Brianna Winston Beaufort, Bree to her friends and family, makes the move to Savannah, Georgia, after inheriting her uncle's law practice. Unable to move into her uncle's offices, which were damaged in the fire that killed him, she finds the perfect location for her temporary office. The rent is reasonable, perhaps because the old house is located in the middle of an all-murders' cemetery, but Bree is charmed by the house and by her landlady -- and intrigued by the location. Something sinister is at work, however, and on her first day in residence, Bree rescues an abused dog. After getting the dog she's named Sasha much-needed medical attention, Bree finds she's unable to abandon him, instead taking him home with her. There's more to Sasha than meets the eye and the animal becomes her protector. And with her first case, Bree discovers she needs a protector -- and more.

Benjamin Skinner has contacted Bree on her brand-new cell phone, a gift from her law professor, and demands she call him to work on a case. It turns out the case is Skinner's own murder, and the call came through after he was killed. However, all witnesses and the local medical examiner have stated the man suffered a heart attack and drowned. Skinner's business partner hires Bree to find Skinner's killer, so he will stop haunting her. Despite the unusual aspects, Bree is eager to get started on the case, aided by her two new office workers, Ron and Petru, her landlady Lavinia, the mysterious PI Gabe Striker, the faithful Sasha and local cop Sam Hunter. But someone, or something, doesn't want the case investigated, and it will take all Bree has, and perhaps some divine intervention, to get to the bottom of this otherworldly mystery.

DEFENDING ANGELS, the first in the Beaufort & Company mystery series by Mary Stanton, is packed with Southern charm and spooky foreshadowing that will delight readers. With many surreal moments peppered throughout, the premise of this story is unique and intriguing, keeping the reader on edge as the mystery unfolds in surprising directions. Bree is the picture of Southern gentility with a backbone of pure steel. She accepts the unacceptable and believes the unbelievable with a charming unflappability. Her support system of family and coworkers is intriguing and humorous, lending much to the story. I really enjoyed the twists and turns of DEFENDING ANGELS and look forward to the next Beaufort & Company mystery with eager anticipation.