The Advocate's Memory

The Advocate #13

by Teresa Burrell

Attorney Sabre Brown runs from a horrific assault and loses her memory of it with every step. When a dead man turns up in the same area, Sabre blames herself. Did she witness the murder? Or worse--did she kill him?

Before Sabre and her private investigator, JP, can solve that mystery, a minor client, Angela, disappears near the murder scene. Sabre must find her. But as Sabre’s memory slowly returns, she realizes the killer may be coming for her next. Can she and JP find Angela in time to save them both?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Legal, Audiobook

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2022

About the author

Teresa 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.

Reviews

[Vickie Barrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed The Advocate series and now my teenage granddaughter is enjoying it too. This one in the series is the best (I usually think that). It starts right out with action. Sabre is running for her life but doesn’t know why and finds herself in the hospital with no memory of most of the past 24 hours. The mystery unravels but will keep you guessing. Sabre’s work as a children’s advocate adds interesting stories for which Ms Burrell is well-qualified. The personal lives and professional lives that are revealed add a humanist touch to this crime novel.

[Linda Langille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I won't give any spoilers but once again Teresa has outdone herself with her latest book in this series. Each new book has been introducing new characters for the series which enhance the story line. You can't go wrong with this series as they keep you from beginning to end! Thank you Teresa for another great read!

[Alisha Henri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to beta-read this book for Teresa Burrell. Another in her fascinating Sabre Brown series, I believe it's the best so far. Sabre represents children, who have come to family court for various issues. Ms. Burrell always develops the characters so that the reader can easily understand the issues and the process. In this book, Sabre has lost her memory due to physical and /or emotional trauma, and the main story line proceeds with that issue, accompanied by storylines involving a new addition to her and JP's family, as well as two other children's stories. Ms. Burrell has created a complex yet very real story in a clear, concise, and fascinating manner, and the resolutions by the end of the book are perfect. Since I've been a hypnotherapist for years, I particularly liked that Sabre saw one in an attempt to recover her missing memories. I enjoyed rereading this book so that I could review it properly, and strongly recommend both this and preceding books in the series to any reader, who likes well-paced mysteries that have realistic scenarios and characters. While the book can easily be read without previously reading the series, those books add depth to each succeeding story. I'm very much looking forward to the next one.

[Denise Zendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabre Brown, child advocate attorney, is running, running for her very life as if pursued by the hounds of Hell. She doesn’t know why, or what she’s running from, but she knows if she stops, something very very bad will happen to her. She gets clipped by a car as she runs across a parking lot, but even that can’t slow her down. She crumples to the ground in front of a couple of cops and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of why or what got her there. JP, her investigator and her love, is there to fill in what pieces he can, but it will be up to her to figure out the big picture and save the lives of those she loves.

There is so much to like about this series – Sabre, who could probably make a lot more money in private practice, but who is living her calling; JP, with his folksy way of speaking, a strong sense of right wrong, and deep love for Sabre; her relationship with Bob, her bff who loves her like a sister; and topical cases that feel “ripped from the headlines.” The writing is clean, the dialogue realistic, the characters well-developed, and the plots hold my interest all the way through.

I’m always happy to see a new entry in this long-running series, and this 13th entry did not disappoint. In addition to figuring out who’s trying to kill her and if she might have killed someone herself, Sabre is faced with integrating her cousin’s 12-year-old daughter into the family, either on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, and continuing to handle a full caseload at work. I love watching Sabre and JP interact, and I like how she treats her young clients. The stories feel very real to me. One of the fun things this author does is have characters from her other works make brief appearances in this series. If you don’t know, it doesn’t interrupt the flow, but if you do know, it’s like finding an Easter egg.

These can be read out of order, as the author provides enough backstory to keep the current plot moving along. I always advocate for reading them in order because it makes the reading experience richer.

[Big Time Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series never fails to excite me! Sabre is an excellent main character and the friends she surrounds herself with are equally well done. They all care deeply for children, seeing justice done, and making sure right is done in the end. What's not to like?

The story of Sabre's assault and her loss of memory definitely added an interesting twist because her memory takes a while to recover, which hampers figuring out who attacked Sabre and why.

There is a puzzling mystery surrounding a little boy and while I can't say much without giving away the plot, it's unique and I found it very interesting.

Ms. Burrell does a wonderful job with this series, bringing in characters we've met before and allowing us to see them change and grow, which keep the series fresh. We also meet new people in each book that sometimes pop up in other books, which I always enjoy.

If you're looking for a good solid mystery series that will keep you guessing, this is the one for you!

Thanks to the author and publisher for granting an ARC at my request. These thoughts are my own and happily shared.

[Crystal Kamada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following this series from the start, and each book brings another case that'll evoke a whole range of emotions.

Advocate's Memory starts out with the lead character child advocate attorney Sabre running from someone and collapsing, only to wake up in the hospital with no memory of what happened. As she and her colleagues, boyfriend JP, and brother all work together to find all the missing pieces, the current legal case she's working on throws up more questions and complications too. Was what happened to her connected to this current case, or was it completely unrelated? Was it a previous case? This story keeps you guessing right to the end. In a continuation from the previous book, Labrynth, JP's niece and nephew are still staying with JP & Sabre, and Sabre is also temporarily bringing her young cousin who lost her mom into the mix. The family dynamics are complicated, to say the least! But overall this series just keeps getting better, and the characters feel like old friends.

[Uma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all books of the Advocate series but this book is in a class of its own .

When advocate Sabre is rescued by the police in a disheveled, wounded and bruised state, she has no memory and knowledge of
events that put Sabre in such a dangerous position. It creates a panic as to who could have done it and the reason for this atrocious attack.

How this situation is managed, worked upon and brought to a cogent and excellent conclusion forms the content of this extraordinary book.
All of Sabre's loved ones and acquaintances do their best to help and support Sabre during this crisis.

Despite her significant memory impairment, it is exceptional on Sabre's part to deal with her cases. It was amazing to read the medical issues that were dealt with by her.
Kudos to Sabre and Kudos to her creator Teresa for such an exceptional, remarkable and outstanding book.

Thank you , Teresa.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off with Sabre covered in blood, bruised, running for her life and no memory of what happened. She can remember driving to her next appointment but after that nothing. Now in the hospital worrying about what happened she is also concerned about bringing her 12 year old cousin to live with her and J.P.s growing family.

Adding to the mix a little girl that Sabre represents goes missing, a little boy is in the hospital under the cloud of suspicion that his mother is making him ill.

As with all Teresa's books this one hits the ground running and doesn't stop until the last page. There are plenty of bad guys to choose from and has an ending that has you saying I did not see that.

If you are looking for a series to read I highly recommend The Advocate Series and also Tuper series. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you Teresa for another great read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery drama

I have read each of Teresa Burrell’s books. One is better than the next though this may be the best yet. Sabre Brown, children’s attorney is attacked and almost murdered. Three different cases weave in and out. JP,her significant other
, investigates ceaselessly. Meanwhile her teenage cousin comes to live with them adding to their family. All comes to a very dramatic surprising finish. Highly recommended

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love her books. I love how she uses her talent to stick up for children and teaches us the many issues that confronts them daily. As a child I was abused and yes sometimes it brings back memories but I get to see a child finally win! This one was no different. I suggest you read all of her books, you'll become enlightened!
Thanks Teresa!

[Denise Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual with Teresa, this was a really fast read. It hooked me from the very first paragraph and I couldn't stop until I finished it!

[Phyllis carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

same thing over again!

She gets into a situation every time and has to be saved! Getting tired of reading the same story over and over again! Done!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the author packs so much into her stories that it never fails to entertain and doesn't stop until the very last page. Book 13 starts with drama that has wondering what is going on? Did I miss something? In fact, even the main character doesn't seem to know what is going on but don't worry Sabre and JP are soon unravelling clues. I love the way it all unfolds and with three cases on the go, you aren't certain which one is connected. All three cases are very different but it never gets confusing jumping between them all. The home life is interesting with three teenage children now living at home and I enjoyed the dynamic between them and the struggles as they get to know each other. The author understands people and what makes them tick and she used that talent to bring interesting and emotionally charged stories to her reader or listener. I love this series and the characters and don't understand why it's not on everybody's must read list.
Attorney Sabre Brown wakes up in hospital with no idea of why she is there or what happened before she arrived. Retracing her steps learned from witnesses she is shocked to discover a body. Does the dead man have a connection to what happened to her? Could she have caused it? Before Sabre can know how, she has to work out who he is. When three files also turn up missing she wonders if everything is connected. Sabre has to do her best for a sick little boy who might be being harmed by his mother, an abusive family who could be racists and a little girl left alone by her drug addict mother, all with no memory. How can she help her clients when she can't remember? With private investigator JP and her family to help Sabre slow begins to piece the clues and memories back together. Then the little girl goes missing and it becomes a race against time.
I liked the narrator. His laid back style suits the story and especially the character JP.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read several of The Advocate Series, I was excited to read the 13th in the series. (I really need to go back and read the ones I've missed!) The author, Teresa Burrell, knows how to keep a reader's interest. With a missing child, another child who may be a victim of Munchausen syndrome, Child Advocate, Sabre, has her hands full and now has amnesia regarding a murder in which she may be a suspect. The pages practically turned themselves. The main characters are relatable and likable and the bad guys are definitely despicable. The story moved quickly and the author brings satisfactory closure to the several situations in the book. For readers who enjoy female sleuth mysteries, the Advocate series is a must-read. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. The narrator, John Bell, does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life in this book.

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read most of the books in this series but the same story line just keeps getting recycled.
This series is great for a younger audience. People who have read a great deal all their lives and who are used to more challenging stories and characters will find this overly simplistic.
Another thing that is really turning me off on this series however, is Sabre’s, partner acting like a jealous junior high school student, particularly when he is portrayed as being quite a bit older than her. And what’s worse is she doesn’t even call him on it. Also this author is starting with a theme I’m seeing more and more of endlessly repeating what we’ve already been told throughout the book.
I’m afraid this is my last Advocate book but again, I do think it’s a good series for young readers looking for a simple, clean mystery series.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabre Brown, Atty; Bob Clark, Atty; JP Torn, PI and Sabre's boyfriend; Ron Brown, Sabre's brother.
Conner, Morgan - Dene's kids living with Sabre and JP; Dene, Cousin of Sabre - her father is Travis;
Beverly - mother of Sabre and Ron; Harley - Beverly's boyfriend;
Eddie Blane case - his mother Willow Blane, mother; is this a case of Munchausen (Factitious Disorder)? No, allergies, including allergic to his Mom.
Angela Madison - case; Mother: Xander Madison; Jan Webb (aunt who is watching Angela)
Angela fantasizes, dresses in costumes.
Dead man - Harold - Sabre was there, but was hit on the head and lost her memory.
Velma, a friend; who killed him? Waylon Holloway, the racist? Gunner Holloway, father/
Todd Lynch - his sons: Evan, Nolan and Drew;

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit!

I love Teresa's books. As with her other books the story line is great. The characters are extremely likable, people I would love to be friends with. The "bad guys " are very easy to hate.
No profanity, no sexually explicit scenes and nothing gory.
It's a book you could be comfortable giving to your teenage granddaughter or your elderly grandmother.
I would recommend it to everyone.

[Patricia McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teresa Burrell does not fail to engage the reader from the very first page.

Sabre Brown is in danger right away, but it takes the rest of the book to truly understand why. Two cases that turn out to be connected and questions are abounding about past baddies as suspects keeps Sabre and JP on their toes.

And then there is the stress of having 3 adolescents now part of their life.

Definitely another great story from this child advocate.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read most of the Advocate Series and book 13 is terrific. Once you start the book you will not want to put it down until you have finished. That said, even if this is your first book in this series, you will enjoy it and do fine. Teresa Burrell is an excellent writer and she spins a web that keeps you wanting more. This audiobook was narrated by John Bell and who is incredible at keeping you interested. I love his different voices.

[C. Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just abandoned a book because it was so slow, had too many characters, and no real story liner, it was a joy to return to Sabre Brown. I'm not sure how many of these books I have read, but not one has disappointed me. No unacceptable language - either blasphemous or crude - and a great story line that unfolds slowly enough to make it a "CAN'T PUT DOWN" novel, but quickly enough to keep it interesting. Well done (again!) Ms Burrell. Thank you.

[D. Jane Akins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teresa Burrell is an excellent writer!

This is the 13th book in a series and I’ve read them all - a couple of them twice. Ms. Burrell makes you want to keep reading about her characters and hoping there’s another book in the future. Her characters are real and her stories are real and well worth reading - all of them.

[Nilda Urrutia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done with number #13

Great storytelling. I've read all 13 books in The Advocate series in < 2 weeks. Can't wait for the next one. On to read her other books. If you are looking for a different read about lawyers, this is it. Like no other justice series Sabre is a children advocate, solving cases with her boyfriend PJ, a private investigator, former cop.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

This is a great story about young girls being raped and also other than people who have had dysfunctional life is because of family problems. It involves several different youngsters and what they're going through. There were many twists and turns throughout. It was very enjoyable book.

[sharon check · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

This is the second one I've read in this series and I liked it better. The vending was less abrupt . The characters are interesting although there are so many I struggled to remember which story line they belonged to. But I liked the family dynamics and how all was tied up at the end .

[Alan Swain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Story

First, I've never read a book in the Advocate's series I didn't love. Add this as another one. Teresa has a nack for storytelling that keeps the reader fully engaged in the story; you won't want to put it down. You're a special lady, Teresa!

[Marlene Brittsan]

Always a Good Read

As always, Teresa Burrell has written a great suspense novel. With likeable and believeable characters, the story unfolds with many twists and turns. Once you get to the home stretch, I guarantee you won't be able to stop until the book ends.

[Linda Strandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner!

I love her books because they are very realistic and especially because there is absolutely no profanity. In this day and age it seems that no one can speak or write without dropping multiple f-bombs and it gets very tiresome.
It was a very enjoyable book!

[Pedro Bedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was going to be all about the memory thing but there was plenty of other stuff going on to make the story interesting. JP and Dubois are good characters to help it along and Sabre is a really cool name for a heroine.

[Brittany Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memory to remember

Teresa knows how to write a book. You don't have to read any other book in the series to know who the characters are. A very good read with an even better ending.

[Elizabeth Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

But 13 of the advocate series

This installment of the advocate series is absolutely breath-taking it grabbed you from the very first chapter and you don't see the ending coming at all, I would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries