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The Defect
The genre for The Defect is 'Action Thriller' not 'Horror.'
Terrorists have infiltrated the staff of the Desert Canyons nuclear power station. They want to melt it down and spread radioactive waste all over Southern California. Think it can't happen today? Think again. At two in the morning in 2013, an unknown hooded person infiltrated a nuclear power plant in Tennessee. Shots were fired. It never made national news. None of what you read here ever happened, the cover-up was too complete. This story is based on actual events.
Terrorists have infiltrated the staff of the Desert Canyons nuclear power station. They want to melt it down and spread radioactive waste all over Southern California. Think it can't happen today? Think again. At two in the morning in 2013, an unknown hooded person infiltrated a nuclear power plant in Tennessee. Shots were fired. It never made national news. None of what you read here ever happened, the cover-up was too complete. This story is based on actual events.
- GenresFiction
356 pages, Paperback
Published June 29, 2016
4 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Bailey
2 books127 followersI write in the nuclear-based thriller genre because I have nearly fifty years of work experience in various nuclear related technologies. My first assignment, at nineteen, for the U.S. Army, was as a nuclear weapons electronics technician. In 2012, I retired as a senior member of the science and engineering staff at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington State.
While I do infuse my nuclear resume into my stories, I also base my stories on real events and real people. I based The Defect on the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island NPS in Pennsylvania, and on an attack at the Watts Bar NPS by a lone gunman.
The female lead in Not On MY Watch, Lance Corporal Casandra Sing, USMC, is based on my oldest granddaughter, who is an active duty aviation fire fighter in the United States Marine Corps and on my experience as an Army nuclear weapons tech stationed at Ft. Sill, OK.
My wife Patty and I have been married for forty-three year’s. It looks as though the perfect union might last. My favorite hobbies are my my three great-grandsons, my three grand-daughters, reading and writing.
While I do infuse my nuclear resume into my stories, I also base my stories on real events and real people. I based The Defect on the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island NPS in Pennsylvania, and on an attack at the Watts Bar NPS by a lone gunman.
The female lead in Not On MY Watch, Lance Corporal Casandra Sing, USMC, is based on my oldest granddaughter, who is an active duty aviation fire fighter in the United States Marine Corps and on my experience as an Army nuclear weapons tech stationed at Ft. Sill, OK.
My wife Patty and I have been married for forty-three year’s. It looks as though the perfect union might last. My favorite hobbies are my my three great-grandsons, my three grand-daughters, reading and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 15, 2021
The Defect
by Jeff Bailey is a crime thriller that blends suspense and action with character development and information about a nuclear power station. The novel is largely set in California and features Operations Shift Supervisor Brian Sing.
Brian is a compelling and likeable character that takes his job seriously, but hasn’t found time for much outside of work. There is an array of characters, both good and bad, that round out the story and provide support and/or conflict. But what happens when terrorists decide it’s time to destroy the power plant?
The book is very descriptive and atmospheric. The story line is compelling and very scary to think about. However, it is somewhat slow-paced at times for a couple of reasons. First, there are flashbacks to some of the character’s backgrounds. While this provided information on how this affected their current personalities and actions, it interrupted the flow. Second, there is a run-through by the terrorists of their plans. This tells the reader what is supposed to happen in precise detail before the action starts.
There are a lot of technical details and descriptions that draw on the author’s experience in the nuclear industry. These lend credibility to the account. Despite my earlier quibbles, this is a thought-provoking, fascinating and terrifying story that kept my interest and became a page-turner.
Overall, this was a dramatic, intense and absorbing novel that seemed feasible and all too real. Most reviewers have rated this one higher than I did. I rated it 3.5 stars and rounded down to 3 stars which means I liked it. I definitely recommend the novel. It is well worth the read.
This is my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date for the paperback version was June 9, 2016.
Brian is a compelling and likeable character that takes his job seriously, but hasn’t found time for much outside of work. There is an array of characters, both good and bad, that round out the story and provide support and/or conflict. But what happens when terrorists decide it’s time to destroy the power plant?
The book is very descriptive and atmospheric. The story line is compelling and very scary to think about. However, it is somewhat slow-paced at times for a couple of reasons. First, there are flashbacks to some of the character’s backgrounds. While this provided information on how this affected their current personalities and actions, it interrupted the flow. Second, there is a run-through by the terrorists of their plans. This tells the reader what is supposed to happen in precise detail before the action starts.
There are a lot of technical details and descriptions that draw on the author’s experience in the nuclear industry. These lend credibility to the account. Despite my earlier quibbles, this is a thought-provoking, fascinating and terrifying story that kept my interest and became a page-turner.
Overall, this was a dramatic, intense and absorbing novel that seemed feasible and all too real. Most reviewers have rated this one higher than I did. I rated it 3.5 stars and rounded down to 3 stars which means I liked it. I definitely recommend the novel. It is well worth the read.
This is my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date for the paperback version was June 9, 2016.
August 13, 2022
Tight timed detailed steps on planning, coordinating and operating a high level complex sabotage of a nuclear power plant by a terrorist group.
July 6, 2021
A heart-pounding glimpse into a lesser known tale of American Terror.
Jeff Bailey’s debut novel, The Defect, is an exemplary exploration in the positions that internationals and first and second generation immigrants take when their feet reach U.S. soil — to embrace or shun the proud and infectious American spirit.
The author’s unique background in nuclear science immerses the reader into the work-life of Indian-American operations supervisor, Brian Sing, and his day to day exploits in the Desert Canyons power plant in Southern California from one shift to the next — like some kind of well-rehearsed clockwork he’s seen many times before with minimal variance to the status quo.
As the story progresses, Bailey educates readers on the specificities and requirements that a role as Brian’s would entail, ultimately leaving us all thankful such a person knows which controls to press, maintain, and monitor in this setting.
[Admittedly, I am not one of those people and have gained great admiration for such since reading this.]
The descriptive methods and technical prowess ever familiar to the author is healthily peppered across the pages in this page-turning nail biter [and I would imagine much easier to palate than the thousands of pages he likely had to consume to carry such adeptness in his work] — effortlessly catching readers up to speed with processes and procedures in the plant, a seemingly insurmountable task in a mere 238 pages. Well done, Mr. Bailey!
No so fast, though… a contrasting immigrant plant worker to Brian named Alex James takes center stage in the story as he and other characters represent radicalized religious extremism, furthermore reinforcing the unsettling reality that manipulation, exploitation, and hate can come from abroad without an entity ever setting foot on American soil.
At some point, a gut-wrenching reality overarches the novel’s efficient historical narrative as the reader accepts an unfortunate truth — without ample checks and balances, nuclear devastation to the blessed and beautiful, “land of the free” is a mere arm’s length away when left in the wrong hands.
The Defect was uncomfortable on an emotional level at times to see the thought processes of the story’s antagonists/conspirators and their hatred toward this great nation and its successes, but, nonetheless, eye opening and thought provoking to see through an uncommon set of lenses to that of Protestants, Catholics, or Jews as many other novels regularly cover.
All in all, I enjoyed the book.
July 6, 2023
Exciting from beginning to end. The bad guys personalities were developed as much as the good guys and girls personalities. The minute details and timing in the countdown to the attack are the glue that holds the reader's attention. It takes a nuclear reactor expert to even know that some of these security measures exist. I like the way the bad guys get tripped up on little details as well as the way that the good guys and girls use knowledge of the details to detect anomalies in the system and what could be causing them. This is a strong, straightforward, manly writing style that keeps the temperature up and the pages turning. Maybe the Feds will come after Jeff Bailey for outing some deep secrets of the nuclear trade. Then he'll have material for his next book that I will be standing in line to read.
April 20, 2017
Jeff Bailey’s masterful debut novel takes you deep inside the belly and innerworkings of a nuclear powerplant and shows you how even when state of the art security is in place, nothing is ever enough to stop terrorists intent on their goal of widespread destruction. A thriller of a novel and chock full of technical detail to keep you firmly grounded in the action, it’s a hard one to put down—the desire to stay right on the heels of Brian and his team will keep you enthralled from cover to cover.
Typically, I have a bit of an aversion to stories which employ Middle Eastern terrorists attacking United States infrastructure, for the reason that I feel it perpetuates unequivocal stereotypes. However, Bailey did it right. I really appreciated the time he took to flesh out the individual members of the terrorist group, going so far as to paint a detailed picture of their backgrounds and what led them to where they are in The Defect. Although I certainly neither sympathize nor empathize with how they’ve chosen to deal with their resulting feelings, I respect them as individuals—as fellow people, and not just some stigmatized enemy, as contemporary, reductionist political rhetoric often suggests.
It's clear from the detailed account that he’s given that Bailey draws off a tremendous body of knowledge in setting the scene of his story. His precise, technical detailing of plant setup and the mechanisms utilized by the terrorist group in their attempt to destroy the plant really lends credibility and realism to this story, which is often lost or neglected in your everyday suspense/thriller. This is a book that I think will withstand the debunking of diligent Good Reads members looking to separate fact from fiction and rationalize events within the realm of possibility.
I greatly look forward to Bailey's next book, which is rumored to focus on another member of the heroic Sing family. If they’re anything like Brian, I know we’ll be in for another thrill!
