What do you think?
Rate this book
USS Bull Shark Naval Thriller #3
The Cactus Navy
America has taken Japan's best shots and now Uncle Sam's ready to come out of his corner swingin'...
Whoever controls the Solomon Islands controls the vital sea lanes between the United States and Australia. In May, Japan snapped up Tulagi and narrowed their eyes at the big island just nineteen miles away across the channel...
Guadalcanal, the largest island in the Solomons is being occupied by the Imperial Japanese navy. As a new airfield nears construction, the United States Navy and Marine Corps know they must act quickly or the entire course of the war could swing in Japan's favor.
As a massive invasion force gathers, Art turner and the decorated crew of USS Bull Shark are once again sent on a secret mission. This time, Turner and a select few will go ashore on Guadalcanal to make contact with a coast watcher and select the time and place for America's first major Pacific Marine assault. The clock is ticking and turner and his Marine Raiders and the bull Shark herself must face aircraft carriers, marauding Japanese soldiers and a deadly jungle before time runs out!
Crocodiles, tarantulas and fire ants... Japanese rifles and bayonets... cannons thunder and depth charges roar in this nonstop WWII naval action thriller.
Whoever controls the Solomon Islands controls the vital sea lanes between the United States and Australia. In May, Japan snapped up Tulagi and narrowed their eyes at the big island just nineteen miles away across the channel...
Guadalcanal, the largest island in the Solomons is being occupied by the Imperial Japanese navy. As a new airfield nears construction, the United States Navy and Marine Corps know they must act quickly or the entire course of the war could swing in Japan's favor.
As a massive invasion force gathers, Art turner and the decorated crew of USS Bull Shark are once again sent on a secret mission. This time, Turner and a select few will go ashore on Guadalcanal to make contact with a coast watcher and select the time and place for America's first major Pacific Marine assault. The clock is ticking and turner and his Marine Raiders and the bull Shark herself must face aircraft carriers, marauding Japanese soldiers and a deadly jungle before time runs out!
Crocodiles, tarantulas and fire ants... Japanese rifles and bayonets... cannons thunder and depth charges roar in this nonstop WWII naval action thriller.
514 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2021
437 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Scott W. Cook
50 books43 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 18, 2022
Little to far out there
I enjoyed reading this, however it was a little bit over done even for anyone to think it could happen.
I enjoyed reading this, however it was a little bit over done even for anyone to think it could happen.
August 26, 2023
Whoever controls the Solomon Islands controls the vital sea lanes between the United States and Australia. In May 1942, Japan snapped up Tulagi and narrowed their eyes on the big island just 19 miles away across the channel. Guadalcanal, the largest island in the Solomons, is being occupied by the Imperial Japanese navy. As a new airfield nears construction, the United States Navy and Marine Corps know they must act quickly or the entire course of the war could swing in Japan’s favor. As a massive invasion force gathers, Art Turner and the decorated crew of USS Bull Shark are once again sent on a secret mission. This time, Turner and a select few will go ashore on Guadalcanal to make contact with a coast watcher and select the time and place for America’s first major Pacific Marine assault. The clock is ticking and Turner and his Marine Raiders and the Bull Shark herself must face aircraft carriers, marauding Japanese soldiers, and a deadly jungle before time runs out. A good history lesson, it’s a nonstop WWII naval action thriller.
January 13, 2022
A Navy Yarn Through and Through
This third of three is replete with the moxie and grit of the Greatest Generation, as evidenced in Scott W. Cook’s first two books of Bull Shark historical fiction. It has foolhardy bravery, patriotism, loyalty, and the occasional ‘corn’ of its era. (And a helluva lot of tobacco too!) There’s suspenseful reading that will make you stretch after you finish a chapter and emerge from the cramped quarters of a sub. Art Turner’s quite a hero, outdone only by his incredible bride, Joanie, and his all-American crew. This trilogy puts you back into 1942. I was a bit disconcerting to face the raging racism, but then, I had to step back and ‘Remember Pearl Harbor’ and the feelings 12/7/41 engendered. I am now missing my time on the Bull Shark, ready to return from leave, even as I recall those wild Aussie women!
This third of three is replete with the moxie and grit of the Greatest Generation, as evidenced in Scott W. Cook’s first two books of Bull Shark historical fiction. It has foolhardy bravery, patriotism, loyalty, and the occasional ‘corn’ of its era. (And a helluva lot of tobacco too!) There’s suspenseful reading that will make you stretch after you finish a chapter and emerge from the cramped quarters of a sub. Art Turner’s quite a hero, outdone only by his incredible bride, Joanie, and his all-American crew. This trilogy puts you back into 1942. I was a bit disconcerting to face the raging racism, but then, I had to step back and ‘Remember Pearl Harbor’ and the feelings 12/7/41 engendered. I am now missing my time on the Bull Shark, ready to return from leave, even as I recall those wild Aussie women!
March 12, 2022
I enjoy WW2 Pacific submarine fiction. This book does what many others do - they combine real events with their fictious characters and sub-plot. Notable US characters from history in the Pacific - like Nimitz, Lockwood, etc - are represented as themselves. Plot was good as was the action writing. What I didn't like about the book is how the author is using sub technology that did not exist yet in 1942 . For instance, the US Balao class submarines did not exist/were not commissioned as early as 1942. Another example is suggesting that this US sub actually used a snorkel? The snorkel was first used by the Germans in late 1944/1945. To my knowledge, the US never had the snorkel in WW2. There are a few other minor examples. So, if you are a knowledgeable submarine technology affectionato like myself, you may roll your eyes from time to time. But as fiction, it was a good read!
June 30, 2022
The ride continues
Cool has already established himself as a engaging author. Some small details were noted by me probably because I'm a continuity slug with movies and literature. Little things such as quoting a John Wayne movie that came out almost twenty years later or an using an expression that didn't surface until later. All that withstanding, one must buy into the super hero genre with its remarkable coincidences and amazing luck. Lots of amazing luck. However, his books are a really fun read and classic page turners. AND, story wise, we're only a little over half way through 1942! Obviously and happily more to come.
Cool has already established himself as a engaging author. Some small details were noted by me probably because I'm a continuity slug with movies and literature. Little things such as quoting a John Wayne movie that came out almost twenty years later or an using an expression that didn't surface until later. All that withstanding, one must buy into the super hero genre with its remarkable coincidences and amazing luck. Lots of amazing luck. However, his books are a really fun read and classic page turners. AND, story wise, we're only a little over half way through 1942! Obviously and happily more to come.
May 9, 2023
Another Super Story
Ok, a great story but a few comments. Don’t need to know, repeatedly that the cork is fling and bulbs are bursting and men a being tossed around when being depth charged. Seems like trying to add words to the count.
Also a few booboo’s; I don’t think it’s proper to salute an office when in combat and especially on a Japanese infested island. Then, at one point “after seeing young Entwater killed” only to see this a few pages later, “Ted Entwater had elected to stay behind.” Thought he was killed? Even so, a great yarn.
Ok, a great story but a few comments. Don’t need to know, repeatedly that the cork is fling and bulbs are bursting and men a being tossed around when being depth charged. Seems like trying to add words to the count.
Also a few booboo’s; I don’t think it’s proper to salute an office when in combat and especially on a Japanese infested island. Then, at one point “after seeing young Entwater killed” only to see this a few pages later, “Ted Entwater had elected to stay behind.” Thought he was killed? Even so, a great yarn.
February 16, 2022
Our Really First Offense
Great read about Guadiacanal and both land and sea action. I found the submarine’s smoking and all ventilation turned off during depth charging unbelievable as oxygen would be in short supply and getting critical as time passed. Since then I believe the Nave has forbidden smoking on subs forbidden at all times. Something Elise he describes our first use of the snorkel
Great read about Guadiacanal and both land and sea action. I found the submarine’s smoking and all ventilation turned off during depth charging unbelievable as oxygen would be in short supply and getting critical as time passed. Since then I believe the Nave has forbidden smoking on subs forbidden at all times. Something Elise he describes our first use of the snorkel
September 27, 2022
A PAGE TURNING SEA TAIL, precursor to todays SPECIAL OPS
Tremendous Detail, keeps reader in the mission real time. Multiple tales going all at once. At Sea, Under Sea, On Enemy Land, With FriendlyFolks, Even The Enemy Side with Heroes there as well. Villians Also.
Very Innovative Actions & Challenges as well. Long enough to really get you engaged.
Historically Realistic, but fiction primarily, so more suspence.
Tremendous Detail, keeps reader in the mission real time. Multiple tales going all at once. At Sea, Under Sea, On Enemy Land, With FriendlyFolks, Even The Enemy Side with Heroes there as well. Villians Also.
Very Innovative Actions & Challenges as well. Long enough to really get you engaged.
Historically Realistic, but fiction primarily, so more suspence.
February 20, 2024
Good story with factual errors
Overall the story is really good. But, some yard not correct. Such as a DUKW having doors and a flat bed. Oh, and a diesel engine. All wrong. The Japanese Arisaka battle rifles are bolt action and have 5 round magazines. The author makes it seem like they are machine guns. Some of the slang used I have never heard though ! Have read many books on the submarine war in the Pacific. Really is a work of fiction.
Overall the story is really good. But, some yard not correct. Such as a DUKW having doors and a flat bed. Oh, and a diesel engine. All wrong. The Japanese Arisaka battle rifles are bolt action and have 5 round magazines. The author makes it seem like they are machine guns. Some of the slang used I have never heard though ! Have read many books on the submarine war in the Pacific. Really is a work of fiction.
May 30, 2025
Scott Cook expertly describes submarine warfare again,
I was astonished by the extent of knowledge that Scott Cook put into the dialog about how a submarine operates, and all of the technical facts about sub operation during torpedo firing, then evasion, and recovering the sub from excessive dives to evade depth charges. Then of course the fictional dialog between the key action figures was great!
I was astonished by the extent of knowledge that Scott Cook put into the dialog about how a submarine operates, and all of the technical facts about sub operation during torpedo firing, then evasion, and recovering the sub from excessive dives to evade depth charges. Then of course the fictional dialog between the key action figures was great!
March 14, 2022
Installment Three The Best So Far.
A fast paced novel in the best tradition of a World War II movie starring John Wayne . While this series’ Book 3 can be read as a standalone novel, the reader will lose a lot of context that enriches the reader’s experience. If you like naval warfare fiction, this will satisfy you.
A fast paced novel in the best tradition of a World War II movie starring John Wayne . While this series’ Book 3 can be read as a standalone novel, the reader will lose a lot of context that enriches the reader’s experience. If you like naval warfare fiction, this will satisfy you.
April 6, 2022
Another good submarine story with time ashore
I'm impressed with the truisms and factual events of every day life on a submarine. As a torpedoes in charge of a room, Sparky filled the bill in my estimation. The closeness of us Boat Sailors is hard to explain to someone who hasn't lived it. B Z Mr. Scott.
I'm impressed with the truisms and factual events of every day life on a submarine. As a torpedoes in charge of a room, Sparky filled the bill in my estimation. The closeness of us Boat Sailors is hard to explain to someone who hasn't lived it. B Z Mr. Scott.
May 30, 2022
Canal capers
5 stars chosen because, like the rest of the series, this book is worthy of them.
I would recommend the whole series to any one who has even the slightest interest in the war in the Pacific. The stories are hard hitting in parts, with some laughs along the way. The Bull Shark boys are just like any other military unit ....crazy!
5 stars chosen because, like the rest of the series, this book is worthy of them.
I would recommend the whole series to any one who has even the slightest interest in the war in the Pacific. The stories are hard hitting in parts, with some laughs along the way. The Bull Shark boys are just like any other military unit ....crazy!
July 13, 2022
Bull Shark walls again!
A submarine captain and officers embedded with USMC patrol working with a British coast watcher. An XO fighting to get a sub stuck on the bottom back into the fight to go after a Map carrier with only 4 torpedoes! What's not to like! Sidebar, the use of a ham radio for coded communication was innovative.
A submarine captain and officers embedded with USMC patrol working with a British coast watcher. An XO fighting to get a sub stuck on the bottom back into the fight to go after a Map carrier with only 4 torpedoes! What's not to like! Sidebar, the use of a ham radio for coded communication was innovative.
August 23, 2023
I'm not Navy
This book has given a considerably different perspective to navy people. I am a &retired Army person, I was raised in a Navy/Marine town and saw only a couple of those people who would measure up to this story.
This book was long and boring to begin but got more exciting and interesting in the end, give it an 8 . GOOD READ.
This book has given a considerably different perspective to navy people. I am a &retired Army person, I was raised in a Navy/Marine town and saw only a couple of those people who would measure up to this story.
This book was long and boring to begin but got more exciting and interesting in the end, give it an 8 . GOOD READ.
December 29, 2024
The Cactus Navy was a phenomenal read. I think what I like most about Scott Cooks writing is his ability to bring common language into this series of books along with the natural emotions of the characters. I am enjoying the series immensely and intend to real all in the series. Great job Scott. Go Navy!
October 13, 2025
The Cactus Navy
Like the first two books this was a rollercoaster ride and a half it may be a work of fiction but it pays homage to all of the US forces that fought in the Solomon Islands and all the volunteers who manned the Coast watch reporting at great risk to report on the enemy ship movements
Like the first two books this was a rollercoaster ride and a half it may be a work of fiction but it pays homage to all of the US forces that fought in the Solomon Islands and all the volunteers who manned the Coast watch reporting at great risk to report on the enemy ship movements
January 1, 2022
Couldn't stop reading
Best in the Bull Shark series so far. Lot's of action and suspense as expected from Cook. Excellent read for anyone with interest in WW2 or anything naval. Highly recommend series as well as his 18th century naval series.
Best in the Bull Shark series so far. Lot's of action and suspense as expected from Cook. Excellent read for anyone with interest in WW2 or anything naval. Highly recommend series as well as his 18th century naval series.
January 15, 2022
Exciting and
Like all of the series from Scott Cook, this is another fun read. He uses his great style, a little fiction and many facts to give us a great read about Art Turner and the crew of the Bull Shark. Look forward to all of his next series additions
Like all of the series from Scott Cook, this is another fun read. He uses his great style, a little fiction and many facts to give us a great read about Art Turner and the crew of the Bull Shark. Look forward to all of his next series additions
February 5, 2022
Rick's opinion
A very good story about submarine warfare. I could handle the technical stuff about subs but I would not want to be down there. All three books remind me of old war movies of the 40's and 50's.
A very good story about submarine warfare. I could handle the technical stuff about subs but I would not want to be down there. All three books remind me of old war movies of the 40's and 50's.
July 28, 2022
Great sub story
Again a fast paced narrative with switch backs to keep the reader interested and the storyline exciting. Scott Cook is a great storyteller. His word pictures puts you there!
Again a fast paced narrative with switch backs to keep the reader interested and the storyline exciting. Scott Cook is a great storyteller. His word pictures puts you there!
October 14, 2022
Great read!
I really enjoyed this book as I did the first two in the series. As a former military man, (Vietnam Vet) I could relate to the struggles and hardships these men endured. I am sure I am going to enjoy the next two in the series as well.
I really enjoyed this book as I did the first two in the series. As a former military man, (Vietnam Vet) I could relate to the struggles and hardships these men endured. I am sure I am going to enjoy the next two in the series as well.
January 10, 2023
Strength and bravery
This is not only has a historical setting, but lot of real life occurances, but the strength and bravery of the men and women who made America the great country she is
This is not only has a historical setting, but lot of real life occurances, but the strength and bravery of the men and women who made America the great country she is
February 8, 2023
A very good, action packed war story.
The author has written a truly amazing story of the heroic actions of the men fighting in the Pacific during WWII. A story of the horror of war that will keep you totally in grossed in the story and entertained.
The author has written a truly amazing story of the heroic actions of the men fighting in the Pacific during WWII. A story of the horror of war that will keep you totally in grossed in the story and entertained.
August 8, 2023
One heck of an adventure in this one, both on land and sea
Flowing right along on two fronts this book of the series was hard to put down at night. Great work. Now l[king forward to the next in the series.
Flowing right along on two fronts this book of the series was hard to put down at night. Great work. Now l[king forward to the next in the series.
August 27, 2023
Great read!
I like a well written historical novel, and this series puts the reader in along with the men and women that inhabit this action filled, compelling story.
well written historical naval novel
I like a well written historical novel, and this series puts the reader in along with the men and women that inhabit this action filled, compelling story.
well written historical naval novel
October 11, 2023
Cactus Navy great read
Good story line within the historical reality of Guadalcanal. Felt more plausible than the previous story. Kept me fully engaged. Looking forward to the continuation.
Good story line within the historical reality of Guadalcanal. Felt more plausible than the previous story. Kept me fully engaged. Looking forward to the continuation.
January 7, 2024
Great story
I l9ve the whole series so far, I have always enjoyed Submarine War stories
The only niggles I have is you made Clemens British, but he was using Australian slang i.e. strewth
I l9ve the whole series so far, I have always enjoyed Submarine War stories
The only niggles I have is you made Clemens British, but he was using Australian slang i.e. strewth
January 10, 2024
I thought the first 2 in the series were great and was blown away by the 3rd. Had trouble putting it down it was so good. I know it’s a work of fiction with a bit of poetic license regarding history but what a great story thank you Scott W Cook.
February 17, 2025
Another Exceptional Read.
It give you a glimpse as to what could be ask of an Officer and crew of not just a sub, but from any where within the armed services. Very exciting story. I am ready for the next one.
It give you a glimpse as to what could be ask of an Officer and crew of not just a sub, but from any where within the armed services. Very exciting story. I am ready for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews