The Advocate-Teresa Burrell

The Advocate
Teresa Burrell
Echelon, Aug 2009, $13.99
ISBN: 9781590806319

Juvenile Court attorney Sabre Brown is contented with her life especially her work protecting children from people who might harm them. The only negative in her life is her brother Ron who remains missing having disappeared without a trace. Currently, she is working a case involving ten year old Alexis Murdock and two years old Jamie Smith; both are staying at the Jordon Receiving Home while the police investigate their respective parent Gaylord Murdock and his battered pregnant girlfriend Peggy Smith. Peggy initially blames Gaylord for hitting her, but quickly changes her tune when she realizes she will have to press charges.

Gaylord obeys court orders determined to prove he is a fit father so he can regain custody of Alexis. When Sabre talks with Alexis, the frightened tweener asks if she must go home. That question leaves Sabre wondering if Murdock is the upright citizen he claims to be. Someone is also harassing Sabre. Calls with no voice on the other end at any time night or day; items in her home are misplaced or lost; and a bat was tossed into her office through the mail slot. Finally she finds a lizard in her bed with all her doors and windows shut. Sabra discovers Peggy has a daughter Honey who has goes missing yet no police report is filed. She fears what happened to Honey will happen to Alexis and Jamie once they go home, but the law is on the side of Gaylord…si far

Readers will admire dedicated Sabre, a strong advocate of protecting the young as she deals with adult predators to prevent them from abusing children. Not always easy as the law can be on the side of the beast; still she goes the extra kilometers to try keeping the kids safe. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action though the assault on Sabre adds suspense, but also detracts from a great legal thriller as the lives of children are at stake. .

Harriet Klausner