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Indiana's Major Crimes Unit Detective Virgil Jones knew it would come back on them one day. He just didn’t think it would happen quite so soon...

When Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agent Chris Dobson goes after one of Virgil's own, he does so in a horrific manner, one that leaves Virgil and his wife, Sandy in shock, and exiles two of their best friends at a time when they need them the most…

Virgil's life is in a state of chaos. He's managing a new family, a bar he owns with his best friends, he’s trying to unload two-thousand acres of inherited farmland in Shelby County without giving up the mineral rights, and he is working both for and against the head of the MCU, Ron Miles. But something else is happening as well: He feels as if his mind is not his own and the turmoil and confusion have placed him at a crossroads...

Three months ago, Virgil rescued a young woman, Patty Doyle, from certain death. As a result, Patty and her uncle, Rick Said, show their gratitude by using Virgil’s Shelby County farmland as a test bed for their new natural gas extraction method, one that Virgil hopes will free him and his family from a major burden in their lives. But while extracting core samples for testing, Patty is once again forced to face her demons, all while making a discovery that will either save Virgil financially, or ruin him once and for all…

But Patty’s discovery brings pure evil to light, and Dobson's thirst for revenge put forces in motion that change everything. And when it does, not only does Virgil once again find himself and those he loves at the very center of terror, he makes an unexpected and perilous decision, one that will ultimately change his life forever, because for Virgil, all crossroads lead back to Shelby County.

You’ve felt the Anger.
You’ve experienced the Betrayal.
You’ve taken Control.
You've faced the Deception.
Now, it’s time to accept the Exile.

526 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2018

866 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Thomas L. Scott

29 books28 followers
Thomas 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.

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5 stars
643 (69%)
4 stars
217 (23%)
3 stars
40 (4%)
2 stars
8 (<1%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Angela.
3,373 reviews33 followers
November 15, 2020
Another great addition

This has been an exciting, intense, and intriguing series that I believe everyone would enjoy. There's always so much going on, from the past and present, it's interesting how everyone's choices always leads them back to one another in one way or another. There was certainly a lot of emotional situations in this story, where one's pasts and present eventually collide, but in the end, everything always works out exactly how it should be.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

I absolutely love the "cop humor" that exists in these stories. Of course, it's not always the cops who are using said humor, but it's still entertaining and hilarious all the same! If you've ever spent time around any first responders, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Lol! Enjoy!!
Profile Image for Ron Johnson.
95 reviews
March 18, 2021
In my opinion, the best in the series, at least so far. With the most satisfying ending, all the loose threads seemingly all neatly tied up, all the good guys standing, or at least healing nicely, and all the bad guys disposed of.

But then again, as Thomas Scott has so aptly demonstrated in all the sequels, there are hidden threads to pull on for the next novel. One I'm looking forward to reading soon, once I clear a few other things off my desk.

Oh yeah. The new character, Anthony Stronghill? I really hope he becomes a new regular member of the cast. Very intriguing guy. One that could become the base for a whole new series. (Hint hint hint, Mr. Scott, if you're reading these reviews!)
7,757 reviews50 followers
December 21, 2019
Federal ICE agent, Dobson main character, now he has been contacted by Salter, to do what Salter wants. They were friends in school, and Salter felt he could rely on him, his father, he knew was corrupt and evil. Knowing this he still did what ever his father bid him.to do.
Then comes the plot and dealing with many people, and getting natural gas out of the ground that is on a farm land, mishaps happen and revenge comes into play. How this plays out makes an intriguing story. The narration by Daniel Dorse added. Given ARC audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
377 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2020
Freedom is next!!!

I love each character in the. series! I have to read each book straight thru and my husband is not happy with me...I read till 4a.m. Get up at 9 do what needs to be done and it's back to my book.Thankfully he was a computer guy and knows how easy it is to lost in your own space. You really need to start the 1,st book to get the idea! Can't stress enough that the series is really, really great!
Profile Image for Nancy.
218 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2020
Super Duper Read

Okay, I admit it I am addicted to this series and Virgil and his family and friends and colleagues as events go from bad to worse and things are not what they seem and everything is intertwined. in this book there is an Indian and a former Senator and his somewhat inept son he wants to make President, graves of indigenous people, shale oil, more than one sociopath, murder and laughs. You get it all in this book. Good read at the pool.
90 reviews
September 9, 2021
Dastardly dude

This book of the series' plot is partially based on the dastardly deeds of a man who is filthy rich and full of evil intent. Vigil continues to try and stay afloat while he searches for a buyer for the Jones and Company land, while Patty Doyle sets out to do another geological survey to clarify the subterainian conditions. Needless to say all hell breaks loose.... Great book! Lots of action. On to the next one!
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
April 16, 2024
I FOLLOW THIS AUTHOR AND I HAVE A LOVE/HATE RELATIOSHIP WITH HIS BOOKS. I LOVE THE WRITING STYLE AND THE CHARACTERS AND I FEEL AS THOUGH I KNOW THEM ALL PERSONALLY. BECAUSE I FEEL THIS WAY I HATE WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ONE OF THEM. IT MAKES ME FEEL REALLY HORRIBLE. MR SCOTT IS THE KING OF KEEPING ME PRAYING, PLEASE DON'T LET ANYTHING HAPPEN TO THE PEOPLE I LIKE. . . . THEN HE UPS AND KILLS'EM. BUT I KEEP COMING BACK. CRA-CRAZY! ;D
6 reviews
June 18, 2018
Great, as always!

I'm just sorry there is not another book to jump right into. Virgil has a way of always finding turmoil to get caught up in. He, also, has a way of involving everyone close to him. I, also, absolutely love the relationship he has with his "extended family", especially the one with Mason. All the books are a thrill a minute. Can't wait for the next installment.
2 reviews
September 23, 2018
The only thing wrong is there is not a #6 ready!!! Hopefully that will be remedied in the not too distant future!! Excellent work!!

Good job! Kept my interest throughout! Enjoyed all volumes tremendously! Can't wait for the next one!!!
So touched by the story of you and your father!!
113 reviews
July 21, 2023
Another Winner !!

I've now read the first 5 books in Thomas Scott's "State of...." series and I have to say each one just gets better! I have 2 more books by other writers in the "que" but they will have to wait. I will search out Book 6 in this series and read it first.
Great Read, Congratulations Thomas Scott !!






Highly recommend "State Of Exile" to all !!
Profile Image for Cheryl Carmoega.
121 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2020
WOW, What a Ride!!!

The series is great, however, this has been one of the best books if not the best! Lots of action, twist and turns, with great characters and story line as always! Definitely a must read!!!
40 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2021
Excellent

Spellbinding storyline. Found this book very hard to put down at times. Good use of character interaction. Sometimes felt like I was alongside each character. Highly recommended reading.
181 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2022
Have you ever started reading a book that when you put it down, couldn’t wait to continue reading until the book was finished?
That’s how I felt reading “STATE OF EXILE”.
Each story in the series seems to get progressively better.
Profile Image for Janet LaForest.
3 reviews
June 29, 2023
An Adventure in reading



So many twists and turns. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. I will follow this author and his series.



Profile Image for Beth Perry.
52 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2024
Enemies and allies

Best of old friends? Worst of old enemies? Which helps? Which is evil? Thomas Scott sets up amazing scenarios and makes you guess what's going on until the last page.
Profile Image for Claudia Belanger.
101 reviews
January 18, 2025
Read on

I'm going to keep reading these books 📚 I love the characters and each story line. I can't wait to find out where we go next and what the future holds for Virgil and crew. I'll keep telling you how much I enjoy the books. See ya soon ✴️
68 reviews
April 13, 2025
Love these characters

This band of merry men and women are just amazing. They all work well together and take you on an up and down, loop da loop ride that ends like you wouldn't believe.
124 reviews
August 20, 2025
Worth reading

Yet another outstanding story. I realise that anyone reading my reviews will probably think I'm just an "emotional" old man but this brought a year to my eye on the very early stages. Couldn't wait to see the outcome.
1 review
December 13, 2025
Too long

Good content, great characters but 500 pages is far too long. For that reason I have read very few in this series and don’t have any plans to read more unless i find a more reasonable length
Profile Image for Barbara.
28 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2018
Many stories in one

Disappointment in this book. Maybe it is time to put these characters to bed. Was left n it caring About any of them.
10 reviews
May 29, 2018
Excellent read

TS continues to capture my attention with his detail and imagination. Can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!
2 reviews
June 11, 2018
Great series.

Excellent series. Love everything about these books. Already can't wait for the next one! Suspenseful, funny, just a great read. Keep 'em coming!
1 review
September 27, 2018
Virgil does it again.

Scott has another hit. Looking forward to the next one. Virgil and the gang are winners. Right up there with Patterson and Childs.
79 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2020
One star

I tried to read this but it got bogged down about 60 % thru it. Had to let it go.
7 reviews
March 30, 2020
The author's personal politics don't belong in a mystery book.
439 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2020
Great Read

I wanted to read nonstop. Plot keeps you wondering while you are trying to determine what is really happening. Remember. “Things are not always what they appear to be”
37 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2020
Straight Arrow

Virgil and the gang take you for an interesting ride with plenty of action. Thrills and chills abound along with some Indian lore.
2 reviews
August 7, 2020
Great book. Great series.

I have Read the first five books in the Virgle Jones series. Can’t wait to read number 6.
Keep them coming.
Profile Image for Russ Leavitt.
1,442 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2021
I rather like the Virgil Jones character. And Scott is a pretty good writer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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