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Detective Virgil Jones #3
State of Control
Virgil Jones thinks his life is back on track and he’s in control of his future. But he’s not. In fact, he’s about to discover he doesn’t even know the meaning of the word control.
In Shelby County, Indiana, a group of mega-farmers are about to make the deal of their lives. During a dry season that threatens to ruin their harvest, they begin to dig for irrigation water but hit a pocket of natural gas instead. A hasty deal is put on the table and the members of the Shelby County Co-op board are set to go from a Midwestern farming powerhouse to a multi-million dollar fracking operation. Except one of the farmers doesn’t like the idea. He doesn’t like it at all…
Pam Donatti is still grieving the loss of her husband, Ed, after he was killed in a vicious gun battle, a battle that almost cost Virgil his own life. When the state refuses to pay Pam Donatti her husband’s death benefits, the Indiana State Troopers go on strike in support of a fallen officer’s family. But Pam has a secret, one that has the potential to change her, and her son’s life forever…
On a quiet Sunday afternoon Virgil’s former boss calls and tells him the governor wants a private meeting. Why? He has no idea. And frankly, he doesn’t care. He was fired from the state’s Major Crimes Unit by the governor himself eight months ago. Besides, his life is going just fine. His wife, Sandy, is pregnant with their first child, he owns two businesses—a Jamaican themed bar called Jonesy’s, and a private investigation firm he runs with his partner and brother, Murton Wheeler.
But Virgil is about to discover that time isn’t as linear as it appears and events from his past are about to repeat themselves. And when they do, he’ll come face to face with pure evil and forced to make the kind of choice no man should ever have to make.
State of Control, book 3 of the Virgil Jones Series shows Thomas Scott is at the top of his game.
You’ve felt the Anger.
You’ve experienced the Betrayal.
It’s time to take Control…
In Shelby County, Indiana, a group of mega-farmers are about to make the deal of their lives. During a dry season that threatens to ruin their harvest, they begin to dig for irrigation water but hit a pocket of natural gas instead. A hasty deal is put on the table and the members of the Shelby County Co-op board are set to go from a Midwestern farming powerhouse to a multi-million dollar fracking operation. Except one of the farmers doesn’t like the idea. He doesn’t like it at all…
Pam Donatti is still grieving the loss of her husband, Ed, after he was killed in a vicious gun battle, a battle that almost cost Virgil his own life. When the state refuses to pay Pam Donatti her husband’s death benefits, the Indiana State Troopers go on strike in support of a fallen officer’s family. But Pam has a secret, one that has the potential to change her, and her son’s life forever…
On a quiet Sunday afternoon Virgil’s former boss calls and tells him the governor wants a private meeting. Why? He has no idea. And frankly, he doesn’t care. He was fired from the state’s Major Crimes Unit by the governor himself eight months ago. Besides, his life is going just fine. His wife, Sandy, is pregnant with their first child, he owns two businesses—a Jamaican themed bar called Jonesy’s, and a private investigation firm he runs with his partner and brother, Murton Wheeler.
But Virgil is about to discover that time isn’t as linear as it appears and events from his past are about to repeat themselves. And when they do, he’ll come face to face with pure evil and forced to make the kind of choice no man should ever have to make.
State of Control, book 3 of the Virgil Jones Series shows Thomas Scott is at the top of his game.
You’ve felt the Anger.
You’ve experienced the Betrayal.
It’s time to take Control…
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2016
966 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Thomas L. Scott
29 books28 followersThomas Scott is the bestselling author of the award winning Virgil Jones Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Series, set in the heartland of the Midwest.
Thomas lives in northern Indiana with his lovely wife, Debra, his children, and his trusty sidekick and writing buddies, Lucy, the cat, and Buster the dog, where he is hard at work on the next Virgil Jones novel.
Thomas lives in northern Indiana with his lovely wife, Debra, his children, and his trusty sidekick and writing buddies, Lucy, the cat, and Buster the dog, where he is hard at work on the next Virgil Jones novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 8, 2016
Curl up with this book.
Started with funeral service, you'll find out about this later in the book. Indiana farmers after very dry season lost most of their crop, co-up farmers wants to sign up with drilling company for natural gas drilling. But biggest land owner doesn't want to sign up, his wife is in the hospital, in coma.
Virgil was fired from his job, but very happy doing what he is doing, and his wife is eight months pregnant with their first child. In his last job, before being fired, he lost his best friend, and state is denied to pay the benefits to his widow and child. State Troopers on strike, governor hires Virgil back and wants him to find the missing or dead farmer. Twists and turns starts, you'll be holding your breath, hoping and even praying in some parts. This is a stand alone book, but if you didn't read the books 1 and 2 read them, you'll enjoy this book more. Can't wait for the next book.
Started with funeral service, you'll find out about this later in the book. Indiana farmers after very dry season lost most of their crop, co-up farmers wants to sign up with drilling company for natural gas drilling. But biggest land owner doesn't want to sign up, his wife is in the hospital, in coma.
Virgil was fired from his job, but very happy doing what he is doing, and his wife is eight months pregnant with their first child. In his last job, before being fired, he lost his best friend, and state is denied to pay the benefits to his widow and child. State Troopers on strike, governor hires Virgil back and wants him to find the missing or dead farmer. Twists and turns starts, you'll be holding your breath, hoping and even praying in some parts. This is a stand alone book, but if you didn't read the books 1 and 2 read them, you'll enjoy this book more. Can't wait for the next book.
March 12, 2024
I ENJOY THIS SERIES UP TO A POINT, IT SEEMS THE AUTHOR LOVES TO MAKE BAD SITUATIONS EVEN WORST.EVERY STORYLINE HE PILES ON TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. I MEAN SO MUCH I WANT TO BEG HIM ENOUGH ALREADY. HE IS THE KING OF OVERKILL IN THE BAD HAPPENINGS DEPARTMENT. THIS MAKES ME SO MAD BUT I'M GOING TO CONTINUE . . . . I THINK. ;D
July 25, 2017
A Winner!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and look forward to the next Virgil Jones Mystery. I laughed and I cried, and really enjoyed the characters!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and look forward to the next Virgil Jones Mystery. I laughed and I cried, and really enjoyed the characters!
April 29, 2025
i got the first four books in the series for free and the story line was very entertaining. i thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the characters. BUT the lack of a competent proofreader and copy editor projibits me from paying money to buy any more of the books. if you can't keep your details straight from one page to the next or one chapter to the next or even from one book in the series to the next, then you need a copy editor. if you can't tell where to, and where not to, put commas, then you need a proofreader. if the books were free, i'd read them all but i'm not paying money for an author who doesn't have enough confidence in his work to hire professionals. i see there are 24 books in the series now. maybe he's gotten better or maybe he has hired professionals, but it would have to be proven to me in order for me to read any more.
June 24, 2020
Thumbs up for Thomas Scott and Virgil Jones
I highly recommend this series..Scott has created a top notch character I Virgil Jones.. He is an Indiana Robicheaux, he has style humility swagger and a spiritual sense about him Thomas Scott has put together a very believable cast of character and has developed them quite well. His story lines are intriguing and well played out with unusual twists and turns. Great writing throughout outs the reader right on the spot with each character and school enario. I highly recommend this wristband this series. I have to go now so I can start the next book in the series. Thank you Thomas Scott!
I highly recommend this series..Scott has created a top notch character I Virgil Jones.. He is an Indiana Robicheaux, he has style humility swagger and a spiritual sense about him Thomas Scott has put together a very believable cast of character and has developed them quite well. His story lines are intriguing and well played out with unusual twists and turns. Great writing throughout outs the reader right on the spot with each character and school enario. I highly recommend this wristband this series. I have to go now so I can start the next book in the series. Thank you Thomas Scott!
July 26, 2017
Captivating story!
This chapter of the series will make you keep reading. It is expertly written and the story just flows perfectly. Thomas has another great series going and I can't wait for the next one. Id tou haven't read any of his books, you are surely missing out. He ia right up there witb Grisham, my favorite.
This chapter of the series will make you keep reading. It is expertly written and the story just flows perfectly. Thomas has another great series going and I can't wait for the next one. Id tou haven't read any of his books, you are surely missing out. He ia right up there witb Grisham, my favorite.
September 6, 2019
Dnf. Is this a mystery book? Detective book? Supernatural thriller? Melodrama? Political thriller? Spy novel? Well...it desperately tries to be all of those but ends up being just bad, really bad. Poor writing, lame, needless dialogue, I could go on but I’ve wasted enough time on this poorly executed book.
March 24, 2020
Mr. Scott is a writing genius!!
Just finished book 3.. Don't want to a spoiler just saying "ya almost had me mon!!) Onto book 4 I go!! You will be hooked after book 1 cause the depts, love and experiences of these books can't be defined. So go and give your mind a experience like you never knew before.
Just finished book 3.. Don't want to a spoiler just saying "ya almost had me mon!!) Onto book 4 I go!! You will be hooked after book 1 cause the depts, love and experiences of these books can't be defined. So go and give your mind a experience like you never knew before.
April 26, 2020
My Favorite
I read this when I was younger. I realized this while reading the last few chapters. As an older woman it hit me differently than when i was in my 30’s. It’s amazing what life’s lessons teach us. This author has managed to speak to my soul. This is a must read series!
I read this when I was younger. I realized this while reading the last few chapters. As an older woman it hit me differently than when i was in my 30’s. It’s amazing what life’s lessons teach us. This author has managed to speak to my soul. This is a must read series!
April 30, 2020
Laugher and tears and a great story
I don’t often write reviews but this book is so incredibly good, I’m compelled.
Start with the first book in the series so you can get to this one with all of the background information.
This book made me laugh out loud, cry tears of both sadness and joy, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I can’t wait to keep reading this series!!!
I don’t often write reviews but this book is so incredibly good, I’m compelled.
Start with the first book in the series so you can get to this one with all of the background information.
This book made me laugh out loud, cry tears of both sadness and joy, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I can’t wait to keep reading this series!!!
May 27, 2020
Keeps Getting Better
Death in Shelby County grain silo starts chain of events and intertwining mysteries and villains enough for a great read. Not sure if this is a beach reading book but definitely one that keeps you reading well past what you had planned to do. With a name like Virgil you got to know he's a Hoosier.
Death in Shelby County grain silo starts chain of events and intertwining mysteries and villains enough for a great read. Not sure if this is a beach reading book but definitely one that keeps you reading well past what you had planned to do. With a name like Virgil you got to know he's a Hoosier.
September 4, 2020
Wow what a story!
So much happens to Virgil in this story. He's back on the State Police. Sandy has Wyatt, but not the normal way. Plot twists and turns abound. It's hard to predict what happens to who next but leaves you breathless and wanting to dive into the next book of the series.
So much happens to Virgil in this story. He's back on the State Police. Sandy has Wyatt, but not the normal way. Plot twists and turns abound. It's hard to predict what happens to who next but leaves you breathless and wanting to dive into the next book of the series.
November 14, 2020
A terrific story
As with all of the others in this series, this was a fantastic story that you won't want to miss. Full of heartbreak, losses, drama, mystery, suspense, secrets, lies, betrayal, and unexpected twists that will have you intrigued until the end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
As with all of the others in this series, this was a fantastic story that you won't want to miss. Full of heartbreak, losses, drama, mystery, suspense, secrets, lies, betrayal, and unexpected twists that will have you intrigued until the end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and author.
August 3, 2017
Wonderful
I chose this because the story was wonderful. It took you though so many emotions. On the edge of your seat, to fun. Friendships happiness sadness wonderment. You were on a toller coaster.
I chose this because the story was wonderful. It took you though so many emotions. On the edge of your seat, to fun. Friendships happiness sadness wonderment. You were on a toller coaster.
September 14, 2019
State of....
Omg. I love love love these books. I am now on book 6. Do yourself a favor and start with #1. You can thank me later. Love the characters and the storyline is fascinating.
Omg. I love love love these books. I am now on book 6. Do yourself a favor and start with #1. You can thank me later. Love the characters and the storyline is fascinating.
February 15, 2020
Great Series!!!!
As the series progresses it gets better and better. You absolutely learn to love these characters and the stories are superb!!! Great thrilling mysteries mixed with humor and sentiment, must read stories!!! Going into book 4!!!!
As the series progresses it gets better and better. You absolutely learn to love these characters and the stories are superb!!! Great thrilling mysteries mixed with humor and sentiment, must read stories!!! Going into book 4!!!!
April 19, 2020
Surprise surprise
Ok, it’s been a long time sing a book made me cry. But this one did, then the double cross, or should I say double smile. Great characters and super story line. Cant wait to read the next one. Highly recommend.
Ok, it’s been a long time sing a book made me cry. But this one did, then the double cross, or should I say double smile. Great characters and super story line. Cant wait to read the next one. Highly recommend.
April 25, 2020
Intense
Great story about the coolest cop and his family and his partner and all the people he works with searching for the bad guys. Terrifying, heart wrenching,and a love story too. Great read.
Great story about the coolest cop and his family and his partner and all the people he works with searching for the bad guys. Terrifying, heart wrenching,and a love story too. Great read.
April 30, 2020
First time author for me
Very enjoyable. Fast paced. Characters you root for. Since I have not read, from book one, there is a lot I am missing. Will not be the last book by this author, I plan to read.
Very enjoyable. Fast paced. Characters you root for. Since I have not read, from book one, there is a lot I am missing. Will not be the last book by this author, I plan to read.
August 21, 2024
Didn't see it coming
I have enjoyed this series with Virgil and gang. I like the side stories and how they add to the main story and characters. I look forward to reading the next book.
I have enjoyed this series with Virgil and gang. I like the side stories and how they add to the main story and characters. I look forward to reading the next book.
December 18, 2017
Page Turner.
This one is difficult to put down. Thanks again for a great read. Laughter and tears throughout this one. Love these characters.
This one is difficult to put down. Thanks again for a great read. Laughter and tears throughout this one. Love these characters.
March 5, 2018
Excellent book
Okay this guy’s officially passed Grisham on my best author’s list. I’m all in! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Okay this guy’s officially passed Grisham on my best author’s list. I’m all in! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
December 28, 2019
What a twist!!
I chose five stars because of the plot and the setting, including the subject. But the funeral was the clincher for me and the rating. I never saw that coming.
I chose five stars because of the plot and the setting, including the subject. But the funeral was the clincher for me and the rating. I never saw that coming.
February 10, 2020
The authors books are always filled with mysteries, twists and turns.
Good series, and enjoyed the audio narration which added to the story. Giving my honest opinion and a voluntary review
Good series, and enjoyed the audio narration which added to the story. Giving my honest opinion and a voluntary review
November 7, 2020
These are just good mysteries, good plots, good characters.
March 15, 2021
Third Virgil Jones novel, third winner!
April 10, 2021
Excellent reading.
September 2, 2021
I love these books.
April 5, 2022
Best so far
The one thing I didn't like was the vivid description of the old lady being killed. I cried when I thought Sandy wad gone.
The one thing I didn't like was the vivid description of the old lady being killed. I cried when I thought Sandy wad gone.
June 8, 2022
Amazing page turning police procedural
State of Control is a thrilling mystery where you just can't stop turning the pages. I'm so grateful I stumbled onto Thomas Scott's work.
State of Control is a thrilling mystery where you just can't stop turning the pages. I'm so grateful I stumbled onto Thomas Scott's work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews