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Cowboy Lawmen #5

Texas Killer Connection

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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.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2022

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About the author

Virginia Vaughan

95 books186 followers
Award winning author Virginia Vaughan lives by the motto ‘It’s not hoarding if its books’. Always the kid with her nose stuck in a book, becoming a multi-published author hasn’t stopped Virginia from continuing to grow her own collection of favorite reads. Her family has refused to help her move anymore because of the sheer number boxes of books, but she’s no quitter. She’ll keep buying books and, the next time she moves, hire a moving van.

If you love stories where romance intersects danger and faith, subscribe to Virginia’s email list at https://bit.ly/3NYqzTl and be the first to know when a new story arrives.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Dana.
Author 79 books255 followers
April 7, 2022
I could not put this book down. It was action from the get go, with a couple of swoony kisses in for good measure. I liked that Brooke was a woman who could take care of herself.
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,647 reviews135 followers
April 25, 2022
Are you looking for a fast-paced story that keeps you dissecting clues and searching for answers? Grab a copy of Texas Killer Connection and get ready for a wild ride that doesn't slow down until the end of the road. Brooke Moore is a former Army intelligence officer who visits Texas for answers to her cousin's death and soon becomes a target herself. The person who comes to her rescue is the man who once cared for her cousin Tessa, but can he keep Brooke safe? Are his actions prompted by the fact that she is a dead ringer for Tessa? Is Brooke willing to accept the help of FBI agent Colby Avery?

Texas Killer Connection has great characters and multiple twists. and turns, in this thrilling action-packed plot that is fueled by a conspiracy theory. Throw in intense romantic tension and mix it with a strong faith message, and the result is Christian romantic suspense that I couldn't put down. This is another must-read story by author Virginia Vaughan, and I'm looking forward to reading more about these Cowboy Lawmen!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
142 reviews7 followers
March 28, 2022
Former Army Intelligence Officer, Brooke Moore teams up with FBI Agent Colby Avery in this fast paced, edge of your seat Christian Romantic Suspense. Brooke’s cousin was murdered. Brooke and Colby will have to use every ounce of their training to find out who killed Brooke’s cousin and why. There are twists and turns to keep the reader guessing about what will happen next. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC I received. I was only asked for an honest review. The opinion stated is mine.
Profile Image for SARAH TAYLOR.
244 reviews40 followers
April 20, 2022
As Brooke Madison arrives in Texas searching for her look-alike cousin's killer will she find the truth out who is behind this connection before they are buried with the truth This was another great book! I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review! and this is my own honest review
264 reviews27 followers
April 2, 2022
Another great book in this Cowboy Lawman Series. Danger arises when a woman seeks answers to her cousins death. A fast paced read with lots of action, danger and Christian suspense. I definitely recommend this book. Even though it is a series they can be read alone. I like that the stories bring back people from the previous books. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 22 books146 followers
April 12, 2022
Texas Killer Connection
Cowboy Lawmen #5
By Virginia Vaughn

Brooke Moore is looking for answers and justice. Her cousin Tessa Morgan, who could have been her double, was murdered, and so far, the FBI and the police have no suspects.

FBI agent Colby Avery is living with the guilt of not being there when Tessa reached out to him for help. Her death and the lack of closure in the case are squarely on his shoulders. And the appearance of her cousin Brooke is more than a little shocking, especially as she seems to have attracted the attention of Tessa's killer.

Texas Killer Connection is page-turning excitement as danger surrounds and tightens its grip. Brooke and Colby hope to set their own trap with Brooke, the likely recipient of what got Tessa killed, the perfect bait. But in the middle of everything, both Brooke and Colby are dealing with their personal guilt concerning Tessa and not being there for her when she most needed them. Death has a way of making all the past failures come alive. And Colby and Brooke both are heaping them on.

And the guilty party, well, that is a busy mess. First, there are no suspects, and then the trail starts to head one way, but with suspense, you always have to prepare for a surprise or two. Will Colby and Brooke get a chance at a happily-ever-after? You'll just have to pick up a copy of the book and discover that mystery for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
3,179 reviews30 followers
March 3, 2022
In this latest addition to this series, a series that delivers clean, Christian , suspense romance stories, we are back with the Avery siblings. This time the story belongs to FBI agent Colby Avery.
Colby is still recovering from the guilt of the death of his ex, Tessa . A doctor that was murdered while doing her own investigation on healthcare fraud.
What Colby never expected was to meet Tessa’s lookalike, her cousin Brooke.
Brooke, an Army investigator , has left her job and is determined to find the murderer of her cousin.
As these two join forces and the danger intensifies, so do the feelings. But doubts also arise.
While it’s a story that is action packed and one that will have you wondering who the killer really is, the story is more than that.
It’s a story about family, or lack thereof. It’s also a story about trust, faith and hope.
It was a good addition to the series. Hope that widower Josh gets his story soon.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 14 books122 followers
April 26, 2022
Brooke Moore is in Illinois to consult with Colby Avery, an FBI Agent investigating the murder of her cousin, Tessa. She is determined not to leave until Tessa's killer was brought to justice. Tessa's involvement with Colby makes things difficult when working with him.

The story becomes a cat and mouse chase to catch the criminals, as well, as to keep Brooke alive. There are a lot of surprising twists to this tale which had me on the edge of my seat. Lots of intense action, memorable romantic moments, and renewed faith.

The story has everything that it needs to keep a reader's interest. I loved the main characters' resolve and persistence. Recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
71 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2022
Murder, mayhem, intrigue, romance, lots of danger. Brooke Moore, former Army Intelligence officer comes to Texas to investigate the murder of her cousin Tessa and is attacked as well as she investigates. Tessa's ex-boyfriend FBI agent, Colby Avery, steps in to help Brooke. Every turn they take moves them into more danger. Because Brooke and Tessa looked enough like twins she becomes a target as they navigate to find Teasa's killer.
This book is suspenseful and was hard to put down.
You will definitely enjoy this. Also if you haven't read the other books in this series you should, the Avery siblings all have stories and they are good.
Profile Image for Marie.
569 reviews23 followers
April 26, 2022
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.
1,602 reviews13 followers
March 8, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Once I started reading it I just could not put the thing down. I walked around the house reading it while I was cooking dinner it was that good.

Brooke has been in the Army and went undercover, while she was doing undercover work, someone killed her cousin Tessa and her Commander did not tell her because he didn't want to jeopardize the mission. Now that she is out of the Army, she is determined to find the killer and they are determined that she does not.

Really great book. Another awesome book by Virginia Vaughan
14 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2022
This is the latest book in Virginia Vaughan's Texas Lawmen series.

Brooke Moore is investigating her look-alike cousin's death. She is met with startled looks everywhere her investigation takes her. Her cousin's former boyfriend, Colby Avery, an FBI agent, is assisting her in her investigation. Brooke is shocked when the truth comes out and the killer is not who she expected it to be.

This is a Christian inspirational romance story. Pick up your copy today and read the next exciting installment in Virginia Vaughan's Texas Lawmen series.
Profile Image for Darlene.
Author 49 books618 followers
April 18, 2022
Take a big breath and hang on for a high-octane race against time that will keep you turning the pages. The characters were well-rounded and likable. The plot moved along at a good pace and had some great twists. The tension and conflict in this story were well placed. Just when you think they were safe, wham! Something else happens. This puts the reader right into the story, holding their breath. The author’s use of sensory is done effectively. It brings the words on the page to life. Loved it.
Profile Image for Jane Casey.
32 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2022
I have really enjoyed reading this series with the Avery family. This is no exception. Took me a little bit to get into the story, but got caught up in it very quickly. Love the twin identity theme and mix-ups threaded through the story. Plenty of action, suspense, and twists to keep you guessing. Brook and Colby definitely had some nail-biting moments to deal with to say the least. I would recommend reading their story, especially if you've read Virginia Vaughan's other books with the Avery's. You won't be disappointed. As a member of the launch team, I received an advance copy to review.
Profile Image for Barb Beechy.
228 reviews5 followers
March 3, 2022
Just finished reading this great story. Brook went to Texas and left her life in the army, to find the killers of her cousin, and look alike as well.. she met up with Agent Colby Avery. What a ride they had. Every time you think you have it solved, it took a twist.. loved this page turner.. I recommend it to everyone. I was given a copy by the author for my honest opinion..
576 reviews
March 4, 2022
A good whodunnit story set in Texas. Brooke has been in the military for years. After her cousin is murdered, she decides to leave the military and discover who murdered her. She’s told to contact FBI agent Colby. After leaving him numerous messages with no response she decides to begin investigating on her own. Now, so is out to get her! Lots of twists and turns in this story.
1,258 reviews15 followers
April 21, 2022
this is the story of colby and brooke/ she is coming home to find out who killed her cousin, colby is fbi and the exboyfriend togeather they will find out who killed her and why. this is another great story in the group. could not put the book down . if you like supense and some romance you will want to read the book i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest reivew
Profile Image for Carole Smith.
143 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2022
What a wild ride! The book began with a rush and didn't slow down, which kept me reading it as fast as I could. Strong characters, faith, lots of action, suspense and romance made for a 5 star read!
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews249 followers
April 26, 2022
'Where are You, God?'

Virginia Vaughan adds to her cowboy Lawmen series with this exciting and thrilling suspenseful book. Great inspirational story with just the right amount of suspense. Recommended.

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book.
298 reviews19 followers
April 22, 2022
This is the first book I have read by Virginia Vaughan. I thought the cover was intriguing and that the book blurb so very interesting so I was excited to read this book. Virginia Vaughan did an excellent job of building the mystery of this plot. Just when you think you have solved the crime and figured out who had done it, she throws in a curve ball that you were not expecting. I thought that having the cousins look like each other was one interesting element that I have not really seen used before and it made for some really good situations in this story. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes trying to solve puzzles.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.
56 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
I was confused a first with the story. The reason why I was confused is because it started out about Brooke's look a like cousin and how she was murdered. When I finally got into the book I understood it a lot better. I received this book thur the Reader service program. I have not read any of the other books to the series.
Profile Image for Hunter Q Lee.
469 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2022
A great story.

This is a great story. The action never stops. Can Brooke survive as she seeks to solve her cousin's murder.
Profile Image for Sheila.
2,213 reviews29 followers
November 25, 2022
Enjoyable read. This is a great series, and I enjoyed this book.
1,840 reviews23 followers
January 25, 2023
This is a clean, Christian Suspense Romance story. The story pulled me in from the beginning and kept my interest throughout. Interesting characters, danger, and mystery with some romance. There are twists and turns along the way to discovering who the bad guys are. Now I want to read the rest of the books in this series.
1,423 reviews21 followers
April 26, 2022
TEXAS KILLER CONNECTION by Virginia Vaughan
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.
This is Brooke Moore and FBI Agent Colby Avery's story.
Voice mail again.
Brooke Moore ended the call without leaving a message. She’d already left three for FBI Agent Colby Avery. He had yet to respond. She jammed her cell phone into her purse, removed the keys from the ignition and got out. She’d been back in Dallas for three days and had visited the police to find answers about her cousin’s murder. They’d referred her to the FBI, who’d given her Colby Avery’s contact information, but he wasn’t returning her calls. Now it was time to visit Tessa’s workplace.
She exited the parking garage and walked to the main entrance of the hospital where Tessa had worked as an internal medicine doctor until her murder four months earlier. Four months, and there were still no answers about who had killed Tessa or why.
A pang of regret gripped Brooke as she walked through the automatic doors and into the place where Tessa had spent most of her time. Demanding jobs had kept them apart for years, and months had passed without them speaking. Now, Tessa was gone. She would never speak to her cousin again.
Brooke walked to the information desk and asked to speak with Director Winters. She’d phoned earlier to set up the meeting with Tessa’s boss. The woman at the desk glanced up, shock and surprise filling her expression. Brooke pushed a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. She’d expected this. She and Tessa had looked alike. A lot. Their mothers had been identical twins, and that had resulted in an uncanny resemblance between Brooke and her cousin. A resemblance that could cause quite a stir at Tessa’s place of employment where everyone knew about her death.
He was late.
Colby rubbed his still-stubbly face as he climbed into his pickup and headed into town to meet his brother, Josh, for breakfast. It was getting harder and harder to pull himself awake in the mornings after spending hours at night staring at his evidence board and trying to force himself to see some connection that would break Tessa’s murder case. His family called him obsessed, but how could he not be?
Four months. That’s how long a killer had gone free without repercussions. So far, there wasn’t a thing he could do about it.
He knew the culprit or, at least, the man who’d hired the killer. He’d known from the day some unsuspecting soul had discovered Tessa’s body on the side of a road that John Dutton, CEO and founder of Healthmax Financial Company, was responsible.
Four months. That’s how long a killer had gone free without repercussions. So far, there wasn’t a thing he could do about it.
I recommend reading.
TEXAS KILLER CONNECTION by Virginia Vaughan is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Virginia Vaughan.
Book 1: Texas Twin Abduction
Book 2: Texas Holiday Hideout
Book 3: Texas Target Standoff
Book 4: Texas Baby Cover-Up
Book 5: Texas Killer Connection





Profile Image for Lisa Fuller.
Author 33 books6 followers
April 2, 2022
Texas Killer Connection by Virginia Vaughan is book five in the Cowboy Lawmen series. This book is another great suspense romance that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Brooke is determined to find out who has murdered her look alike cousin. Back in Texas, she gets in contact with FBI Agent, Colby Avery, her cousin's ex-boyfriend, and together they begin a dangerous journey for the truth.
April 5, 2022
Thank you to Virginia Vaughan for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Wow! I really enjoy the Love Inspired books, but I have to say this one will leave you panting for a breath! It is literally non-stop action. I felt like I was running with them! Intelligence Officer Brooke Moore has come to town to more fully investigate Tessa's death. Tessa was Brooke's cousin, and they could pass for twins, so when she arrives in town she causes quite the ruckus! FBI agent Colby Avery was Tessa's boyfriend, and he has all but given up on his career. However, when Brooke comes to town and is immediately in danger, he realizes he must help her. I was gritting my teeth reading this book because the action and suspense kept me so worked up. There was very little "down time" as Brooke and Colby are constantly on the run from someone who wants to "silence" Brooke forever. They get a little more than bargained for when they mess with Brooke! She is fully capable of taking care of herself. This is definitely an inspirational book as you find the characters learning to lean on God instead of pushing Him away. It is a great mystery as well as a romance. It is a battle until the very end! A good versus evil scenario, and the plot line is so relevant to today's world as you will find out when you read the book. Virginia Vaughn is a great author, and has written several other previous books in this series. I recommend all of them, including this one!
100 reviews
May 3, 2022
Texas Killer Connection, by Virginia Vaughan is the latest in her Cowboy Lawmen series. This story is just as intensive and suspenseful as the previous books in this series. From the first page to the last, you don't want to put this one down.

Army Intelligence Officer, Brooke Moore is digging into her cousin's unexplained and unsolved murder. This case is actively being worked by the FBI. Un-officially with FBI Agent Colby Avery because he was in a relationship with Brooke's cousin, Tessa. As they work to uncover more evidence and follow trails, they become targets themselves.

Vaughan is wonderful at weaving tales, creating amazing characters, and plotting incredible twists and turns that will ensure you don't want to stop until you reach the final page and know just who "done it". I love finding books by this author, I'm the one you see in the book aisle jumping up and down because I've discovered a new one to devour.

If you love amazing suspense, wonderful characters and breath taking rollercoaster storylines, you can't go wrong with any Virginia Vaughan book. I strongly recommend this book and this author.

I have received a copy of this book from the author without expectation of a favorable review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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