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Vigilante Justince Thriller #2
Cesspool
A disgraced teacher stands between a crooked police department and a runaway girl.
James Fisher was the devoted teacher who taught his students to question authority. He was the devoted husband that didn’t know what his wife was up to. His life was a tragedy waiting to happen.
After the accident, he moved to a backwoods town, content to waste away while the world burned. He was awakened from his apathy by a small girl with a big problem. It was safer to look the other way. Getting involved would place James squarely in the crosshairs of the local police.
He was afraid, but he did it anyway.
Adult language and content.
James Fisher was the devoted teacher who taught his students to question authority. He was the devoted husband that didn’t know what his wife was up to. His life was a tragedy waiting to happen.
After the accident, he moved to a backwoods town, content to waste away while the world burned. He was awakened from his apathy by a small girl with a big problem. It was safer to look the other way. Getting involved would place James squarely in the crosshairs of the local police.
He was afraid, but he did it anyway.
Adult language and content.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2016
1103 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
Phil M. Williams
40 books357 followersPhil M. Williams is the author of twenty-five books primarily in the thriller genre. His thrillers span many subgenres, such as: murder mysteries, political, domestic, dystopian, legal, psychological, and technothrillers. His stories often feature regular Joes and Janes in extraordinary situations that are ripped from today’s headlines.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
June 22, 2025
When I acquired Cesspool back in 2017, Phil M. Williams had written 13 books but was giving away five of them free of charge. Why does he give away so many of his books? Maybe no one was buying them.
In Cesspool, the first of his free books I randomly picked to read, Phil M. Williams leaves his readers with no doubt where he stands on the contemporary issues of the police and guns (he thinks both are bad).
His protagonist is James Fisher, a school teacher, who through classroom discussions promotes the standard liberal line about “abusive” police and the “evils” of guns. No room is left for the possibility that the overwhelming majority of police officers are hardworking and honest, and that when home invaders are busting down your door, a gun in the hand is worth the entire police force on the phone.
In a laughable irony, Fisher teaches his students to think for themselves and to be aware of current events, yet he was clueless for a full year that his wife was cheating on him right under his nose, and in seeking seclusion after her death in an auto accident, he winds up, of all places, in the one small central Pennsylvania community rife with police corruption. Fisher would have flunked his own classroom lessons.
Oddly, before James Fisher came to town, police corruption had already pervaded this sparsely populated rural area, yet incredibly few of the citizens knew about it or just as improbably the remaining few weren’t bothered enough to change it — not until Fisher arrived to open their eyes and motivate them.
Even more oddly, despite his antipathy to using guns for self-defense, Fisher had no objection to using a knife for that same purpose, apparently unaware that a knife will kill someone just as dead as a gun. He also showed no reluctance to strangling two guys to the same death as if he had shot them, so it’s unclear what Fisher has against guns. They kill you just as dead as stabbing or strangling your victims to death.
Finally, author Phil M. Williams seems stuck with either a limited vocabulary, a limited imagination, or both. His characters scowl, frown, glare, exhale, chuckle and purse their lips a lot; I counted a total of no less than 159 times in 244 pages. So be bored — but not surprised — to find at least one of those expressions every page and a half.
In Cesspool, the first of his free books I randomly picked to read, Phil M. Williams leaves his readers with no doubt where he stands on the contemporary issues of the police and guns (he thinks both are bad).
His protagonist is James Fisher, a school teacher, who through classroom discussions promotes the standard liberal line about “abusive” police and the “evils” of guns. No room is left for the possibility that the overwhelming majority of police officers are hardworking and honest, and that when home invaders are busting down your door, a gun in the hand is worth the entire police force on the phone.
In a laughable irony, Fisher teaches his students to think for themselves and to be aware of current events, yet he was clueless for a full year that his wife was cheating on him right under his nose, and in seeking seclusion after her death in an auto accident, he winds up, of all places, in the one small central Pennsylvania community rife with police corruption. Fisher would have flunked his own classroom lessons.
Oddly, before James Fisher came to town, police corruption had already pervaded this sparsely populated rural area, yet incredibly few of the citizens knew about it or just as improbably the remaining few weren’t bothered enough to change it — not until Fisher arrived to open their eyes and motivate them.
Even more oddly, despite his antipathy to using guns for self-defense, Fisher had no objection to using a knife for that same purpose, apparently unaware that a knife will kill someone just as dead as a gun. He also showed no reluctance to strangling two guys to the same death as if he had shot them, so it’s unclear what Fisher has against guns. They kill you just as dead as stabbing or strangling your victims to death.
Finally, author Phil M. Williams seems stuck with either a limited vocabulary, a limited imagination, or both. His characters scowl, frown, glare, exhale, chuckle and purse their lips a lot; I counted a total of no less than 159 times in 244 pages. So be bored — but not surprised — to find at least one of those expressions every page and a half.
November 2, 2022
First time for this Author. I guess James has a very dark cloud following him around! Certainly gives you thoughts about small town living in PA. Cesspool is a great title for this book! Guess a septic tank is advised for all. They got what they deserved, all except for the dog!
March 20, 2023
Another sleepless night getting to the answers. Worth every minute!
Phil M. Williams writes a tight, well-paced mystery with attractive, sympathetic protagonists and really deplorable bad guys. James Fish is a married middle school teacher in Fairfax, Virginia. He and his wife have drifted apart, his handle on his job is shaky because he doesn't teach only the curriculum as it is touted by the school principal, but also teaches life lessons to his students, and he is often late. Also, he is frustrated that he feels the economy is tanking in the US. and there is nothing he can do about it. Nobody can hear his words of wisdom. Then his wife dies in a car wreck with her lover and James laughingly quits his job.
James drastically downsizes his life. He heads for the hills, literally. He finds a job at a small community college in the Appalachians, buys a one-room cabin without indoor plumbing, and plants a garden and fruit trees. Self-sufficiency is the key to his survival at this point. And he
meets people he feels comfortable with. Unfortunately, he is never comfortable with the local police...
This is a tale I think you will enjoy. I sure did.
Reviewed on March 4, 2023, at GoodReads, AmazonSmiles, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or GooglePlay..
Phil M. Williams writes a tight, well-paced mystery with attractive, sympathetic protagonists and really deplorable bad guys. James Fish is a married middle school teacher in Fairfax, Virginia. He and his wife have drifted apart, his handle on his job is shaky because he doesn't teach only the curriculum as it is touted by the school principal, but also teaches life lessons to his students, and he is often late. Also, he is frustrated that he feels the economy is tanking in the US. and there is nothing he can do about it. Nobody can hear his words of wisdom. Then his wife dies in a car wreck with her lover and James laughingly quits his job.
James drastically downsizes his life. He heads for the hills, literally. He finds a job at a small community college in the Appalachians, buys a one-room cabin without indoor plumbing, and plants a garden and fruit trees. Self-sufficiency is the key to his survival at this point. And he
meets people he feels comfortable with. Unfortunately, he is never comfortable with the local police...
This is a tale I think you will enjoy. I sure did.
Reviewed on March 4, 2023, at GoodReads, AmazonSmiles, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or GooglePlay..
March 24, 2021
DNF. Thinly--or not so thinly--disguised anti-police, anti-gun, anti-state polemic. Lecturing, dialogue heavy, no pesky depth or character development. Glad it was free.
August 21, 2016
A well-written and entertaining read. Not your traditional 'guy moves to small town and falls in love with local librarian who also happens to be dynamite in bed'.
Quiet, vaguely paranoid, teacher moves to small town where he meets an abused young woman and tries to help her. In so doing, he incurs the wrath of some local bent coppers who set out to make his life hell.
It's always a good sign when one is rooting for the protagonist throughout, and I was desperate for James and his ward to outwit the bad guys and have a happy ending.
There are a couple of quite brutal episodes in this novel so it's best avoided by those who find that scenes of sexual violence give them nightmares. It moves along at a cracking pace and is well worth a read if you are feeling resilient and not too judgemental.
Quiet, vaguely paranoid, teacher moves to small town where he meets an abused young woman and tries to help her. In so doing, he incurs the wrath of some local bent coppers who set out to make his life hell.
It's always a good sign when one is rooting for the protagonist throughout, and I was desperate for James and his ward to outwit the bad guys and have a happy ending.
There are a couple of quite brutal episodes in this novel so it's best avoided by those who find that scenes of sexual violence give them nightmares. It moves along at a cracking pace and is well worth a read if you are feeling resilient and not too judgemental.
August 21, 2019
Love this story from beginning to end!!! Totally recommend 👌🏻👍🏻
November 10, 2022
I did enjoy this book although I found it a bit unbelievable at times
December 13, 2018
Cesspool was the third book I've read by Phil Williams, and each time it's like a breath of fresh air. In a crowded market where so many authors write according to formula, Mr. Williams' books push boundaries and genres. This one, for example, some might call a thriller, others suspense or vigilante justice. The hero is not some government assassin or ex-special forces operative. Just normal people pushed beyond their breaking point. Nor is it a typical action novel full of gun fights and car chases. The actions of the protagonist are more careful, better thought out. He anticipates troubles and prepares for them, rather than simply reacting after the fact. Mr. Williams once again shows us the depravity and corruption of those in power, and an underdog standing up to them. The name of the novel, Cesspool, is a clever double entendre: the literal cesspool is a physical feature central to the story, and the figurative cesspool that represents the corruption of the community leaders. The writing is excellent, the pace quick, the characters and dialog believable. An excellent read.
May 4, 2017
As a criminal defence lawyer in Australia, i would never condone my clients being judge, jury and executioner, but Mr Willliams I am of the opinion that you combined human dignity and compassion with everyday Karmic consequences for behaviour. I love James and all he represents. I would be happy to represent him if he ever needed representation.
Excellent read and well worth the moral angst about the letter of the law, the abuse and corruption of the justice system and is it ever acceptable to undermine the presumption of innonrnce. Having said that James is justified and I would defend him in a court of law.
Excellent read and well worth the moral angst about the letter of the law, the abuse and corruption of the justice system and is it ever acceptable to undermine the presumption of innonrnce. Having said that James is justified and I would defend him in a court of law.
November 23, 2020
Impressive and Well Worth Your Time
The plot is what grabbed a hold of me, then the pace of the story, the characters themselves, and finally the relevance to current social issues and the economy. Because the potential for abuse of power, is real, the story is scary because it hits too close to home. It’s too easy to see how corrupt officers can negatively effect a community. I highly recommend this story and potentially this author for future reads.
The plot is what grabbed a hold of me, then the pace of the story, the characters themselves, and finally the relevance to current social issues and the economy. Because the potential for abuse of power, is real, the story is scary because it hits too close to home. It’s too easy to see how corrupt officers can negatively effect a community. I highly recommend this story and potentially this author for future reads.
October 24, 2020
Little towns are like this.
Scary because it is true. As a frequent hitch hiker in my past, I have visited places much like this. Never got caught up to this extent, but saw all the underpinnings that would allow this story to unfold. Hurray for the protagonist taking down the predators. Wish it always worked that way. So I’m a romantic, what can I say.
Scary because it is true. As a frequent hitch hiker in my past, I have visited places much like this. Never got caught up to this extent, but saw all the underpinnings that would allow this story to unfold. Hurray for the protagonist taking down the predators. Wish it always worked that way. So I’m a romantic, what can I say.
September 20, 2018
Very entertaining book
Enjoyed this just like all the other 2 books I’ve read by this author. I usually spend some time after reading his books contemplating the under lying messages.
Enjoyed this just like all the other 2 books I’ve read by this author. I usually spend some time after reading his books contemplating the under lying messages.
May 21, 2017
Spellbound
I picked this title not sure what to expect having not read anything by the author. I started reading and only paused to sleep. It contains EVERYTHING a good book should. Suspense, heroism and love. All tied up with a good ending! Thanks to Mr. Williams for a job well done. He's become one of my favorite authors.
I picked this title not sure what to expect having not read anything by the author. I started reading and only paused to sleep. It contains EVERYTHING a good book should. Suspense, heroism and love. All tied up with a good ending! Thanks to Mr. Williams for a job well done. He's become one of my favorite authors.
May 23, 2017
Was not enamored of this book in the first few chapters but stuck with it, and it got very exciting and good! I do have one beef, though. There is no way a grown man and a woman, even a petite one, could pass each other in a 2' diameter drainage pipe! Most men's shoulders wouldn't even fit. Other than that, I thought this was an interesting page-turner and am glad I had the chance to read it.
February 17, 2018
This review is for both the audio book and kindle version
I had a hard time to stop listening to this book because the story had me hooked very early on.
After having listened to two of his previous books " Stone Lake" and "No Conscience" which I both liked this third book has been my favorite.
Phil Williams tends to show the ugly and bad in people but then contrast it with the good and caring in others. It easy to picture the characters and some of the situations that arise.
The escape through the two-foot drainage pipe 80 feet long seems a bit hard to believe when she had to let James get past her to been able to open the hatch. After finishing the audio book I actual went back to the Kindle version and reread that chapter. All by all I highly recommend this book.
Keep it up Phil.
I had a hard time to stop listening to this book because the story had me hooked very early on.
After having listened to two of his previous books " Stone Lake" and "No Conscience" which I both liked this third book has been my favorite.
Phil Williams tends to show the ugly and bad in people but then contrast it with the good and caring in others. It easy to picture the characters and some of the situations that arise.
The escape through the two-foot drainage pipe 80 feet long seems a bit hard to believe when she had to let James get past her to been able to open the hatch. After finishing the audio book I actual went back to the Kindle version and reread that chapter. All by all I highly recommend this book.
Keep it up Phil.
April 3, 2018
I received this book from the author for a review. This is a great book, where justice wins over corruption. I admired James for wanting to teach his students to think critically especially in middle school. James helps Brittany overcome her traumatic childhood by helping her get her GED, drivers license and sending her to live with Yolanda.
April 8, 2019
Fun read
An unusual teacher gets himself into unusual situations when he helps a young woman escape an abusive relationship. In rural areas, local police are a law unto themselves. Only someone so different would consider tackling their lies and corruption. The plot develops nicely and the characters are memorable.
An unusual teacher gets himself into unusual situations when he helps a young woman escape an abusive relationship. In rural areas, local police are a law unto themselves. Only someone so different would consider tackling their lies and corruption. The plot develops nicely and the characters are memorable.
December 8, 2020
Good book
Enjoyed this book thoroughly. I read it in one sitting. The story was entertaining, based in truths that I’ve seen in small towns, but on a greater scale to make the story.
Enjoyed this book thoroughly. I read it in one sitting. The story was entertaining, based in truths that I’ve seen in small towns, but on a greater scale to make the story.
May 21, 2017
Great read
Good read nice ending great story line. It left me with the feeling that some people in this world do great things
Good read nice ending great story line. It left me with the feeling that some people in this world do great things
April 1, 2018
Fantastic read!
May 18, 2017
Gripping
I was hooked and cheering for the good guys. James Fisher...a modern hero.The edge of a dystopian world, a battered and broken girl and a good and decent man.
I was hooked and cheering for the good guys. James Fisher...a modern hero.The edge of a dystopian world, a battered and broken girl and a good and decent man.
November 20, 2017
kindle unlimited but got it on a freebie day {yes look at bookbub and freebooksy and couple others every day, and if nothing else the writer gets a verified even if could have pulled it on ku, not always the case} and not quite sure which they prefer, have been reading through all his that already had from freebie days, maybe will get some time over holidays to clear some room on the ku for some more
There’s a thin line between justice and vengeance. James and Brittany fight for both against a corrupt police department. James Fisher taught his students to question authority, much to the chagrin of his principal. He loved his wife, but his marriage was failing. His life was a bubble in search of a pin. After his bubble burst, he moved to a backwoods town, content to waste away. He was awakened from his apathy by a small girl with a big problem. It was safer to look the other way. Getting involved would place James squarely in the cross-hairs of the local police. He was afraid, but he did it anyway.
Adult language and content.
There’s a thin line between justice and vengeance. James and Brittany fight for both against a corrupt police department. James Fisher taught his students to question authority, much to the chagrin of his principal. He loved his wife, but his marriage was failing. His life was a bubble in search of a pin. After his bubble burst, he moved to a backwoods town, content to waste away. He was awakened from his apathy by a small girl with a big problem. It was safer to look the other way. Getting involved would place James squarely in the cross-hairs of the local police. He was afraid, but he did it anyway.
Adult language and content.
May 31, 2017
Nice Read
A very engaging and thought provoking story. Quite a compelling tale, one that was hard to put down. A pretty good effort,and the author should be encouraged to put out more work and to further develop his craft.
A very engaging and thought provoking story. Quite a compelling tale, one that was hard to put down. A pretty good effort,and the author should be encouraged to put out more work and to further develop his craft.
January 31, 2018
This one kept me up until 3 this morning. I found this novel truly engaging and loved that I couldn’t predict what would happen.
January 16, 2019
Gripping
Wow! This was one of the best books I've read in a while. Twists, turns and unexpected events in every chapter. What a movie this would make.
Wow! This was one of the best books I've read in a while. Twists, turns and unexpected events in every chapter. What a movie this would make.
March 29, 2018
Fantastic book
Really enjoyed this book very cleverly written with plenty going on throughout the story will definitely be reading more books by this author
Really enjoyed this book very cleverly written with plenty going on throughout the story will definitely be reading more books by this author
March 29, 2018
Page turner
Interesting story, great characters. There were moments when I couldn’t read fast enough, I was glued to each word. Suspense and intrigue, I really enjoyed it.
Interesting story, great characters. There were moments when I couldn’t read fast enough, I was glued to each word. Suspense and intrigue, I really enjoyed it.
May 27, 2017
Mr. Williams, please publish more
What a great book. James is so real you could meet him in the grocery store. More nerd than hero, he comes into his own as the book progresses. However, he is the same man at the end as the beginning. He changes the readers POV.
What a great book. James is so real you could meet him in the grocery store. More nerd than hero, he comes into his own as the book progresses. However, he is the same man at the end as the beginning. He changes the readers POV.
November 29, 2020
Very suspenseful. No TV for me when I have a good book to read. Looking for another by Phil Williams
October 10, 2016
A page Turner...worth the "Dive"
As a Www.peakprosperity.com reader (as is the author, who has protagonist delving into its list of headlines/current events), I heard about this engaging book (I'm usually strictly a nonfiction reader), the story slowly draws you in with intimate character development and slowly builds a complex,believable tale of small town corruption and graft, and eventual recommendation. A good book to lose oneself in (sidenote goto above website... watch the crash course...and open your mind d and eyes to what is unfolding with The Three E's__economy, energy and environment)
As a Www.peakprosperity.com reader (as is the author, who has protagonist delving into its list of headlines/current events), I heard about this engaging book (I'm usually strictly a nonfiction reader), the story slowly draws you in with intimate character development and slowly builds a complex,believable tale of small town corruption and graft, and eventual recommendation. A good book to lose oneself in (sidenote goto above website... watch the crash course...and open your mind d and eyes to what is unfolding with The Three E's__economy, energy and environment)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews