The Advocate's Illusion (The Advocate Series) Paperback – February 11, 2018

Sabre O. Brown is an attorney and children’s advocate in the California court system. In book 9 of this well-written legal drama/mystery, she is faced with three different cases that are much more complicated than they initially seem, and which may be related. She’s consumed by her work, which doesn’t leave much time for a personal life, or the fledgling romantic relationship she’s having with her investigator, JP. To complicate the mix, her mother is starting to date again, a man she met on the internet, which raises Sabre’s hackles. Sabre sets JP to investigating her mother’s new beau, a move that has surprising outcomes.I love this series. The plots are always interesting and topical (this one involves a client who thinks she’s pregnant by the very much deceased Jim Jones; a parent who thinks he can control his children and his ex-wife through violence, or threats of violence; and a child bride that no one seems to be looking out for, least of all her pastor father and her abused mother).I like the relationship between JP and Sabre. He’s an old fashioned cowboy/former lawman with a strong sense of right and wrong, a deep affection for Sabre, and some of the best lines in the book (“I don’t care if it hairlips the governor,” and “That man is so low, he has to step up to go under,” and “He’s madder than a bat in a suitcase.”). Sabre is a thirty-something attorney with an equally strong sense of right and wrong and a complete dedication to her craft and the children she represents. Sometimes their work interferes with their personal life, but they are always respectful of each other.I also like the relationship between Sabre and Bob, her bff and work partner. Sometimes they are on the same side, sometimes they are on opposite sides, but they manage to maintain a good friendship despite the challenges. The secondary characters (Sabre’s brother, mother, her new beau, and the courthouse regulars) are more than just cardboard filler to move the plot along. I feel like the characters are people I could spend time with.I received an ARC of this book from the author, but bought my own copy because I like this series so much I want to keep a complete set. While you could read this series out of order (the author provides sufficient backstory to make reading smooth), I find this series more enjoyable in order. I like seeing the progression of the relationships. The plot might grab me, but it’s the characters that keep me coming back for more. I feel like Sabre, JP, Bob, and the others are people I would want to hang out with if they were real. If you like legal mysteries with good character development and interesting plots, give this series a go.

Yet another interesting book in the advocate series. I'm this book, Teresa Burrel takes the reader through a child marriage, angry parents, deceptive rapist and impersonation. Let players are same, Sabre the advocate, JP Torn her investigator.Legal arguments on child marriage and First amendment are very interesting. Juvenile court proceedings are painted in most interesting fashion. The turning point is the investigation of Sabre's mother's friend (or not friend). Though totally unconnected to the court cases, the budding relationship of her mother and her friend adds spice.Easy to read, good way to pass time, and interesting.

The Advocate Series just gets better with each read. Teresa Burrell has put a totally different twist to this story.

The Advocate’s Illusion is an interesting book about a child advocate lawyer and her young clients. There are several different plot lines in this book including a child marriage, an angry “non offender” dad, a predator drugging women in bars, and a long missing woman.The narrator is growing on me. His female voices can use work, and many of his characters sound like they have a smoking problem, but he does a good job bringing the stories to life.I received a complementary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.

The story began with an incident that actually happened later in the book. So, obviously, I recognized it later - skimmed it to make sure I wasn't missing anything, and moved on. The telling of the story was by the lawyer's cases - had to pay attention to the characters and who was whom. It was like several plots all wrapped up in one. Still, the main characters were enjoyable. It was a quick read, definitely cozy mystery, no dead bodies but other issues to solve. And, of course, the requisite budding romance!

This legal thriller involving three cases plus is truly amazing. It turns in many directions, tugs at your heart, is fast paced, excellent plot with a super outcome. I love how the characters develop and their interactions. I’ve read many of Ms. Burrell’s books, not all in sequence, and am certain you will not be disappointed.

Advocate' s Illusion is a nice tory but nothing to write home about. The tale is interesting but moves rather slowly throughthe four incidents being investigated.

Sabre O. Brown, Attorney takes on mostly cases involving children and works closely with Child Protection Services. There are three cases she is working on at one time--boys who have been taken away from their Mom--and the Dad--well--I sure would not want to live with him. She has to try and find a family member where these 2 boys will be safe. Then there is the child bride. Her father is the pastor of a church and married her off to a much older man--the father says that only the church can sanction a marriage--no need for the state--the 14 year old runs away-who is helping her and who will win--the father or the state? Meanwhile her Mom is dating someone she met on line--Sabre and her brother have to make sure he isn't a con artist! Then she and her friend go to a magic show where things go very wrong--who is behind trying to murder Sabre?This book will have you guessing at every turn. There are so many twists it is sometimes hard to keep up with them all. Definitely a book I suggest reading--especially if you are interested in child protection.

Another fast paced, thrilling, informative - whodunit. This author keeps you spell bound. The action is quick and keeps you guessing till the unexpected end. Always enjoy the Advocate books

More interesting cases, with the underage bride storyline bringing up very important issues on the balance between the law and personal beliefs. I prefer reading about the child cases rather than the storyline relating to Sabre's mother and the attempt on Sabre's life (which was not due to her work this time!), but this is only my personal preference and others may find it just as interesting.This has been a very good series so far (clever, interesting and enjoyable) and I am now following Teresa - roll on more of the Tuper series too please!

A very gripping novel. Could not put down. One of the best in the series. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Read all the previous books.

I am working my through this series and love every book. They are all self contained with an individual story which is always gripping but with a group of characters that flows through each book that is so well done I can’t wait to read the next one.

Believable characters. J P Torn's similes are 😂. Plot is so-so. Writing is taut and gripping.Got an exposure to the kind of work the CPS are involved in and the kind of weirdoes and psychos that populate their world.Feel happy ending.