🚓 🛻🚨 “Texas Killer Connection” (Cowboy Lawmen Series #5) (2022) 🚨🛻 🚓 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Cowboy Lawmen Series (Book #5)
Paperback: 352 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (April 26, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335555013
ISBN-13: 978-1335555014
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“To catch a killer
they’ll need to find the evidence.
When the investigation into her look-alike cousin’s death stalls, former army intelligence officer Brooke Moore arrives in Texas searching for justice—and is thrust into the middle of a deadly conspiracy. Now she must turn to her cousin’s ex, FBI agent Colby Avery, for help. But with every clue leading them deeper into danger, they must uncover the truth…before they are buried with it.”
Thank you in advance to the author, Virginia Vaughan, for providing a complimentary review copy through her review team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
While Texas Killer Connection could stand on its own, it is best to read the first four books in the series to meet the MANY members of the Avery family and understand the relationship(s):
Book 1: Texas Twin Abduction (Lawson & Bree [Bree had a twin Ashley])
Book 2: Texas Holiday Hideout (Miles & Melissa [A])
Book 3: Texas Target Standoff (Paul & Shelby)
Book 4: Texas Baby Cover-Up (Zeke & Kellyanne [A])
(As of note, book #6 will be Josh’s story; [A] – stands for no physical appearance in the story)
That said …
This has to be the most intense cover of the series, which all but one feature “landscapes”. The first book features a character – either Ashley or Bree.
Colby is the FBI agent sibling, and after the death of his ex-girlfriend, he wants answers. He’s not the only one, her look-a-like cousin, Brooke is in town and wants answers as well. I loved having part of the setting in Dallas as I am from the DFW-Metroplex (Grand Prairie) so it was like a quick trip home.
Colby is stunned by the resemblance. Tessa and Brooke’s mothers were identical twins, so that is plausible and very likely. As of note, several years ago I ran into a man (someone I’d NEVER met) who insisted I was the twin to someone he knew in Tennessee – height, weight, hair color, even voice. He actually told me “you could be her”. And, I’m an ONLY child.
Brooke visits her cousin’s office and takes a picture frame – Tessa and Colby before her cousin broke up with the FBI agent.
The loss of her cousin is amplified by her Army superior’s decision to keep quiet about Tessa’s death causing Brooke to miss the funeral. It is something Brooke cannot forgive Jack for, despite him telling her he thought it’d interfere in the mission. In addition, Brooke also broke up with him because of an affair the man had.
Like books 2-4, this still didn’t make mention of Ashley’s whereabouts. Given the fact she WAS Lawson’s ex-fiancée and Bree’s twin – it would be interesting to see the final book make some mention of her as to where she is, what she is doing.
And, just like first four (4) books, this grabbed me right off and held my attention. It was definitely a fast-paced, non-stop, action-packed, edge of my seat read. Heart-breaking while being intense and inspirational. I honestly read about 66% of the book in 90 minutes (around 138 pages).
Of course, Brooke is immediately attacked after leaving her cousin’s office and thinks it ties in with Tessa’s death. Brooke doesn’t know who is responsible for her cousin’s death though or the reason why.
Colby knows who is responsible – though he can’t prove it. He thinks a man by the name of Dutton is responsible.
And, he isn’t too sure the attacks on Brooke are connected to Tessa, though he’s also not sure they’re not. Brooke’s own investigation brings her to Colby. There is a strong attraction, but neither one is looking for a romance (when has that stopped anyone) – only the truth.
The attacks on Brooke keep coming – a near-kidnapping, arson attempt, even a bomb scare at the hospital to facilitate another kidnapping.
Someone is seriously trying to get to her. Though the reason remains why? Neither she nor Colby know where the information Tessa found is. But, the bad guys aren’t too certain.
Colby thinks God brought Brooke to him in more ways than one. Due to the danger, Colby takes Brooke to the Avery location, but like all the other times, they’re found. Despite going through the evidence there is on the case, they can’t seem to find any connections.
In addition, there seems to be some kind of connection between the billing group and a domestic terrorist group, but the reason isn’t too clear. I’ll admit, I called it right off. Made complete sense to me, but was rather enjoyable to see it play out. Though, I was wondering how the characters connected. They just didn’t seem “the type” if you know what I mean.
In between the threats, the romance or rather “interest” begins to develop between Colby and Brooke. Though, Brooke seems to think she’s her cousin’s replacement – but learns the truth of the break-up. Brooke can’t seem to completely trust Colby though.
Brooke and Colby discuss the “meant to be” aspect and view, which was a fascinating outlook. Meant to be seems code for “easy” according to Colby. Relationships are work. Brooke begins to rethink her feelings towards God.
One familiar theme was the “you can’t change the past, but you can change the future”. This is something I’ve lived for quite a while, and a theme in a lot of recent books.
Vaughan definitely kept this suspenseful right up until the last few pages (like the last 6-7 pages). And, even the bad guys were a surprise. I absolutely LOVED this installment. It left me with a serious case of whiplash though.
I will say there were times that Brooke’s attitude and mistrust of Colby were a tad on the annoying side. I also wanted to know what caused the “rift” between Brooke and Tessa over the last year or so. The author didn’t get into too many details as to what was at the center of it.
I’ve definitely enjoyed devouring this series so far, and eagerly awaiting the final book to see it all wrapped up and where Brooke and Colby will be at the end of the next book and whether or not Vaughan will address certain “open” plot lines.
I have Vaughan’s COVERT OPERATIVES series on the TBR, and definitely need to read it … someday. Needless to say, she’s a “must-read” author. I ended up pre-ordering this book for my mom who has LOVED the series since I accidentally got a duplicate copy of Texas Twin Abduction. It’ll be my mom’s mother’s day gift.
As this is distributed by Love Inspired Suspense, there will be some references to the Christian faith as well as bible quotes. This did have a mention of infidelity in it that was outside of the book’s beginning. Texas Killer Connection was definitely mild on potential triggers.
This is a clean read so the affectionate acts will be mild kissing and hugging. Definitely no foul or questionable language.
Fans of the author and this series won’t want to miss it. Those who enjoy LIS books by Elizabeth Goddard and Lynette Eason won’t want to miss it either.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Previous books in the series:
Series: Cowboy Lawmen (Book #1)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin] (June 2, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 133540287X
ISBN-13: 978-1335402875
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“This twin’s past is a blank…And she might not have a future.
Waking up in a bullet-ridden car with a bag of cash and a deputy insisting she’s his ex-fiancée, Ashlee Taylor has no memory of what happened—or of Lawson Avery. But with her twin missing and someone hunting her down, she must trust him with her life. Can Lawson save her and her sister—even as Ashlee’s forgotten secrets become an inescapable trap.
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin] (October 13, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335403124
ISBN-13: 978-1335403124
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“When her identity’s exposed,
hiding on a lawman’s family ranch is her last hope.
After her mother is killed, Melissa Morgan’s shocked to learn she’s spent her life in witness protection. Now it’s US marshal Miles Avery’s job to keep her and her little boy safe. And with a mole in his agency, the only way to evade the killer is to hide Melissa on Miles’s family ranch…and pretend she’s his wife for the holidays.”
Series: Cowboy Lawmen (Book #3)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin] (March 9, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335405100
ISBN-13: 978-1335405104
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“A sniper lurks closer…
and only a navy SEAL can save her.
When psychologist Shelby Warren suddenly becomes a sniper’s target, navy SEAL Paul Avery springs into action to protect her. He needs her evaluation to get back to his team…and rescuing her might finally give him the redemption he’s been searching for. But when danger follows them to his family’s Texas ranch, keeping Shelby safe could be his most difficult assignment yet.”
Series: Cowboy Lawmen (Book #4)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin] (June 29, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335405283
ISBN-13: 978-1335405289
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“A mother’s secret got her killed.
Now they must protect her baby…
After the shock of finding her best friend murdered, Kellyanne Avery’s focused on caring for her friend’s sweet baby—until the killer returns, determined to kidnap the child. Now Kellyanne needs the one man she trusts with her life: her ex-flame, Deputy Sheriff Zeke Tyler. But as they hide on her family’s ranch, can Zeke unravel deadly secrets and shield them from harm?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Virginia Vaughan is a born and raised Mississippi girl. She is blessed to come from a large Southern family, and her fondest memories Blessed to come from a large, Southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted around the dinner table. She was a lover of books from a young age, devouring tales of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. Connect with Virginia through her website www.virginiavaughanonline.com or through the publisher.
You can follow her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginvaughanbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiavaughanauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gin_vaughan
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