Another Try by Gene Koon is a political thriller with a premise that instantly hooks you: an undercover CIA operative, Garris Kelley, is outed by none other than the President himself. Is he still an agent, or just a man left exposed? That question fuels a story that moves at breakneck speed—cartel revenge, a mass shooting on a Portland train, political corruption, and conspiracies that stretch all the way to Oregon’s wine country. What makes it so addictive is that every detail matters—the people, the places, the tiny threads you might overlook. It’s the kind of book where you lean in closer because you don’t want to miss a single clue.
What truly sets this apart is how immersive it is. Oregon itself becomes part of the story—you can almost smell the vineyards, feel the grit of Portland’s streets, and sense the weight of secrets hiding in the Pacific Northwest shadows. And then there’s Garris Kelley. He’s the kind of protagonist who feels so real and familiar that you can’t help but cheer him on. His backstory and connections are woven in so naturally that I actually caught myself wondering if there were already more books in the series. That familiarity makes you crave more—more of his history, more of his battles, more of his victories. He’s a hero you’ll remember long after you close the book.
The audiobook takes it to another level. With a story this layered and a cast this wide, a good narrator can make or break it—and Richard Poe absolutely blows it out of the park. Each character feels distinct and alive, making the tension hit even harder. Add in the mix of political intrigue, lies, murders, money trails, and eerily relevant current events, and Another Try becomes not just entertaining but timely. I had the privilege of meeting Gene Koon at Bouchercon, and his passion for storytelling shines the moment you speak to him. That same passion bursts from every page. If you want a thriller that will keep you on edge, surprise you at every turn, and leave you begging for more of Garris Kelley—this is one you can’t afford to miss.
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