Missing in Texas

Lone Star Defenders #2

by Virginia Vaughan

Can she crack a decade-old cold case

before the murderer silences her?

The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects…and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend…before a murderer strikes again?

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Lone Star Defenders

Book 1: Dangerous Christmas Investigation
Book 2: Missing in Texas

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Mystery, Love Inspired Suspense, Family, Inspirational

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing book about an FBI agent who is pursuing a cold case in which her best friend and college roommate went home to Mercy, Texas, and disappeared. Poof! Vanished! Agent Christy Williams goes to Mercy to try to find out what happened to Dawn over a decade ago and ends up working with Detective Mike Tyner. There are some interesting dynamics in this scenario since Christy was friends with Dawn and Mike happens to be a cousin of a chief suspect, a man that Christy doesn’t trust at all. The plot is fast-paced with plenty of complications and red herrings. There are also a lot of really good clues that led me to guess who the villain was but my correct guess did not detract at all from the drama of the story and all of the events leading up to the conclusion. I enjoyed getting to know the relatable characters, but my real enjoyment came from the way the characters interacted and worked together to solve the mystery of what happened to Dawn. With a family’s peace of mind at stake, Christy is determined to find out the truth, even when it means that her life is in danger. This is a book cries out to be read quickly as it is hard to put down!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Love Inspired Suspense books are so good! I love how they keep my attention and I keep wanting to read one more chapter.

My heart broke for the main characters as the disappearance of Christy affected them both profoundly. Christy turned her career around to be able to solve the mystery of her college roommate and Mike spent 12 years investigating and trying to clear the suspicions of his family member.

These novels can be a little predictable but I love the suspense, mystery and romance that is woven throughout the story.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very captivating book that deals with a cold case file. I enjoyed how I was drawn in forms the beginning to the point I felt like I was the detective on the case needing to find the answers and solve the mystery. Very well written which made it hard to put down. Don’t miss this one.

This book is part of the Love Inspired Suspense series and is scheduled to be released May 27, 2025. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing in Texas is a compelling addition to the exciting Lone Star Defenders series. A 12-year-old cold case in the small town of Mercy, Texas, unites Deputy Mike Tyner and FBI agent Christy Williams in a dangerous quest to solve the disappearance of Christy's former college roommate. The fast-paced, well-structured plot with breath-holding suspense and loads of action captured my attention from the get-go and kept me reading intently and guessing to the end. Skillfully created, relatable characters drew me into their world forming emotional connections. I enjoyed the way Mike and Christy's personal relationship develops despite conflicts caused by the case. I appreciate the inspiring faith thread seamlessly woven into the narrative. I highly recommend this entertaining, absorbing read. Note: Even though this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I receive a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! I have read a lot of Ms. Vaughn's books and have loved each and everyone of them, but Missing in Texas is definitely one of my very top favorites!! I fell in love with this fast paced, intense, action packed, sitting on the edge of your seat, heart stopping suspense with the mystery of trying to solve who the bad guy was!! I enjoyed reading about the wonderful characters!! FBI agent, Christy Williams has the determination and strong will to solve her friends cold case murder of over 12 years ago!! She partners up with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects!! With a race against time someone will stop at nothing to stop the past from being discovered!! I couldn't stop reading this amazing story!! A must read for sure!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Virginia Vaughan. A great story line and well-defined characters make for an intriguing read. Action at every turn, it never gets dull. Just a touch of romance keeps it interesting. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Christie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing in Texas
By Virginia Vaughan

Another great book by author Virgina Vaughn. This is the second book in the Lone Star defenders series and is considered a stand alone book.
You first meet Deputy Mike Tyner, with the Mercy County Sheriff’s Office. While growing up Mike lived with his Aunt Peggy and cousin Cliff.
Cliff has been the prime suspect for the past twelve years in the disappearance of his high school girlfriend, Dawn Cafferty.
You then meet FBI agent Christy Williams, she was Dawn’s roommate in college. Christy has worked her whole career gaining experience and the skills to tackle her friend’s case.
Dawn was on her way home from college to enjoy Christmas Break with her family, but she disappeared and never made it home. It still haunts Mike that he was the last person to see Dawn alive. He had pulled her over for speeding, but recognized her and only gave her a warning and let her go. Mike has spent the past twelve years searching for the real killer and trying to clear his cousin’s name. When Christy arrives at Mercy, Texas she has been assigned to work with Mike to help break the case. Christy is not sure if she can trust Mike, but she soon learns that Mike is all about solving the case as much as she is.
As Mike and Christy work together, the killer is determined to stop them from solving this case.
Come along on this fast-paced, action-packed adventure. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
Happy Reading!

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for Goodreads. This mystery was right up my cold case loving alley. It is well paced and had me guessing at every turn. I also liked the vibes between Christy and Mike as they worked to solve the decade plus disappearance. My only minor issue was there was one element to the plot that I would like to have seen addressed in the windup of the mystery. All in all, this was a fabulous read that I read in almost one setting because I could not put it down, I needed to know what happened to Dawn!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a Suspense- Action - Fast moving pace Book- Hard to put down book?
Check this new book by Virginia Vaughan - Missing In Texas to be on the shelves soon. You will not want to Miss This One
Christy Williams, a FBI agent has made it her life time goal to solve the disappearance of her college roommate, Dawn Cafferty. She has not been seen or heard from in 12 years.
As Christy arrives in Mercy, Texas she learns she will be working with Deputy Mike Tyner. Deputy Mike is a cousin to the accused boyfriend of Dawn. Someone is determined to stop the investigation as their lives are being threatened. Will Christy and Mike live long enough to solve this cold case.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wonderful romantic suspense novel. I could not put this book down because it was so fast paced and had lots of twists and turns. I loved Christy and Mike. I enjoyed how Christy and Mike get to know each other as they try to find what happened years earlier. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing In Texas by Virginia Vaughan is an exciting book in which Christy, an FBI agent, reopens a cold case from 12 years ago. Her college roommate went missing in Mercy, Texas at that time, and no one was ever arrested. Christy is convinced that Mike's cousin must be guilty. She meets Deputy Mike Tyner who has been working the case on his own time to clear his cousin's name. Though he was never arrested, the town still thinks he's guilty since he was her boyfriend (and main suspect) at that time.

I really enjoyed Missing in Texas. It's the first book I've read by the author, but I'm sure it won't be the last. The book is a very fast read with two strong-willed main characters. Though their objectives may be at odds, they agree to keep open minds throughout the investigation. The book didn't have quite as much faith-based content as some Love Inspired Suspense books, though prayer and trusting God are both themes in the book. I recommend this book to those of you who are regular readers of LIS books!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing In Texas is a page-turning story about FBI agent Christy Williams returning to the town where her friend turned up missing. It's been 12 years but she's determined to solve it. Deputy Mike Tyner wants closure on the cold case as well because his cousin has always been suspect in her disappearance.
And since someone is trying to stop them from investigating by targeting them it looks like they're getting close.
This story was so exciting. I read it in 2 days. And the ending surprised me!

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I didn't even realize until the end I was holding my breath the entire time.

Missing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan is a true page turning cold case mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Amazing story line, engaging characters, twists and turns around every corner and very well written.

I highly recommend

#MissinginTexas #LoneStarDefenders #LIS #authorvirginiavaughan

[Tristan RowLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing in Texas is a clean cold case file mystery. FBI Agent Christy Williams has come to Texas to solve the decade-old missing person case of her college roommate. She shows up and is paired with local Deputy Mike Tyner, who has his own connections to the case. They both want this case closed, but someone is trying to stop them. Their main target? Christy. Will they figure out what happened to her long-missing friend before Christy becomes the next victim?
I loved this book, it was fast moving, suspenseful, and kept me guessing until the very end.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Vaughan keeps you in suspense to the very end in this action-packed thriller. FBI agent Christy Williams and Deputy Mike Tyner, team up to solve this decade-old cold case. Both are vested in this case on a personal level. The question is, will Christy survive long enough to get the answers she needs to close the case for good?

*Thank you to the author for this courtesy copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

[Julie Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Vaughan never fails to write a book that you just don’t want to put down.
Deputy Mike Tyler trying to solve a case a girl ( Dawn Cafferty) disappears. Mikes cousin was dating the girl so every one suspects him.
Agent Christy Williams a FBI agent comes to help Mike with the case.
Can Mike be objective because of his cousin? Can Christy be objective because it was her friend?
Can friendship and love prevail?

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing in Texas is a nonstop action and suspense thriller with wonderful characters and a terrific storyline. Christy, an FBI agent, goes to the town of Mercy to open a cold case and investigate along with a local police officer, Mike. Soon after Christy arrives, her life is threatened, and Mike finds himself in a compromising situation.

The evidence has many twists and turns, and the obvious suspect becomes questionable. Nothing seems to be as it appears. I loved the strength and determination of the main characters and the subtly woven parts of faith throughout. It will have you guessing until the end. I read it in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Maureen Penn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling addition to the Lone Star Defenders Series featuring an FBI agent who is investigating a cold case which she has a personal connection with. The plot is fast paced with plenty of complications and relatable characters. This book was hard to put down. I received an advanced copy on NetGalley and this is my personal opinion of this book.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by author Virginia Vaughan.
If you love suspense and action in a book, this is a must read. I highly recommend this 5 star read.

FBI Agent Christy Williams has made it her life’s goal to solve the case of her missing college roommate, Dawn Cafferty. Dawn has been missing for over 12 years when Christy was assigned to her case. Upon arriving in Mercy, Texas, Christy meets good looking and single Deputy Mike Tyner. They will be working on the case together. Mike is a cousin to Dawn’s boyfriend whom has always been a suspected in her disappearance. As they start digging into the disappearance, someone is out to stop them. Will they bring be able to solve the 12 year old mystery or will they become the next victims?

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of books by this author. I also really like books that are about cold cases so I was definitely interested in reading this book. I found it very interesting that the main female character was friends with the victim of the crime while the main male character is related to the prime suspect. It made for an interesting dynamic between the two while they were trying to solve the case. I really enjoyed the mystery behind also trying to solve the crime. This novel was well written and definitely one that I would recommend.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing in Texas is the second book in the Lone Star Defenders series. FBI Agent Christy Williams heads to Texas to work on the cold case of her friend who disappeared over ten years ago. Very good story and makes you stay on your toes.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Harlequin and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I've never read this author before and it seems I've been missing out!.. Very fast paced novel from start to finish with a lot of suspense. I recommend this book and this author!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 1/2 Stars!

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is an inspirational romantic suspense book. The main characters are Mike and Christy. Mike is a deputy and Christy is an FBI agent. Years ago a girl went missing and Mike was the last one to see her. His cousin was dating the girl and everyone blamed his cousin without evidence proving he was guilty. Christy was friends with the girl who went missing. She joined the FBI in hopes to one day solve the case of her missing friend. Mike has continued working the case and now Christy is in town to help. She thinks Mike’s cousin is guilty but he thinks his cousin is innocent. Is Christy right? Will they find the answers they have been looking for? Will they finally be able to solve and close the case? Will they both make it out alive? I loved Mike and how loyal he was to his family. Mike was good for Christy. I do wish the epilogue would’ve been further into the future or I could’ve seen them go on dates or spend time together when not solving a case. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and how it had the perfect amount of suspense.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI investigator Christy Williams comes to Mercy, TX, looking for answers in a decade old cold case of her friend's disappearance. But stirring up the past puts her in the sights of someone who would prefer the past stays hidden. She partners with the cousin of the main suspect, Deputy Mike Tyner to get to the bottom of what really happened so many years ago.

Action packed read that kept me on my toes, with good interaction and great tension. I liked that Christy wanted to find answers about her friend, invested the time and money to be qualified to officially search for answers. It deals with difficult topics like addiction. Riveting read, with an engaging plot.

Overall, well written and makes for a quick read. I liked how Mike cares for his cousin and wants to find the truth too. Suspenseful read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book is an easy read. The investigation of a cold case involving a missing college student is suspenseful. The lead investigator keeping the case alive is a cousin to the main suspect. It seems he not only wants to clear his relative's name, but also to bring justice to the young woman presumed to be dead. Now with the help of a highly motivated FBI agent, he is hoping the case will finally be solved. The suspense portion of the story is very well-plotted and well-written. The romance portion lacks substance. If you are looking for a quick suspense read, this book may fill the bill. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Missing in Texas from Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I am a huge fan of Virginia Vaughan but when you throw a cold case in on top of it, you definitely get my attention.
Of course, it was well written with strong characters.
This involves a 12 year-old cold case. That happened in the small town of Mercy, Texas.
FBI agent Christie Williams actually became an FBI agent because she needed to solve the case of her former college roommate that just went missing. It was like she just disappeared!
And deputy Mike Tyner wants to solve the case too because he wants to prove that his cousin is innocent.
If you like cold case mysteries like I do, and this is definitely one for you.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a lover of suspense, than I have the book for you. Ms. Vaughn has done a phenomenal job of keeping the reader guessing to the very end.
FBI agent Christy Williams is on the hunt to find who killed her friend, but someone wants to keep her silent. This has been a cold case that someone wants to keep in the history books.
Gun shots, car chase, hidden body: all the elements of an adrenaline fueled page turner that will have you on the edge of your seat! I can’t recommend this book enough.
I was given an ARC of this book and these are all my own opinions.

[Cynthia Lathrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this story worked out the mystery, but I wonder if the small town Sheriffs would so easily welcome in the FBI to solve their cold case. In this case it was the reight thing to do.

[Renee Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and wonderful characters.
Full of action and plot twists.
looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cold case that warms up in a hurry when FBI agent comes to town! An inspired suspense with a side of romance.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.