Missing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan is a well-paced cold case romantic suspense that brings together two investigators with deeply personal ties to a long-unsolved mystery.
Twelve years ago, Dawn went missing in the small town of Mercy, Texas. Deputy Sheriff Mike has never stopped searching for answers. As the last person to see her, the case haunts him—especially since his cousin remains the primary suspect, though Mike has always believed in his innocence.
FBI agent Christy, Dawn’s former college roommate and best friend, arrives in Mercy determined to finally bring closure. She’s convinced Mike’s cousin is responsible, but her investigation is quickly met with resistance—and someone clearly wants her off the case.
While the romantic connection between the main characters developed more quickly than felt realistic, their shared drive for justice and emotional stakes helped ground their bond. The strength of the suspense plot more than carried the story, making this an enjoyable read for fans of inspirational romantic suspense.
If you're looking for a mystery-driven story with emotional depth and small-town secrets, Missing in Texas is worth the read.

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

Another good read by Love Inspired Suspense. This book is another cold case but for me the first one I have read. Mike works as a deputy sheriff and has been looking into a cold case of a missing person from 12 years prior. He was the last person to see her and the case haunts him. His cousin is a suspect but he has always believed in his innocence.

Christy is a FBI investigator who was also best friends with the victim Dawn. She is in Mercy Texas to find out what happened and has her sights on Mike's Cousin. Someone doesn't want her to investigate which leads to more questions than answers.

I enjoyed who the book played out with the suspense building throughout the book. While it has all the suspense elements in it, I didn't find it as heavy suspense or on the edge of my seat suspense. For those who love a romantic suspense that is a little lighter than some would enjoy this book. In saying this I still found it hard to put down and read it in just over 2 days. (falling asleep reading made me take an extra day). The interaction between Mike and Christy works well with just the right amounts of tension. I will read more books by this author.

Romantic Suspense is becoming my favourite genre. In most of these books the Romance is secondary to the story.

What a great book! This fits the bill if you are searching for an exciting but short murder mystery! Christy's goal in becoming an FBI agent and honing her skills was mainly to solve the cold case of what had happened to her missing roommate. When she arrives in Mercy, Texas, to solve the case, she is assigned to a deputy, Mike, who also wants the case solved, especially since a relative is the main suspect. Immediately Christy is repeatedly attacked, so she is leaning into the main suspect being guilty. How the story twists and the surprising ending make a satisfying story, with faith mentioned as a natural part of the story.
I appreciate being allowed to read this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

FBI Agent Christy Williams comes to small-town Mercy, Texas to open a cold case. Her college roommate, Dawn, has been missing for over a decade and now that she has experience under her belt, she hopes to uncover the truth about what happened that long-ago night. Deputy Mike Tyner stopped Dawn for a traffic violation and that was the last time she was ever seen. He has spent 12 years trying to figure out what happened to no avail. Can he work with Christy to figure out the dynamics of that fateful night while trying to protect his cousin who has always been under suspicion? And when Christy becomes a target and things escalate, can they solve the case before it's too late? A definite high-octane suspense novel!

4 1/2 STARS!

Great read from start to finish! The second book in the Lone Star Defenders series by Virginia Vaughan is filled with unexpected twists and lots of great scene/character development. The plot is wrought with tension but also lots of faith and good-heartedness. I found the love between Christy and Mike to be unbelievable because there was really no development at all on that front, but the cold case carried the storyline quite well and made the book enjoyable regardless. Loved how it all wrapped up and highly recommend for a quick intrigue.

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.

Emotional and action packed. Christy joined the FBI after her college roommate went missing. After working for 10 years, she feels more comfortable to take the case on. Mike is a Sheriff Deputy and was the last person to see Dawn (missing college roommate). He has been working this cold case for years. His cousin is the main suspect. This is an emotional roller coaster for Mike, Christy and the reader! HEA. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #MissinginTexas #LoneStarDefenders #VirginiaVaughan #Harlequin #LoveInspiredSuspense #NetGalley

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A girl disappeared on her way home from college. His cousin has been the main suspect for years. He's kept the case alive desperate to find the truth so his family could move on. She's spent the time preparing to get answers also. Now she's ready and she won't stop until she finds the person responsible for her friend's disappearance. How will they be able to work together.? He's sure his cousin is innocent and she believes he's guilty. Someone doesn't want her digging. Will they find answers before someone else disappears? Who's responsible?

Missing in Texas (Lone Star Defenders Book 2) by Virginia Vaughan
Book 2 of 2: Lone Star Defenders
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?
This is Christy Williams an FBI agent's story.
This is Deputy Mike Tyner's story.
FBI agent Christy Williams tensed as she made the left turn onto the Mercy Highway. Her eyes watered and she wiped away a tear as she drove on. Had she turned right, she would have been traveling down the last road Dawn was known to have traveled. She would eventually go down that road, but not tonight. She was eager to get to her hotel before launching herself into this investigation.
Little clouds of steam circled the mug of coffee Deputy Mike Tyner’s aunt had just poured him. She returned the pot to the stove then sat across from him as she shook her head. “I’m worried about him,” she told Mike and he nodded.
“I know, Aunt Peggy.” Truth be told, he was worried too.
“Rebecca says he’s depressed and hostile. She can’t reach him anymore and neither can I. We just don’t know what to do.”
“I’ll talk to him,” Mike offered.
I recommend reading this book.
Missing In Texas by Virginia Vaughan is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Virginia Vaughan .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

An FBI agent wants to solve a twelve year missing persons case and the Deputy assigned has close connections and ties to the main suspect. While I liked the characters I felt the storyline was lacking and it was obvious who was behind the missing persons case .The love story developed way too fast as well without enough time or depth to it.

I would give the author another chance though.

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.

Such a wonderful book. Lots of twists and turns. Lots of suspense. I love the storyline. I'm glad this book ended the way it did.

A young college student headed home for a visit, only to go missing somewhere on the way. Her long time boyfriend is the prime suspect, but there was no evidence to prove it. Deputy Mike Tyner, his cousin, had spent all these years trying to find proof of what happened that night 12 years earlier. Dawn Cafferty was the young lady’s roommate, joining the FBI to help solve cases just like this one. Can she forgive herself for not being there for her friend?

For a small town, it seemed to be decidedly less than cordial to the FBI agent. Nail-biting incidents make it appear the town has something to cover up. Will this case ever be closed?

An ebook of Lone Star Defenders #2 was received through Love Inspired Suspense and BookFunnel. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Awesome Page-Turner

Missing in Texas is an awesome page-turner as it follows Christy and Mike as they work on a cold case. This might seem like Christy and Mike are on the same side, which they are, except that each one has a connection to the case, which puts them a little at odds with each other. Most of the time, they can keep their differences at bay as they focus on solving the case. But one surprise after another keeps making the case more and more complicated.

The story is very well paced. It kept me guessing and turning pages up to the end. The suspense was on point, as was the romance. It is a wonderful and intriguing story that I greatly enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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.

This book is full of action, drama, suspense and a dash of romance. It has a wonderful cast of characters and the plot will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. If you enjoy a clean romantic suspense with a faith thread woven into the story, you will love this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin - Romance | Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Missing in Texas
by Virginia Vaughan
Publisher: Harlequin – Romance, Love Inspired Suspense
Series: Book 2 of Lone Star Defenders
Rated: 5
Obtain: Borrow
Back of the Book: “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 Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.”

Impressions: I enjoyed this story. I was in suspense for most of the book and even guessed a few wrong scenarios, engaging me more. The characters were interesting and developed a relationship with ease. The suspense and romance were believable. The only thing I questioned was Christy’s injuries and medical care following. I’m not sure she would have been discharged or so spry after what she experienced. There were Christian references and prayers sprinkled in this story. Overall, this was well written and fun to read.

Thank you, NetGalley and publisher, for the opportunity to review this book!

Missing in Texas was everything I look for in a romantic suspense! From the opening scene, Virginia Vaughan had me hooked. The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the story kept me turning pages late into the night. I really enjoyed the balance of action, mystery, and emotional depth.

Missing in Texas is a must-read. Virginia Vaughan delivers again! Would highly recommend!

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.

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.