Typically, I have a bit of an aversion to stories which employ Middle Eastern terrorists attacking United States infrastructure, for the reason that I feel it perpetuates unequivocal stereotypes. However, Bailey did it right. I really appreciated the time he took to flesh out the individual members of the terrorist group, going so far as to paint a detailed picture of their backgrounds and what led them to where they are in The Defect. Although I certainly neither sympathize nor empathize with how they’ve chosen to deal with their resulting feelings, I respect them as individuals—as fellow people, and not just some stigmatized enemy, as contemporary, reductionist political rhetoric often suggests.
It's clear from the detailed account that he’s given that Bailey draws off a tremendous body of knowledge in setting the scene of his story. His precise, technical detailing of plant setup and the mechanisms utilized by the terrorist group in their attempt to destroy the plant really lends credibility and realism to this story, which is often lost or neglected in your everyday suspense/thriller. This is a book that I think will withstand the debunking of diligent Good Reads members looking to separate fact from fiction and rationalize events within the realm of possibility.
I greatly look forward to Bailey's next book, which is rumored to focus on another member of the heroic Sing family. If they’re anything like Brian, I know we’ll be in for another thrill!
January 7, 2024
My second read by Jeff Bailey — read Not on My Watch last year — and again, the author offers an exciting story. Defect involves the well-planned terrorist attack at a nuclear power plant. Bailey’s level of detail is staggering as he draws on an extensive background in the industry. Great characters propelled by an intense plot. Highly recommended.
January 12, 2022
The author has an impressive education and background in the fields of nuclear weapons and nuclear power generation, and he uses this experience and knowledge to write a thought-provoking, scarily potential realistic tale about a terrorist cell infiltrating the inner workings of a nuclear power plant in California for the specific purpose of creating widespread death and destruction via the release of nuclear radiation into the skies and sea.
While the detail of the engineering and mechanical functions of how a nuclear power plant operates is, at times, beyond the scope of those of us that are either mechanically challenged or not at all familiar with nuclear science (yes, I am definitely one of those people!), I did not in any way find those detailed parts of the novel to be distracting to the story. To the contrary, even though I scratched my feeble brain more than once to understand the explanations of how a nuclear reactor works, it was fascinating to glean at least the raw basics of how nuclear power is generated. Additionally, it was frighteningly scary to learn how system failure in a nuclear plant can lead to widespread death and destruction.
Without giving any of the story away, Jeff also does a wonderful job with character development, whether it be the plant operators or the members of the terrorist organization. I much enjoyed the parts of the book where the author looks back at the history and the early life of a few of the terrorists, as it was helpful to see how their upbringing in the middle east countries shaped their terrorist activity and their view of western cultures.
This is a 5-star engaging, can't-put-down read from a top-notch writer. You won't want to miss reading "The Defect!: Wayne Edwards, author of Pacer Coulee Chronicles
While the detail of the engineering and mechanical functions of how a nuclear power plant operates is, at times, beyond the scope of those of us that are either mechanically challenged or not at all familiar with nuclear science (yes, I am definitely one of those people!), I did not in any way find those detailed parts of the novel to be distracting to the story. To the contrary, even though I scratched my feeble brain more than once to understand the explanations of how a nuclear reactor works, it was fascinating to glean at least the raw basics of how nuclear power is generated. Additionally, it was frighteningly scary to learn how system failure in a nuclear plant can lead to widespread death and destruction.
Without giving any of the story away, Jeff also does a wonderful job with character development, whether it be the plant operators or the members of the terrorist organization. I much enjoyed the parts of the book where the author looks back at the history and the early life of a few of the terrorists, as it was helpful to see how their upbringing in the middle east countries shaped their terrorist activity and their view of western cultures.
This is a 5-star engaging, can't-put-down read from a top-notch writer. You won't want to miss reading "The Defect!: Wayne Edwards, author of Pacer Coulee Chronicles
December 12, 2020
Inner workings of a modern nuclear power plant are laid bare by the terrorist attempt made upon it. Intrigue and suspense are woven into every page as the author pushes the reader ever deeper into the mechanical complexities of the beast, and more importantly, the people who run it on a daily basis. The realistically-told tale also shows how precarious our existence is once a foreign entity sets its eye on turning its awesome power against us. A warning to us all.
November 12, 2021
Believable and compelling
Bailey’s in-depth knowledge of the workings of a nuclear power plant and the fascinating and disturbing backgrounds he creates for the terrorists in The Family make The Defect a page-turning “must-read” for lovers of international thrillers.
R.T. Lund, Minnesota mystery writer
Bailey’s in-depth knowledge of the workings of a nuclear power plant and the fascinating and disturbing backgrounds he creates for the terrorists in The Family make The Defect a page-turning “must-read” for lovers of international thrillers.
R.T. Lund, Minnesota mystery writer
March 8, 2022
"The Defect" by Jeff Bailey is a nuclear energy thriller based somewhere in Southern California. The story unfolds through the point of view of a handful of powerplant workers—security staff, plant operators, managers—who, through their thoughts and interactions, allow us to understand from the bottom up how a nuclear power plant works, what the safeguards are, the good work that goes into the design and maintenance and yes, the potential faults which can be taken advantage of. The goal of nuclear power is providing carbon free, reliable electricity, and all engineering, management and maintenance efforts are meant to keep the reactor fully functional, with adequate water at controlled temperatures to spin turbines and generate power. There are small-scale accident potentials, then there are real-deal disasters that would require an automated reactor shutdown, colloquially called a scram, to keep everyone and the environment safe. But what happens if clever terrorists find a way to bypass the automatic shutdown?
The terrorists are a tight group of seemingly well-organized ne’er-do-wells who have taken great pains to acclimatize to American society or at least appear to do so. The plan for infiltration is months in the making. Obvious (and not so obvious defense) weaknesses of a free society are taken advantage of, such as studying publicly available records, to assault the plant. Even so, the plan to ruin a large chunk of Southern California through environmental devastation involves several steps, from intrusion and door code tampering to knowing which electronics to modify, steps that must be performed quickly and precisely by non-engineers and non-native speakers—no small feat. Without giving too much away, the reader feels the stress of whether the intruders will be discovered in time, if they will be completely successful, or if they will end up botching the job (yet still destroy the plant anyway).
Once I start a book, the basic bar I use to judge it is how much I want to finish it. The Defect was a book I found myself reading quickly, wanting to know how it turned out as there was a large element of “Oh crap, that doesn’t sound safe at all” to it. I was pleased with the ending, which was concrete but left a few details purposefully unresolved (nothing in real life is totally resolved).
The story detail was exceptional (obviously written by an expect) but at some points repetitive. There were a few characters and a scattering of typos typical to indie books, but these observations were not deal-breakers, just enough to keep my rating just short of four stars.
The bottom line is if you want to read a nuclear thriller which also teaches you a great deal about the nuts and bolts (and containment chambers) of a real world nuclear power plant, presented by someone with obvious deep, firsthand knowledge, this book is for you, and you will want to know how it turns out as nuclear damage is essentially forever and that is terrifying.—T. C. Schueler, author of "22 Dutch Road"
The terrorists are a tight group of seemingly well-organized ne’er-do-wells who have taken great pains to acclimatize to American society or at least appear to do so. The plan for infiltration is months in the making. Obvious (and not so obvious defense) weaknesses of a free society are taken advantage of, such as studying publicly available records, to assault the plant. Even so, the plan to ruin a large chunk of Southern California through environmental devastation involves several steps, from intrusion and door code tampering to knowing which electronics to modify, steps that must be performed quickly and precisely by non-engineers and non-native speakers—no small feat. Without giving too much away, the reader feels the stress of whether the intruders will be discovered in time, if they will be completely successful, or if they will end up botching the job (yet still destroy the plant anyway).
Once I start a book, the basic bar I use to judge it is how much I want to finish it. The Defect was a book I found myself reading quickly, wanting to know how it turned out as there was a large element of “Oh crap, that doesn’t sound safe at all” to it. I was pleased with the ending, which was concrete but left a few details purposefully unresolved (nothing in real life is totally resolved).
The story detail was exceptional (obviously written by an expect) but at some points repetitive. There were a few characters and a scattering of typos typical to indie books, but these observations were not deal-breakers, just enough to keep my rating just short of four stars.
The bottom line is if you want to read a nuclear thriller which also teaches you a great deal about the nuts and bolts (and containment chambers) of a real world nuclear power plant, presented by someone with obvious deep, firsthand knowledge, this book is for you, and you will want to know how it turns out as nuclear damage is essentially forever and that is terrifying.—T. C. Schueler, author of "22 Dutch Road"
August 23, 2022
After reading the Defect, I look forward to more “Edge of your seat and page-turning” novels. Mr. Bailey is clearly a talented author that provokes intrigue and suspense in a delightful and daring way. The Defect displays talented character development and the attention to detail is widely deployed throughout the book. I would give the book a 6 out of 5 stars if it would allow and that is because the imagery is beyond superb and kept my interest throughout the short time it took me to finish reading because I was unable to put it down.
June 14, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the sabotage of an American nuclear power plant. The author has extensive experience with the subject matter and gives great detail on the events that occur before, during and after a reactor accident. The key players are identified up front. The background set up is well-defined. The book's pace is steady but swift; this was a fast, easy read with a lead character who is likeable and respect-worthy from the beginning--and bad guys who weren't quite as bad as they believed. There's even a hint of romance that was handled at an appropriate level for the type of story being told. All in all, a wonderful read with the promise of other books to follow in this series. Mr. Bailey, well done!
May 21, 2022
Having worked in a power plant, I found this is an interesting story. It's well written, and all too believable.
January 20, 2024
Bailey's "The Defect" weaves a good tale of espionage, terrorism, and the inner workings of a nuclear power facility. Well worth a read!
July 21, 2022
Remember Three Mile Island and the meltdown they had? Well here is some more heart stopping action about a nuclear power plant, the Desert Canyons, a bunch of terrorists that have infiltrated the staff there, and a well-rehearsed plan to dump radioactive sludge into the river to create one of the biggest ecological disasters in southern California history. And what does a relief valve and a cold shutdown of the power plant have to do with it? And do Lenel and Brian finally get hooked up? Guess you'll have to get the book and read it to find out. I'm glad I did. Another good book by this author.
October 20, 2021
I knew I would like this book when I read the first lines, as a Beach Boys song blared out from the cab of a pickup truck. The story winds its way into thoughts and feelings as the characters seem so real.
I found myself experiencing the sounds of a nuclear reactor in the US; the hums and lights seem so routine as the story starts out mild but interesting because the characters are three dimensional. Brian Sing, Alex James and other characters bring the reader into a world of stability and threat, routine and unbalance, humanity and extremism.
As the plot builds (I do not want to give it away) the reader becomes drawn into a world of international terrorism, possible nuclear disaster and the conflict of ideologies.
I wasn’t sure if the characters were meant to represent certain groups or ideas, so I just took them at face value: individuals, without reading into it.
A series of events ensues which keeps the story riveting, with an unknown outcome as the events spiral forward.
What seems so strong appears so fragile at the end of the story, a balance holding humanity together and keeping it from the brink.
The knowledge and background of the author gives a realism to this story that is extremely convincing.
Well done, Jeff Bailey!
-Mark Tedesco, author of “She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome”
I found myself experiencing the sounds of a nuclear reactor in the US; the hums and lights seem so routine as the story starts out mild but interesting because the characters are three dimensional. Brian Sing, Alex James and other characters bring the reader into a world of stability and threat, routine and unbalance, humanity and extremism.
As the plot builds (I do not want to give it away) the reader becomes drawn into a world of international terrorism, possible nuclear disaster and the conflict of ideologies.
I wasn’t sure if the characters were meant to represent certain groups or ideas, so I just took them at face value: individuals, without reading into it.
A series of events ensues which keeps the story riveting, with an unknown outcome as the events spiral forward.
What seems so strong appears so fragile at the end of the story, a balance holding humanity together and keeping it from the brink.
The knowledge and background of the author gives a realism to this story that is extremely convincing.
Well done, Jeff Bailey!
-Mark Tedesco, author of “She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome”
April 7, 2022
Excellent read, the author paints a vivid picture of nuclear power's machine and culture. His characters come to life with all their flaws and attributes. I worked in nuclear for years and we were concerned about terrorism. Never met this author, but I knew people like the ones in this book (the good guys, LOL). This author shows just how it could happen and what consequences the world might face. I can't wait until his next book arrives, I have it on order. If you enjoy intrigue against a technical background, you love this book.
March 9, 2017
The Defect is the first book I've read from author Jeff Bailey. I found it very interesting and somewhat nerve wracking, what with a nuclear meltdown taking place in a terrorist attack. The timeline kept pace sort of like an episode of 24, with Jack Bauer racing against the clock.
Mr. Bailey pays close attention to detail in his writing style, and his characters are likable. I found The Defect to be attention holding as I live near the Hanford Nuclear Site. The book really makes you think...
Mr. Bailey pays close attention to detail in his writing style, and his characters are likable. I found The Defect to be attention holding as I live near the Hanford Nuclear Site. The book really makes you think...
October 16, 2022
The Defect is an intriguing novel about a terrorist attack on a nuclear facility. The premise is somewhat frightening if it really happens (or perhaps it hasn’t happened but has come close?) I don’t want to give too much away, but as you read the novel you get more and more convinced that a terrorist attack on a nuclear facility really could happen even if security precautions are many. Jeff Bailey has written this novel that keeps you reading, and as it is based on his in-depth experience of working in a nuclear power facility we are under no illusions about the factual basis of the storyline. This is an obvious strength to the book, but it is also a bit of a weakness.
I say that because, as much as I tried, at times I got lost in the technical details, and wondered if all the detail was necessary. It’s a tricky balance to get right, and I think Jeff has gone to far to the technical side. Interesting all the same. It slows the pace of the novel, but obviously important.
That said, I think the story would be better told as a film. The need-to-know technical material and the relevant back stories can be communicated in some tight narrative – as in Save The Cat (the Pope in the Pool technique). That strips the storyline down into its key elements. A screenplay will challenge Jeff Bailey (should he choose to write it), to bring the duller technical elements to life, which I believe he can do .
To me, the most interesting and engaging part of the book was at the end, which almost seemed like a post-script. Again, I don’t want to give it away, you’ll need to read the book yourself.
If you like reading books that make you think, and you see the plausibility of fiction in the non-fiction world, then a story has done its job. You should read this story.
I say that because, as much as I tried, at times I got lost in the technical details, and wondered if all the detail was necessary. It’s a tricky balance to get right, and I think Jeff has gone to far to the technical side. Interesting all the same. It slows the pace of the novel, but obviously important.
That said, I think the story would be better told as a film. The need-to-know technical material and the relevant back stories can be communicated in some tight narrative – as in Save The Cat (the Pope in the Pool technique). That strips the storyline down into its key elements. A screenplay will challenge Jeff Bailey (should he choose to write it), to bring the duller technical elements to life, which I believe he can do .
To me, the most interesting and engaging part of the book was at the end, which almost seemed like a post-script. Again, I don’t want to give it away, you’ll need to read the book yourself.
If you like reading books that make you think, and you see the plausibility of fiction in the non-fiction world, then a story has done its job. You should read this story.
August 31, 2022
I received The Defect two days ago and could not wait to begin reading it. Once I started, I found it difficult to actually stop. It's a really exciting and thrilling read.
The author, Jeff Bailey has significant experience within the nuclear power industry and this is so evident as you read the book. Right from the beginning the detail and wealth of knowledge is transparent. This book was fantastic right from the opening with a written scene of a man driving along with his window open listening to a Beach Boy's track. All is relaxed and he has, it would appear, no care in the world.
As it transpires, a terrorist 'family' (group of men) are getting set to carry out an act of terrorism at the plant where he works. The characters are so well defined. In fact the whole book is well written and engaging. Jeff Bailey has done an absolutely superb job of explaining the workings of a nuclear power station, and I was absolutely fascinated with this. The confidence and flair with which Jeff Bailey writes, makes the book an enjoyable read. It's so clever, the pace is spot on and you just want to keep reading what is going to happen.
The thing that captures me the most, is that I read on Jeff Bailey's author page that The Defect is based on some actual events that took place. From the Author's page, I quote: "based on the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island NPS in Pennsylvania, and on an attack at the Watts Bar NPS by a lone gunman."
This alone is enough to get your attention. I am an avid reader and I have to say, The Defect is one of the best books I have read so far this year. A Huge well done to Jeff Bailey for putting this together and out there. Can't wait to read more books by this author. If you haven't already read Not On My Watch by Bailey, get it on your reading list. Another great book.
I can highly recommend The Defect and Not On My Watch. I've awarded The Defect with 5 Stars because it is worthy of such a rating and well it is just incredible and fascinating to read.
Kudos Jeff for such brilliant work.
Kerry Kennedy author of Dakota, Who's Watching Who and Boris Flies To The Moon
The author, Jeff Bailey has significant experience within the nuclear power industry and this is so evident as you read the book. Right from the beginning the detail and wealth of knowledge is transparent. This book was fantastic right from the opening with a written scene of a man driving along with his window open listening to a Beach Boy's track. All is relaxed and he has, it would appear, no care in the world.
As it transpires, a terrorist 'family' (group of men) are getting set to carry out an act of terrorism at the plant where he works. The characters are so well defined. In fact the whole book is well written and engaging. Jeff Bailey has done an absolutely superb job of explaining the workings of a nuclear power station, and I was absolutely fascinated with this. The confidence and flair with which Jeff Bailey writes, makes the book an enjoyable read. It's so clever, the pace is spot on and you just want to keep reading what is going to happen.
The thing that captures me the most, is that I read on Jeff Bailey's author page that The Defect is based on some actual events that took place. From the Author's page, I quote: "based on the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island NPS in Pennsylvania, and on an attack at the Watts Bar NPS by a lone gunman."
This alone is enough to get your attention. I am an avid reader and I have to say, The Defect is one of the best books I have read so far this year. A Huge well done to Jeff Bailey for putting this together and out there. Can't wait to read more books by this author. If you haven't already read Not On My Watch by Bailey, get it on your reading list. Another great book.
I can highly recommend The Defect and Not On My Watch. I've awarded The Defect with 5 Stars because it is worthy of such a rating and well it is just incredible and fascinating to read.
Kudos Jeff for such brilliant work.
Kerry Kennedy author of Dakota, Who's Watching Who and Boris Flies To The Moon
April 28, 2025
A riveting page-turner!
The Defect is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Set against the intense backdrop of a nuclear power station under terrorist attack, the novel masterfully weaves together a narrative that is both fast-paced and deeply engaging.
The story centers around Brian Sing, a relatable and compelling protagonist whose actions and reactions through the terrorist infiltration of the Desert Canyons nuclear power station are brilliant and courageous. Bailey's ability to create multi-dimensional characters with complex motivations adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a simple tale of good versus evil. Instead, The Defect explores intricate themes of justice, redemption, and the often blurred lines between right and wrong.
One of the standout features of the book is its use of multiple viewpoints. This narrative technique enriches the story, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the various characters' motivations and the high stakes involved. The result is a smooth and engaging read that never loses momentum.
Overall, The Defect is a must-read for fans of thrillers and anyone interested in stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas that emerge from relentless conviction. Jeff Bailey has crafted a novel that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder the real-world implications long after they have turned the last page.
The Defect is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Set against the intense backdrop of a nuclear power station under terrorist attack, the novel masterfully weaves together a narrative that is both fast-paced and deeply engaging.
The story centers around Brian Sing, a relatable and compelling protagonist whose actions and reactions through the terrorist infiltration of the Desert Canyons nuclear power station are brilliant and courageous. Bailey's ability to create multi-dimensional characters with complex motivations adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a simple tale of good versus evil. Instead, The Defect explores intricate themes of justice, redemption, and the often blurred lines between right and wrong.
One of the standout features of the book is its use of multiple viewpoints. This narrative technique enriches the story, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the various characters' motivations and the high stakes involved. The result is a smooth and engaging read that never loses momentum.
Overall, The Defect is a must-read for fans of thrillers and anyone interested in stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas that emerge from relentless conviction. Jeff Bailey has crafted a novel that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder the real-world implications long after they have turned the last page.
June 16, 2021
Truth is Scarier than Fiction
A nuclear power plant in Southern California is getting ready for a routine refueling stoppage. Unbeknownst to the crew, The Family, a Middle Eastern terrorist organization, plans to have the stoppage made permanent.
Based upon a true story, the events in The Defect, are blood chilling. In America, The Land of the Free, we have lived under the illusion that we are mostly safe from foreign interference. At least, until September 9, 2011.
Meticulously plotted, the scheme to destroy the nuclear power plant proceeds mostly according to schedule. What happens in the end could be the results of personnel error or quite possibly, an act of God.
Regardless, you should read this book. Information about our country's vulnerabilities is important to know, even in the form of fiction. Are you prepared?
A nuclear power plant in Southern California is getting ready for a routine refueling stoppage. Unbeknownst to the crew, The Family, a Middle Eastern terrorist organization, plans to have the stoppage made permanent.
Based upon a true story, the events in The Defect, are blood chilling. In America, The Land of the Free, we have lived under the illusion that we are mostly safe from foreign interference. At least, until September 9, 2011.
Meticulously plotted, the scheme to destroy the nuclear power plant proceeds mostly according to schedule. What happens in the end could be the results of personnel error or quite possibly, an act of God.
Regardless, you should read this book. Information about our country's vulnerabilities is important to know, even in the form of fiction. Are you prepared?
March 6, 2024
In an era of ever-watchful cybersecurity agencies, we shouldn’t worry about terrorists breaking into a nuclear power plant to cause a meltdown, or should we?
Jeff Bailey’s The Defect follows a terrorist attack on Desert Canyons nuclear power plant. There is no Desert Canyons plant, but there was a San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station near San Clemente, which was shut down 2013 (the same year events take place in the book), after “defects were found in replacement steam generators,” according to Wikipedia.
The technical detail in the book is authentic enough to make me wonder whether the official story is a coverup, and the “defects” were caused by terrorists, as Bailey wrote. The plotting and pacing are good. His writing style and reminds me of Michael Crichton’s Andromeda Strain.
Overall, a worthwhile read.
Jeff Bailey’s The Defect follows a terrorist attack on Desert Canyons nuclear power plant. There is no Desert Canyons plant, but there was a San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station near San Clemente, which was shut down 2013 (the same year events take place in the book), after “defects were found in replacement steam generators,” according to Wikipedia.
The technical detail in the book is authentic enough to make me wonder whether the official story is a coverup, and the “defects” were caused by terrorists, as Bailey wrote. The plotting and pacing are good. His writing style and reminds me of Michael Crichton’s Andromeda Strain.
Overall, a worthwhile read.
October 4, 2022
The Defect captured me from the first chapter and I was unable to put it down as a series of events kept the story riveting, with an unknown outcome as the story moves forward. Brian Sing, Alex James and the other characters become real and brought me into a world of international terrorism, possible nuclear disaster and the conflict of ideologies as a nuclear power plant in Southern California readies for routine refueling. The Family, a Middle Eastern terrorist organization, plans to make the stoppage permanent. The Defect describes a balance between holding humanity together and keeping it from the brink.
Jeff Bailey’s knowledge and background seems to give a realism to this story that is extremely convincing.
Congratulations, Jeff Bailey!
Reviewed by Author, L A Hearn
Jeff Bailey’s knowledge and background seems to give a realism to this story that is extremely convincing.
Congratulations, Jeff Bailey!
Reviewed by Author, L A Hearn
September 26, 2025
This was a gripping read from start to finish. The plot of The Defect is one of those nightmare scenarios you hope never comes true. Bailey does a great job of making the nuclear plant setting feel authentic, you can practically hear the hum of the generators and feel the claustrophobia of the control rooms. My only small critique is that some technical descriptions slowed me down a little, but they also added weight to the realism. The pacing reminded me of Tom Clancy or Vince Flynn, but with a sharper edge. The final third of the book was unputdownable, with twists that made my jaw drop. I walked away thinking about how unprepared we might actually be for threats like this. A chilling and eye-opening read.
September 25, 2022
If you want to enjoy a good old fashioned knock down good time escape, you MUST read this book!
Twists, turns, and in your face "gotchas". Combined with great character building and multi faceted background stories. All built on the bones of precise and real world technical expertise.
These are the requirements of a truly imaginative and immensely satisfying thriller that were met with gritty style and gutsy panache by author James Bailey.
I could actually begin to visualize this up on the big screen being played out as I gleefully escaped for at least a few wonderful hours!
Kudos Mr. Bailey! Well done sir.
Patterson, Grisham, Crichton, Brown, Ludlum....Bailey....hmmm?
Twists, turns, and in your face "gotchas". Combined with great character building and multi faceted background stories. All built on the bones of precise and real world technical expertise.
These are the requirements of a truly imaginative and immensely satisfying thriller that were met with gritty style and gutsy panache by author James Bailey.
I could actually begin to visualize this up on the big screen being played out as I gleefully escaped for at least a few wonderful hours!
Kudos Mr. Bailey! Well done sir.
Patterson, Grisham, Crichton, Brown, Ludlum....Bailey....hmmm?
February 8, 2024
A nuclear power plant and terrorists…
What could go wrong with this combination? The mix sets up the potential for a catastrophe on US soil.
Jeff Bailey takes you through the inner workings of a nuclear power plant. All is well until the well-disciplined terrorists make the plant their target. The author shows the lengths a terrorist organization will go through to attack their target. Although the plant has numerous safeguards, make no mistake, the security can be subverted.
The highly trained, dedicated staff responsible for the safe operation of the plant made an early mistake of not recognizing an innocuous warning that an actual breach had occurred until events took a terrifying turn.
Jeff shows how they did it. Well done! This thriller is a worthy read for the suspense/thriller reader.
What could go wrong with this combination? The mix sets up the potential for a catastrophe on US soil.
Jeff Bailey takes you through the inner workings of a nuclear power plant. All is well until the well-disciplined terrorists make the plant their target. The author shows the lengths a terrorist organization will go through to attack their target. Although the plant has numerous safeguards, make no mistake, the security can be subverted.
The highly trained, dedicated staff responsible for the safe operation of the plant made an early mistake of not recognizing an innocuous warning that an actual breach had occurred until events took a terrifying turn.
Jeff shows how they did it. Well done! This thriller is a worthy read for the suspense/thriller reader.
November 19, 2017
I received the free review copy of Defect from Mr Bailey. To say I was disappointed is an understatement.
The plot was good and held my attention, but the writing was sorely in need of editing. This was all the more glaring as the copy I received had been previously edited by at least one reader (and probably returned to Mr Bailey). There were comments in different colors of ink, as well as hi-liter.
The poor editing and the comments throughout the second half of the book destroyed any enjoyment I had from the plotting.
The plot was good and held my attention, but the writing was sorely in need of editing. This was all the more glaring as the copy I received had been previously edited by at least one reader (and probably returned to Mr Bailey). There were comments in different colors of ink, as well as hi-liter.
The poor editing and the comments throughout the second half of the book destroyed any enjoyment I had from the plotting.
September 25, 2021
The Defect is a multifaceted thriller. There were two aspects I really enjoyed.... first, the character development that helped add context to the plot. The other was WOW! that something like this could happen, and almost did. Jeff's knowledge of nuclear power is evident in the details he describes through the daily operations of his characters. The Defect is an easy page-turner which I like. Great job, Jeff and I have Not on My Watch on order to dig into soon!
J.T. Fluhart
J.T. Fluhart
October 24, 2022
Jeff Bailey’s knowledge and expertise of the nuclear power industry come through vividly and clear in this fictional novel. With fascinating detail and descriptions, he puts the reader right in the narrative. I felt like I knew the characters and the nuclear plant so well. Very intriguing story of terrorism and suspense. Highly recommend for fans of Clancy and other American threat stories. Would be a great movie!
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