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A simple missing person's case sparks off a young Orlando detective's journey into a deadly world of shadow and mystery... An idealist at heart, detective Scott Jarvis finds himself growing more and more disillusioned with police work. Assigned to what at first seems like a fairly mundane case to find a missing NASA engineer, he uncovers a puzzle that leads him into the dark underworld of organized crime and international intrigue. Just as he's making real progress, Jarvis is pulled off the case and told in no uncertain terms to lay off.
Frustrated and haunted by the shadows of his past, Jarvis confronts the most important choice of his life—stay on the job or turn in his badge and become a private investigator... play by somebody else's rules or play by his own.
His choice leads him back into the shadow world of smuggling, murder and a threat to national security that could spell disaster for the young detective.
A great beginning to a new detective series that takes you on a journey from Orlando to the Florida Keys.
Frustrated and haunted by the shadows of his past, Jarvis confronts the most important choice of his life—stay on the job or turn in his badge and become a private investigator... play by somebody else's rules or play by his own.
His choice leads him back into the shadow world of smuggling, murder and a threat to national security that could spell disaster for the young detective.
A great beginning to a new detective series that takes you on a journey from Orlando to the Florida Keys.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
451 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Scott W. Cook
50 books41 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 37 reviews
January 24, 2021
Action, mystery and adventure...
Choices: A Florida Action Adventure Novel by Scott Cook is the first book in the Scott Jarvis Private Investigator series. The author spins a somewhat persuasive yarn that will take the reader ‘on a journey from Orlando to the Florida Keys where the shadow world of smuggling, murder and a threat to national security could spell disaster’ for its main protagonist Scott Jarvis.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘A simple missing person’s case sparks off an Orlando detective’s journey into a deadly world of shadow and mystery… An idealist at heart, Scott Jarvis finds himself growing more and more disillusioned with police work. Assigned to what at first seems like a fairly mundane case to find a missing NASA engineer, he uncovers a plot that leads him into the dark underworld of organized crime and international intrigue. Just as he’s making real progress, Jarvis is pulled off the case and ordered to lay off or else… Frustrated and haunted by the shadows of his past, Jarvis confronts the most important choice of his life – stay on the job or turn in his badge and become a hard boiled private investigator… play by somebody else’s rules or do it his way – with fists flying and guns blazing!’
The story unfurls in small acts, at first feeling slight to touch, then building in emotional substance. The plot at times seems to be a bit farfetched and unrealistic but there’s an abundance of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel like you are right there in the story. Fans who like their action and adventure infused with mystery and suspense will enjoy the ride!
Choices: A Florida Action Adventure Novel by Scott Cook is the first book in the Scott Jarvis Private Investigator series. The author spins a somewhat persuasive yarn that will take the reader ‘on a journey from Orlando to the Florida Keys where the shadow world of smuggling, murder and a threat to national security could spell disaster’ for its main protagonist Scott Jarvis.
The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘A simple missing person’s case sparks off an Orlando detective’s journey into a deadly world of shadow and mystery… An idealist at heart, Scott Jarvis finds himself growing more and more disillusioned with police work. Assigned to what at first seems like a fairly mundane case to find a missing NASA engineer, he uncovers a plot that leads him into the dark underworld of organized crime and international intrigue. Just as he’s making real progress, Jarvis is pulled off the case and ordered to lay off or else… Frustrated and haunted by the shadows of his past, Jarvis confronts the most important choice of his life – stay on the job or turn in his badge and become a hard boiled private investigator… play by somebody else’s rules or do it his way – with fists flying and guns blazing!’
The story unfurls in small acts, at first feeling slight to touch, then building in emotional substance. The plot at times seems to be a bit farfetched and unrealistic but there’s an abundance of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel like you are right there in the story. Fans who like their action and adventure infused with mystery and suspense will enjoy the ride!
September 9, 2024
Good yarn...But
Liked the repartee between Scott and his contemporaries . Major distraction in the tale when being told in Scott's narrative and then "he said" is interjected.
Also, when describing firearms it leads credence to the story i f the author knows something about the guns used, to wit, a Colt 1911 .45 caliber is either 7 or 8 shot, not 10. A Mossberg shotgun is either a pump or a semiautomatic and has one barrel not two.A
Aside from these faux pas, I liked the tale.
Liked the repartee between Scott and his contemporaries . Major distraction in the tale when being told in Scott's narrative and then "he said" is interjected.
Also, when describing firearms it leads credence to the story i f the author knows something about the guns used, to wit, a Colt 1911 .45 caliber is either 7 or 8 shot, not 10. A Mossberg shotgun is either a pump or a semiautomatic and has one barrel not two.A
Aside from these faux pas, I liked the tale.
March 12, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
Part of enjoying a story is enjoying the characters and being interested in their adventure. Unfortunately, neither was true, for me, in this book. I found the MC Scott to be too snarky, too sarcastic and too flippant all the time that it began to grate and I just couldn't take him or his "expertise" seriously. The dialogue was very stiff and at times, struck me as odd. The plot moved very slowly - half the book was spent with MC Scott being dissatisfied with being a cop and opening up a private eye business - which he did not seem to like as he was being hired to investigate cheating spouses. The second half of the book is where the "action" starts after Scott is hired by the FBI [actually his love interest] to investigate mafia-type criminal activity because there were no investigators with sufficient experience to be able to handle such an investigation [this stretches credibility - the bureau is filled with nothing but investigators with various levels of experience not to mention the legal ramifications of hiring a civilian to conduct a criminal investigation. I could believe the FBI hiring Scott to advise their investigation but not conduct it.]. The story, to me, strained its credulity several times. For example, when Scott gets involved in a fire fight, resulting in several people's deaths [bad guys]. The cops arrive and Scott, being a former cop, provides a perfunctory statement confessing to the homicides and leaves. Nothing more is said or done about it. At another point, Scott is working undercover and tells a "mafia" employee his plan to take down the operation thirty seconds after meeting him to elicit his help and then leaves the employee alone. So, is it realistic that this employee will keep this information to himself after just meeting Scott? Or provide this information to his boss who is paying/protecting him?
The narrator, Lee Strayer, did a good job with the narration.
Part of enjoying a story is enjoying the characters and being interested in their adventure. Unfortunately, neither was true, for me, in this book. I found the MC Scott to be too snarky, too sarcastic and too flippant all the time that it began to grate and I just couldn't take him or his "expertise" seriously. The dialogue was very stiff and at times, struck me as odd. The plot moved very slowly - half the book was spent with MC Scott being dissatisfied with being a cop and opening up a private eye business - which he did not seem to like as he was being hired to investigate cheating spouses. The second half of the book is where the "action" starts after Scott is hired by the FBI [actually his love interest] to investigate mafia-type criminal activity because there were no investigators with sufficient experience to be able to handle such an investigation [this stretches credibility - the bureau is filled with nothing but investigators with various levels of experience not to mention the legal ramifications of hiring a civilian to conduct a criminal investigation. I could believe the FBI hiring Scott to advise their investigation but not conduct it.]. The story, to me, strained its credulity several times. For example, when Scott gets involved in a fire fight, resulting in several people's deaths [bad guys]. The cops arrive and Scott, being a former cop, provides a perfunctory statement confessing to the homicides and leaves. Nothing more is said or done about it. At another point, Scott is working undercover and tells a "mafia" employee his plan to take down the operation thirty seconds after meeting him to elicit his help and then leaves the employee alone. So, is it realistic that this employee will keep this information to himself after just meeting Scott? Or provide this information to his boss who is paying/protecting him?
The narrator, Lee Strayer, did a good job with the narration.
March 7, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Life is a series of choices."
Scott Jarvis is an homicide detective with Orlando police department but has been increasingly frustrated by the constraints on him from above. A lawyer father is able to secure the almost instant release of his son, Jarvis is pulled from a missing person investigation and both have unfortunate consdquences. So Jarvis' friend convinces him to try the go it alone approach as a P.I.
This is the first book of the series and was originally, according to an author's note, written in the third person but has been re-crafted to now appear in the first person, bringing it into alignment with the later books. So the reader is given the Scott Jarvis perspective, ably interpreted by Lee Strayer, who gives a good performance as the sardonic P.I., his voice replete with good humored banter and sarcasm, very pleasant on the ear, well paced and intoned. His individual voicing of the separate characters is nicely executed, keeping everyone distinctly different. A nice, easy on the ear listen.
With action aplenty on land and on sea, this semi comedic police murder thriller is enjoyable fun. The main character occasionally talks directly to the reader, as well as his close friends, revealing both his insecurities as well as his public bravado with Sherlock Holmes joking allusions. The characterisation of the support characters as well as of Jarvis is sufficient to lift them from flat cartoons to living beings, giving the whole story life. My thanks to the rights holder of Choices, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. Very enjoyable. A book for the reader who likes their heroes to have a lively sense of humour as they battle for the good guys.
"Life is a series of choices."
Scott Jarvis is an homicide detective with Orlando police department but has been increasingly frustrated by the constraints on him from above. A lawyer father is able to secure the almost instant release of his son, Jarvis is pulled from a missing person investigation and both have unfortunate consdquences. So Jarvis' friend convinces him to try the go it alone approach as a P.I.
This is the first book of the series and was originally, according to an author's note, written in the third person but has been re-crafted to now appear in the first person, bringing it into alignment with the later books. So the reader is given the Scott Jarvis perspective, ably interpreted by Lee Strayer, who gives a good performance as the sardonic P.I., his voice replete with good humored banter and sarcasm, very pleasant on the ear, well paced and intoned. His individual voicing of the separate characters is nicely executed, keeping everyone distinctly different. A nice, easy on the ear listen.
With action aplenty on land and on sea, this semi comedic police murder thriller is enjoyable fun. The main character occasionally talks directly to the reader, as well as his close friends, revealing both his insecurities as well as his public bravado with Sherlock Holmes joking allusions. The characterisation of the support characters as well as of Jarvis is sufficient to lift them from flat cartoons to living beings, giving the whole story life. My thanks to the rights holder of Choices, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. Very enjoyable. A book for the reader who likes their heroes to have a lively sense of humour as they battle for the good guys.
March 15, 2020
Although this is listed as book 1 of the series, I felt lost at times as I listened. There seemed to be assumed knowledge of characters and past events as though I jumped into the middle of the series. (Who is Jessica Stuart?) I found this quite frustrating.
I also felt this story is just too contrived and unrealistic. When a law officer is terminated from a police department, I'm sure his/her badge must be turned in. Jarvis gets too injured yet functions too well. And his rationalization for becoming a private investigator just doesn't make sense. Then there's the obligatory romance. There's lots of action and some suspense, but there's really nothing new or compelling here.
My reaction to Lee Strayer's performance is mixed. He did attempt to give distinctive voices to the characters, but some sounded too similar to one another. And I don't think he used accents in places where it might have been appropriate to do so. Perhaps he felt he could not perform them well. I heard a couple of brief instances of duplicated audio, but overall, his narration is satisfactory.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I also felt this story is just too contrived and unrealistic. When a law officer is terminated from a police department, I'm sure his/her badge must be turned in. Jarvis gets too injured yet functions too well. And his rationalization for becoming a private investigator just doesn't make sense. Then there's the obligatory romance. There's lots of action and some suspense, but there's really nothing new or compelling here.
My reaction to Lee Strayer's performance is mixed. He did attempt to give distinctive voices to the characters, but some sounded too similar to one another. And I don't think he used accents in places where it might have been appropriate to do so. Perhaps he felt he could not perform them well. I heard a couple of brief instances of duplicated audio, but overall, his narration is satisfactory.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 22, 2021
Cop turned private detective on a wild case
A cop has become disillusioned with his life and is seeking a new path. He has decided to give up his badge and become a private investigator. While his private investigator life starts of slow, it picks up some intrigue when he starts working on a case for the FBI. The underworld of murder, drugs, and more is just under the surface and Scott Jarvis finds himself right in the middle of the shadows of this dark world. The story is good and the characters are relatable. I found this to be a good distraction from everyday stress and enjoyed the storyline. Check it out folks let me know what you think.
A cop has become disillusioned with his life and is seeking a new path. He has decided to give up his badge and become a private investigator. While his private investigator life starts of slow, it picks up some intrigue when he starts working on a case for the FBI. The underworld of murder, drugs, and more is just under the surface and Scott Jarvis finds himself right in the middle of the shadows of this dark world. The story is good and the characters are relatable. I found this to be a good distraction from everyday stress and enjoyed the storyline. Check it out folks let me know what you think.
April 1, 2021
I love detective stories and mysteries, and “Choices” is a fine example of the genre. Written by Scott W. Cook, it is the promising first book in a series which has police officer Scott Jarvis as its protagonist. As he gets involved in a missing person case, he will grow more and more disillusioned with his job until he reaches a point where he will have to take crucial decisions. Decisions that will change his life for the better or for the worse, that is for readers to discover in this wonderful and thrilling book. Action, mystery and an excellent writing style are guaranteed. I’m looking forward to the next instalments. I highly recommend it.
September 15, 2022
In the interest of full disclosure, I have liked other novels on other subjects by this author.
I enjoyed it. I thought that the main character's wise cracks were funny. I've been to many of the places mentioned in the story and appreciated the descriptions. I thought that the hero showed some sense when he shot at a stationary car's tire and radiator to disable it, and later shot underneath the car to try to hurt the bad guy on the other side of it, rather than trying to shoot through it with a pistol. I found the mystery interesting, and the hero more likeable as he learned to like himself.
I have already purchased the next book in the series.
I enjoyed it. I thought that the main character's wise cracks were funny. I've been to many of the places mentioned in the story and appreciated the descriptions. I thought that the hero showed some sense when he shot at a stationary car's tire and radiator to disable it, and later shot underneath the car to try to hurt the bad guy on the other side of it, rather than trying to shoot through it with a pistol. I found the mystery interesting, and the hero more likeable as he learned to like himself.
I have already purchased the next book in the series.
March 5, 2023
An absorbing story
A detective finds himself very frustrated when he is pulled off a very important case by his seniors.
It seems he might need to change course. That is a very difficult decision for a dedicated detective to make.
Once he makes the decision, he finds he is able to use all his previous training to achieve his goals, with no-one interfering.
In fact, apart from having to investigate some distasteful bread and butter cases too, he is free to make some spectacularly successful contributions, while improving his personal life too.
I did not completely enjoy some of the expressions used, so gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
A detective finds himself very frustrated when he is pulled off a very important case by his seniors.
It seems he might need to change course. That is a very difficult decision for a dedicated detective to make.
Once he makes the decision, he finds he is able to use all his previous training to achieve his goals, with no-one interfering.
In fact, apart from having to investigate some distasteful bread and butter cases too, he is free to make some spectacularly successful contributions, while improving his personal life too.
I did not completely enjoy some of the expressions used, so gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
September 27, 2025
Absolutely fantastic!
A really fun read- especially if you are a guy looking for a little crime, action, and humor all mixed into a stiff cocktail of entertainment! Cook’s writing reminds me a little of a slightly more polished version of Nick Pirog and his Thomas Prescott series- particularly the book “unforeseen”. I don’t give out many 5 star ratings and Cook earned it. Looking forward the the next book in the series “The Ledger”!
A really fun read- especially if you are a guy looking for a little crime, action, and humor all mixed into a stiff cocktail of entertainment! Cook’s writing reminds me a little of a slightly more polished version of Nick Pirog and his Thomas Prescott series- particularly the book “unforeseen”. I don’t give out many 5 star ratings and Cook earned it. Looking forward the the next book in the series “The Ledger”!
April 10, 2024
I had a hard time in deciding how many stars.
I thought that parts moved to slow and parts were undeliverable. How a private investigator on the job three months could be on the front line of the FBI. Still doesn't make sense! Mr. Cook has done a better job of character development in other stores but that may come in time. Read and enjoy because I may be all wrong.
I thought that parts moved to slow and parts were undeliverable. How a private investigator on the job three months could be on the front line of the FBI. Still doesn't make sense! Mr. Cook has done a better job of character development in other stores but that may come in time. Read and enjoy because I may be all wrong.
October 8, 2025
This book easily falls into the category of disposable airport fiction. It relies heavily on the clichés of the genre and adds nothing. The characters and situations are generic and often exceed plausible reality. That said it is an amusing read and a decent adventure story, hence the three stars where two might have been more appropriate.
August 27, 2020
First in the series and very promising indeed. Scott Jarvis likes to put away bad guys but as a policeman he feels politics gets in the way sometimes. He decides to try being a P I instead. Fast paced and cleverly plotted.
February 20, 2022
Can’t Get Enough
I’m hooked. Started with the sea stories and when I finished them started on this series. He’ is a smart alic but an entertaining one. Needs to brush up on his grammar and research but not, can he tell a story.
I’m hooked. Started with the sea stories and when I finished them started on this series. He’ is a smart alic but an entertaining one. Needs to brush up on his grammar and research but not, can he tell a story.
August 1, 2022
Pretty interesting new detective character !
Good read as the story unfolded. Not to bogged down with unnecessary details. Minor detail Mr. Cook, the great Skip Carey passed many years back and Chip now calls the Braves games. Keep up the good adventure !
Good read as the story unfolded. Not to bogged down with unnecessary details. Minor detail Mr. Cook, the great Skip Carey passed many years back and Chip now calls the Braves games. Keep up the good adventure !
February 4, 2023
action, action and more action
Wow! I loved Scot Jarvis’ character. Honest, hardworking and quite the detective. Sharon was ok but a little less cussing would have been better. Great story line and I can’t wait to read more.
Wow! I loved Scot Jarvis’ character. Honest, hardworking and quite the detective. Sharon was ok but a little less cussing would have been better. Great story line and I can’t wait to read more.
September 1, 2023
Pretty good Travis McGee goes 21st century
Scott Cook is not John McDonald and Scott Jarvis is no Travis McGee but the characters are well constructed, you root for (or against) them ANF its juicier than the 60s stuff of McDonald. I'm in for at least one more.
Scott Cook is not John McDonald and Scott Jarvis is no Travis McGee but the characters are well constructed, you root for (or against) them ANF its juicier than the 60s stuff of McDonald. I'm in for at least one more.
May 1, 2021
Riveting
This is what I like to read, plenty of action, funny banter, a hero for everyone to enjoy. Must read more of Scott Jarvis.
This is what I like to read, plenty of action, funny banter, a hero for everyone to enjoy. Must read more of Scott Jarvis.
January 17, 2022
very good story
I really liked the story line. A little unusual but it hung together.
A little bit of humour and some good action scenes.
Yes I enjoyed it.
I really liked the story line. A little unusual but it hung together.
A little bit of humour and some good action scenes.
Yes I enjoyed it.
August 13, 2022
Good book
Good book and great plot. Author keeps you interested and can't put it down. Want to read more of this author.
Good book and great plot. Author keeps you interested and can't put it down. Want to read more of this author.
December 28, 2022
I thought there were way too many contingencies and unbelievable actions. the many wisecracks and snide remarks did not please me either,
Currently reading
January 31, 2023FreeBooksy
Balance of series at KU
Balance of series at KU
February 27, 2023
Super Read
Interestingly done. Well comfiest story. Held my interest throughout the novel. Would recommend it to anyor.e.
Works like this are well worth the price.
Interestingly done. Well comfiest story. Held my interest throughout the novel. Would recommend it to anyor.e.
Works like this are well worth the price.
April 10, 2023
Good plot, but Jarvis’ character leaves much to be desired
May 1, 2023
Pretty darn good
Well written and very interesting. Held my attention to the end. Lots if twists and intriguing throughout. Good one, looking forward to the next book.
Rock on!
Well written and very interesting. Held my attention to the end. Lots if twists and intriguing throughout. Good one, looking forward to the next book.
Rock on!
August 29, 2023
Nice book with great storyline looking forward to reading the next one in this series
August 9, 2024
Scott Jarvis, no.1
I actually thought this series was continuation of one of the characters in the Bull Shark series. Though this Scott Jarvis; was not related to the one in the Bull Shark series. I did thoroughly enjoyed this started novel of Scott Jarvis OK series.
I actually thought this series was continuation of one of the characters in the Bull Shark series. Though this Scott Jarvis; was not related to the one in the Bull Shark series. I did thoroughly enjoyed this started novel of Scott Jarvis OK series.
February 4, 2025
Waiting for the next instalment.
Engaging read from the off. Hope there are more books to come, looking forward to see how another adventure developes.
Engaging read from the off. Hope there are more books to come, looking forward to see how another adventure developes.
dnf
May 18, 2025Dropped after 70% - did not care what is happening at all
July 6, 2025
Great story
Jarvis reminds me of Ben Porter in another book series. Witty and smart. Ignores the norms to find solutions. Enjoy it!
Jarvis reminds me of Ben Porter in another book series. Witty and smart. Ignores the norms to find solutions. Enjoy it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews