How can you combine a possible kidnapping crime solving mystery with a laugh out loud southern comedy replete with the oddest and yet endearing characters I've yet to meet? Well ask Ann DeFee since that's exactly what she accomplished in BEYOND TEXAS.

The people of Mirage Texas are very unique, as unique as the town of under 3000 people and as with small towns they face economic challenges. Twinkie and her mother have their hands in a multitude of business endeavors and even so these ladies somehow still have the time and ability to get involved with many town issues. Right now it looks like Mirage could be facing a doozy of a problem.

It would appear that someone has recently purchased an old fort on the outskirts of their town and suspicions are abounding as to what possibly nefarious purposes that fort property is going to be used.

So far it's looking very suspicious but they first have to gather information. Who better to come to the aid of Mirage than two hunks who are in town for a seemingly innocent reason of their own. But Twinkie and her merry band of friends and family are nobody's fools. The ladies of The Ranch are a rather raunchy group of an ex-madam and her ladies of the evening. These same ladies are the adopted family of none other than Twinkie and are an intrinsic part of this ongoing investigation into the activities of the inhabitants of the fort. Age has definitely not slowed down these ladies and they are all fearless.

When faced with the indisputable evidence that there are young women in trouble this town and its never-ending supply of industrious people kick into action and that's when the fun really starts.

Of course there is a subplot of romance and or lust included in what is already a story of boundless energy and fun. I would be remiss to leave out the yummy attraction between Twinkie and Cole. Cole is one of the two hunks that appear in Mirage with an interesting but false reason for coming to this very small town. The real reason is that Cole suspects that his sister has been kidnapped, has somehow wound up in Mirage and her disappearance may be involved with the new owner of the fort.

Ah what an interesting web of lies and deceit are soon to be uncovered by this very eclectic band of investigators. Well done. Ann DeFee has once again treated us to a truly enjoyable feast for the mind. If you are already a fan then BEYOND TEXAS should be on your next read list. If you are not already a fan then this book should be included on your must read. Be ready to laugh out loud and at the same time intrigued by this creatively written mystery/romance/comedy.