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The Advocate #12
The Advocate's Labyrinth
When Attorney Sabre Brown’s eccentric Aunt Goldie dies, leaving a series of cryptic notes, Sabre launches the most intriguing and frustrating investigation of her life. While sorting through the piles of junk her hoarder aunt left behind, Sabre must keep Goldie’s greedy, dysfunctional children at bay. But she also discovers unexpected treasures, family secrets, and her aunt’s suspicions that someone was trying to kill her.
But soon Sabre is torn in another direction when she takes a case involving four children whose brother was murdered in their home, and no evidence of who killed him.
When her PI boyfriend and good-natured brother step in to help, they also get caught up in the labyrinth of clutter, deceit, and attempted murder. Sabre must hold everything together long enough to bring a killer to justice, protect the child’s siblings, and carry out her aunt’s bizarre last wishes.
But soon Sabre is torn in another direction when she takes a case involving four children whose brother was murdered in their home, and no evidence of who killed him.
When her PI boyfriend and good-natured brother step in to help, they also get caught up in the labyrinth of clutter, deceit, and attempted murder. Sabre must hold everything together long enough to bring a killer to justice, protect the child’s siblings, and carry out her aunt’s bizarre last wishes.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2020
571 people are currently reading
1299 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Burrell
35 books427 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 139 reviews
January 6, 2021
An Aunt to A Lawyer Dies, and What A Hidden Treasure Her Life Was
Attorney Sabre Brown's Aunt Goldie dies....She was always a little eccentric, but a very good person at heart...When Sabre starts investigating her home and life, boy does the journey take a wild turn! They can't even walk into her home, the clutter and boxes are piled high throughout...But she discovers amazing treasures, and a new look into her Aunt's life...With money, real estate, and several companies...WOW!!
At the same time Sabre takes a case of four children...Their brother murdered in their home...No evidence as to what happened...Sabre enlists the help of her PI boyfriend, JP, and her brother Ron, and the twists and turns that run through both cases will keep you turning pages to find out what happens!!
A great read that I found myself flying through, with intense characters, from the Aunt's children to the poor kids whose brother was killed...Great scenes and easy to read , grab this book for an interesting look into different jobs within the legal system today!!
Attorney Sabre Brown's Aunt Goldie dies....She was always a little eccentric, but a very good person at heart...When Sabre starts investigating her home and life, boy does the journey take a wild turn! They can't even walk into her home, the clutter and boxes are piled high throughout...But she discovers amazing treasures, and a new look into her Aunt's life...With money, real estate, and several companies...WOW!!
At the same time Sabre takes a case of four children...Their brother murdered in their home...No evidence as to what happened...Sabre enlists the help of her PI boyfriend, JP, and her brother Ron, and the twists and turns that run through both cases will keep you turning pages to find out what happens!!
A great read that I found myself flying through, with intense characters, from the Aunt's children to the poor kids whose brother was killed...Great scenes and easy to read , grab this book for an interesting look into different jobs within the legal system today!!
December 1, 2020
I have been sitting here trying to think of what I would say in this review. I have read all the Advocate books since the first and my foremost thought is that this is a little different. Sabre is a lawyer who works with minor children's cases ranging from neglect to abuse to now murder. But this book also shows a different picture of Sabre than I think we have seen before. Here we start with her Aunt Goldie's death. When Sabre finds she is named executor of Goldie's estate and must deal with Aunt Goldie's 5 grown children, who Goldie did not believe to be knowledgable, competent or able to handle things, she commits and begins the job just as Aunt Goldie expressed. Sabre gathers her team; JP, Ron, Bob, and others to assist her with the mysteries and surprises that pop up all over. Did Aunt Goldie die of a heart attack -- or was she murdered? She learns many things she didn't know about her Aunt, and Teresa Burrell touches on a few difficult to hear subjects here. At the same time she is acting as counsel for 4 children who's 5 year old brother has just been killed. As always Sabre is immersed in the children's welfare and provides much needed compassion and help for them as the case finally resolves. I think Sabre and JP have 2 additions to their little family that should be temporary but I would say they will be in the next book.
I went through a lot of different strong emotions reading this book. I'm not sure why. I suppose because these "characters" are my friends (so well are they written) that I could feel their thoughts and sorrows as if my own. Anyway--great book! Read it!!
I went through a lot of different strong emotions reading this book. I'm not sure why. I suppose because these "characters" are my friends (so well are they written) that I could feel their thoughts and sorrows as if my own. Anyway--great book! Read it!!
November 11, 2020
Teresa Burrell has written a great thriller where Attorney Sabre Brown, her boyfriend JP and her brother Ron solve the mystery surrounding the death of her eccentric Aunt Goldie and her estate. Initially thought to be just an eccentric hoarder, thorough searches of her home and storage lockers lead Sabre through the labyrinth of legal and financial arrangements. Surprise arrives with each page read. I highly recommend this book.
December 8, 2020
This was a fantastic addition to this series by Teresa Burrell.
Sabre is once again hard at work defending children, and in this case it's not only 4 children involved, but a death of a child in a home. What happened? Why? Who did it? So many questions and each time I thought I might know the answer, I was proved wrong. I really found this part fascinating and my heart went out to these children.
On the other hand, Sabre is investigating Aunt Goldie's death and the craziness with her heirs, none of which were very likeable and all of whom seemed to have some motive to want their mother gone. The very cryptic clues left behind, purposely by Aunt Goldie were wonderful! I cheered her inventiveness even as I mourned the fact that she had to live life cut off from others due to her hoarding.
Throw JP and Ron in the mix as they help Sabre and this book's excitement and energy never wane. I am a huge fan of this series and I daresay this is the absolute best book in this series. If you've enjoyed any of the books in this series, grab this one today and if you haven't, I'd suggest you start with the first. You'll soon find yourself one-clicking all the rest.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own and happily shared because I loved this book!
Sabre is once again hard at work defending children, and in this case it's not only 4 children involved, but a death of a child in a home. What happened? Why? Who did it? So many questions and each time I thought I might know the answer, I was proved wrong. I really found this part fascinating and my heart went out to these children.
On the other hand, Sabre is investigating Aunt Goldie's death and the craziness with her heirs, none of which were very likeable and all of whom seemed to have some motive to want their mother gone. The very cryptic clues left behind, purposely by Aunt Goldie were wonderful! I cheered her inventiveness even as I mourned the fact that she had to live life cut off from others due to her hoarding.
Throw JP and Ron in the mix as they help Sabre and this book's excitement and energy never wane. I am a huge fan of this series and I daresay this is the absolute best book in this series. If you've enjoyed any of the books in this series, grab this one today and if you haven't, I'd suggest you start with the first. You'll soon find yourself one-clicking all the rest.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own and happily shared because I loved this book!
December 8, 2020
Attorney and child advocate Sabre Brown always takes her cases personally, but this time, she’s split in two directions – she’s pressed into service as her aunt’s executor, and has to carry out the aunt’s bizarre last wishes and her greedy, dysfunctional cousins are pissed off. She also takes on the case involving a child murdered in his home with no evidence of who killed him and parents who want to throw one of the siblings under the bus.
I always enjoy the Advocate Series, and this book 12 was no exception. It’s a bit of a departure because it featured much more backstory on Sabre’s personal life, but I liked that because it made her seem even more real. The story was well-written, the characters well-developed (even the secondary ones), and the plot held my interest all the way through. There were plenty of suspects, and the ending was a surprise.
These can be read out of order, as the author skillfully weaves salient points of the previous novels into the current book. All the books have a lovely, satisfying mx of child advocacy, law practice, mystery, and personal life. I sill prefer to read in order, because it enriches the experience for me. I have enjoyed watching Sabre grow as an attorney, and as a person. I particularly like the friendship between her and Bob, her bff and co-counsel, because it shows men and women can be friends. And I always root for the romance between Sabre and JP – he’s quite a bit older than her, but it doesn’t get in the way. Sure they hit the occasional speed bump, but they resolve issues like mature adults. And JP has a Beagle, my favorite kind of dog.
The author also writes the Tuper Mystery Series, an off-shoot of the Advocate Series. The Tuper series is just as enjoyable. And I like how the characters occasionallhy cross over into each other’s stories. It adds to the real life flavor of the series. I highly recommend both series.
I always enjoy the Advocate Series, and this book 12 was no exception. It’s a bit of a departure because it featured much more backstory on Sabre’s personal life, but I liked that because it made her seem even more real. The story was well-written, the characters well-developed (even the secondary ones), and the plot held my interest all the way through. There were plenty of suspects, and the ending was a surprise.
These can be read out of order, as the author skillfully weaves salient points of the previous novels into the current book. All the books have a lovely, satisfying mx of child advocacy, law practice, mystery, and personal life. I sill prefer to read in order, because it enriches the experience for me. I have enjoyed watching Sabre grow as an attorney, and as a person. I particularly like the friendship between her and Bob, her bff and co-counsel, because it shows men and women can be friends. And I always root for the romance between Sabre and JP – he’s quite a bit older than her, but it doesn’t get in the way. Sure they hit the occasional speed bump, but they resolve issues like mature adults. And JP has a Beagle, my favorite kind of dog.
The author also writes the Tuper Mystery Series, an off-shoot of the Advocate Series. The Tuper series is just as enjoyable. And I like how the characters occasionallhy cross over into each other’s stories. It adds to the real life flavor of the series. I highly recommend both series.
December 23, 2020
The Advocate's Labyrinth is the 12th book in the series and is a little different from the rest as it involves more of Sabre's family and background. When Sabre and Ron's Aunt Goldie dies her final request is that Sabre handle her affairs and to do a few things to secure her home before telling her 5 children that she has passed. When Sabre goes to the house she discovered a side of her aunt she never knew. Soon after Sabre is given a case involving 4 children that were taken from their mother when their brother was discovered murdered and no idea who did it.
The book starts off with a call from Aunt Goldie telling Sabre that something is wrong, the ambulance is on the way but she needs Sabre to go to her house and change the code on her garage door. Curious because what could be more important than Sabre getting to the hospital to be with Aunt Goldie. From there I dare you to put the book down. It just gets better with every page you turn. Aunt Goldie's 5 children are the epitome of greed who only care about what they think they are entitled to.
But in all of this Teresa does not scrimp on telling the story of the 4 children that Sabre is representing. She beautifully weaves in and out of each story effortlessly so that you are left satisfied to the very end. It's not all doom and gloom as you still have the comic relief with Ron and Bob and even J.P. helping Sabre navigate through all this with a little help from some favorites in the form of Tuper, Clarice and Lana.
Once again if you haven't read any of the Advocate series you really need to and if you have read some this is one you can't miss. Thanks Teresa for another winner and I can't wait to see what is in store for the gang.
The book starts off with a call from Aunt Goldie telling Sabre that something is wrong, the ambulance is on the way but she needs Sabre to go to her house and change the code on her garage door. Curious because what could be more important than Sabre getting to the hospital to be with Aunt Goldie. From there I dare you to put the book down. It just gets better with every page you turn. Aunt Goldie's 5 children are the epitome of greed who only care about what they think they are entitled to.
But in all of this Teresa does not scrimp on telling the story of the 4 children that Sabre is representing. She beautifully weaves in and out of each story effortlessly so that you are left satisfied to the very end. It's not all doom and gloom as you still have the comic relief with Ron and Bob and even J.P. helping Sabre navigate through all this with a little help from some favorites in the form of Tuper, Clarice and Lana.
Once again if you haven't read any of the Advocate series you really need to and if you have read some this is one you can't miss. Thanks Teresa for another winner and I can't wait to see what is in store for the gang.
December 8, 2020
In The Advocate’s Labyrinth, Teresa Burrell deviates from her usual storytelling format. However, that’s not bad. All of the characters from the other Advocate books that you’ve come to love are here, as well as Ms. Burrell’s fantastic storytelling. If you love a good mystery, look no further than The Advocate’s Labyrinth. I promise you’ll enjoy it!!
December 12, 2020
As a member of Ms. Burrell’s review team, I had the opportunity for an early read of Ms. Burrell’s upcoming novel, The Advocate’s Labyrinth.
Sabre Brown is an attorney. Her Aunt Goldie, not really her aunt but who was married to Sabre’s mother’s brother, passed away unexpectedly, leaving Sabre as her trustee. Goldie was not the person Sabre always thought she was. She was so much more. This is an entertaining tale of how Goldie lived as a hoarder but had more buried secrets. There are some interesting characters in this book, to include Goldie’s five children (Micki and Rocki (twin girls), Travis and Langston (twin boys), and Chase. I hope you will enjoy the uncovering of Goldie’s secrets as Sabre and her significant other, JP, work to unravel the labyrinth that Goldie created.
There is also an underlying story of a court case that Sabre finds herself involved in, one that involves another family entirely. Read how she helps them find out the truth of what happened to Perry.
Sabre Brown is an attorney. Her Aunt Goldie, not really her aunt but who was married to Sabre’s mother’s brother, passed away unexpectedly, leaving Sabre as her trustee. Goldie was not the person Sabre always thought she was. She was so much more. This is an entertaining tale of how Goldie lived as a hoarder but had more buried secrets. There are some interesting characters in this book, to include Goldie’s five children (Micki and Rocki (twin girls), Travis and Langston (twin boys), and Chase. I hope you will enjoy the uncovering of Goldie’s secrets as Sabre and her significant other, JP, work to unravel the labyrinth that Goldie created.
There is also an underlying story of a court case that Sabre finds herself involved in, one that involves another family entirely. Read how she helps them find out the truth of what happened to Perry.
December 8, 2020
The Advocates Labyrinth begins with a panicked call from Sabre’s Aunt Goldie having a health crisis Before Sabre can get to the hospital, Aunt Goldie has died. A puzzling letter from her aunt has been left for Sabre showing her to be power of attorney for the estate. Aunt Goldie is a secret hoarder and navigating her home is a literal labyrinth Sabre has to negotiate. Goldie’s 5 children are hostile and not cooperative in dealing with her death and last wishes. Sabre’s boyfriend, J.P., co-attorney, Ron, and her brother, Bob, help her navigate the labyrinth formed from many secrets Goldie’s been keeping and the nefarious people involved in her life. This is a page turner and the ending is terrific.
January 17, 2021
A fascinating book
Very human characters. Unusual stories, unrelated, but seamlessly woven make this a fast-moving read. Heros and heroines galore. I love Sabre, tireless and compassionate in her job representing children in court. Her partner, J.P., a true to life cowboy, is absolutely devoted. And her brother Ron is the definition of Heart of Gold.
Very human characters. Unusual stories, unrelated, but seamlessly woven make this a fast-moving read. Heros and heroines galore. I love Sabre, tireless and compassionate in her job representing children in court. Her partner, J.P., a true to life cowboy, is absolutely devoted. And her brother Ron is the definition of Heart of Gold.
December 12, 2020
Hold on to your hat!
Loved this book from the very beginning to the last word. It grabs your interest right away and just doesn't let up. Reading it was as exciting as ridin' a bull steppin' on hot coals! I can hardly wait for the next book to see what Sabre and JP will do.
Loved this book from the very beginning to the last word. It grabs your interest right away and just doesn't let up. Reading it was as exciting as ridin' a bull steppin' on hot coals! I can hardly wait for the next book to see what Sabre and JP will do.
December 13, 2020
Labyrinth of schemers
Immediately enter the world of a dedicated border, with a family of graspy and greedy children out for everything they can get. Mix in suspicious deaths, plotting against one another and you will read this wonderful book you won't put down til it is read.
Immediately enter the world of a dedicated border, with a family of graspy and greedy children out for everything they can get. Mix in suspicious deaths, plotting against one another and you will read this wonderful book you won't put down til it is read.
December 10, 2020
The Advocate’s Labyrinth
That ending!! This is the typical book in the series in that it’s fast paced and going a million different directions. I had figured out a lot of the mystery portion of the story long before it was known but that didn’t stop my enjoyment. But that end! I don’t like to pressure authors for the next book in the series (really, I get no enjoyment from it, lol) but I need the next book in this series!
That ending!! This is the typical book in the series in that it’s fast paced and going a million different directions. I had figured out a lot of the mystery portion of the story long before it was known but that didn’t stop my enjoyment. But that end! I don’t like to pressure authors for the next book in the series (really, I get no enjoyment from it, lol) but I need the next book in this series!
January 15, 2021
A great read
The best story good interaction between the various characters. The interesting thoughts that there is scope to carry on the story and see what happens to the. Children. More please Teresa
The best story good interaction between the various characters. The interesting thoughts that there is scope to carry on the story and see what happens to the. Children. More please Teresa
Read
November 6, 2020Theresa's Books are always mesmerizing. This one did not disappoint. The ending surprised me!
December 11, 2020
Captivating as Always
I have read all of Teresa's books and loved them all. This was no exception. Reading just a chapter of her books is like trying to eat just one potato chip, it can't be done.
I have read all of Teresa's books and loved them all. This was no exception. Reading just a chapter of her books is like trying to eat just one potato chip, it can't be done.
January 2, 2021
More please
Need a book 13 , where Sabrina and JANET married and Gene gets out of jail . Can't end here.
Need a book 13 , where Sabrina and JANET married and Gene gets out of jail . Can't end here.
January 16, 2021
My favourite of the series so far. This one was much less focused on Sabre's advocate work and much more on a family matter. I couldn't put it down, it was so good.
December 31, 2020
Love all her books
As with her other books, The Advocate's Labyrinth's characters and the situations they encounter are both intriguing and realistic. I'm always sorry to reach the end of the book!
As with her other books, The Advocate's Labyrinth's characters and the situations they encounter are both intriguing and realistic. I'm always sorry to reach the end of the book!
December 31, 2020
Ladyrinth
I really enjoyed this book -it keep my interest -I stared reading and did not put it down. The ending was excellent
I really enjoyed this book -it keep my interest -I stared reading and did not put it down. The ending was excellent
January 14, 2021
Really like this series
Good story line, no explicit sex, really like all the players, Teresa makes the stories interesting. Hope there will be more in the series.
Good story line, no explicit sex, really like all the players, Teresa makes the stories interesting. Hope there will be more in the series.
December 25, 2020
Another different adventure for Sabre.
Couldn't stop reading. What a story about Aunt Goldie & her children. Interwoven is a court story involving children, death & custody. Sabre has help from JP, brother Ron & her co worker Bob to leave the story hanging. Can't wait for the next book.
Couldn't stop reading. What a story about Aunt Goldie & her children. Interwoven is a court story involving children, death & custody. Sabre has help from JP, brother Ron & her co worker Bob to leave the story hanging. Can't wait for the next book.
December 25, 2020
Interesting
I loved the development of Goldie as Character and as an aunt for sabre. Her aunt was a hoarder who was extremely wealthy with a heart of gold. I love everyone of these books and can not wait until the next edition
I loved the development of Goldie as Character and as an aunt for sabre. Her aunt was a hoarder who was extremely wealthy with a heart of gold. I love everyone of these books and can not wait until the next edition
December 11, 2020
A well-written story with terrific characters that make this book as unputdownable as all the others. This book gives us a little bit more backstory than the others, and that just makes the book that much better. Some familiar characters resurface in this book while this particular story explores the death of a child, the who, what, when, and why, and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. At the same time, it deals with the death of a family member who has elected to have Sabre as her executor and leaves her spinning to sort through the reality of her aunt's life with some bitter family members surfacing during the process. The reader will find themselves swiping the pages non-stop to find out how the book ends with no shortage of secrets revealed along the way. A wonderful mystery with a satisfying ending, don't miss out on this fantastic read. I received an ARC of this book and all opinions expressed here are my own and unsolicited.
December 16, 2020
A Remarkably Wonderful Episode
I've very much enjoyed Teresa Burrell's previous Sabre Brown novels, but this is the best of all. I am stunned and delighted with the final resolutions to the children's case, Sabre and JP's family dynamics, and the surprising labyrinth Sabre discovers when her favorite Aunt Goldie dies suddenly. As always, well written, good momdntum, real people, and interesting personalities fill the book from beginning to end.
I've very much enjoyed Teresa Burrell's previous Sabre Brown novels, but this is the best of all. I am stunned and delighted with the final resolutions to the children's case, Sabre and JP's family dynamics, and the surprising labyrinth Sabre discovers when her favorite Aunt Goldie dies suddenly. As always, well written, good momdntum, real people, and interesting personalities fill the book from beginning to end.
December 14, 2020
As always, Teresa Burrell's Advocate series is a must read. I have read all of them and am always waiting for the next one. Strong characters, story line and excellent writing.
December 11, 2020
Another homerun by Teresa Burrell.
The Advocate Series are always enjoyable to read. Teresa Burrell weaves her extensive knowledge of law seamlessly into multiple plots in her books without overt legalese. I'm already looking forward to book 13.
The Advocate Series are always enjoyable to read. Teresa Burrell weaves her extensive knowledge of law seamlessly into multiple plots in her books without overt legalese. I'm already looking forward to book 13.
December 12, 2020
Intriguing storylines
Advocate series keeps me wanting another and another. Twists and turns of the plots well intertwined with several characters Bravo!!
Advocate series keeps me wanting another and another. Twists and turns of the plots well intertwined with several characters Bravo!!
March 2, 2021
I always enjoy this series, but this installment really stood out to me. The mystery of Sabre's aunt was fascinating and I loved finding out more and more. The trail was powerful as always, and I love how Sabre is such a strong advocate for the children. Can't wait for M!
September 9, 2021
It's been quite a while since I've read a book that I couldn't put down. This was a very engaging plot and interesting, well-fleshed out characters (especially Goldie!). I love Ms. Burrell's style; she is a wonderful writer, no padding or added fluff, just a well-thought out and presented story. I will definitely read more by her. So, why only 4 stars? The ending. It was the most abrupt ending I think I've ever encountered. I turned the page and..... what...that's it? An epilogue would have been great, just some kind of closure. I was hoping to see something more about Dene, or the kids, or the dog, or those stones that were in her house (and other items), or......just something!
On another note - does anyone besides me hate the new layout of the reviews? I liked the old layout so much better - more concise and easier to navigate. Just wondering.
On another note - does anyone besides me hate the new layout of the reviews? I liked the old layout so much better - more concise and easier to navigate. Just wondering.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews