Psst! Wanna hear about the Chicken Ranch?

If you've asked for an audiobook version, this one's for you!

From almost the moment Inside the Texas Chicken Ranch: The Definitive Account of the Best Little Whorehouse first saw print way back in 2016, folks have asked if there was an audiobook version. Those questions came anew when the 50th anniversary edition came out in 2023. It certainly made a great deal of sense—audiobooks are a popular and growing publishing format. Alas, I always had to answer there was no audio version available.

Until now.

I am delighted to announce that my book is now available through Audiobooks.com! Read by the absurdly talented Teri Schnaubelt, the audiobook version of Inside the Texas Chicken Ranch is a complete and unabridged reading of the revised, expanded and updated 50th anniversary edition. What’s that, you say? You’re not sure what this whole Chicken Ranch thing is? Well, pull up a chair and let me clue you in on the most infamous brothel in Texas, United States and (quite possibly) world history:

Thanks to the classic Dolly Parton film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and ZZ Top's ode 'La Grange,' many people think they know the story of the infamous Chicken Ranch. The reality is more complex, lying somewhere between heartbreaking and absurd. For more than a century, dirt farmers and big-cigar politicians alike rubbed shoulders at the Chicken Ranch, operated openly under the sheriff's watchful eye. Madam Edna Milton and her girls ran a tight, discreet ship that the God-fearing people of La Grange tolerated if not outright embraced. That is, until a secret conspiracy enlisted an opportunistic reporter to bring it all crashing down on primetime television. Drawn from exclusive interviews and expanded with newly uncovered information, Jayme Lynn Blaschke's revelatory exposition of the Ranch illuminates the truth and lies surrounding this iconic brothel.

Still not convinced? How about these words of praise from former five-term Texas Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby?

Jayme Blaschke has done a superb job in telling the story of the famous (or infamous, if you prefer) Chicken Ranch of La Grange, Texas. He delves into the perhaps mythical history of its ancestor, Mrs. Swine’s establishment. He deals affectionately with civic benefactor Miss Edna and her boarders, as well as their protector and civic leader, Fayette County sheriff Jim Flournoy. This is the best account of the “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” ever written.

If you’re of a more academic inclination, William C. Davis, author of Three Roads to the Alamo and Lone Star Rising might have a word or two that piques your interest:

Broadway and motion pictures popularized—and trivialized—the story of the famed Chicken Ranch brothel in La Grange, Texas. The real story is far more interesting, presenting a mirror to mores and conventions not just in that one locale, but for much of America. From its heyday to its ignominious demise, the Chicken Ranch was the story of enterprise, politics, power and even patriotism, writ in the garish hues of cheap makeup. Jayme Blaschke’s Inside the Texas Chicken Ranch is a compelling and brilliantly researched exploration of a unique icon of Texas history and society and what its rise and fall says about America. One comes away with the feeling that when outside pressure finally closed down the Chicken House, it was an act of cultural vandalism.

Seriously, I had some degree of trepidation when first approached with the real possibility of turning this into an audiobook. Although I felt the content here absolutely lent itself to a fantastic audio presentation, I knew full well that it could go sideways in a hurry. I am happy to report that is not the case. I am delighted with Ms. Schnaubelt’s reading and will wager you will be, too. Give me a shout and let me know what you think!

If you’re not into audiobooks, autographed copies of the 50th anniversary edition may be had at this link.