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The Advocate #5

The Advocate's Ex Parte

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Attorney Sabre Brown is summoned into Judge Lawrence Mitchell chambers for an ex parte hearing. When the judge attempts to discuss one of her cases, she refuses to listen without proper counsel present.

Later that evening, Judge Mitchell is murdered.

Sabre’s shock at his death is only surpassed by an attempt on the life of Dr. Carolina Heller, a psychologist she employs on a regular basis. Sabre now fears for her own life.

Sabre enlists her private eye JP, and they begin to comb and scrutinize her cases, searching for connections between the two crimes. But Sabre’s life is in danger from someone much closer to her.

Sabre and JP’s roads diverge. While JP infiltrates a twisted world of greed and corruption, Sabre is caught up in a domestic crisis fueled by obsession. As each is forced to fight their own battles, the question soon becomes, can they find a way to save one another?

357 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2013

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1076 people want to read

About the author

Teresa Burrell

35 books424 followers
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.

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5 stars
1,661 (50%)
4 stars
1,146 (34%)
3 stars
362 (10%)
2 stars
99 (3%)
1 star
31 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
Profile Image for Lillian Christiansen.
Author 2 books8 followers
May 10, 2014
I have read all of the books in this series so far and I love the stories. As I have moved through the series I have a bit of trouble believing that Sabre could keep on finding so much trouble, but the stories are so good that I suspend my disbelief and emerge myself in the stories.

Though each book has danced around a particular romantic entanglement and I really expected that romance aspect to get more attention in this book, still I am left dangling and there are still only hints that maybe in the next book I will get to have my romantic satisfaction for Sabre.

What I do love about this book is the mix of reality and the compassion that is within the complexities of dealing with families who are involved in the justice system. These stories have both compassionate and caring characters as well as those who have agendas and those who just aren't well suited to the work or broken families. This reality mixed in with a suspenseful and well paced story pays off in creating a truly enjoyable read.
1,383 reviews22 followers
November 11, 2013
I received this from Library Thing to read and review. It is refreshing to read a story about a lawyer who is everything we want: ethical, honest, understanding—the type lawyer we all would like pushing for us. Sabra Brown defends young adults in court, when they are accused of crimes. In this case, she is approached outside court by a judge about something that may involve one of her cases, but Sabre will not discuss it because she thinks it is not right, and soon thereafter, the judge is dead. Fearing for her own life, Sabre hires a PI to investigate whether there is any connection to the caseload and the judge’s death. The story unfolds as the PI does the investigation. There are several good characters in this story, besides Sabre: her friend who recommends she hire the PI, the PI and a cowboy who comes into the picture. The characters are well developed in an interesting way, set amid a fascinatingly intertwined plot. This is the first of the author’s books I have read, but it will not be the last. I think anyone who enjoys a good book and mystery will enjoy this book—and I think the series, if this is any indication of the rest of the books.
196 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2013
When Sabre is called into the judges chambers to speak with the judge alone she knows it's againts the code of ethics and requests another lawyers presence. When she attempts to bring in a witness the judge becomes irate and throws her out. Later that night the judge is killed by a hit and run driver.

Sabre's teenage client is accused of murder and Sobs is not sure he is innocent. But it is her duty to defend him anyway. She hits a few bumps along the way.
Reluctant to turn to JP for help because his former wife is staying with him she feels she must do most of the work herself. And with a new man in her life she is a very busy lawyer.
In spite of the light hearted moments and the mystery of the case the author addresses the problem of domestic violence in a real but yet nongraphic way
For me, Teresa Burrell's books are like potato chips, you can't stop with just one. I hope that the author keeps the series coming. I must confess I've got a little crush on JP and I want my own Bob.
Profile Image for Satrajit Sanyal.
573 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2018
I love this series, this book I did not like as much as the others for a few reasons. It had too many "repeats" , it had too many cases going on at once, and the author is dragging out the "might be" relationship between JP and Sabre way too long.

With that said, those are the reasons for only 3 stars on this one... BUT This is still a really good story, it DID keep my interest through out from beginning to the end. It does answer all the questions about each case involved by the ending. It does not have any bad language, or sex scenes. It has some very good characters, it has suspense and mystery.

I will recommend it, and I will continue to read more of this series. If you got this book and it is your first you have read in this series please do not judge the others by this one... the books before this one are much better...
Profile Image for Sam.
456 reviews10 followers
October 9, 2013
In this book Sabre is called into a judges chambers where he tries to discuss one of her cases. Sabre is uncomfortable with this and lets the judge know. The next day she finds out that the judge has been murdered and wonders if this has anything to do with one of the many cases she has on her calendar and what he wanted to talk to her about. She calls on her private investigator JP Torn to help sift through the cases and get to the bottom of it.

What can I say about Teresa Burrells 5th installment in her Advocates series. The Advocate's Exparte is like walking into a reunion and getting caught up with what all your friends have been doing. And if you have read any of the Advocate books you know what I mean...the characters are so well written that by the end of the book they feel like friends. I loved that JP and Sabre are moving closer to admitting their feelings for each other is more than friends, well with the extra pushes from Bob. There was never a dull moment as there were so many cases going on that JP had to investigate and then there was the case of the 14 year old boy who was accused of killing two fellow students. You knew he was guilty and you keep waiting for him to admit it.

My only problem would be that these books are so good I read them as fast as I can because I can't put them down. Then before I realize it I'm at the end and not ready for it to be over. But I can always turn to page one and start at a slower pace.

I received this from the author for an honest review and honestly I cannot get enough of Sabre, JP, and Bob and I highly recommend the whole series. This is the best so far but then again each book just gets better than the last. I cannot wait for the next reunion.
764 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2013
"The Advocate's Ex Parte" is book No. 5 in this compelling and gripping series about an attorney, Sabre Brown, who represents children in dependency court. In this book, she has a multitude of cases percolating, from a 14-year-old who may or may not have bludgeoned two classmates to death with a bat, to a baby left alone in an apartment that caught fire, to "run of the mill" delinquency issues.

A judge approaches her outside of court about something that may be connected to one of her cases; she shuts him down because that kind of communication is unethical and the next day he winds up dead. Her best friend and fellow attorney, Bob, fears she may be next and recommends she contact her investigator, J.P., to see if there are any connections between her caseload and the dead judge. He is concerned the judge was trying to warn her of danger. Sabre has to unweave the complex threads of murder and connection to save lives, including her own.

Sabre is the kind of attorney everyone wants – ethical, honest, compassionate, and driven to act in her client’s best interest, even if that is not quite what the client wants. The longstanding friendship between Sabre and Bob is a joy to watch, and the building romantic tension between Sabre and J.P. just makes each book better and better.

The book is told from differing points of view - Sabre's, J.P.s, and a handsome, charming cowboy named "Clint Buchanon," who may or may not be dangerous. The differing viewpoints built tension and kept me turning the page. The characters are well-developed, the dialogue is realistic, and the day-to-day descriptions of Sabre’s life are engaging.
Profile Image for Angie Creech.
28 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2013
After the death of a judge who is hearing several of her cases, Sabre Brown and private investigator JP Torn, must try to determine if any of her clients are responsible. In the midst of investigating, another colleague is put into a coma during a hit and run and Sabre is involved in a drive by shooting. While working on all these cases JP is also trying to protect his ex-wife from her abusive husband while Sabre finds a potential love interest. With so many cases potentially linked to violent acts, as well as everything going on in their personal lives, Sabre and JP must work fast to find out who is involved before someone else ends up hurt.

Another great installment in this series. I have truly enjoyed all of the books in this series and I thank Ms. Burrell for the opportunity to read them.
Profile Image for Marla Madison.
Author 12 books112 followers
November 2, 2013
This is the first book of this series that I've read and despite missing the earlier ones, I enjoyed this book a lot. Not always easy to
pick up a series book and "get" it without reading the others. The author makes it possible with her character, Sabre, as we follow her cases through the story. Keeping them straight is easy for the reader, as the chapters review the headlines of the case it deals with. Burrell manages to keep it all easy to follow, as two of the cases become intertwined. A great read for suspense lovers.
Profile Image for Alisha Henri.
220 reviews4 followers
April 27, 2016
Several Twists and Turns Leading to the Truth and Nothing but the Truth

While I very much enjoyed this multilevel mystery, its interesting characters, and the various case stories, I grew irritated with the repetition of each case's file name at the beginning of their related chapters...the case name would have been sufficient (for example, Tran or Durham). When reading, I tend to read every word; my eyes and mind have difficulty skipping data. Otherwise, I again was able to find myself involved in the story as it unfolded, and I believe other readers will, too.
Profile Image for Ann.
485 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2015
I just love this series. I have some catching up to do as I have only read two.

This was everything I expected from this author. How does Sabre cope with all the different cases and now a murder too!
She certainly needs all the help she can get from JP. The partnership between Sabre and JP is fascinating. Will they, won't they.

A very enjoyable read.
142 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2015
Lousy ending

I enjoyed the book right up to what ended out to be the end of the book, why the author dropped off the story in the middle of action doesn't make sense to me at all. The author just dropped the storyline out nowhere the drop off point left me hanging with no closure a real disappointment.
Profile Image for Emily (Heinlen) Davis.
617 reviews35 followers
January 8, 2014
As with her other books, I simply LOVED this book. This entire series is wonderful. The author is a strong writer and writes strong, well-rounded characters and a story that makes you forget that you are reading a book. I highly recommend this book (as well as her other books)!
7 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2015
No ex parte conversation required

Thoroughly enjoyed yet another one of Teresa Burrell. Multiple characters gives drama to the story line. Leaves you in suspense. Very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Steve.
85 reviews
September 23, 2015
Another really exciting story in this series. surely would make an excellent TV series.
11 reviews
September 19, 2015
chasing criminals an love

Fun easy read without the agony of suspense. Perfect beach or vacation book when you just want a relaxing read with a little romance.
Profile Image for Cindy B. .
3,899 reviews220 followers
November 10, 2015
Liked the cast and plot. Will read more in the series. No gore/sex/vulgarity - a pleasant read. Recommended for mystery and social services readers.

308 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2024
Sabre Brown - Atty; Bob Clark - Atty; JP Torn PI; (his ex: Robin Cooper;
Judge Mitchell asked to meet with Sabre - Ex Parte, when she started to ask another attorney to come in he changed his mind - later he was killed by a hit and run driver. (Was it David Leland or Mae Chu)
Dr. Heller - psychologist was beat up, in a coma for days; Marge Benson - County Counsel;
CASES:
Matt Durham - 2 teenagers brutally beaten - double homicide (will be tried as an adult - asked to have a new attorney because Sabre knew he did it.
Fisher - crack baby, volatile parents;
Martinez - 3 children: 7,5,2; booze, especially the mother;
King - Physical abuse;
Tran - Neglect - 18 month left in locked room, fire in apartment building - Kim-Ly;
Howard: shaken baby, parents or babysitter;
Willie Wheeler: dirty home petition with 12 children, 4 living outside of the home. 20,19,19, 18, 16, 15, 13, 11, 7, 5, 9 and 9.
Tyson Doyle Cooper, Robin's husband who comes searching for her (abusive) uses fake name: Clint Buchanan.
Sex Trafficing, dry cleaners, sewing, etc.
David Leland who was mentored by Mae Chu's father, Trai. Scott Le also involved. Lan Vong a friend of Mae Chu. Jade, Kim-Ly's younger sister.
Will Sabre and JP finally get together?


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
93 reviews
August 4, 2023

Interesting experience reading this book. The plot was building quite well. Was bracing myself for a courtroom drama and interesting twists and turns with respect to the case which seemed to be the focus. However, the plot instead of going towards courtroom drama turned into a mystery pertaining to one of the ongoing cases being handled by the protagonist, Sabre. In a way it was a letdown as if the author changed her mind midway through. The writing is smooth, the plot built well, but the direction it took, as the climax approached left me underwhelmed and cheated.

Sabre is handling a number of cases, some involving children having faced abuse from their parents and the main plot being of Matt, a youngster accused of bludgeoning two kids to death. It was this plot that was mostly in focus from the beginning, but the focus shifted elsewhere, and the Matt case was sort of left hanging.


Profile Image for Roger.
5,644 reviews28 followers
February 26, 2024
The Advocate's Ex Parte: Legal Suspense Murder Mystery (The Advocate Series Book 5), my fifth read from author Teresa Burrell. An 9-hour 18,-minute/357-page legal thriller featuring Sabre Brown as a child advocate attorney with ongoing bad taste in men. Laurel Schroeder's narration adds to an excellent book's enjoyment. Each book is complete although questions are posed that lead a reader to believe they'll be in future books. “I received a free a free Audible copy and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I own 11 of this author's works in this series and look forward to reading more, The Advocate's Felony: Legal Suspense Murder Mystery (The Advocate Series Book 6) is next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Holly Lenz.
928 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2019
The books in this series keep getting better! The Advocate’s ExParte is an exciting legal thriller with a child advocate lawyer. The cases are involving and often tragic. While it’s nice to have read the other books in the series, this book works fine as a standalone.

Recommended for mature readers. While the content is fairly tame, it does include sexual situations including a woman telling about her rape.

The narrator of the audiobook takes a bit of getting used to, but she does an ok job with the books.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
233 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2017
Intriguing!

After reading a few pages, I seriously considered taking the book off of my Kindle. I decided to read on and give the author a better chance. It was worth it. Since every chapter switched to a different character and crime, I appreciated the header letting you know what crime scene was going to be in this chapter. Considering all of the characters and crimes, the book flowed seamlessly. Each character was developed enough to keep you guessing as to what was going on. I will read more books by this author.
Profile Image for Charisse Tyson.
Author 2 books7 followers
August 27, 2018
Teresa never disappoints

I had the pleasure of meeting Teresa at the Southern California Writers Conference years ago. I had no idea at the time what a talented woman I was sharing a meal with. I aspire to write as well as she does one day. I have no idea how she keeps up with all of the twists and turns as well as the return ing characters in her stories. I haven't read the series in its entirety yet but I plan on reading everything she writes. As dedicated as she is I'm sure there are lots more books to come.





Profile Image for Donna.
874 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2017
Fast Paced and Action Packed

Attorney Sabre Brown is at it again, with best friend Bob, and handsome PI JP Torn. Sabre has a plate full and once again J P is investigating all her cases. In the meantime, JP's ex-wife comes to town, a judge is murdered, and Sabre meets a new man. How does this all time together? Guess you're going to have to read it! Another well written story.
Profile Image for Jean .
666 reviews21 followers
October 6, 2017
Burrell Just Keeps Getting Better

The various story lines in this fifth mystery in the series keep the reader's interest. Teresa Burrell has created likable characters who have to deal with seedy, often violent circumstances in order to improve the lives of children. Beyond the pleasant main characters are the harsh realities that impact the lives of too many children. I highly recommend the series.
203 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2018
Fully loaded and packed tight

Wow. This fifth in the series is really full of action and combines several of the Advocate's cases that are more complicated than some of the last few she's been assigned. All together it makes for a fully packed story with a surprising ending. I would have difficulty picking between number one in series and this one as a favorite. That's okay. I just hope they keep coming.
157 reviews
June 9, 2017
I like the characters but this one was a little convoluted. Too many cases and people but was helped a bit by stating which case the chapter pertained to at the beginning. Could definitely put it down but wanted to finish it. The good reviews on this book kept me going. Not sure I'll continue with this series.
162 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2021
Love this series

Maybe it's the good looking cowboy with the great hat , great manners and corny down home sayings. Or the intelligent female heroine. Or her slightly offensive side kick.
Whatever the combination, there us always a great storyline in Burrell us books. Can't wait to read the next one.
132 reviews
December 15, 2021
I love this series.

I always love to read new authors and find new characters and book series. This series hasn’t disappointed at all! I have loved reading all the books so far. The characters are really well formed and in each book I learn something new about them. I have enjoyed the series very much and can’t wait to continue reading the rest of the books.
213 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2025
Can we talk about those endings.

This is my 4th Advocate book. They are great stories, and then
there is the ending. Like driving off the cliff in Thelma and Louise. She leaves you feeling totally unsatisfied. What drove me crazy with this book was adding all the case data at the beginning of chapters. That was irritating and overkill. But great stories.
Profile Image for Wanda.
48 reviews
May 20, 2017
Good story. Good characters.

I enjoyed this book very much and found the characters believable. The plot was interesting and moved along reasonably quickly. I look forward to reading more by this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews

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