the ultimate battle.
Receiving a call from James, the strategy is tested as it appears Baron changed the terms and decided to take James' music instead of his daughter, returning his daughter safe and sound. Margot is wary and doesn't trust this change, with Thomas taking notes and the others preparing for the hearing. Debating next steps, Margot decides to invoke another hearing and demand Baron state what terms he changed and what can happen afterwards. Performing the ritual, Margot and her support team enter the Lakou. Instead of invoking the Primordial Contract, Margot has Baron explicitly state his intentions and release of James' daughter. The others, including the Iwa, are surprised; however, Margot knows something isn't right and they may have missed something. Upon returning to Louis', she explains this, with Simone agreeing. Choosing to have everyone help research why the Iwa weren't concerned and what they may have missed, the next steps could define success or failure. What happens next?
Brand new story from an amazing author. This story opens with Margot Kane attending the funeral of her grandmother, Evie, in New Orleans. In attendance are some characters she doesn't know and questions that are unusually dressed, as well as her grandfather, Louis. As the funeral ends, she is approached by an elderly gentleman who tells her she was hidden by her grandmother and it's time to come home to the crossroads, as the bindings placed on Margot dissipated with the loss of Evie. Margot is of course taken aback and wonders if this gentleman is sane. He mentions she's been seeing things, which is accurate. Margot has been seeing glowing threads around people's wrists, shadows that move independently, and unusual languages heard that shouldn't be understood yet are. As she turns, the gentleman reaches out and touches Margot; suddenly the area is as if lights were turned on. She sees various unusual beings, and everyone has these glowing threads. The gentleman is covered in glowing chains inscribed with symbols. Stepping back, the light dims somewhat but doesn't go away. The gentleman introduces himself as Papa Legba, the keeper of the crossroads, the one who opens doors. Later, back at the home of Louis and Evie for the wake, Margot has to escape the strangeness and visitors, going to Evie's bedroom and closing the door. However, Papa Legba seems to walk through the door and explains what's happening. Margot peels back layers, something she's done as a lawyer, and can really see Papa Legba. He's not entirely human, with pathways seen through him. A drawer had opened, and Papa Legba explains what's there for Margot to explore and reminds her that as a crossroads demon, she must broker contracts or agreements between mortals and gods—agreements sometimes signed under desperation—and Evie had worked to find loopholes. Papa Legba tells Margot she must accept this role, as her mother, Celestine, had tried to run to keep Margot from it and lost her life in the process. Papa Legba tells Margot her first case is in Chicago, a musician named James Sullivan. Trying to come to terms with all this, Margot steps out and can see threads everywhere, including on herself, with some seeming to pull her in a direction she thinks is Chicago.
The next day, Margot is attempting to get control with little sleep when at dawn, Papa Legba appears brewing a delicious coffee. Margot is seeing threads everywhere, and it's driving her crazy. Papa Legba explains her role, and Margot quickly figures out she's more or less the legal representation for the Iwa (or is it Iwa?), the gods, making sure the agreements are understood when signed. When questioning Papa Legba about the golden chains she sees, he deflects and says some things shouldn't be questioned. Apparently, her mother questioned those chains, that hold our world together, and it led to her demise. Papa Legba exits, and Margot goes to grab the ledger, reading the cases Evie had documented, and finds a hidden compartment. Inside is a note with a mirror gift Celestine left for Margot. The note is ominous with warnings not to trust Papa Legba. The mirror will help Margot see the truth in the chains. Leaving for the French Quarter, Margot runs into one of the ladies from the funeral who warns her to accept her role and not use the mirror. Margot, though, has a different perspective and is determined to take this on. With a new direction, she heads to the airport for Chicago.
Upon arrival and trying to decipher being a crossroads demon, Margot decides she needs normalcy and heads to her office, a junior partner at Barrett & Schmidt's, seeing the threads on folks including her paralegal, Thomas, whom she's able to figure out what agreement he made. Taking on reviewing files, she responds to a text from her ex-husband, Detective David Webb. The divorce was amicable and fair between them, and Margot needs something familiar, making plans for dinner that evening. After a good conversation with David, Margot gets in the car to leave and sees threads around her throat. She decides, against better judgment, to use the mirror. Seeing the bindings agreement on her skin, the agreement also had sections apparently scratched out. This was made upon her birth, and someone had tried to alter the contract. Margot is determined to get answers regardless of the danger she may face.
The next morning, Papa Legba has made coffee and demands Margot get going to her first client, James, whose contract expires at midnight. He had signed away his most precious treasure to Baron Samedi, which turned out to be his daughter. Margot must find a loophole and save both James and his daughter. Feeling the pull of the threads, Margot follows Papa Legba to the space where the worlds thin. Entering an unusual space, they meet with James and are shown the contract. Margot studies the details and finds some possible options; she suggests finding the definition of James' greatest treasure as a way to buy time, which requires a hearing with the Iwa.
With limited time, Margot and James head to her apartment, where she calls her assistant, asking Thomas to research corporate law and ambiguous agreements, then she studies the threads surrounding James. Papa Legba reappears and infuses a crossroads mark into Margot's wrist that defines her role. After Papa Legba leaves, she pulls the mirror and can see the underlying text of the threads. Margot only has a few hours to build her argument and starts to put it together with what she found and what Thomas sent.
Hours later, exhausted and caffeine-fueled, building her case, suddenly the temperature drops, Thomas disappears, and a smooth voice is heard. Baron Samedi appears in Margot's living room where James had fallen asleep. Baron explains how Margot will lose and there is no loophole. Any previous cases won by Evie were granted by Baron, or so he claims. The system is rigged, with the Iwa having all the power, but Margot sees there is a shred of fear in Baron. What is he hiding? Baron decides the short time Margot had to build a defense wasn't fair and grants another 24 hours. After another tirade about the system and why Celestine failed, Baron leaves, with James reappearing. Having more time, Margot readjusts her arguments to include that contracts are written to exploit mortals rather than serve them. Baron assumed she would lose thinking like a mortal lawyer, and Margot disagrees.
Realizing there may have been important history at Evie and Louis' house, Margot books a flight back to New Orleans for both of them, with the goal to enter the crossroads from there. Sending James to the Quarter to play—maybe his last time—Margot talks with Louis, who discloses he knew a little of what his wife and daughter were involved with and shares a hidden container with Margot. Inside are journals with text written in various languages referencing Primordial Contracts. Apparently, crossroads demons have the power to nullify divine contracts if the Iwa violate their own rules, and that knowledge was suppressed or the Iwa hid it. Reading the notes and contracts, spending hours figuring out her best direction, Margot must invoke the Primordial Contract at the right time to save James and maybe all crossroads demons.
Meeting with James, taking notes on exactly how he made the agreement and coaching him on responding to questions, Margot then meets with Papa Legba, who becomes almost terrifying when she mentions invoking the Primordial Contract. She is warned not to pursue that direction, which has Margot thinking it's the right call. Returning to Louis' house, she has little time left to prepare.
At the appointed time, Margot collects James, speaks the invocation, and they proceed to an unusual courthouse. Inside they see several Iwa described in the texts Margot read. There is no podium, just a center of seats with a marble bench where the Iwa judge and Margot presents her arguments. She has the Primordial Contract hidden for use if needed. Baron presents his case, and the Iwa agree, pointing out Margot arguing as a mortal lawyer. Margot knows she's losing, and the case is adjourned, with Baron giving James three days to say goodbye to his daughter. What can Margot do in three days?
Being deposited from the courthouse to the biting cold of Chicago at 3 a.m., Margot gets a text from David suggesting dinner. Instead, she needs the distraction and suggests no delays. Hopping into an Uber, she heads to David's apartment. After a brief meal and nap, she heads home and releases the grief. Seeing a note left by Baron along with a cryptic note from someone claiming to be a friend, she gets a text from the unknown person who provides some clues on how to invoke the Primordial Contract along with another contact, Simone Baptiste, who may know of those that also have fragments of the contract.
Giving Thomas more requests for research, Margot heads to the shop to talk with Simone, who closes the shop and takes Margot to the back. Simone shares there are six pieces of the contract required to prove crossroads demons are not just facilitating—they also enforce—and Papa Legba's addendum of silence violates the Primordial Contract. Simone writes down a couple of names and locations of others that may have the pieces, and the others have been waiting for the right demon to stand up to the Iwa. Gathering the material and Simone's promise to be there, Margot heads to James, who reports his daughter had been taken early by Baron. Getting a call from Ayizan, a mambo who claims to have the final piece and wants to help, the mambo says she'll meet with Margot at Graceland Cemetery at midnight. Showing James her notes and getting him to eat, Margot heads to Graceland and can already feel the magic with the other pieces in her messenger bag. Meeting Ayizan, an elderly-appearing lady with power radiating, the mambo claims she tried to help Celestine and wants to see Margot succeed.
Upon hearing Ayizan explain why they neglected to help Margot's mother, she hands the piece to Margot, being the Protection of Essence, which explains the mortal must agree to their sacrifice in detail. Ayizan teaches Margot how to ward the messenger bag with the pieces inside from the mambo, preventing them from seeing what's inside. Then she has Margot repeat the invocation several times, as the words and pronunciation must be exact for the contract to be executed along with required witnesses. Ayizan makes sure Margot understands the weight of her responsibilities and walks her to the cemetery exit.
At her apartment, Margot receives a visit from Thomas, who surprisingly can see a mild glow and the Iwa magic. Not sure of his bloodline, Margot takes a chance and tells him everything, relieved. Thomas takes on helping Margot with gusto, reviewing what she found and her research. With a plan in place, Thomas' help and travel arranged, Margot feels she at least has a chance.
Arriving in Miami and meeting Renata, who warns Margot the Iwa are always watching and Baron knows what Margot is doing. After a battle with Baron's hounds and Renata hurt, Margot grabs the contract piece with Renata directing her to a healer, Isolde, who immediately pulls them inside, seeing Renata hurt. With exam tables and slightly glowing objects, Isolde stabilizes Renata, and they head back to Renata's house. With another flight to catch, Margot heads to the airport with time slowed down to a crawl and Baron waiting with an alternative. He doesn't know exactly what she's doing and doesn't like it. Margot won't accept Baron's alternative, and after he releases time, she boards the plane to São Paulo.
Meeting Helena, who has various ways to prove Margot is really a crossroads demon, she provides a potion meant to help Margot see multiple realities where the other piece of the contract is hidden. Arriving at a seemingly rundown ruin of a cathedral, then drinking the foul-tasting potion, Margot has to somehow find stability, seeing two realities. Reaching the altar, she is challenged by a Kalfou, a warden in place by Papa Legba who does not agree with the control he's under, nor the Primordial Contract being suppressed by the Iwa. Against his will and with Margot's attraction to him, he challenges her right to the fragment. Thinking she won, Margot exits right into an ambush.
Surrounded by Sirens who hum a melody of dreams, Margot fights to erect a mental barrier. With Helena's help, they are able to disarm the magic and get out of there. After a brief explanation and a meal, Margot gets back on the plane to return to New Orleans.
Upon returning, with Louis acting as defender with a rifle loaded with iron, Margot heads into the cemetery and the tomb of the original crossroads demons that established their legacy. The tomb is warded by Celestine, though it should recognize Margot as Celestine's daughter. Getting past the wards and guardians, with Nix's help, Margot is able to get the last piece and attempts to leave, only Erzulie is there to stop her. Upon offering Margot a way out, Erzulie instead steps aside and allows Margot to leave. Thomas sends a message stating he will be there that evening and is creating a database of the history and events. With the contract in hand and support from loved ones, Margot heads back to Louis' residence to prepare for the ultimate battle.
Receiving a call from James, the strategy is tested as it appears Baron changed the terms and decided to take James' music instead of his daughter, returning his daughter safe and sound. Margot is wary and doesn't trust this change, with Thomas taking notes and the others preparing for the hearing. Debating next steps, Margot decides to invoke another hearing and demand Baron state what terms he changed and what can happen afterwards. Performing the ritual, Margot and her support team enter the Lakou. Instead of invoking the Primordial Contract, Margot has Baron explicitly state his intentions and release of James' daughter. The others, including the Iwa, are surprised; however, Margot knows something isn't right and they may have missed something. Upon returning to Louis', she explains this, with Simone agreeing. Choosing to have everyone help research why the Iwa weren't concerned and what they may have missed, the next steps could define success or failure. What happens next?
June 19, 2026
Margot Kane is back in New Orleans for her grandmere’s funeral. She wants to return soon back to work, after dealing with the things she needs to, in order her to help her grandfather. She has been noticing things that haven’t made sense since her grandmere’s death. Her grandmother, Evie, had been protecting her, all of this time, by binding her powers. But, now they are free and she has a new job to do. We then find out more about her family, and how the women in it, end up being the go-between for humans and the lwa/ loa. So, we are dealing with Voodoo. We meet some of the loa, like Papa Legba, Baron Samedi and others throughout the book. The world is fascinating, scary and freaky all at once.
Papa Legba, is in charge of the Crossroads and since Margot is a lawyer, she has the background that she needs to do her new enforced ‘calling.’ Then we find out more things that are freaky and poor Margot is really not ready for all of it, but pretty much gets thrown into the deep end and it’s all sink or swim from there on out.
The things that she deals with, both mundane and supernatural is just freaky. I found myself totally entranced by it. I also found myself getting headaches from trying to figure out the legal ramifications as the legal system of humans is vastly different from the one that is used by the Crossroads demons. You are on the roller coaster ride with Margot and it has some really bad drops. There are consequences for Margot. For what she is and what she has to do. They are freaky and scary as all get out. Baron Samedi is just plain terrifying.
I think that if I was in Margot’s shoes, I would’ve gone crazy. How she continues on, finds out more information, and uses everything that she can to fight on… that is heroic. An inspiration. The more you find out about her mother, and grandmother, the more your heart hurts for her. There is also a lot of intrigue in the book. Trust is something that can be dangerous. Voodoo, lies, revelations, tears and fights are in the book.
My brain is fried from trying to figure stuff out from what happened at the ending. There are just so many ramifications. I found myself to be proud of Margot for what she accomplished. An awesome new world the author is allowing us to play in. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Papa Legba, is in charge of the Crossroads and since Margot is a lawyer, she has the background that she needs to do her new enforced ‘calling.’ Then we find out more things that are freaky and poor Margot is really not ready for all of it, but pretty much gets thrown into the deep end and it’s all sink or swim from there on out.
The things that she deals with, both mundane and supernatural is just freaky. I found myself totally entranced by it. I also found myself getting headaches from trying to figure out the legal ramifications as the legal system of humans is vastly different from the one that is used by the Crossroads demons. You are on the roller coaster ride with Margot and it has some really bad drops. There are consequences for Margot. For what she is and what she has to do. They are freaky and scary as all get out. Baron Samedi is just plain terrifying.
I think that if I was in Margot’s shoes, I would’ve gone crazy. How she continues on, finds out more information, and uses everything that she can to fight on… that is heroic. An inspiration. The more you find out about her mother, and grandmother, the more your heart hurts for her. There is also a lot of intrigue in the book. Trust is something that can be dangerous. Voodoo, lies, revelations, tears and fights are in the book.
My brain is fried from trying to figure stuff out from what happened at the ending. There are just so many ramifications. I found myself to be proud of Margot for what she accomplished. An awesome new world the author is allowing us to play in. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2026
The Devil's Advocate is the first book in Trim's new Crossroads Counsel series. This urban fantasy features Margot Kane, a Chicago-based lawyer.
When Margot's grandmother, Evie, passes away, she receives a visit from Papa Legba, "...keeper of the crossroads, the opener of doors, the one who stand between the world you know and the world you're about to enter." He informs her that she, like her mother, and her grandmother, is a crossroads demon. Her grandmother had kept this all hidden from her to allow her to live a normal life however now that she has passed, Margot's gift has awakened and she is essentially being called to service. In addition to her work as a junior partner at Barrett & Schmidt's she is now required to facilitate deals between mortals and gods.
Margot learns that the LWA, Haitian gods, make deals with mortals, and when the time comes, they return to collect what is owed to them. Her first assignment is James Sullivan, a jazz musician who made a deal with Baron Samedi five years prior. In exchange for talent and fame, he now owes this LWA that which is most precious to him. He assumed that was his music, but Baron Samedi has laid claim to his six year old daughter. Margot will either witness the exchange, or try to use her legal knowledge and experience to argue against the agreement. Corporate law differs vastly from the gods' laws but a little girl's life is on the line and she cannot walk away.
This was a fascinating story. I started reading knowing nothing about Haitian voodoo and seemingly started learning quite a bit. I was quickly pulled into the story, and keen to see Margot come into her own so she could invalidate the deal. Trim has created a captivating base for what is sure to be an intriguing new series. I appreciate Margot's determination and perseverance. While she might be perceived as a cold lawyer, she actually has a big heart. I enjoyed meeting many of the supportive characters including her ex-husband, David, her paralegal, Thomas, and the many fierce crossroads demons who endeavour to support her. I look forward to reading the next installment.
When Margot's grandmother, Evie, passes away, she receives a visit from Papa Legba, "...keeper of the crossroads, the opener of doors, the one who stand between the world you know and the world you're about to enter." He informs her that she, like her mother, and her grandmother, is a crossroads demon. Her grandmother had kept this all hidden from her to allow her to live a normal life however now that she has passed, Margot's gift has awakened and she is essentially being called to service. In addition to her work as a junior partner at Barrett & Schmidt's she is now required to facilitate deals between mortals and gods.
Margot learns that the LWA, Haitian gods, make deals with mortals, and when the time comes, they return to collect what is owed to them. Her first assignment is James Sullivan, a jazz musician who made a deal with Baron Samedi five years prior. In exchange for talent and fame, he now owes this LWA that which is most precious to him. He assumed that was his music, but Baron Samedi has laid claim to his six year old daughter. Margot will either witness the exchange, or try to use her legal knowledge and experience to argue against the agreement. Corporate law differs vastly from the gods' laws but a little girl's life is on the line and she cannot walk away.
This was a fascinating story. I started reading knowing nothing about Haitian voodoo and seemingly started learning quite a bit. I was quickly pulled into the story, and keen to see Margot come into her own so she could invalidate the deal. Trim has created a captivating base for what is sure to be an intriguing new series. I appreciate Margot's determination and perseverance. While she might be perceived as a cold lawyer, she actually has a big heart. I enjoyed meeting many of the supportive characters including her ex-husband, David, her paralegal, Thomas, and the many fierce crossroads demons who endeavour to support her. I look forward to reading the next installment.
September 2, 2026
Brenda Trim delivers a high-stakes, brilliantly creative urban fantasy with The Devil's Advocate, a gripping novel that perfectly blends corporate law with voodoo politics. At forty-three, Chicago attorney Margot Kane thinks she is having a breakdown when she starts seeing glowing contracts etched onto human skin. Instead, she discovers she has inherited a shocking legacy: she is a crossroads demon, born into a lineage meant to negotiate deals between desperate mortals and exploitative deities. When her first client—a jazz musician who bargained with Baron Samedi—faces losing his six-year-old daughter as payment, Margot uncovers a 200-year-old conspiracy. Crossroads demons were never meant to be mere facilitators for divine greed; they were meant to be the enforcers who hold the gods accountable.
Margot's journey quickly becomes a race against time as she picks up the dangerous research that got her mother killed. With only three weeks to restore her family's ancient powers and nullify predatory divine contracts, she finds herself in the crosshairs of powerful voodoo deities, including a mocking Baron Samedi, a warning Papa Legba, and Erzulie—the lethal goddess responsible for her mother's death. This 277-page "romantasy" masterfully balances sharp legal wit with dark paranormal stakes. It gives readers a fierce, mature protagonist who refuses to let immortal entities exploit humanity, even if fighting back means risking her own soul.
Fans of Kim Harrison’s The Hollows and Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels will absolutely devour this snarky, sexy, and explicit paranormal romance. Trim crafts a phenomenal story of second chances and mid-life transformation, proving that a strong woman with a law degree can be the ultimate threat to divine tyranny. With its rich mythology, fast pacing, and compelling moral grey areas, The Devil's Advocate is an empowering must-read that will leave urban fantasy lovers clamoring for the next installment in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margot's journey quickly becomes a race against time as she picks up the dangerous research that got her mother killed. With only three weeks to restore her family's ancient powers and nullify predatory divine contracts, she finds herself in the crosshairs of powerful voodoo deities, including a mocking Baron Samedi, a warning Papa Legba, and Erzulie—the lethal goddess responsible for her mother's death. This 277-page "romantasy" masterfully balances sharp legal wit with dark paranormal stakes. It gives readers a fierce, mature protagonist who refuses to let immortal entities exploit humanity, even if fighting back means risking her own soul.
Fans of Kim Harrison’s The Hollows and Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels will absolutely devour this snarky, sexy, and explicit paranormal romance. Trim crafts a phenomenal story of second chances and mid-life transformation, proving that a strong woman with a law degree can be the ultimate threat to divine tyranny. With its rich mythology, fast pacing, and compelling moral grey areas, The Devil's Advocate is an empowering must-read that will leave urban fantasy lovers clamoring for the next installment in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
May 25, 2026Good
On the death of her grandmother, Chicago lawyer Margot, discovers that she is a Crossroads Demon, a magical being meant to negotiate the contracts between the Lwa and the humans who need something from them.
It’s her first case, with a father who may have to give up his child, that makes Margot look closer, and realise that perhaps the Crossroads Demons, might not be the servants that they believe they are…
First in a new series, this book introduces us to Margot, who with her Creole heritage and family origins in New Orleans, has a not too surprising link to the lwa or gods of Voudoun. It’s a bit of a tricky situation, and poor Margot is rather clueless, being that neither her mother or grandmother wanted the life for her, and tried to hide it from her. News alert- that stopped with their deaths!
This is an interesting and unique perspective on New Orlean’s voudoun, and the notion of a lawyer as a crossroads demon, who would have to negotiate the land mines of soul contracts is very original (to me at least).
Like most of Brenda Trim’s books, it is a fast paced read, and I felt bad for Margot, who didn’t seem to get much sleep or any time for work (I’m assuming the latter is addressed in the next book). Fortunately, her family were connected with those who can help, and her own friends were quite helpful.
The story for the book is completed, BUT we are left with some questions and a little confusion (plot related and deliberate) about what will happen next, and I admit, I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is a great read for those who like mature heroines, unexpected magical inheritances, creole cooking (there were mentions of several dishes that made me hungry), and heroines who have to face off with powerful beings they know very little about. No real romance setup just yet, but I think there are hints of one forthcoming.
On the death of her grandmother, Chicago lawyer Margot, discovers that she is a Crossroads Demon, a magical being meant to negotiate the contracts between the Lwa and the humans who need something from them.
It’s her first case, with a father who may have to give up his child, that makes Margot look closer, and realise that perhaps the Crossroads Demons, might not be the servants that they believe they are…
First in a new series, this book introduces us to Margot, who with her Creole heritage and family origins in New Orleans, has a not too surprising link to the lwa or gods of Voudoun. It’s a bit of a tricky situation, and poor Margot is rather clueless, being that neither her mother or grandmother wanted the life for her, and tried to hide it from her. News alert- that stopped with their deaths!
This is an interesting and unique perspective on New Orlean’s voudoun, and the notion of a lawyer as a crossroads demon, who would have to negotiate the land mines of soul contracts is very original (to me at least).
Like most of Brenda Trim’s books, it is a fast paced read, and I felt bad for Margot, who didn’t seem to get much sleep or any time for work (I’m assuming the latter is addressed in the next book). Fortunately, her family were connected with those who can help, and her own friends were quite helpful.
The story for the book is completed, BUT we are left with some questions and a little confusion (plot related and deliberate) about what will happen next, and I admit, I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is a great read for those who like mature heroines, unexpected magical inheritances, creole cooking (there were mentions of several dishes that made me hungry), and heroines who have to face off with powerful beings they know very little about. No real romance setup just yet, but I think there are hints of one forthcoming.
May 26, 2026
Margot, a corporate lawyer on the fast track to become partner, lives in Chicago. She loses her adored grandmother in New Orleans and goes home for the funeral.
While attending the funeral and staying with her grandfather, strange visions and sightings begin, showing others with glowing cords binding them and words on their skin, that she can read. Margot is terrified (who wouldn’t be?) and learns her matriarchal line and all the descendants are crossroad demons and must maintain contracts between humans and the gods.
Fascinating as a book, incredible skill by the writer, weaving such a tightly bound community and intricate story that makes me want to read more.
To her horror, Margot also learns that her mother died while in service to the crossroads and who killed her. Even worse, Margot has her first case to try before the gods and the other crossroad demons, and if she loses, her client loses the most important thing in his life - family.
Margot has talent as a lawyer and focus, and pieces together details that make her responses critical, not just with James as the client, but also with the supernatural community and the gods.
The story is so good I read the book in just a few hours, can’t wait to read book 2!
Great story and strong, flawed, immensely likable characters, a surprise ending and an absolutely worthwhile read
While attending the funeral and staying with her grandfather, strange visions and sightings begin, showing others with glowing cords binding them and words on their skin, that she can read. Margot is terrified (who wouldn’t be?) and learns her matriarchal line and all the descendants are crossroad demons and must maintain contracts between humans and the gods.
Fascinating as a book, incredible skill by the writer, weaving such a tightly bound community and intricate story that makes me want to read more.
To her horror, Margot also learns that her mother died while in service to the crossroads and who killed her. Even worse, Margot has her first case to try before the gods and the other crossroad demons, and if she loses, her client loses the most important thing in his life - family.
Margot has talent as a lawyer and focus, and pieces together details that make her responses critical, not just with James as the client, but also with the supernatural community and the gods.
The story is so good I read the book in just a few hours, can’t wait to read book 2!
Great story and strong, flawed, immensely likable characters, a surprise ending and an absolutely worthwhile read
June 11, 2026
I love this book! I enjoyed every page and I truly can't wait to read the next one in the series. Margo is my kind of woman, spunky, stubborn, sarcastic, and sweetly gooey in all the right places. I'd want her in my corner any day if I were ever in trouble. I just had one hang-up though, surely no one can go, go, go, like she does without getting any sleep, literally? Other than that, the story is fast paced and exciting, the bad guys are on point and we're left wanting more because nothing is really quite resolved so we are dying to find out what the lwa are going to try and pull next, will Margo learn to trust her instincts more and discover even more powers she has, and will a certain yummy 'man' she definitely has 'no interest' in hook us into their possible romance as well? And I'm obviously rooting for her invocation and can't wait to see what chaos, for there shall be chaos, that she will cause. I hope I don't have to wait too long or until the final book to find out lol! Great read, great characters, a real page turner and I recommend this for anyone who loves stories about supernatural powers, self discovery, strong female leads and potential doomsday scenarios....oh and demons lol! Enjoy!.
June 11, 2026
Brenda brings us a brand new series about a woman who had just discovered that she is a crossroads demon. Margot Kane is a Chicago lawyer attending her grandmother's funeral in New Orleans when she starts seeing strange things and weird people. Papa Legba, one of the Iwa, tells her that her grandmother was a crossroads demon and she suppressed Margot's gift until she died. Now, Margot was expected to start her job as an advocate for those making a bargain with the Iwa. Her first client will contact her within three days.
I'm not going to tell you the story, but it's a good one. Margot learns a lot about her mother's death, which happened when Margot was a child, and what she was doing before she died. Her first case is a doozy and she is definitely behind the curve on how to present it. The knowledge of human law is only going to get her so far when dealing with the Iwa. Along the way she makes friends... and enemies, and becomes more sleep-deprived than the mother of a newborn. I'm excited to see where this story goes. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm not going to tell you the story, but it's a good one. Margot learns a lot about her mother's death, which happened when Margot was a child, and what she was doing before she died. Her first case is a doozy and she is definitely behind the curve on how to present it. The knowledge of human law is only going to get her so far when dealing with the Iwa. Along the way she makes friends... and enemies, and becomes more sleep-deprived than the mother of a newborn. I'm excited to see where this story goes. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2026
This was delightfully a lot more than I expected in terms of character depth and world building.
Our protagonist is a successful Chicago attorney drawn back to her New Orleans roots by the death of her grandmother who passes on her mantle as a bridge between humans making bargains with gods.
What I loved was the depth of Margot’s character as an attorney, daughter, granddaughter, apprentice, sleuth, and advocate. We get to see many facets of her personal and professional life as she comes to understand who she truly is and the importance of her family’s role.
Margo is a very down to earth and strong-willed person who is still able to take advice, fights to protect others and show vulnerability. Refreshingly against archetypal FMCs in this genre, she doesn’t equate smart-ass one liners and constant declarations of independence with actual strength of mind and character.
I also liked the different gods and aspects and their capricious and mysterious nature which maintains an edge of suspense. She’s pulling together her supporting team and it’s not without friction as she tries to find her way.
Phenomenal narrator and amazing opener for a series I look forward to continuing.
Our protagonist is a successful Chicago attorney drawn back to her New Orleans roots by the death of her grandmother who passes on her mantle as a bridge between humans making bargains with gods.
What I loved was the depth of Margot’s character as an attorney, daughter, granddaughter, apprentice, sleuth, and advocate. We get to see many facets of her personal and professional life as she comes to understand who she truly is and the importance of her family’s role.
Margo is a very down to earth and strong-willed person who is still able to take advice, fights to protect others and show vulnerability. Refreshingly against archetypal FMCs in this genre, she doesn’t equate smart-ass one liners and constant declarations of independence with actual strength of mind and character.
I also liked the different gods and aspects and their capricious and mysterious nature which maintains an edge of suspense. She’s pulling together her supporting team and it’s not without friction as she tries to find her way.
Phenomenal narrator and amazing opener for a series I look forward to continuing.
July 12, 2026
Brilliant narration from Christian Neale
Margot is on the fast track to becoming a partner at the law firm in Chicago. When her grandmother dies she doesn’t even thing about it she heads to New Orleans to say goodbye.
Staying with her grandfather Margot starts to see things and starts seeing peoples with glowing cords binding them and words on their skin.
Now the truth of her family starts to be really seen and told. From the female line all the descendants are crossroad demons and must maintain contracts between humans and the gods. Not the kind of inheritance you first think of.
Just or well still wheeling from learning this she now finds herself in a court case in front of the gods and the other crossroad demons. A case if goes wrong has consequences for her client James and his family.
Using her skills to help to save her client.
A great blend of supernatural, with a mature heroine, a magical inheritances and great characters good and evil.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margot is on the fast track to becoming a partner at the law firm in Chicago. When her grandmother dies she doesn’t even thing about it she heads to New Orleans to say goodbye.
Staying with her grandfather Margot starts to see things and starts seeing peoples with glowing cords binding them and words on their skin.
Now the truth of her family starts to be really seen and told. From the female line all the descendants are crossroad demons and must maintain contracts between humans and the gods. Not the kind of inheritance you first think of.
Just or well still wheeling from learning this she now finds herself in a court case in front of the gods and the other crossroad demons. A case if goes wrong has consequences for her client James and his family.
Using her skills to help to save her client.
A great blend of supernatural, with a mature heroine, a magical inheritances and great characters good and evil.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2026
Dancing with devils - A new exciting series from the queen of women's paranormal fiction! Unbeknownst to her, Margot is a crossroads demon, charged to adjudicate the deals mortals make with the ancient Voodoo gods. When her first case lands in her lap after her grandmother's death, she is tasked to save a child from her father's deal with Baron Samedi. An affable trickster with a silver tongue, until the debt comes due. Only then does he show his teeth. His greatest treasure she might well be, but Thomas had no intention of sacrificing his beloved daughter. The deck is stacked against Margot and her allies, as she races against time to unearth a centuries-old edict written by the gods themselves. An edict that has been corrupted by the very beings who scribed it. Her mother challenged the gods and paid with her life. Let's hope Margot does not meet a similar end. As imaginative and heartpoundingly good as Ms. Trim's other series, with many more mystical challenges ahead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2026
I was captivated from the moment that I started reading.
Margot is a very successful lawyer but when her grandmother dies, Margot's identity abruptly changes and as a mature, successful woman, the change is not welcomed. Margot's mother died while fulfilling the same role that has now been thrust upon Margot and there's no way to back out of the arrangement.
I won't give away details because you can read the book synopsis and get the gist of the story.
But what I will tell you is that as a reader, I was pulled into Margot's story. I loved the conversations between characters and how the reader knows that Margot is no pushover simply by how she interacts with magical creatures.
I was fascinated by the author's ability to weave aged magical practices into modern law and have them intersect. I am eagerly awaiting book two of the Crossroads Counsel series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margot is a very successful lawyer but when her grandmother dies, Margot's identity abruptly changes and as a mature, successful woman, the change is not welcomed. Margot's mother died while fulfilling the same role that has now been thrust upon Margot and there's no way to back out of the arrangement.
I won't give away details because you can read the book synopsis and get the gist of the story.
But what I will tell you is that as a reader, I was pulled into Margot's story. I loved the conversations between characters and how the reader knows that Margot is no pushover simply by how she interacts with magical creatures.
I was fascinated by the author's ability to weave aged magical practices into modern law and have them intersect. I am eagerly awaiting book two of the Crossroads Counsel series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2026
Wow! Loved it!
A great start to a new series by Brenda Trim. One of my favourite authors who knows how to spin a story that you are hooked right from the start. I didn't want to see it end. And I need the next book like "Right Now", but I know I will have to wait hopefully not too long!
The characters are amazing especially Margot. Just learning she is a crossroads demon after her grandmother passes away. Not sure what is going on with her vision of seeing different coloured rope type bindings on people and words on their bodies. She questions her existence and finding out how her mother really died. She held it together and was assigned a case of a man about to lose his daughter to the lwa. Will Margot save the little girl, or will she fail and possibly get herself killed?
If you like paranormal books I highly recommend this one.
I can't wait for the next book!
A great start to a new series by Brenda Trim. One of my favourite authors who knows how to spin a story that you are hooked right from the start. I didn't want to see it end. And I need the next book like "Right Now", but I know I will have to wait hopefully not too long!
The characters are amazing especially Margot. Just learning she is a crossroads demon after her grandmother passes away. Not sure what is going on with her vision of seeing different coloured rope type bindings on people and words on their bodies. She questions her existence and finding out how her mother really died. She held it together and was assigned a case of a man about to lose his daughter to the lwa. Will Margot save the little girl, or will she fail and possibly get herself killed?
If you like paranormal books I highly recommend this one.
I can't wait for the next book!
August 29, 2026
This is an intriguing & refreshing twist on paranormal fantasy. The story follows Margot Kane, a badass 43-year-old Chicago attorney who inherits her aunt's power as a crossroads demon—a job negotiating contracts between mortals & gods.
Margot quickly uncovers centuries of divine deception. With her first client’s young daughter's life on the line, she must team up with friends, family, & her assistant to defeat the powerful Voodoo spirit Baron Samedi before it's too late.
Brenda Trim does a fantastic job blending well-explained legal drama with magical realms, shifting beautifully between Chicago & the rich culture of New Orleans Voodoo. The fast pace & high stakes will absolutely leave you craving book two!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Margot quickly uncovers centuries of divine deception. With her first client’s young daughter's life on the line, she must team up with friends, family, & her assistant to defeat the powerful Voodoo spirit Baron Samedi before it's too late.
Brenda Trim does a fantastic job blending well-explained legal drama with magical realms, shifting beautifully between Chicago & the rich culture of New Orleans Voodoo. The fast pace & high stakes will absolutely leave you craving book two!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2026
I love the concept of this storyline. Great start to a new series and I am so jonesing for the next book!!!! I love Margot, strong, fierce and even when weird things are being thrown at her, she's handling them much better than I ever would. She's up against the loas, trying to save lives and change traditions. On top of all this, she actually has a law practice. She definitely has her hands full. I think I'll have to go back and read this again, just because I loved it so much and can't wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2026
Book one in this new series and it is good! Margot is a lawyer who finds her world turned on its head when her grandmother died and she receives a visit Papa Legba, the keeper of the crossroads who informs her that she is in fact a crossroads demon! It’s a captivating and fascinating read that draws you in from the get go as we follow on this journey, view the contracts and realise maybe, just maybe the crossroads demons are not the servants they are believed to be. I cannot wait for the next book!
August 2, 2026
When a lawyer faces a family death, she suddenly finds herself dealing with what seems is a pretty nasty legacy.
But family records and lore, and a host of other sources help re frame a more powerful role that might give folks a new kind of advocate in precarious and predatory situations.
Sovereignty and souls are on the line.
It's a myth and legends filled bunch of dilemmas: empowerment or a host of destruction.
Intense, frightening, devastating and affirming drama, suspense and action.
But family records and lore, and a host of other sources help re frame a more powerful role that might give folks a new kind of advocate in precarious and predatory situations.
Sovereignty and souls are on the line.
It's a myth and legends filled bunch of dilemmas: empowerment or a host of destruction.
Intense, frightening, devastating and affirming drama, suspense and action.
June 27, 2026
This was an Awesome story to read. Book 1 of the Crossroads Counsel. It was an exciting read, awesome characters and awesome storyline. The crossroad demons reminded me of watching the TV show Supernatural.
I love reading stories from this author, they are always Awesome and have you hooked from the beginning.
I can’t wait to read more. I loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love reading stories from this author, they are always Awesome and have you hooked from the beginning.
I can’t wait to read more. I loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2026
good story, needs editing
I really enjoyed this book overall. The story and the characters were fun and interesting to read about. It was a good take on the old idea of a crossroads demon. The editing of the book could have been better. The timeline gaps and inaccuracies were really irritating and it’s hard to believe that nobody noticed and fixed these inconsistencies. I can’t wait for the next book and I hope that it has better editing.
I really enjoyed this book overall. The story and the characters were fun and interesting to read about. It was a good take on the old idea of a crossroads demon. The editing of the book could have been better. The timeline gaps and inaccuracies were really irritating and it’s hard to believe that nobody noticed and fixed these inconsistencies. I can’t wait for the next book and I hope that it has better editing.
September 3, 2026
Absolutely loved this. It was unique and really pulled me in and kept listening. I loved hire the narration pulled this into reality. I felt like I was right there. This held an amazing depth, the action and chaos. It was so intense. I was seriously invested in this one and I’m very glad I had the opportunity to listen to this. First time with this author and it definitely won’t be my last.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2026
This was a fun listen. I think the author created an interesting world with characters who were interesting and definitely unique. My favorite character was Margot. One minute she's living a normal life next thing she knows she's up against immortal beings. For what it's worth, how she handles this new life is really entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2026
This is the first book in the Crossroads Counsel. A quick paced novel full of danger and suspense. I love the characters and how reading drew me into their word. By the end of the book it just had me ready for book 2. I like how the author led up to the conclusion and left the story open for another book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2026
I loved this story of a woman finding out she is a demon and the outstanding story that came with it. This pulled me in and I did not want to put it down. The truth is that I am truly excited for book two and where that takes the reader! I Highly Recommend! No Spoilers!!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2026
Brenda Trim is a new author for me & boy was I pleasantly surprised! Margot is human or so she believed. This story is beautifully written. Page turning, folk lore, paranormal and I ate up every word! I cant wait for book 2!
🎧 Tijuana Ricks did an amazing job with the accents and French language! She really brought the book to life.
🎧 Tijuana Ricks did an amazing job with the accents and French language! She really brought the book to life.
May 30, 2026
Excellent
This book is an excellent start to this new series. I can't wait to see what comes next with the crossroads demons and their trials to school the ancient ones they encounter.
This book is an excellent start to this new series. I can't wait to see what comes next with the crossroads demons and their trials to school the ancient ones they encounter.
June 8, 2026
A great start to a new series by Brenda Trim, an author who knows how to spin a well written story that has you are hooked right from the start. I can't wait to read more. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
June 19, 2026
This is the first book of a new series, and the story is off to an interesting start. I liked the plot and the characters. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2026
An interesting take on crossroad demons and deals. The world building and set-up are engaging and I was invested in the characters by the end and curious to see where things are headed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2026
So I love the little thing in the beginning of the book 2nd chances Sounds romantic Until you realize it’s just another contract you didn’t negotiate. And that is the way this book goes. It’s wonderful. I can’t wait to read the next book.
June 30, 2026
Crossroads Council is my new favorite series
The story was well written and engaging. I loved getting to know all the characters, even the bad guys. I can’t wait for the next novel in the series.
The story was well written and engaging. I loved getting to know all the characters, even the bad guys. I can’t wait for the next novel in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews