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Detective Virgil Jones #9

State of Impact: A Mystery Thriller Novel

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Detective Virgil Jones is about to have his life turned upside-down in ways he couldn't possibly imagine...

In the middle of the night on a quiet country road in Northern Indiana a crop duster is stolen, and the patrol cop who happens by during the theft is brutally murdered. With the most famous racing event in the world only days away, the governor, along with the Department of Homeland Security task Virgil Jones and the state's Major Crimes Unit to determine if the two events are somehow connected. Their fear? The plane could be used to spray the crowd of spectators with a deadly substance, killing or injuring thousands...

But Virgil has his own personal motivation for finding the stolen aircraft: His wife, Sandy, has been chosen to wave the green flag to start the Indianapolis 500, something she is extremely excited about. But Virgil isn’t excited about the idea at all. In fact, he's afraid if they don't find the plane in time, and figure out who is responsible for one of the most complicated cases he's ever investigated, the Brickyard could be turned into a graveyard.

Virgil Jones always knew racing could be deadly, especially at the Indianapolis 500. He just never thought it would lead to murder.

The past and present merge yet again in the ninth installment of the Virgil Jones Mystery Thriller Series.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2020

445 people are currently reading
67 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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Community Reviews

5 stars
504 (71%)
4 stars
166 (23%)
3 stars
28 (3%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Ron Johnson.
95 reviews
June 20, 2021
Easily the best book in this series so far.

Virgil and Sandy experience the ride of their lives. Murton makes a few major life decisions, as well as doing what he does best, which is being a great cop. Ross and Rosie do good things. Cora manages to get herself almost killed, to have her life dramatically saved by Virgil, using the field medical skills he'd been trained in while in the military. Delroy and Huma have their moments, including one event in the last chapter that left me laughing out loud.

Add the drama and excitement of the world's most famous auto race, the Indy 500, and lots of behind-the-scenes action there.

This book was well worth reading aloud to my wife. Looking forward to the next one.
11 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2024
Best Series!

If you like crime novels along with humor, family love and a little fantasy thrown in then this is the series for you. The crime writing is tight, suspenseful, and so damned good. But, it's the family love, strength, closeness and kindness that really sells it. I love every moment I spend reading this series. I'm halfway through the 20 books listed and I'm already mourning not having more to read after I finish number 20. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these books. Thank you Thomas Scott for weaving such beautiful stories.
Profile Image for Rita Spillman-Bills.
73 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2020
Books 1-9

I have read all nine books in this series, and have loved every one of them. The characters are all easy to like, easy to enjoy and easy to cheer on. They grow and expand in their lives, but they all stick together like family is supposed to. There are twists and turns, and some that leave you gasping. Definitely worth the read.
2 reviews
June 22, 2020
Ready to read next book in series

I really enjoyed reading this series 1-9. Thomas Scott is a great writer and makes his characters come to life. Will be waiting for his next book in the series. Really hard to put the book down and sleep til I've finished each book. Enjoyed inmensely.
126 reviews
August 9, 2023
I would have given this Book 6 stars if I could have !!

Well written as usual for Thomas Scott. Enough of a mystery to keep me trying to "solve the puzzle" ! All the while looking into the family's dealings of their own lives. I really thought that Mason would finally appear to Merton but maybe in the next book.
On to the next book & THANKS Thomas Scott ! I'm a FAN !
Profile Image for Cheryl Carmoega.
121 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2020
Great Read!!!

Well developed story and characters! What a ride this was!!! I absolutely love this series!!! Kept me turning pages and at the edge of my seat!! Definitely a must read! The epilogue Priceless!!!!!! Can't wait for the next adventure!!!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,437 reviews33 followers
November 18, 2020
Another great addition to the series

This was definitely a wild and crazy story that you will love. It's funny how history repeats itself more often than not.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
31 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2020
Great!

As usual!, didn’t let you down on the excitement! Can’t wait for the next one! Virgil is quite the man!!!
13 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2020
Great series

I have read and enjoyed all 10 of the Virgil Jones series. Usually read each book in about two days.
548 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2021
Another great Virgil Jones mystery


Virgil, his guys and his wife have to capture the gang that has robbed the Indy race ticket booth of all the bets for the race
894 reviews5 followers
March 3, 2021
Keeps you guessing

Well written and plotted, with familiar characters who stay in character... even the dog and the ghost, who makes an unexpected appearance
40 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2021
Another outstanding chapter.

I really hate when these books come to an end and really look forward to reading the next installment. Excellent use of characters.
947 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2021
State of impact

A very good read of a mystery story of a family making their way though life's mystery lots of killing lots of love
1,471 reviews7 followers
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June 7, 2021
Great police thriller

Love this series. I love all the main characters. I like to see how their lives progress and intertwine. Can't wait to read the next book.
45 reviews
September 9, 2021
the a team wins again!

The problem isn't a matter how utter uh to make them want them off as put guy fee yourself as it
35 reviews
January 14, 2024
another Scott thriller

As usual story has love, violence , intrigue along with humor, I never get tired of looking forward to the next chapter and page,
9 reviews
September 8, 2025
Great Story

As usual, I know when I start one of these books about Virgil, I cannot do anything else untill I finish the book. They are all so good. Thomas Scott is a great author.
Profile Image for Russ Leavitt.
1,463 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2021
If I could give it six stars I would have. Excellent writing. Excellent storyline. I thoroughly enjoy the Virgil Jones character.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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