Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service

Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service by Carol D. Leonnig is a landmark work of investigative journalism uncovering the troubled history of one of America’s most critical security agencies. Leonnig documents decades of overlooked warnings, leadership failures, political pressures, and operational breakdowns within the Secret Service.

Drawing on interviews, classified insights, and insider accounts, the book reveals shocking vulnerabilities in presidential protection—from security lapses and staffing shortages to cultural problems that have long undermined the agency. With narrative power and investigative depth, Leonnig exposes why the Secret Service’s mission has become increasingly fragile despite its life-or-death responsibilities.

Recommended for readers who enjoy:

• Investigative journalism
• U.S. politics & national security
• Government and intelligence agencies
• Non-fiction thrillers and political reporting

Author Description: Carol Leonnig is a national investigative reporter at The Washington Post, where she has worked since 2000. A three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller A Very Stable Genius, Leonnig is also an on-air contributor to NBC News and MSNBC. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband and two children.

Format: Paperback