The Advocate's Dilemma

The Advocate #4

by Teresa Burrell

Attorney Sabre Brown’s day is going well until she walks into her office and finds a dead man sprawled across her desk. When, Bob, her best friend and colleague is suspected of the murder, and Sabre’s minor client has information that might clear him, Sabre has a dilemma. How does she help her best friend without betraying the confidence of the child she is sworn to protect?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Legal Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Amazon, Suspense

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2012

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

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on: http://readyourwrites.blogspot.com

Having been a child advocate herself, Teresa draws from some of the legal cases she's been a part of, in order to write her books. I found The Advocate's Dilemma to be the most raw, intense, in your face book she has written to date. Stealing a phrase from the book, the issues involved are "worse than murder".

In addition to Sabre, you have characters from the other books making return appearances. Bob Clark, Sabre's best friend, is around to provide comic relief of sorts. JP Torn, Sabre's private investigator, is around to help get to the bottom of things and have her back. New to the Advocate series is Detective Shane Klakken, of the San Diego Police Department. Detective Klakken and JP have a chilly relationship, which goes back twenty years. The Advocate's Dilemma takes you from the dark and dirty streets of San Diego to the lush beautiful views of La Jolla.

Dilemma centers around the family of fourteen-year-old Riley and eleven-year-old Marcus Foreman, two brothers put into bad situations by their horrible parents. Their father, George Foreman is a slimy drug user and considered to be scum of the Earth by everyone he meets. Dana Foreman, their mother, is an alcoholic and a drug user. The family is initially brought to the attention of the court system because the family is homeless and Marcus is found running around the streets alone at night.

The book starts off with Bob asking Sabre, "Why is there a dead man in your office?". You can only imagine the roller coaster ride you're about to take. This book draws from events you hear about in the news but can't possibly imagine. With mounting evidence pointing to Bob as the killer, he is arrested for the murder of George Foreman, who happens to be his client Dana's husband. The book doesn't have the immediate action that I am accustomed to from Teresa's previous books, but Dilemma builds up to it. You're given the opportunity to "ride along with" Sabre and JP as they attempt to find out who killed George Foreman and free Bob from jail.

JP stumbles upon something no one expects and is ready to go to the police with what he knows. Being a Juvenile Court Attorney, Sabre feels strongly about her sworn oath to protect minor children clients, no matter the costs. With that in mind, Sabre has to find a way or ways to have justice for her clients, other innocent victims, as well as justice for her best friend. Through a lot of questioning and research, Sabre and JP are able to expose and break up an illegal ring and find the best possible justice they can.

Readers of previous Advocate books have been asking for a more personal relationship between Sabre and JP. Maybe it happens and maybe it doesn't. I don't want to spoil anything. Sabre did a very good job of not really getting herself into trouble. She's finally learning to not take risks. (Or one can only hope.) You will get a more personal glimpse at John Phillip and there isn't a shortage of his JPisms. One of my favorites is, "butter my butt and call me a biscuit".

The Advocate's Dilemma will surprise you and keep you guessing up until the very end.

Teresa Burrell and her Advocate series just keep getting better and better. I love how she is able to mix in so many different story elements at the same time. I can't wait to find out what's in store for us next.

I received this book from the author, in order to provide an un-biased review.

Rating: 4 1/2

[Gina Basham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series. Each one keeps getting better than the last. I have literally gasped, cursed, sighed and laughed. I find myself getting so angry at the evils done to children it makes me want to buy a gun and turn vigilante. I could do it. I've even assessed my skills but believe I have a little polishing before I hit the streets. I could use a partner - volunteers?

This series is so exciting. In each book I have thought I knew the killer and I have been wrong every time. I love that! Very well written and thorough. I have said with each one that I would recommend this series and this is no exception. Highly recommend - do yourself a favor - you'll love them.

[Neva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I wasn't immediately drawn in, but it didn't take long at all. The characters were interesting and some entertaining. Will definitely read the rest of the books in the series. This is Book 4 in the series and I read it first. Normally, I am a stickler about reading series books in order, but I don't see that being a problem with this series.

[Sally Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book, Not Great

I enjoyed the book, but the writing isn't great. It's better when describing court scenes and interactions with children than with adults. Still I found it hard to put down.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teresa Burrell in her new book, “The Advocate's Dilemma” Book Four in the Advocate series published by the author gives us another case for Attorney Sabre Brown.

From the back cover: Attorney Sabre Brown’s day is going well until she walks into her office and finds a dead man sprawled across her desk. When, Bob, her best friend and colleague is suspected of the murder, and Sabre’s minor client has information that might clear him, Sabre has a dilemma.

How does she help her best friend without betraying the confidence of the child she is sworn to protect?

These kind of events never happened to Perry Mason. When I was growing up there was only one lawyer to have when you were in trouble. Welcome to the 21st Century and Teresa Burrell has provided us with a new lawyer to have when you are in trouble: Sabre Brown. The best lawyer is the one who cares about the client and working for their case. That is what makes them our advocate and Sabre Brown is like no other lawyer out there. If she is your lawyer then she is on your side and, at some point, you are going to win. “The Advocate’s Dilemma” is one tough case. Sabre Brown found the dead man on her desk, her best friend is accused and the information she has is privileged and she cannot use it. Ms. Burrell has given us a story that is rich with sub-plot and mystery that will keep you guessing as you flip the pages as fast as you can read them. I have not read the first three books in this series but I guarantee that I will fix that immediately. “The Advocate’s Dilemma” is very exciting and great fun to read.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th installment in the Advocate series and honestly I think the best because each book just gets better than the last. When Bob gets arrested for murder it's up to JP and Sabre to find the real killer while still protecting the child Sabre represents. We learn something about JP's past that he's not proud of, meet Sabre's mother and also learn of a secret that her mother has been keeping all these years. As with all of Teresa's books the ending is a fast roller coaster ride through the list of suspects, with things coming out along the way that leaves you saying "I did not see that." By the end you are left with a satisfied feeling that all is right with the 3 friends and a knowledge that the next book will be even better than this one.

I simply can't get enough of this series and I highly recommend this and all of the Advocate books.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sabre opens her office in the morning she is suprised to find a dead body sprawled across her desk. It starts to get interesting when the body is identified as the husband of one of Bob's clients. We add a cop who has a grudge against JP and things heat up fast.
It doesn't look good for Bob.
Again the book has its lighthearted moments and still addresses the problems parents pass on to their children. The cases assigned to the lawyers reflect everyday life and things children must endure in the real world but the author is not on a soap box.
There is always an unexpected twist. JP's expressions alone are worth the cost of the book and are an added bonus. I loved the book and would recommend it to all my friends.

[Jann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was fairly good but I found the extra detail and descriptions distracting after a while. These were details which had absolutely nothing to do with the plot and it seemed as if the author was merely trying to make the book longer. I don't mind detail when it adds to the character of people in the book but you expect that when they are introduced, fairly early in the plot. When these items are added later it seems unnecessary and contrived.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series and I think it is the best one. The author is just simply amazing in the execution of the story. I honestly don't know what I can say that I haven't said with the other books. Just that these are exceptionally written and I am so glad that I started this series.

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Teresa Burrell, is an amazing mystery as we try to find out who murdered the slime ball father of Marcus and Riley, every one has their reasons and even a few red herrings go by to add to the mix. You will be horrified by some of the details, and most often just curious of just who did it and why. A must read book written brilliantly.

[Emily (Heinlen) Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I simply love her books! She has such a great writing style and the story just pulls you right in. Her mysteries are great and have twists that you don't see coming. I highly recommend this and all of her books!

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, well written legal drama, which was very well researched and close to the author's heart.

Its characters, on the whole, were realistic and believable and themes of murder and abuse made this a contemporary read.

Overall, a good whodunit and worth a look.

[Jill Masterson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought JP's corny responses were distracting and I guessed 'who done it' before the end, which was disappointing. And parts of the book felt like 'filler' - the whole bit about ordering chicken instead of pork at lunch for example. Didn't really build on the characters or advance the story.

[Kelly]

Received a complimentary copy from BookRooster.com for review.

[D Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come....

[Harry Short · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tedious

confusing characters. irrelevant details added as filler. undeveloped conclusion.
first time reading this author. non sequiturs abound in this story.

[Bob Ely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book. Is a book you can pick up and not be lost because it is later in the series. Ending will surprise you.

[Rachel Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable book in the Advocate Series - Teresa is very good at keeping your interest right to the end so you don't want to put the book down.

[Su · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books is thoroughly enjoyable, great story lines and the three main characters are interesting. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Gildacrow]

Satisfying

The novel held my attention to the end. There was just enough action. The characters are well developed. A totally enjoyable experience.

[Diana Hall]

Really good read. The characters were interesting and very well developed. Enjoyed it very much!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful twists

I apparently got this book several years ago and it got lost in my Kindle list until I read another book in the series and got sucked in. I apologize to the author that my review is so late.

The author is very skilled at writing in a way that small details that cinch the case are presented somewhat early on so casually they don't stand out. Out of the 5 books I've read in this series, I'm running a 50% rate of having it solved before the midpoint. I'm a retired RN and edit time to time now, so I'm quite detailed. And even if I figure out who, I'm not always catching the how or why until it's explained at the end. I really like that. :-) It keeps me engaged.

So the story itself may need a bit of a trigger warning in this day and age. The main minor clients that Sabre represents go thru some very traumatic things. First, molestation. Second, attempted suicide. If you're sensitive to those themes, read this on a strong day or hold it until you have support. The themes are well crafted, compassionate, and justice prevails.

Once again, I love the characters. They are well fleshed out in present and with their background stories. Mannerisms I noted in previous books were explained by a shared back story in this book. I like the author's ability to portray those characteristics without explaining them too soon. It's more realistic and believable.

JPisms make me smile. I love Bob's sarcasm. I'm impressed with Sabre's ability to care for her client's well being after finding out they did something terrible.

The plot and subplots and carried plot points from previous books in the series are balanced and expertly woven together to create a very intriguing escape from any mundane existence. Just be prepared to see the dark side, it's not fluffed and coated in sugar for the Advocate, but that doesn't stop it from going down easy.

I definitely recommend this series for mature enough audiences (high school to adult in my opinion due to the themes I highlighted above).

[Mrs Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The Advocate’s Dilemma* by Teresa Burrell

As usual, Teresa Burrell delivers a gripping legal mystery with *The Advocate’s Dilemma*, full of suspense, complex characters, and unexpected twists. The novel centers on the day-to-day interactions of Sabre Brown, a dedicated child advocate attorney, with her young clients. Burrell paints a vivid picture of the challenges in child advocacy, weaving these everyday struggles into a broader, high-stakes mystery.

Sabre's partnership with another advocate brings depth to the narrative, showcasing how closely these characters work together in a system that is both compassionate and harsh. Sabre’s investigator, JP Torn, comes across as laid-back and nonchalant at first glance, but his true depth and skills unfold as the story progresses, revealing his critical role in the unraveling mystery.

The story's pacing is steady, drawing readers into the legal intricacies while keeping them engaged with strong emotional moments. Burrell’s strength lies in her ability to blend legal drama with the personal struggles of her characters, all while keeping readers on their toes with a twist at the end that will leave them reeling.

For fans of legal thrillers, *The Advocate’s Dilemma* delivers exactly what they expect from Burrell—an engaging read with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you guessing until the final pages.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend the book.

This was a simple 'whodunit' with an excellent storyline. I always open crime and thriller books with some trepidation because they may have too much sex, violence, and vulgar language. Thank you, Ms. Burrell, for writing a good book without the unnecessary 'nasties.' To the book: Sabre is a lady lawyer who investigated and solved her clients' case, proved her law partner innocent, and held hands with her favorite investigator. I have been a court appointed guardian ad litem on several cases and know how heartrending these cases can be. The situation in this book was a case in point. The book opens with Sabre finding a dead man in her office. That caught my attention and the author's excellent writing mechanics kept me 'in the book.' I am having some family troubles of my own just now, and this book helped me to get them off my mind for a while.

Thank you, Ms. Burrell, for a good read.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

My praise for this series and the author continues unabated. The action is tight, the plot twists and turns but never comes up apart, and the characters remain a joy. This also serves as excellent object lesson in what it costs for attorneys and court officers to hold the line when it comes to ethics, to do things the right away even when it costs you. There are plenty of places in here where Sabre could have breached confidentiality or JP could have acted on information that would have been fruit of the poisonous tree, to get an immediate response that would not have held up later. But both of them stood on their principles when it was hard, and that is one of the most important lessons that any attorney—anyone, really—has to learn.

*Trigger warning: of course the nature of the books means that child abuse is a frequent topic. This particular plot deals heavily with sexual abuse in a variety of forms, and if that is a triggering topic, you’ll want to skip this one.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabre Brown, atty; Bob Clark, atty; JP Torn, PI; Regina Collicott, atty;
Det. Shane Klakken, - (JP had an affair with his wife years ago, not knowing it was his wife;
Dana Foreman - Bob's her atty - alleges her an Bob are having an affair;
George Foreman - Dana's husband is murdered;
Marcus and Riley, son's; Sabre's clients;
Celia, maternal grandmother, Frank Davis, her husband;
Marsha Miller - social worker;
Wooden hourglass of Ron's was the murder weapon;
Tuffy/Sammy the same person; Ludwik Bernard Sampulski his father;
Running scams using minor boys to pickpocket and also sexual favors.
Bob Clark arrested for killing Foreman;
An uncle sexually assaulted Sabre when she was 4. He then hung himself.
Chris, Jaleel, Smithe (car salesman);
Riley encouraged his brother to attempt to hang himself; Riley killed George who was not his father, Frank is his father, he raped Dana he married Celia.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Attorney Sabre Brown's day went downhill from the time she found a dead body sprawled across her desk to realizing that things are not as they seem. The victim is the father of her minor clients, two brothers, and she's pretty sure they're not telling her everything. Before she knows it, her best friend and fellow lawyer is arrested for the murder. How does she help her friend without betraying anything her clients tell her in confidence? It's a fine line and the writing kept me interested and on my toes as Sabre & JP tried to figure out what's going on. When the pieces all fall into place, the story isn't one any of them (or me) expected. With each book, this series is growing on me. Definitely a good read ... finding characters you care about and hoping things turn out well for them and their clients.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

😊

A good story behind the idea or is that a good idea behind the story? Either way I guess.
Starts of with a body, murdered man of the boys Sabre is representing. Their father, how did he come to be dead and in Sabres office sprawled across her desk? To top it off her best friend is accused of the heinous crime. But why? As the story unfolds and all the answers are red revealed they find a young boy deeply disturbed hell bent on protecting his mother against the men in her life who have and who potentially will cause her harm.

I liked the story, it was the first I have read by this author and it being number 4 it didn't take from the story of this particular book I don't think. Guess I can't really say as I haven't read the previous. The writing was done pretty well and in a style that kept the story flowing.

[Neil Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the opening scene of The Advocate’s Dilemma, children’s advocate attorney Sabre Brown discovers a dead man sprawled on her desk. A friend and colleague is charged with murder, and away we go. As in every novel in this series, there is a lot going on as Burrell weaves a large cast of characters and multiple sub-plots into the mix. She manages to do so without the story unduly bogging down under the detail which, in the end, adds flavor and depth to the whole. When reading the books in a lengthy series, I find overarching story and character arcs immensely appealing, and Burrell certainly delivers. The recurring characters in these books evolve and grow as the series unspools, yet each book is a self-contained story. The Advocate’s Dilemma is an excellent addition to an outstanding series.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Advocate's Dilemma: Legal Suspense Murder Mystery (The Advocate Series Book 4), my fourth read from author Teresa Burrell. An 8-hour 36-minute/316-page legal thriller. 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 answered 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 Ex Parte: Legal Suspense Murder Mystery (The Advocate Series Book 5) is high on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).