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Wayward Strangers
Inspired by the true story of a forgotten hero, Thomas Scott, author of the Virgil Jones Series, has created an epic tale of courage and heroism detailing one young man's remarkable resilience and the determination it takes to survive during the darkest times of his life.
The year is 1939 and the world is on the brink of yet another global war. Jack Bellows is just sixteen years old, and he's on the run...not from the war, but from his own past. He has eleven dollars in his pocket, the clothes on his back, and he is completely and utterly alone.
When he walks away from the home where he was born and raised, Jack soon discovers that the assistance of strangers who offer him help comes with a cost, one that is buried beneath layers of secrets, lies, and betrayal. And if Jack can't find a way out from underneath the people who have brought him into their circle of deception and criminal activity, he'll be running from more than just his past...he'll be running for his life.
From the streets of Chicago and Los Angeles, to the South Pacific and back, Wayward Strangers is a daring saga of history, suspense, love, and the breathtaking triumph of one man's incredible will to survive.
The year is 1939 and the world is on the brink of yet another global war. Jack Bellows is just sixteen years old, and he's on the run...not from the war, but from his own past. He has eleven dollars in his pocket, the clothes on his back, and he is completely and utterly alone.
When he walks away from the home where he was born and raised, Jack soon discovers that the assistance of strangers who offer him help comes with a cost, one that is buried beneath layers of secrets, lies, and betrayal. And if Jack can't find a way out from underneath the people who have brought him into their circle of deception and criminal activity, he'll be running from more than just his past...he'll be running for his life.
From the streets of Chicago and Los Angeles, to the South Pacific and back, Wayward Strangers is a daring saga of history, suspense, love, and the breathtaking triumph of one man's incredible will to survive.
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2021
About the author
Thomas L. Scott
29 books29 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 30, 2026
A definite must read!!
I have to admit that when I saw the author had released this book, I honestly thought it was a new series. Because I have absolutely loved his Virgil Jones series, I knew that I'd probably want to wait until there were at least a few books available before I began reading the series. I really enjoy reading the first few books in a series at the same time (when they're available). However, then I saw the rest of the title, discovered that it was a part of the Virgil Jones series, and knew that I had to read the two books that were available. It says that they are a part of that series, but unfortunately, they're not listed on the original series page.
I'm guessing that the main character in the Jack Bellows books is none other than Grandpa Jack. Now, I could be wrong, but either way, it's certainly not a series that you'll want to miss!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
I have to admit that when I saw the author had released this book, I honestly thought it was a new series. Because I have absolutely loved his Virgil Jones series, I knew that I'd probably want to wait until there were at least a few books available before I began reading the series. I really enjoy reading the first few books in a series at the same time (when they're available). However, then I saw the rest of the title, discovered that it was a part of the Virgil Jones series, and knew that I had to read the two books that were available. It says that they are a part of that series, but unfortunately, they're not listed on the original series page.
I'm guessing that the main character in the Jack Bellows books is none other than Grandpa Jack. Now, I could be wrong, but either way, it's certainly not a series that you'll want to miss!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
December 29, 2023
Deeper Than I Ever Imagined
I love Thomas Scott’s Virgil Jones stories for their action, depth and heart, but I was not ready for Jack Bellows. I have never read a story that brought me to tears in the first 10 minutes. A dearly beloved friend of mine in real life just passed away and I have been trying to keep my emotions in check because I have surgery tomorrow. Turns out, I needed to cry and this story got to me!
I love Thomas Scott’s Virgil Jones stories for their action, depth and heart, but I was not ready for Jack Bellows. I have never read a story that brought me to tears in the first 10 minutes. A dearly beloved friend of mine in real life just passed away and I have been trying to keep my emotions in check because I have surgery tomorrow. Turns out, I needed to cry and this story got to me!
December 17, 2021
Wayward Strangers *****
Great, engaging and enthralling! This author has the amazing ability to capture your attention and keep it through the entire book. Read all his books without fear of wasting time…that just won’t happen!
Great, engaging and enthralling! This author has the amazing ability to capture your attention and keep it through the entire book. Read all his books without fear of wasting time…that just won’t happen!
September 25, 2023
Unique and Timeless !!
As Thomas Scott seems to do in his books the development of characters woven with a unique plot Is just excellent.
Thanks Again, Thomas Scott. I am looking for more of your offerings !! And I highly recommend any of your writings to others !!
As Thomas Scott seems to do in his books the development of characters woven with a unique plot Is just excellent.
Thanks Again, Thomas Scott. I am looking for more of your offerings !! And I highly recommend any of your writings to others !!
May 12, 2024
What a story, couldn't put it down.
Jack lost his family, in the beginning. He sets out to find himself, walking. Jack hitches a ride with Howard and ends up in Chicago working for Howard's uncle Frank. It is early 1941-1942. The war is going on, Jack wants to join the Navy.
Jack lost his family, in the beginning. He sets out to find himself, walking. Jack hitches a ride with Howard and ends up in Chicago working for Howard's uncle Frank. It is early 1941-1942. The war is going on, Jack wants to join the Navy.
February 11, 2025
I liked it!
Thomas Scott is a good writer. I don’t understand what these two books have to do with the Virgil Jones books. The next one might bring it all together. Reading is a gift.
Thomas Scott is a good writer. I don’t understand what these two books have to do with the Virgil Jones books. The next one might bring it all together. Reading is a gift.
October 14, 2021
Jack Bellows
Jack Bellows - one of the good guys.
Lost his family, deep feelings on what is right. Enjoyed the ride w Jack. Twist and turns all the way.
Jack Bellows - one of the good guys.
Lost his family, deep feelings on what is right. Enjoyed the ride w Jack. Twist and turns all the way.
Read
October 16, 2021This was an interesting and very enjoyable read. The historical nature of the novel contributed to it's uniqueness. It rated a five star because of the above reasons.
January 28, 2022
What an excellent read. Very well done and a great story. Couldn't put it down.
February 23, 2024
Emotional
Every time Jack thinks he knows what's going on with Howard, he gets surprised. He and Hana belong together, but will they? Will they be safe?
Every time Jack thinks he knows what's going on with Howard, he gets surprised. He and Hana belong together, but will they? Will they be safe?
December 9, 2021
I thought this book was wonderful! Especially since I am addicted to the Virgil Jones series. This tied right in with the most recent publication in that series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews