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Tokyo Express: USS Bull Shark Naval Thriller Series, Book 4
When they come for you, they come in darkness….
The marines have seized control of the Japanese airfield on Guadalcanal, but this isn’t the end of their troubles…it’s only the beginning. The Japanese bomb them by day, attack from the forbidding darkness of the jungles by night, and their ships, like hungry sharks, prowl just offshore after the sun goes down.
Whoever controls the canal controls the war. The Japanese know this, so they concoct a plan to send men and equipment ashore using fast destroyers—ships that can come by night and leave before the Cactus Airforce or Admiral Fletcher’s carrier planes can stop them. But the navy has a plan, too…
Art Turner and the crew of Bull Shark are being joined by another submarine, an old S-boat. Short of men and shaken by a recent battle, S-52 receives a temporary XO in the form of Pat Jarvis. Now, these two submarines must race back to Guadalcanal and throw themselves into the line of fire, literally putting themselves between the struggling marines and the relentless forces of Tojo before the empire can retake the island.
Yet another danger lurks out in the darkness—an obsessed Japanese officer who wants nothing more than to personally crush Turner and Bull Shark beneath his heel. Now, Takashi Sato pits himself and his aircraft carrier against Turner in a contest of wits and wills, and it can only end one way.
Guns blaze, swords clash, and the land and sea thunder beneath the storm of war in this latest WWII adventure thriller.
The marines have seized control of the Japanese airfield on Guadalcanal, but this isn’t the end of their troubles…it’s only the beginning. The Japanese bomb them by day, attack from the forbidding darkness of the jungles by night, and their ships, like hungry sharks, prowl just offshore after the sun goes down.
Whoever controls the canal controls the war. The Japanese know this, so they concoct a plan to send men and equipment ashore using fast destroyers—ships that can come by night and leave before the Cactus Airforce or Admiral Fletcher’s carrier planes can stop them. But the navy has a plan, too…
Art Turner and the crew of Bull Shark are being joined by another submarine, an old S-boat. Short of men and shaken by a recent battle, S-52 receives a temporary XO in the form of Pat Jarvis. Now, these two submarines must race back to Guadalcanal and throw themselves into the line of fire, literally putting themselves between the struggling marines and the relentless forces of Tojo before the empire can retake the island.
Yet another danger lurks out in the darkness—an obsessed Japanese officer who wants nothing more than to personally crush Turner and Bull Shark beneath his heel. Now, Takashi Sato pits himself and his aircraft carrier against Turner in a contest of wits and wills, and it can only end one way.
Guns blaze, swords clash, and the land and sea thunder beneath the storm of war in this latest WWII adventure thriller.
Audible Audio
Published May 11, 2022
670 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Scott W. Cook
49 books45 followersA full-time author who lives in Florida's sunshine, Scott W. Cook is and has always been a lover of good stories. When he's not hard at work composing new tales, Scott loves the Florida lifestyle - sailing, surfing, kayaking, fishing and if you can throw in a great waterside bar and grill and good tunes, you'll find a happy man!
As a voracious reader, Scott loves an engaging story… and as a voracious writer, his passion is capturing your interest and keeping a satisfied smile on your face!
Scott has a wide variety of writing passions and there’s something for everyone. His Florida private detective series is loaded action, suspense and will put a smile on your face, too. His multiple WWII series take you back to one of the most extraordinary times in history and brings it to life through vibrant scenes and entertaining characters.
And if you, like Scott, have a sweet tooth for horror… then you’ll love his short story collections, his Immortal Dracula series as well as other goodies to tantalize and raise the gooseflesh! And that’s just the beginning.
To learn more visit Scott at his website. Peruse his catalogue and grab a free sample when you join the crew:
www.scottwcook.com
As a voracious reader, Scott loves an engaging story… and as a voracious writer, his passion is capturing your interest and keeping a satisfied smile on your face!
Scott has a wide variety of writing passions and there’s something for everyone. His Florida private detective series is loaded action, suspense and will put a smile on your face, too. His multiple WWII series take you back to one of the most extraordinary times in history and brings it to life through vibrant scenes and entertaining characters.
And if you, like Scott, have a sweet tooth for horror… then you’ll love his short story collections, his Immortal Dracula series as well as other goodies to tantalize and raise the gooseflesh! And that’s just the beginning.
To learn more visit Scott at his website. Peruse his catalogue and grab a free sample when you join the crew:
www.scottwcook.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 24, 2023
After enduring several chapters of this (I won't call it a book), I almost wanted to slash my wrists because of the garbage rhetoric. The year is 1942 and at one point the author compares a person to "Grizzly Adams" who was a character in a TV series in 1977. Duh! What happened?
Later on in the book about WW II U.S. submarines at war in the Pacific: When some Japanese ships arrive, one man says, "I think we got us a convoy ," which is a direct quote from C W McCall's song "Convoy" in 1975. Duh, duh!
During the time when the crew is targeting Japanese destroyers, they are comparing how many women they conquered in Australia.
It insults even my one-room, country school education. Too bad he doesn't know history. That would help him write realistic novels.
May 9, 2022
This is the 4th and best, so far, book in this Bull Shark series. Although I felt the series began a little shakily, the author has developed all the main characters quite well. Each of the books can be read as stand alone installments, but for the richest reading experience they should be read in order.
Book 4 centers around the battle for Guadalcanal. The author weaves in a whole slew of parallel adventures that brings a cadre of new and interesting characters whose individual stories evolve into a whopping good reading experience. I particularly liked the positive ending. I highly recommend this book and the series to naval historical fiction fans.
Book 4 centers around the battle for Guadalcanal. The author weaves in a whole slew of parallel adventures that brings a cadre of new and interesting characters whose individual stories evolve into a whopping good reading experience. I particularly liked the positive ending. I highly recommend this book and the series to naval historical fiction fans.
April 26, 2022
Tokyo Express: A WWII Submarine Adventure Novel by Scott Cook allows readers to experience WWII from the perspective of several characters. Readers can appreciate what occurred during the Battle for Guadalcanal. The commences by providing a backstory however, after a few pages readers will find the prologue. The book provides an entirely different insight into the war, providing an opening to provide background knowledge by describing people, places, and events in detail.
The book focuses on the behind-the-scenes events such as the retelling of ritual suicide, changes to commanding officers, and the crew's feelings about the changes made on the USS Bull Shark. After writing a note for his crew to find, the captain flings himself overboard, surrendering himself to the sea. The personal feelings and narratives of the crew were expressed which allows readers to know intimate details others may have forgotten. Almost halfway through the book, readers can expect to read about the spoils of war.
“Submarine warfare was, in some ways, unlike any other kind. Each type of fighting, be it air to air combat, large infantry clashes, hand to hand fighting, or big surface ships lobbing massive shells at one another, had its unique aspects, but they also had something in common. Most types of warfare allowed men to take an active role in fighting back.”
Despite the unfortunate events that transpired, the author doesn’t stick to one plot, however, each subplot is well developed, however, the extra storylines crowd one other throughout the novel. Almost to the end of the novel, Cook reveals a traitor aboard the sub that sabotages the mission.
“You sent information to the Americans about our forces, Osaka. Did you not realize that we could monitor your activity? Did you really think that the repair crews would fail to find the cable that you deliberately cut?”
The book’s lengthy bibliography points to immense research and it meticulously depicts the setting and the era - both elements which are crucial to understand and relate with the story. Tokyo Express, though sometimes there is an overload of information, the attention is pulled from the main plot.
The book focuses on the behind-the-scenes events such as the retelling of ritual suicide, changes to commanding officers, and the crew's feelings about the changes made on the USS Bull Shark. After writing a note for his crew to find, the captain flings himself overboard, surrendering himself to the sea. The personal feelings and narratives of the crew were expressed which allows readers to know intimate details others may have forgotten. Almost halfway through the book, readers can expect to read about the spoils of war.
“Submarine warfare was, in some ways, unlike any other kind. Each type of fighting, be it air to air combat, large infantry clashes, hand to hand fighting, or big surface ships lobbing massive shells at one another, had its unique aspects, but they also had something in common. Most types of warfare allowed men to take an active role in fighting back.”
Despite the unfortunate events that transpired, the author doesn’t stick to one plot, however, each subplot is well developed, however, the extra storylines crowd one other throughout the novel. Almost to the end of the novel, Cook reveals a traitor aboard the sub that sabotages the mission.
“You sent information to the Americans about our forces, Osaka. Did you not realize that we could monitor your activity? Did you really think that the repair crews would fail to find the cable that you deliberately cut?”
The book’s lengthy bibliography points to immense research and it meticulously depicts the setting and the era - both elements which are crucial to understand and relate with the story. Tokyo Express, though sometimes there is an overload of information, the attention is pulled from the main plot.
October 3, 2022
Great insight into the inside stories of GUADACANAL & The Silent Service in WWII
This book & series dig into the conduct of the early battles in The Pacific in unusual ways & detail, providing the gritty nature of close combat on land & at sea & air. Also the challenges of leadership at most levels. It is drawnout enough to make you want to speed up your reading but loaded with enough suspence to keep you turning pages into late nights.
I'm looking forward to the next books in the series.
We all need this feel for the challenges THE GREATEST GENERATION faced in winning this war for world freedom on two such major fronts. It wasn't just the military either; the folks at home had to sacrifice & pull their weight as well to keep the ships, planes, tanks, & much more coming to overwhelm enemies on two oceans at the same time. This book provides that.
We badly need that leadership & spirit as a country today.
This book & series dig into the conduct of the early battles in The Pacific in unusual ways & detail, providing the gritty nature of close combat on land & at sea & air. Also the challenges of leadership at most levels. It is drawnout enough to make you want to speed up your reading but loaded with enough suspence to keep you turning pages into late nights.
I'm looking forward to the next books in the series.
We all need this feel for the challenges THE GREATEST GENERATION faced in winning this war for world freedom on two such major fronts. It wasn't just the military either; the folks at home had to sacrifice & pull their weight as well to keep the ships, planes, tanks, & much more coming to overwhelm enemies on two oceans at the same time. This book provides that.
We badly need that leadership & spirit as a country today.
August 4, 2025
I realize this is a book of fiction and past history. I feel the author makes this book entertaining and exciting. I enjoyed the way the author took some experienced men to another older boat and how they used their leadership to handle the situations. I am a retired Marine (Viet-Nam era) and have studied the history of the Marine Corps during the pacific campaigns for the reason that my father was also a Marine and fought on Iwo Jima. I was surprised the author toned down the life on Guadalcanal but also surprised his real-life description of what results battles can leave. I agree with the saying "War is Hell" but also believe "War is stupid". Why mankind chooses to follow leaders that destroy life is something that I will never understand.
April 25, 2022
Engaging
This fourth book, and last, in this thriller series is completely engaging. The author excelled at the development of the plot. The book is quite long and there is so much inside it; it is like reading separate plots in one book; it was quite enjoyable.
The characters were well created and developed; I liked it a lot. The blend of fiction and reality is very interesting and I believe it is what called my attention from the very beginning an engaged me to read it until the end. Sometimes, I felt it a bit heavy because of the length but not at all boring.
I would recommend reading Tokyo Express.
This fourth book, and last, in this thriller series is completely engaging. The author excelled at the development of the plot. The book is quite long and there is so much inside it; it is like reading separate plots in one book; it was quite enjoyable.
The characters were well created and developed; I liked it a lot. The blend of fiction and reality is very interesting and I believe it is what called my attention from the very beginning an engaged me to read it until the end. Sometimes, I felt it a bit heavy because of the length but not at all boring.
I would recommend reading Tokyo Express.
April 5, 2026
Entertaining story
A good story line and interesting characters, but a bit too fast and cliche of an ending to this tale. Be warned, the authors use of what may have been the slang of the times can be hard to read. No need to use quite so much hateful, dehumanizing terms for the enemy. I understand that the author may have been trying to capture the words used then, but really overdone in his writing. I might not read the next story if this continues. However, the submarine action was entertaining and mostly shrouded the language to which I refer.
A good story line and interesting characters, but a bit too fast and cliche of an ending to this tale. Be warned, the authors use of what may have been the slang of the times can be hard to read. No need to use quite so much hateful, dehumanizing terms for the enemy. I understand that the author may have been trying to capture the words used then, but really overdone in his writing. I might not read the next story if this continues. However, the submarine action was entertaining and mostly shrouded the language to which I refer.
April 7, 2022
A Bridge Too Far?
I found Tokyo Express to be " A Bridge Too Far" in that they are three or four novels wrapped into over 500 pages. It reads like a series of novelettes with different named characters causing the reader to try to juggle each chapter with a different plot , different characters and different histories of Guadalcanal events. Otherwise, Scott Cook weaves an interesting tale based on historical events in the South Pacific war.
I found Tokyo Express to be " A Bridge Too Far" in that they are three or four novels wrapped into over 500 pages. It reads like a series of novelettes with different named characters causing the reader to try to juggle each chapter with a different plot , different characters and different histories of Guadalcanal events. Otherwise, Scott Cook weaves an interesting tale based on historical events in the South Pacific war.
January 12, 2023
A good war story
Book four Tokyo Express was the best one yet. The land battle added insight to the hell our men went through working their way up the chain of islands in the South Pacific. We will never understand fear the Marines lived with every minute they were facing the Japanese. Mr. Cook provided a verbal picture of a piece of what went on During the battle of Guadalcanal. A very exciting story.
Book four Tokyo Express was the best one yet. The land battle added insight to the hell our men went through working their way up the chain of islands in the South Pacific. We will never understand fear the Marines lived with every minute they were facing the Japanese. Mr. Cook provided a verbal picture of a piece of what went on During the battle of Guadalcanal. A very exciting story.
November 6, 2023
Great Read
I really enjoy reading about carriers and subs because naval warfare is a subject about which I knew nothing. Having been an Army ground pounder for over 30 years and after reading nearly everything written about WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, naval going’s are an entirely new subject which I enjoy immensely. I sometimes have problems with the jargon but the internet is helpful. Keep’em coming.
I really enjoy reading about carriers and subs because naval warfare is a subject about which I knew nothing. Having been an Army ground pounder for over 30 years and after reading nearly everything written about WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, naval going’s are an entirely new subject which I enjoy immensely. I sometimes have problems with the jargon but the internet is helpful. Keep’em coming.
July 9, 2022
Action above and below the sea... Well told but ...typos!?
Good 5-star novel with believable action and characters. Sadly, a number of typos and/or incorrect words (like busses instead of buses) break the reading flow and mood created by the author. Hire a proofreader to get it the 5 star rating it deserves?
Good 5-star novel with believable action and characters. Sadly, a number of typos and/or incorrect words (like busses instead of buses) break the reading flow and mood created by the author. Hire a proofreader to get it the 5 star rating it deserves?
December 26, 2022
A very thorough reading of the Guadalcanal battle for control of the island . It was first assaulted by the Japanese, then by The U,S. Marines, who then fought daily, as the Japanese tried to retake it, primary due to the air field that the Japs had constructed, It was essential for control of the area.
May 24, 2023
Not to be Missed.. They are all Be paid turner
I waited until I finished book 4 to review all of them . You will be amazed at the quality of the writing And you're unability to put the books down For a rest. I have read all of the best thriller authors and almost everything all of them have Written. This truly Is an unknown fined, Enjoy as much as I did.
I waited until I finished book 4 to review all of them . You will be amazed at the quality of the writing And you're unability to put the books down For a rest. I have read all of the best thriller authors and almost everything all of them have Written. This truly Is an unknown fined, Enjoy as much as I did.
May 26, 2023
A Story to Keep you Involved
Love the characters, love the story line (if a bit overblown, but most of us will still love it, and it IS creative!), and the technical detail is a learning experience for most of us who’ve come to enjoy Scott Cook’s writing style and stories. Thanks for another fully absorbing tale.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Love the characters, love the story line (if a bit overblown, but most of us will still love it, and it IS creative!), and the technical detail is a learning experience for most of us who’ve come to enjoy Scott Cook’s writing style and stories. Thanks for another fully absorbing tale.
Can’t wait for the next one!
April 6, 2022
another great installment of Bull Shark
Scott Cook is a talented writer, spins an exciting yarn against the War in the Pacific.
His canvas is huge and he just fills it up with characters who are unforgettable.
Thank you. Looking forward to the next one.
Scott Cook is a talented writer, spins an exciting yarn against the War in the Pacific.
His canvas is huge and he just fills it up with characters who are unforgettable.
Thank you. Looking forward to the next one.
April 22, 2022
Great Book by a Great ARTHOR
I have read all of Mr. Cooks books and have enjoyed them all. Some may have been a little spicy for this old man, but I just jump ahead a little. They all are five star books.
I have read all of Mr. Cooks books and have enjoyed them all. Some may have been a little spicy for this old man, but I just jump ahead a little. They all are five star books.
May 7, 2022
mutiny or salvation, a submarine duel
Two US subs, one a new fleet boat & high tech with a hot shot captain & crew, the other an old 1920’s S Boat trying to fight off the Japanese destroyers, subs and carriers trying to retake Guadalcanal.
A long look at personalities under great stress underwater and above. Great exploration of what it takes to deal with an ugly war.
Two US subs, one a new fleet boat & high tech with a hot shot captain & crew, the other an old 1920’s S Boat trying to fight off the Japanese destroyers, subs and carriers trying to retake Guadalcanal.
A long look at personalities under great stress underwater and above. Great exploration of what it takes to deal with an ugly war.
June 29, 2022
Naval heros
I disliked that some of the Chiefs and enlisted were slow to accept him and his leadership, some not at all. He was somewhat too stern to begin with. He learned fast and his actions proved without a doubt that he was capable to be a leader. The kind of story I would recommend to anyone.
I disliked that some of the Chiefs and enlisted were slow to accept him and his leadership, some not at all. He was somewhat too stern to begin with. He learned fast and his actions proved without a doubt that he was capable to be a leader. The kind of story I would recommend to anyone.
July 17, 2022
Bull Shark Land and Sea
The detailed battle descriptions were on point. Heroes emerge from the brutal horrors of war. The improvisation of what is now limited technology was remarkable. Great story!
The detailed battle descriptions were on point. Heroes emerge from the brutal horrors of war. The improvisation of what is now limited technology was remarkable. Great story!
October 23, 2022
A very good and exciting war story.
The author has written a great story of the Submarine Navy during WWII in the Pacific. A very intriguing and enjoyable story full of suspense and exciting encounters.
The author has written a great story of the Submarine Navy during WWII in the Pacific. A very intriguing and enjoyable story full of suspense and exciting encounters.
December 3, 2022
Another great episode from Anvil Art
If you like to read WWII warfare this is it. The stories of the Sub fleet with an experimental sub that does way more than patrol the depth of the sea. Great characters, story, and action.
If you like to read WWII warfare this is it. The stories of the Sub fleet with an experimental sub that does way more than patrol the depth of the sea. Great characters, story, and action.
January 3, 2023
another good one
I enjoy this series and yes I recommend the whole group - lookin forward to number 5.
Suggest u start at number one and continue all the way. Have fun, I’ll like the series.
I enjoy this series and yes I recommend the whole group - lookin forward to number 5.
Suggest u start at number one and continue all the way. Have fun, I’ll like the series.
January 25, 2023
Great War story
Love history and a good story, this book is both. Mr Cook captures your imagination with his tale spinning and keeps you turning pages. I can't wait to start reading the next installment of Bull Shark!
Love history and a good story, this book is both. Mr Cook captures your imagination with his tale spinning and keeps you turning pages. I can't wait to start reading the next installment of Bull Shark!
June 4, 2023
Absolutely Riveting
I felt like I was there onboard the sub. I could feel the pressure and tension in my gut. The Tokyo Express needed to be stopped and these gallant players jammed the slot! The reaction and execution were spellbinding. A great story!p
I felt like I was there onboard the sub. I could feel the pressure and tension in my gut. The Tokyo Express needed to be stopped and these gallant players jammed the slot! The reaction and execution were spellbinding. A great story!p
July 9, 2023
great read
Mr. Cook does a good job mixing fiction into factual historical events. The crew he created for USS Bull Shark remind me of crews I served with in the Navy. Just an enjoyable read.
Mr. Cook does a good job mixing fiction into factual historical events. The crew he created for USS Bull Shark remind me of crews I served with in the Navy. Just an enjoyable read.
August 29, 2023
Super Submarine
Good story. Lots of the stuff is backed by truth and well established rumor(if any of that exists) the boat for Pearl is leaving shortly and I don't want to miss her.
Good story. Lots of the stuff is backed by truth and well established rumor(if any of that exists) the boat for Pearl is leaving shortly and I don't want to miss her.
February 8, 2025
fun read
Another good book in this series. Scott Cook winds a good yarn about life on subs and in the bush during WWII. We’ll developed characters, good plot, lots of action and satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend
Another good book in this series. Scott Cook winds a good yarn about life on subs and in the bush during WWII. We’ll developed characters, good plot, lots of action and satisfying conclusion. Highly recommend
March 16, 2026
Heart Racing
A steady injection of adrenaline! A great story with plenty of testosterone to go around. Wonderfully balanced and woven into a compelling story that kept me turning pages. Onto the next Bull Shark adventure.
A steady injection of adrenaline! A great story with plenty of testosterone to go around. Wonderfully balanced and woven into a compelling story that kept me turning pages. Onto the next Bull Shark adventure.
May 24, 2022
Wonderful novel
A very entertaining and insightful story. I could read a lot more of similar stories. It was a dangerous and trying time for all involved.
A very entertaining and insightful story. I could read a lot more of similar stories. It was a dangerous and trying time for all involved.
July 13, 2022
A Real Page Turner
Fast paced, excellent research and a talented well spun as is the whole serie Be sure to read all books in order.Real
Fast paced, excellent research and a talented well spun as is the whole serie Be sure to read all books in order.Real
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews