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Failure Drill: A Gripping Conspiracy Thriller
John Phault has the quiet life he wants, investigating infidelity and insurance fraud...until a missing person case, plunges him into a deadly conspiracy.
As the former DEA agent delves into the case of a missing honor student, he finds more questions than answers. Why would a promising young man arm himself heavily and vanish without a trace?
As Phault races to unravel the mystery, he finds himself entangled in a web of secrets and lies and a serious threat to his own life.
A gripping thriller in which a seasoned investigator must risk everything to uncover the truth and stay alive long enough to expose a sinister plot.
____________________________________________________________________
What readers said about James Tarr’s John
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Another winner from James Tarr
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I would have read it in one sitting except real life kept getting in the way.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Fast paced. Nothing predictable about the next plot twists.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I'm off to read the next in the series. Tarr has a unique mind and his stories are very entertaining.
As the former DEA agent delves into the case of a missing honor student, he finds more questions than answers. Why would a promising young man arm himself heavily and vanish without a trace?
As Phault races to unravel the mystery, he finds himself entangled in a web of secrets and lies and a serious threat to his own life.
A gripping thriller in which a seasoned investigator must risk everything to uncover the truth and stay alive long enough to expose a sinister plot.
____________________________________________________________________
What readers said about James Tarr’s John
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Another winner from James Tarr
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I would have read it in one sitting except real life kept getting in the way.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Fast paced. Nothing predictable about the next plot twists.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I'm off to read the next in the series. Tarr has a unique mind and his stories are very entertaining.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 11, 2017
Another top notch guy book by Mr. Tarr
This is the second of 2 books I can find by James Tarr. Both were well written, "can't put down" books for folks who like thrilling plots, twists of fate, and surprising outcomes... kinda like everyone. Best appreciated by 2nd Amendment supporters and true libertarians. But anyone who likes the Good Guys will not put it down.
This is the second of 2 books I can find by James Tarr. Both were well written, "can't put down" books for folks who like thrilling plots, twists of fate, and surprising outcomes... kinda like everyone. Best appreciated by 2nd Amendment supporters and true libertarians. But anyone who likes the Good Guys will not put it down.
May 1, 2020
Excellent Read
With echoes of Nelson DeMille, there is enough wit and action for everyone. The posse might be a little implausible, but that's why they call it fiction. Enjoyed every page.
With echoes of Nelson DeMille, there is enough wit and action for everyone. The posse might be a little implausible, but that's why they call it fiction. Enjoyed every page.
July 27, 2026
So glad I discovered this new to me author
I was recommended this book in a newsletter when it was on special offer, and as the story sounded interesting to me I bought it. So glad I did! I really liked it a lot, and I will definitely buy more books from this series. It's very well written. The main character is no superman but a real human being who knows what he's doing but also makes mistakes. And the side-characters are hilarious! The plot is somehow different, really suspenseful but with a lot of humor too. I highly recommend this!
I was recommended this book in a newsletter when it was on special offer, and as the story sounded interesting to me I bought it. So glad I did! I really liked it a lot, and I will definitely buy more books from this series. It's very well written. The main character is no superman but a real human being who knows what he's doing but also makes mistakes. And the side-characters are hilarious! The plot is somehow different, really suspenseful but with a lot of humor too. I highly recommend this!
August 20, 2026
This, my friends, is a book worth reading
What a fun read. It is somewhat far-fetched (I think) but it has all the things that I like about a story - action, irreverance, humour, and general wondering what would happen next and how they would get around it. James Tarr wrote a story that really captured my imagination and interest. In my opinion, it is a book to read and enjoy. It is hard to put down.
What a fun read. It is somewhat far-fetched (I think) but it has all the things that I like about a story - action, irreverance, humour, and general wondering what would happen next and how they would get around it. James Tarr wrote a story that really captured my imagination and interest. In my opinion, it is a book to read and enjoy. It is hard to put down.
February 12, 2020
The way the world is today, no reason for some folks not to know, how to take care of business.
Interesting story, crime happens anywhere and everywhere. Always wise to pay attention to surroundings and be prepared to take care of yourself, family and friends. Always safety in numbers.
Interesting story, crime happens anywhere and everywhere. Always wise to pay attention to surroundings and be prepared to take care of yourself, family and friends. Always safety in numbers.
November 19, 2019
Excellent novel
Great characters and action sequences. The weapons used and descriptions where spot on. The characters and their interactions where extremely enjoyable. I have already read James other two novel, so please write more.
Great characters and action sequences. The weapons used and descriptions where spot on. The characters and their interactions where extremely enjoyable. I have already read James other two novel, so please write more.
April 30, 2020
Grabs you and and you can't stop reading. Excellent!!!
If you like to pick up a book and read a chapter then realize that you simply can not finish it quick enough you will appreciate it.
If you like to pick up a book and read a chapter then realize that you simply can not finish it quick enough you will appreciate it.
May 21, 2020
Truly a fun, great book!
I feel in love with this book and storyline early. Couldn't put it down. Characters I could see and re llamo are to made it an enjoyable read. Highly recommend and look forward to more from James Tarr!
I feel in love with this book and storyline early. Couldn't put it down. Characters I could see and re llamo are to made it an enjoyable read. Highly recommend and look forward to more from James Tarr!
February 25, 2026
Interesting book
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
March 4, 2021
Great!
I liked everything but the length, fewer pages would make a nicer read. Would be a 4.5 if that grade was available
I liked everything but the length, fewer pages would make a nicer read. Would be a 4.5 if that grade was available
Read
April 25, 2021Good read.
Good read. Lots of action. Plenty of story lines to follow. The shooting was justified. Friends to the core. Great!
Good read. Lots of action. Plenty of story lines to follow. The shooting was justified. Friends to the core. Great!
July 10, 2021
Really good!
I really enjoyed reading this one I'm off to read the next in the series. Tarr has a unique mind and his stories are very entertaining.
I really enjoyed reading this one I'm off to read the next in the series. Tarr has a unique mind and his stories are very entertaining.
October 10, 2021
Good gun handling
Fast paced. Nothing predictable about the next plot twists. Liked the characters and their personalities. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Fast paced. Nothing predictable about the next plot twists. Liked the characters and their personalities. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 12, 2021
A Whirlpool
I got sucked in. Loved it. I actually had friends much like this while growing up. Ton of fun to be had here!
I got sucked in. Loved it. I actually had friends much like this while growing up. Ton of fun to be had here!
February 20, 2022
Fun read
I would label it 2nd amendment porn. If you’re not familiar with gun culture you won’t appreciate it as much. John Ross’s “Unintended Consequences”, still tops that list.
I would label it 2nd amendment porn. If you’re not familiar with gun culture you won’t appreciate it as much. John Ross’s “Unintended Consequences”, still tops that list.
July 9, 2024
Loved the story
Great book. Easy to read and loved all the characters. I highly recommend this book and fixing to start another one.
Great book. Easy to read and loved all the characters. I highly recommend this book and fixing to start another one.
November 14, 2024
Good story
Like so.many novels there are quite a few improbable in the narrative but I still enjoyed the story. Try it out.
Like so.many novels there are quite a few improbable in the narrative but I still enjoyed the story. Try it out.
May 21, 2025
Weak plot, unbelievable action sequences, and lost count of how many pages I skipped to get to the end. Not at all interested in reading another.
June 8, 2025
Not a woke anywhere
If all youngsters stepped up like this we'd have both nothing to worry about. A serious story told with humour and grit.
If all youngsters stepped up like this we'd have both nothing to worry about. A serious story told with humour and grit.
January 9, 2026
Probably deserves a 3 for being totally implausible USA gun-toting violent trash, but it was an enjoyable read. Just switch off all thoughts of any resemblance to reality.
January 11, 2026
Great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and tried to drag it out. I didn't want to finish keeping up with John and the boys!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and tried to drag it out. I didn't want to finish keeping up with John and the boys!
January 17, 2026
Excellent
A really good PI story. A very good and somewhat wacky plot that really really works. All the characters really gelled and kept the story going
A really good PI story. A very good and somewhat wacky plot that really really works. All the characters really gelled and kept the story going
January 29, 2026
I don’t understand the high praise for this book. Boring and silly. DNF and quit at 50%.
July 11, 2026
Enjoy
This book has a lot of fun dialogues and interesting characters. I didn't want to.put it down, I hope there are more
This book has a lot of fun dialogues and interesting characters. I didn't want to.put it down, I hope there are more
July 9, 2026
A Great First Action Book
A vivid imagination and very plausible character development made Tarr’s book an exciting read.
Can’t wait to read Book 2.
A vivid imagination and very plausible character development made Tarr’s book an exciting read.
Can’t wait to read Book 2.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews