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Beaufort & Company #1
Defending Angels
With a long list of ethereal clients who need her help, Savannah lawyer Brianna Winston Beaufort's career choice is beginning to haunt her…
An already dead businessman needs Bree's help to find his murderer and prove his innocence against the charge of greed, which comes from the mightiest hand of the law, the Celestial Court. And the verdict in this case could put Bree's life on the line'as well as her client's afterlife.
An already dead businessman needs Bree's help to find his murderer and prove his innocence against the charge of greed, which comes from the mightiest hand of the law, the Celestial Court. And the verdict in this case could put Bree's life on the line'as well as her client's afterlife.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 2, 2008
34 people are currently reading
1908 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stanton
58 books320 followersMary Stanton was born in Florida and grew up in Japan and Hawaii, after which she returned to the United States and received a B.A. in Philosophy and Literature from the University of Minnesota.
Stanton’s career as a fiction writer began with the publication of her first novel, The Heavenly Horse from the Outermost West, in 1984. A beast fable similar in tone and theme to Watership Down, it was published in the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. The sequel to that novel, Piper at the Gates, appeared in 1989. She sold her first mystery to The Berkley Publishing Group in 1994.
In all, Stanton has written nineteen mystery novels, two adult fantasy novels, eleven novels for middle-grade readers (including the successful series, The Unicorns of Balinor), and three scripts for a television cartoon series, Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders, as well as edited three short story anthologies. Her nonfiction articles on horse care and veterinary medicine have appeared in national and regional magazines.
Stanton's newest series, The Beaufort & Company Mysteries, was launched in December 2008 with the publication of Defending Angels. Set in Savannah, Georgia, the paranormal mysteries chronicle the adventures of Bree Winston-Beaufort, a young lawyer who inherits her uncle's law firm and its deceased clientele, whom she represents in appeals before the Celestial Court.
The second book in the series, Angel's Advocate, was published in June 2009, followed by Avenging Angels in February 2010.
Mary also publishes the Hemlock Falls and Dr. McKenzie mysteries under the name Claudia Bishop. See the Claudia Bishop web site for more information.
Stanton’s interests outside writing have remained consistent over the years. She is a horsewoman, a goat aficionado, an enthusiastic (if inept) gardener, and a fan of gourmet food, but not an expert. She has developed a writing program for teens and middle grade readers that has had considerable success in schools.
Stanton has been a dedicated reader all her life, with particular emphasis on biography, history, veterinary science, medicine, psychology and current affairs. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.
Stanton’s career as a fiction writer began with the publication of her first novel, The Heavenly Horse from the Outermost West, in 1984. A beast fable similar in tone and theme to Watership Down, it was published in the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. The sequel to that novel, Piper at the Gates, appeared in 1989. She sold her first mystery to The Berkley Publishing Group in 1994.
In all, Stanton has written nineteen mystery novels, two adult fantasy novels, eleven novels for middle-grade readers (including the successful series, The Unicorns of Balinor), and three scripts for a television cartoon series, Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders, as well as edited three short story anthologies. Her nonfiction articles on horse care and veterinary medicine have appeared in national and regional magazines.
Stanton's newest series, The Beaufort & Company Mysteries, was launched in December 2008 with the publication of Defending Angels. Set in Savannah, Georgia, the paranormal mysteries chronicle the adventures of Bree Winston-Beaufort, a young lawyer who inherits her uncle's law firm and its deceased clientele, whom she represents in appeals before the Celestial Court.
The second book in the series, Angel's Advocate, was published in June 2009, followed by Avenging Angels in February 2010.
Mary also publishes the Hemlock Falls and Dr. McKenzie mysteries under the name Claudia Bishop. See the Claudia Bishop web site for more information.
Stanton’s interests outside writing have remained consistent over the years. She is a horsewoman, a goat aficionado, an enthusiastic (if inept) gardener, and a fan of gourmet food, but not an expert. She has developed a writing program for teens and middle grade readers that has had considerable success in schools.
Stanton has been a dedicated reader all her life, with particular emphasis on biography, history, veterinary science, medicine, psychology and current affairs. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
April 11, 2010
**3.5**
Defending Angels is the first book in the Beaufort & Company series. A blend of mystery and fantasy, the story focuses on Brianna Winston-Beaufort as she takes over her great-uncle’s hinky law practice in Savannah. It’s a concept with a lot of potential, although the thread of the story gets muddled at times.
The mystery aspect is relatively straightforward: Determine who murdered a local magnate and why. Bree runs about town conducting some rather weak interviews in the hope of catching someone in a lie. These conversations aren’t vastly important in the grand scheme of things. Sure, they establish motive and allow all the loose ends to be tied up once Bree finds the killer. But they’re secondary to the greater issue--clearing the recently deceased of the Celestial Court’s accusation of Greed. The mystery comes across as more of a vehicle through which Bree discovers her new role on the spiritual side.
Stanton creates a formulaic cast, but the fantasy underpinnings prevent the story from becoming ho-hum. There’s a cute cop, an exasperating sister, an eerie landlady who Knows things, a dog who’s far too smart…read enough UF and you get the idea. Bree herself is a bit clichéd as a fiesty young woman who blindly tumbles into weird phenomena.
Frankly, Bree’s not unsettled enough for most of the book. I couldn’t determine if her lack of freak-out comes from denial or if Southern manners and strength are really so remarkable. I certainly think the sudden appearance of ghostly figures, phone calls from dead men, and a putrid glow emanating from the living room would prompt a bit of a to-do from a gal. Not for Bree though. She seems to dismiss most of these things, instead focusing on hard facts. It’s only well after the halfway point of the book that she starts questioning her sanity and demanding answers. By then, she’s got so much evidence that something Other is at work that mulling over her mental health becomes moot.
The fantasy element is choppy and ill-defined. It’s hard to describe why without giving away the details. There are vague descriptions of disturbing visions and random appearances from sinister figures. Despite this, it’s got such potential that I forgive the awkward introduction. Depending on how deeply Stanton delves in her world-building and how inquisitive she allows Bree to be, the series could offer fabulous things. A defense attorney in the Celestial Courts could meet some very intriguing characters, and not all of them need be pleasant or professional. I can imagine messy proceedings in Bree’s future, and Stanton hints at a larger arc in play. I was surprised that we didn’t enter the courtroom with Bree, but I guess Stanton’s saving that for a more dramatic case.
By the end, there are many unanswered questions about Bree, her employees, and the scope of this unique law practice. Being a fan of both cozy mysteries and fantasy realms, I find myself quite eager to learn more.
Defending Angels is the first book in the Beaufort & Company series. A blend of mystery and fantasy, the story focuses on Brianna Winston-Beaufort as she takes over her great-uncle’s hinky law practice in Savannah. It’s a concept with a lot of potential, although the thread of the story gets muddled at times.
The mystery aspect is relatively straightforward: Determine who murdered a local magnate and why. Bree runs about town conducting some rather weak interviews in the hope of catching someone in a lie. These conversations aren’t vastly important in the grand scheme of things. Sure, they establish motive and allow all the loose ends to be tied up once Bree finds the killer. But they’re secondary to the greater issue--clearing the recently deceased of the Celestial Court’s accusation of Greed. The mystery comes across as more of a vehicle through which Bree discovers her new role on the spiritual side.
Stanton creates a formulaic cast, but the fantasy underpinnings prevent the story from becoming ho-hum. There’s a cute cop, an exasperating sister, an eerie landlady who Knows things, a dog who’s far too smart…read enough UF and you get the idea. Bree herself is a bit clichéd as a fiesty young woman who blindly tumbles into weird phenomena.
Frankly, Bree’s not unsettled enough for most of the book. I couldn’t determine if her lack of freak-out comes from denial or if Southern manners and strength are really so remarkable. I certainly think the sudden appearance of ghostly figures, phone calls from dead men, and a putrid glow emanating from the living room would prompt a bit of a to-do from a gal. Not for Bree though. She seems to dismiss most of these things, instead focusing on hard facts. It’s only well after the halfway point of the book that she starts questioning her sanity and demanding answers. By then, she’s got so much evidence that something Other is at work that mulling over her mental health becomes moot.
The fantasy element is choppy and ill-defined. It’s hard to describe why without giving away the details. There are vague descriptions of disturbing visions and random appearances from sinister figures. Despite this, it’s got such potential that I forgive the awkward introduction. Depending on how deeply Stanton delves in her world-building and how inquisitive she allows Bree to be, the series could offer fabulous things. A defense attorney in the Celestial Courts could meet some very intriguing characters, and not all of them need be pleasant or professional. I can imagine messy proceedings in Bree’s future, and Stanton hints at a larger arc in play. I was surprised that we didn’t enter the courtroom with Bree, but I guess Stanton’s saving that for a more dramatic case.
By the end, there are many unanswered questions about Bree, her employees, and the scope of this unique law practice. Being a fan of both cozy mysteries and fantasy realms, I find myself quite eager to learn more.
June 2, 2009
A cosy mystery-comfort food for my soul! This had everything you could want for a quick fun read. A murder, a handsome detective, fun characters, and a dog. Add angels and the fact that she had to defend the dead guy in heavenly court and what more could you ask for. Finished it in 2 days -- another plus for a summer, "yeah I just got out of school" read.
April 5, 2018
Well, this is definitely not a book that will stay with you for years, in fact, I believe that I will not remember reading it in a month or so.
I think that this book is a kind of missed opportunity. The whole idea behind the plot is really interesting and innovative, the characters are likeable and the suspense part is good enough. Still, the book is missing something, it's not as entertaining as it could be, it doesn't grab your attention. And it's sad because it could be so much more.
What I don't like about this book is the lack of proper explanations about what is going on. Everything is mysterious and puzzling. For once, the heroine - Bree - doesn't understand the situation, too, but even in the end we have no full information about the strange events in the story or even Bree's role. What is surprising is that Bree is dealing with every supernatural events quite well and she doesn't ask many questions. That is really strange and somewhat unbelievable.
Like I said, I really like the characters and the whole idea but I'm not sure I will read the next book in this series. I was reading this one while travelling and it's a great story to read when you are distracted since it's short and not very complicated.
I think that this book is a kind of missed opportunity. The whole idea behind the plot is really interesting and innovative, the characters are likeable and the suspense part is good enough. Still, the book is missing something, it's not as entertaining as it could be, it doesn't grab your attention. And it's sad because it could be so much more.
What I don't like about this book is the lack of proper explanations about what is going on. Everything is mysterious and puzzling. For once, the heroine - Bree - doesn't understand the situation, too, but even in the end we have no full information about the strange events in the story or even Bree's role. What is surprising is that Bree is dealing with every supernatural events quite well and she doesn't ask many questions. That is really strange and somewhat unbelievable.
Like I said, I really like the characters and the whole idea but I'm not sure I will read the next book in this series. I was reading this one while travelling and it's a great story to read when you are distracted since it's short and not very complicated.
January 12, 2011
Defending Angels is more a mystery or legal novel than an urban fantasy or paranormal mystery. The fantasy is barely there, and I guess I expected more angels and less defending. Even still, the paranormal characters are interesting, and the case is decent. The story was able to keep my interest throughout even though I didn't really care who killed who. I stuck in there to find out more about the angels and the Celestial Sphere, and unfortunately, there isn't much said about it. I was disappointed that the trial was not covered in the ending of the book as well. I also had a slight problem with the main character. She seems apathetic to everything. She doesn't question why some people can see her coworkers and some people can't. A big scary monster appears and it's no big deal. I just found it hard to care about a mystery and a story that the main character doesn't seem to care about. I didn't find her sister very likable either because of her ultra bubbly personality. Lastly, the mystery solving is not entertaining. It's pretty straightforward with no twists, turns, or surprises, and I've come to expect more from mystery novels. There is potential in the series if there is more of the fantastic and less of the mundane, but I don't think I care enough to find out.
April 10, 2009
Our heroine, Bree Winston-Beaufort inherits a law practice in Savannah from her uncle. Her first night in town, as she is unpacking, she receives a call from billionaire Benjamin Skinner, who just happens to have died earlier that day. She is as confused by this as she is by the fact that most people are unable to find her office, until she talks to one of her old law professors, who informs her that she is to try this case in the Celestial Courts, where Skinner has been charged with greed.
This is somewhat of a departure for Stanton, who has written several childrens' fantasies (and as Claudia Bishop writes traditional mysteries) but I think she's done a splendid job. I stayed up waaaay too late finishing it, and started the next book in the morning.
This is somewhat of a departure for Stanton, who has written several childrens' fantasies (and as Claudia Bishop writes traditional mysteries) but I think she's done a splendid job. I stayed up waaaay too late finishing it, and started the next book in the morning.
September 22, 2010
I couldn't even finish this book. When I got to the half-way point, I realized I was so bored. She was STILL just starting her first case -- 150 pages in and no progress had been made! Most of the time, even with a crappy book, I feel invested enough to finish reading, but I found this incredibly boring and pointless. Don't waste your time!
August 13, 2020
I've had this on my TBR list since 2011 and I think I even have a hard copy, although I opted to listed to it on audio. I had pretty high hopes. I love books in which the protagonist can communicate with the dead, but I wasn't hooked right away and the book kind of dragged on for me. The main character has relocated to Savannah, GA after her uncle dies mysteriously in a fire and left her his law firm.
Bree meets a whole host of interesting characters as she is setting up shop, and all of them seem to be dropping hints about who she is and the path she "should" be following. I got a little frustrated with this part because I just wanted them to come out and tell her what she was working with so she didn't feel like she was losing her mind. Instead then hinted around and alluded to the fact that she was working with the departed, but it wasn't until the very end of the book that they finally explained some stuff.
Overall I enjoyed the premise and the characters. They are a quirky fun set, who have Bree's best interests in mind at all times. I got thrown off a little bit with all the celestial references and such. I may read another one in the series.
Bree meets a whole host of interesting characters as she is setting up shop, and all of them seem to be dropping hints about who she is and the path she "should" be following. I got a little frustrated with this part because I just wanted them to come out and tell her what she was working with so she didn't feel like she was losing her mind. Instead then hinted around and alluded to the fact that she was working with the departed, but it wasn't until the very end of the book that they finally explained some stuff.
Overall I enjoyed the premise and the characters. They are a quirky fun set, who have Bree's best interests in mind at all times. I got thrown off a little bit with all the celestial references and such. I may read another one in the series.
February 20, 2024
Rated 3.5 stars
September 1, 2010
Meet Bree Beaufort, Savannah Georgia's newest attorney for the Celestial Court. Her first case involves solving the murder of a local businessman who is accused by the court of greed, one of the 7 deadly sins.
To be honest, im not sure how I feel about this book. The premise was really good, and there were times throughout the book that really grabbed your attention, but then fell flat again after a few pages of excitement. Bree as a character is somewhat likeable, but ultimately forgetable. I had a hard time believeing that she took all the supernatural occurances with a grain of salt and didnt freak out in the slightest.
I was dissapointed in the way it ended with the court proceedings. What I expected and what I got were 2 different things. I really wanted to see more of the ghost as the victim, and possibly a ton more of the Celestial court proceedings. Instead we get 4 main possible murder leads provided by the murder victims' CFO, who "claimed" the ghost is haunting her and told her the names of the 4 leads. Very dissapointing.
All in All it wasnt a bad book, it just fell short of my expectations. Hopefully the next installment will be better.
To be honest, im not sure how I feel about this book. The premise was really good, and there were times throughout the book that really grabbed your attention, but then fell flat again after a few pages of excitement. Bree as a character is somewhat likeable, but ultimately forgetable. I had a hard time believeing that she took all the supernatural occurances with a grain of salt and didnt freak out in the slightest.
I was dissapointed in the way it ended with the court proceedings. What I expected and what I got were 2 different things. I really wanted to see more of the ghost as the victim, and possibly a ton more of the Celestial court proceedings. Instead we get 4 main possible murder leads provided by the murder victims' CFO, who "claimed" the ghost is haunting her and told her the names of the 4 leads. Very dissapointing.
All in All it wasnt a bad book, it just fell short of my expectations. Hopefully the next installment will be better.
June 25, 2012
I don't usually read mystery novels, but my mom recommended this book, so I checked it out from my local library and gave it a shot. It was so worth it, and I have already reserved the second book and can't wait to get the call that it's in and ready for pick-up.
Brianna has been practising law in her father's law firm, but when her Great Uncle Franklin dies and leaves her his client list, she packs up and moves to Savannah to strike out on her own. While waiting for her Great Uncle's old office to finish going through renovations after the fire that killed him, she leases a temporary office space in an old house located in the middle of an all-murderer's cemetary. When she tries to return a gift from her old college professor, he introduces her to her first client. From that moment on, Bree's life, and everything she thought she knew to be real, fly out the window.
Brianna has been practising law in her father's law firm, but when her Great Uncle Franklin dies and leaves her his client list, she packs up and moves to Savannah to strike out on her own. While waiting for her Great Uncle's old office to finish going through renovations after the fire that killed him, she leases a temporary office space in an old house located in the middle of an all-murderer's cemetary. When she tries to return a gift from her old college professor, he introduces her to her first client. From that moment on, Bree's life, and everything she thought she knew to be real, fly out the window.
October 14, 2013
This was a debute for a new series called Beaufort and Company Mysteries. This new series starts off with a bang. The characters are wonderful and exciting to follow. The heroine, Bree, is described as the woman that goes where angels fear to tread and you can believe it. The pages turn quickly as the story builds and the characters grow. The sister, Antonoia, is what every little sisters is and can be in her quirky way of going through life.
All the other characters that make up the Company as part of the justice side of the Cellestial Court, add up to one page turning adventure. I can't wait to read the next in the series. This is becoming my next favorite series to recommend to others.
All the other characters that make up the Company as part of the justice side of the Cellestial Court, add up to one page turning adventure. I can't wait to read the next in the series. This is becoming my next favorite series to recommend to others.
June 21, 2010
It's between okay and I liked and I see potential so I'm giving it a chance. I liked that the idea was something that I haven't seen before and I'm excited to find out what will happen next. I see some missed opportunities with whatever is going on action wise, but I think the author might be trying to remain vague so that the plot can unfold further in future books. If the "action" sequences had a little more substance to them I would have really enjoyed it. Hopefully the next one will reveal more and won't be as vague.
March 16, 2016
Interesting concept. Bree inherits her Uncle Franklin's law practice in Savannah, and then the weirdness begins. People are not what they appear to be and they know more about Bree than she has shared. Celestial court beckons.
September 4, 2011
What marvelous book! I will be following this series. Thanks to the author and the mountain of research that made this possible.
May 6, 2014
Another awesome new series! I rarely read 2 books in a series in a row, but I would happily read book 2 in this series right now! Highly recommend.
March 3, 2020
Ghosts and lawyers, how could I pass this up? And I needed it for a challenge. Fun read, will continue series.
November 30, 2022
"Die Sache ist die, Schätzchen", sagte sie nach einer Weile, "dass die Dinge, die man nicht wahrnehmen und in der Versenkung verschwinden lassen möchte, in der Dunkelheit von allein immer grösser werden. Man muss ihnen ins Auge blicken. Muss sie ans Licht holen. Im Sonnenschein gedeihen nur gute Dinge."
S. 109
Inhalt
Die junge Anwältin Bree soll in Savannah die Kanzlei und die Klientel ihres verstorbenen Onkels übernehmen. Bis die Büroräume für sie bereitgestellt sind, mietet sie sich in einem alten Haus auf dem einzigen Mörderfriedhof der Stadt ein und von da an geschehen haufenweise mysteriöse Dinge. Menschen, die sie zu kennen scheinen, eine Klientin die behauptet von einem Geist heimgesucht zu werden und gruselige Erscheinungen sind noch die harmlosesten davon. Und bevor sie es sich versieht, steckt Bree mittendrin.
Meine Meinung
"Im Namen der Engel" hatte ich erst Ewigkeiten auf der Merkliste und dann mindestens nochmal so lange auf dem SuB... der offizielle Klappentext nimmt meines Erachtens viel zu viel vorneweg, das Buch wäre wesentlich interessanter gewesen, hätte man dieses Wissen nicht schon gehabt.
Der Schreibstil ist recht angenehm zu lesen, wobei bei mir der Grusel nicht ganz rüberkam und ich gelegentlich das Gefühl hatte, den Gedankengängen der Protagonistin nicht folgen zu können.
Bree als Protagonistin war mir nicht ganz so sympathisch. Sie kam mir etwas hochnäsig vor, als halte sie sich für etwas Besseres weil sie aus guter Familie stammt und studiert hat (vielleicht hat aber da auch meine Erfahrung als Anwaltssekretärin mit eine Rolle gespielt ^^). Ausserdem fand ich sie etwas... nun ja... es geschehen lauter komischer, unerklärlicher
Dinge um sie, aber sie fragt nie recht nach. Als wäre es ihr einfach egal. Apathisch trifft es wohl recht gut. Ausserdem leidet sie wohl an einer Persönlichkeitsstörung Typ Borderline, sie rastet ab und an einfach komplett aus und verhaut dabei ihren Ex im Restaurant o.ä.
Die anderen Protagonisten fand ich alle interessant, aber so richtig ins Herz geschlossen habe ich niemanden. Noch nicht mal den Hund...
Das Südstaatenflair ist der Autorin gut gelungen, mir war genau nach so einem Buch und zumindest in dieser Hinsicht wurde ich nicht enttäuscht.
Von der Storyline her fand ich das Buch ebenfalls gelungen. Es spricht mich sehr an mit der Mischung Urban Fantasy und Krimi mit einem Hauch Grusel. Und ohne Romanze. Von den her wäre es eigentlich ein Selbstläufer gewesen bei mir. Aber irgendwie ist der Funke nicht recht übergesprungen.
Fazit
Story, Genremix und Südstaatenflair gelungen. Protagonisten weniger. Hat mir ein paar unterhaltsame Stunden beschert aber ich werde das Buch wohl relativ schnell wieder vergessen.
3.5 Sterne
S. 109
Inhalt
Die junge Anwältin Bree soll in Savannah die Kanzlei und die Klientel ihres verstorbenen Onkels übernehmen. Bis die Büroräume für sie bereitgestellt sind, mietet sie sich in einem alten Haus auf dem einzigen Mörderfriedhof der Stadt ein und von da an geschehen haufenweise mysteriöse Dinge. Menschen, die sie zu kennen scheinen, eine Klientin die behauptet von einem Geist heimgesucht zu werden und gruselige Erscheinungen sind noch die harmlosesten davon. Und bevor sie es sich versieht, steckt Bree mittendrin.
Meine Meinung
"Im Namen der Engel" hatte ich erst Ewigkeiten auf der Merkliste und dann mindestens nochmal so lange auf dem SuB... der offizielle Klappentext nimmt meines Erachtens viel zu viel vorneweg, das Buch wäre wesentlich interessanter gewesen, hätte man dieses Wissen nicht schon gehabt.
Der Schreibstil ist recht angenehm zu lesen, wobei bei mir der Grusel nicht ganz rüberkam und ich gelegentlich das Gefühl hatte, den Gedankengängen der Protagonistin nicht folgen zu können.
Bree als Protagonistin war mir nicht ganz so sympathisch. Sie kam mir etwas hochnäsig vor, als halte sie sich für etwas Besseres weil sie aus guter Familie stammt und studiert hat (vielleicht hat aber da auch meine Erfahrung als Anwaltssekretärin mit eine Rolle gespielt ^^). Ausserdem fand ich sie etwas... nun ja... es geschehen lauter komischer, unerklärlicher
Dinge um sie, aber sie fragt nie recht nach. Als wäre es ihr einfach egal. Apathisch trifft es wohl recht gut. Ausserdem leidet sie wohl an einer Persönlichkeitsstörung Typ Borderline, sie rastet ab und an einfach komplett aus und verhaut dabei ihren Ex im Restaurant o.ä.
Die anderen Protagonisten fand ich alle interessant, aber so richtig ins Herz geschlossen habe ich niemanden. Noch nicht mal den Hund...
Das Südstaatenflair ist der Autorin gut gelungen, mir war genau nach so einem Buch und zumindest in dieser Hinsicht wurde ich nicht enttäuscht.
Von der Storyline her fand ich das Buch ebenfalls gelungen. Es spricht mich sehr an mit der Mischung Urban Fantasy und Krimi mit einem Hauch Grusel. Und ohne Romanze. Von den her wäre es eigentlich ein Selbstläufer gewesen bei mir. Aber irgendwie ist der Funke nicht recht übergesprungen.
Fazit
Story, Genremix und Südstaatenflair gelungen. Protagonisten weniger. Hat mir ein paar unterhaltsame Stunden beschert aber ich werde das Buch wohl relativ schnell wieder vergessen.
3.5 Sterne
April 23, 2021
Twenty-nine-year-old Brianna “Bree” Winston-Beaufort inherits her late, Great-Uncle Franklin's law practice in Savannah, Georgia. While his old office is being renovated, Bree finds temporary headquarters in a privately owned, murderers-only cemetery—a creepy and strange place, but for a low price. The feisty, elderly, white-haired landlady, Lavinia Mather, tells Bree that she has her own rooms upstairs, but she works “mainly at night.” The mysterious old woman then touches Bree’s long, white blonde hair and adds, “It’s meant that you rent this place.”
I was enthralled by this story from the start. Bree’s parents are loving but intrusive, and I felt eager for Bree to establish boundaries with them, which she does. I like the dog Sasha, who shows up the first day and becomes a permanent fixture. And I get a kick out of Bree’s little sister, Antonia, who drops out of college at UNC to be an actress and therefore needs to live with Bree. The employees that Bree hires seem just as quirky and mysterious as Lavinia. Her Uncle Franklin’s law books are unlike any lawbooks she’s ever seen. When a painting shows up that’s straight from Bree’s nightmares, I sensed unearthly forces were at work.
The first case Bree takes on—the “Skinner Case”—sets the stage perfectly for the whopper of a story that follows. Bossy PI Gabriel Striker makes his appearance. Secrets are slowly revealed, and I kept reading late into the night, unable to put the book down. The dialog was terrific and very Southern. This is the novel that got me hooked on reading paranormal cozies.
I was enthralled by this story from the start. Bree’s parents are loving but intrusive, and I felt eager for Bree to establish boundaries with them, which she does. I like the dog Sasha, who shows up the first day and becomes a permanent fixture. And I get a kick out of Bree’s little sister, Antonia, who drops out of college at UNC to be an actress and therefore needs to live with Bree. The employees that Bree hires seem just as quirky and mysterious as Lavinia. Her Uncle Franklin’s law books are unlike any lawbooks she’s ever seen. When a painting shows up that’s straight from Bree’s nightmares, I sensed unearthly forces were at work.
The first case Bree takes on—the “Skinner Case”—sets the stage perfectly for the whopper of a story that follows. Bossy PI Gabriel Striker makes his appearance. Secrets are slowly revealed, and I kept reading late into the night, unable to put the book down. The dialog was terrific and very Southern. This is the novel that got me hooked on reading paranormal cozies.
January 18, 2021
Bree Winston-Beaufort moves to Savannah after her Uncle Franklin dies in an office fire. She inherited his law practice, but she doesn't realize that she is also taking over his place in a group called the Company which rights wrongs done to those who are deceased.
First Bree must find office space to use while her uncle's building is being restored. She finds just the right address, off trendy Bay Street, but the house is in the middle of a graveyard for murderers. The rent is right though and owner Lavinia is anxious to have her move in.
Before she even sets up her office and hires help, Bree has her first case. She is hired by a former employee of billionaire Ben Skinner. The employee is being haunted by Skinner and she wants Bree to find his murderer.
Skinner's case is closed. The official report says he drowned while ocean fishing with his son and daughter-in-law. Despite dreams and unusual phenomenon both at home and at the office, Bree pushes ahead with a case she isn't sure she believes in.
Stanton introduces us to an original and appealing Savannah lawyer who works with a cast of angels, including a dog named Sasha. Bree Winston-Beaufort is sure to find her own niche in the paranormal mysteries market.
First Bree must find office space to use while her uncle's building is being restored. She finds just the right address, off trendy Bay Street, but the house is in the middle of a graveyard for murderers. The rent is right though and owner Lavinia is anxious to have her move in.
Before she even sets up her office and hires help, Bree has her first case. She is hired by a former employee of billionaire Ben Skinner. The employee is being haunted by Skinner and she wants Bree to find his murderer.
Skinner's case is closed. The official report says he drowned while ocean fishing with his son and daughter-in-law. Despite dreams and unusual phenomenon both at home and at the office, Bree pushes ahead with a case she isn't sure she believes in.
Stanton introduces us to an original and appealing Savannah lawyer who works with a cast of angels, including a dog named Sasha. Bree Winston-Beaufort is sure to find her own niche in the paranormal mysteries market.
August 27, 2024
I liked the concept of this series about an earthly lawyer working for otherworldly clients in a Celestial court. Not a spoiler. It says so on the book jacket. So I kept waiting for it all to happen. And waiting, and waiting.... I took off points, mainly because for 85% of the book, Bree spends her time trying to ignore what is happening to and around her and moaning and trying to convince herself she's crazy. It got tedious. She kept asking the wrong questions and not waiting for an answer. What, also, was the need for her irresponsible sister to show up? I didn't think she added anything to the story--just the opposite. In the last 15% of the book, it all kicks off when she accepts what she's meant to do and goes for it. The writing is good, and I like Bree as a character, which makes me want to continue on with the series.
October 30, 2020
Brianna Winston Beaufort has inherited her uncle's law firm in Savannah, Georgia. While renovations are being made to the burned out building in which he died, she rents space in an old house located in the middle of a cemetery for murderers. Benjamin Skinner calls Bree to take his case hours after he dies. Bree doesn't realize that her landlady, her secretary, an good looking PI, and a retired professor from her law school all know things about her new practice that she doesn't yet know. Then Bree gets her first client, a friend of Skinner's who wants Bree to prove Skinner's innocence against a charge of greed.
August 25, 2017
Took me forever to finish this book and the only reason I can think of this is the plot holes surrounding her "client". Everyone left the main character in the dark for almost the entire book and even then didn't reveal much at all.
Just as much fault is to the main character who was just seeping in denial. It was actually sad how she refused to believe in the supernatural even though she meets a ghost about 15 pages in.
Hahhhhh I give this a 3.5. I'm going to try the second book, but I'm not too sure I'll finish it.
Just as much fault is to the main character who was just seeping in denial. It was actually sad how she refused to believe in the supernatural even though she meets a ghost about 15 pages in.
Hahhhhh I give this a 3.5. I'm going to try the second book, but I'm not too sure I'll finish it.
March 5, 2018
I picked this up at Second Read Books (highly recommended) on vacation in St. Augustine. It was an amusing, funny, fast vacation read. Clever paranormal premise, enough supernatural activity to be fun without being forced, and a great cast of characters. I'm amused by the idea of a logical, facts-driven lawyer having to deal with ghosts and the afterlife. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Mary Stanton is actually the real name of Claudia Bishop, whose Hemlock Falls mysteries I've enjoyed in the past. I'll definitely be looking for the rest of this series.
May 4, 2022
3.25 stars. This is a series’ first book. And I disliked much of the book for that reason (I tend to get impatient with openings).
To be fair, in this case it’s because the mystery I was most interested in was the one that forms the basis of the series, so of course it couldn’t be resolved within the first few chapters of book 1! Then, what would we read?
I also find myself excited by the possibilities of future books in the series, and other than leaving me in suspense on the “series’ mystery?”
To be fair, in this case it’s because the mystery I was most interested in was the one that forms the basis of the series, so of course it couldn’t be resolved within the first few chapters of book 1! Then, what would we read?
I also find myself excited by the possibilities of future books in the series, and other than leaving me in suspense on the “series’ mystery?”
May 22, 2017
This book had a lot of potential and so does the series. But I won't be reading any of them. This one was enough to convince me to move on to other books or reread a past favorite. My time would be better spent binge watching on Netflix. The plot was okay. I never felt any connection with any of the characters. Well, except I liked the dog. Sasha.
September 2, 2018
What a great concept! I enjoyed the teasing hints to give us an idea of what was going on. It was written in such a way that I felt like I was the main character, especially when she gets frustrated. I love the cast of characters. There were some twists and a major reveal at the end of the novel! Already looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 2, 2020
This kind of mystery is not usually my cup of tea. There were several things going on that confused me and some inconsistencies that had me feeling like I didn't quite know what was going on. But that having been said, I read darn near the entire book in basically one sitting (stopping occasionally to do laundry). Though I wouldn't say I loved it, it certainly held my interest!
May 1, 2018
First time reading this author. Loved how she set up the story and characters. By the time I reached the end of the book I was looking for the next only to find I had to be placed on a waiting list.
April 21, 2023
I didn't really have high expectations when I decided to read this - it's something that had been on my to-read list for a while and I needed a bit of "brain fluff" while I was also reading something pretty heavy. This was MUCH better than I expected. I think I'll enjoy this series.
June 7, 2017
Was kinda strange, but I think I might try reading it again, as I really like this author
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