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Another Try
Now charting worldwide on Kobo • Kobo #1 Bestseller in Espionage Thriller in Peru •Global Book Awards Bronze Medal Winner
Praise for Gene Koon
"A wonderful novel. Its take off is just as good as its landing and the story crackles with an authentic feel on multiple levels. I look forward to what’s next from Gene Koon." Michael Connelly, #1 New York Times author
"I loved this novel! Another Try grabs you on the first page and never lets go." Jeffery Deaver, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A lively, suspenseful, high-stakes thriller. Another Try crackles with tension, wit, and larger-than-life characters. The twists never let up." Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Kelley is the perfect protagonist for Koon’s despite the cartel hunting him down, he’s fearless and ready for action at a moment’s notice, and his sharp observational skills make him a formidable combatant.”
Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Prize
You’ve heard of Garris Kelley, but you shouldn’t have.
The last thing a covert CIA operative would wish for is to become an overnight sensation. But now that President Cahill has exposed him on social media for killing an international drug cartel kingpin, this is Kelley’s new norm.
Coming to Senator Frank Beemer’s aid after a mass shooting on the Max, Portland’s metro-transit train, Garris is on everyone’s radar.
Left with a lingering clue from the Max shooter, and with the cartel hot on his heels out for revenge, it’s time to scratch a visit to the cowboy town, Traughber City, off Garris’s bucket list.
Teaming up with FBI agent Gayle Wilson, who is in town searching for a missing colleague, thought to be working inside a malicious militia, Garris allows himself to become a pawn in a billionaire winemaker’s game.
Wine and bullets. Another Try is a sharp political thriller, intertwining hidden agendas and looming danger as Kelley navigates through a vineyard of trouble that entangles both a covert plot and political echelons.
Perfect for fans of fast-paced, high-stakes, espionage, action, and lone hero thrillers.
Praise for Gene Koon
"A wonderful novel. Its take off is just as good as its landing and the story crackles with an authentic feel on multiple levels. I look forward to what’s next from Gene Koon." Michael Connelly, #1 New York Times author
"I loved this novel! Another Try grabs you on the first page and never lets go." Jeffery Deaver, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A lively, suspenseful, high-stakes thriller. Another Try crackles with tension, wit, and larger-than-life characters. The twists never let up." Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Kelley is the perfect protagonist for Koon’s despite the cartel hunting him down, he’s fearless and ready for action at a moment’s notice, and his sharp observational skills make him a formidable combatant.”
Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Prize
You’ve heard of Garris Kelley, but you shouldn’t have.
The last thing a covert CIA operative would wish for is to become an overnight sensation. But now that President Cahill has exposed him on social media for killing an international drug cartel kingpin, this is Kelley’s new norm.
Coming to Senator Frank Beemer’s aid after a mass shooting on the Max, Portland’s metro-transit train, Garris is on everyone’s radar.
Left with a lingering clue from the Max shooter, and with the cartel hot on his heels out for revenge, it’s time to scratch a visit to the cowboy town, Traughber City, off Garris’s bucket list.
Teaming up with FBI agent Gayle Wilson, who is in town searching for a missing colleague, thought to be working inside a malicious militia, Garris allows himself to become a pawn in a billionaire winemaker’s game.
Wine and bullets. Another Try is a sharp political thriller, intertwining hidden agendas and looming danger as Kelley navigates through a vineyard of trouble that entangles both a covert plot and political echelons.
Perfect for fans of fast-paced, high-stakes, espionage, action, and lone hero thrillers.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2025
12 people are currently reading
1495 people want to read
About the author
Gene Koon
1 book19 followersGene Koon is an American author and former broadcast video director, best known for his debut thriller novel, ANOTHER TRY. Before transitioning to writing, Gene had a distinguished career in television, culminating in directing the Yugoslavian war crime trials for the United Nations in The Hague, Netherlands. His extensive media experience includes working with national and international documentary crews, traveling globally from the depths of the Amazon jungle to the Arctic Circle. Throughout his career, Koon interviewed influential figures such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and international leaders like Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, American hostage Terry Anderson, and astronauts Alan Shepard and Buzz Aldrin.
In ANOTHER TRY, Koon introduces readers to Garris Kelley, a covert CIA operative whose identity is exposed by President Cahill on social media after eliminating a drug cartel kingpin. The novel follows Kelley as he navigates the complexities of his newfound fame and the dangers that come with it, including a mass shooting on Portland's metro-transit train, the Max, and a cartel seeking revenge. Teaming up with FBI agent Gayle Wilson, Kelley becomes entangled in a billionaire winemaker's game while searching for a missing colleague linked to a malicious militia.
Currently residing in Oregon, Koon balances his love for airplanes, wine, coffee, and riding his Dutch bike, not necessarily in that order
In ANOTHER TRY, Koon introduces readers to Garris Kelley, a covert CIA operative whose identity is exposed by President Cahill on social media after eliminating a drug cartel kingpin. The novel follows Kelley as he navigates the complexities of his newfound fame and the dangers that come with it, including a mass shooting on Portland's metro-transit train, the Max, and a cartel seeking revenge. Teaming up with FBI agent Gayle Wilson, Kelley becomes entangled in a billionaire winemaker's game while searching for a missing colleague linked to a malicious militia.
Currently residing in Oregon, Koon balances his love for airplanes, wine, coffee, and riding his Dutch bike, not necessarily in that order
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 23, 2025
After seeing and hearing a lot of good stuff about this book and author online I thought I had to give Another Try by Gene Koon a chance. I must say that I'm glad I did, this is a great first for what will hopefully be a series. I found the premise intriguing. An undercover agent who is outed by the president, but is he still an agent? Well if you read the book you might find out, or maybe not? I was hooked on the protagonist from the start and would love to know more about him. I really hope there is more books on the way. The different stories in the book made for an interesting read and the twists where really good. I also appreciated the type of humour that is there in all kinds of situations. Garris Kelley is a character that will stay in my mind for some time.
January 20, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review
I really enjoyed this, it was fast moving and suspenseful. The characters were interesting and so impressive, the sad parts were sad, all the descriptions just transported me into this story and it was really enjoyable. I recommend!
I really enjoyed this, it was fast moving and suspenseful. The characters were interesting and so impressive, the sad parts were sad, all the descriptions just transported me into this story and it was really enjoyable. I recommend!
April 9, 2025
Fantastic
This book is truly awesome. It is fast paced and impossible to put down. It will grab you from page one and not turn you loose.
This book is truly awesome. It is fast paced and impossible to put down. It will grab you from page one and not turn you loose.
June 3, 2025
Enjoyed this book. A must read
March 28, 2025
A fun page turner with a new premise!
January 13, 2025
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
December 11, 2024
This was such a fun listen, esp for someone who likes action thrillers but with unexpected locations and twists and turns. I kind of wish I had read it just to get that experience but the narrator was great too. A really nice classic feeling book with a fresh take- loved it!
September 22, 2025
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.
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.
April 1, 2025
Garris Kelley is a CIA agent that has been outed and not sure if he still has a job. Our MC, Garris, is immediately thrown into action at the beginning of the book. He tries to keep his old military buddy and his senator father safe from an attempted assassination. Then he attempts to figure out who planned the attack.
This book has action, suspense, and intrigue. I thought it was funny that the president in this book is an active social media user which I initially thought was a stretch, but then I was like wait that’s the time we are living in. lol I liked the MC and his sense of morals. I do enjoy a military guy against everyone else book. I listened to the audio book and the narrator Richard Poe did a great job. His voice and pacing made this an easy listen.
There are a few things that I didn’t like. The main thing being it seems like a lot of repetition and that it took several chapters to really get into the plot. At almost half way through the book it felt like not much was accomplished. There was action and some suspense but the plot didn’t seem to move along. But overall I did enjoy the message and the listen.
Thank you to Gene Koon, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy to listen and review
This book has action, suspense, and intrigue. I thought it was funny that the president in this book is an active social media user which I initially thought was a stretch, but then I was like wait that’s the time we are living in. lol I liked the MC and his sense of morals. I do enjoy a military guy against everyone else book. I listened to the audio book and the narrator Richard Poe did a great job. His voice and pacing made this an easy listen.
There are a few things that I didn’t like. The main thing being it seems like a lot of repetition and that it took several chapters to really get into the plot. At almost half way through the book it felt like not much was accomplished. There was action and some suspense but the plot didn’t seem to move along. But overall I did enjoy the message and the listen.
Thank you to Gene Koon, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy to listen and review
December 9, 2024
I just finished the Dreamscape audio book of this novel.
Really enjoyed the book!
Another Try is a thriller set in the physical landscape of Oregon and the psychological minefield of modern politics. The story literally starts off with a bang in Portland, then builds in intensity as layers of intrigue are revealed alongside some of Oregon's stunning scenery.
Gene Koon's snappy dialogue and clever story telling captured my interest and kept me (virtually) turning pages. His writing style is visually evocative and feels ready for the leap to a screenplay. Would love to see this on Netflix someday soon!
Richard Poe's performance as Garris Kelley is masterful, giving the character a bit of a noir feel reminiscent of the hard men in classic Raymond Chandler mysteries. All of the characters are distinct and fun to listen to.
As the plot heads toward it's conclusion, there are surprising twists and satisfying pay offs. It left me wanting more! Looking forward to listening to Garris' next adventure or whatever comes next from author Gene Koon.
Really enjoyed the book!
Another Try is a thriller set in the physical landscape of Oregon and the psychological minefield of modern politics. The story literally starts off with a bang in Portland, then builds in intensity as layers of intrigue are revealed alongside some of Oregon's stunning scenery.
Gene Koon's snappy dialogue and clever story telling captured my interest and kept me (virtually) turning pages. His writing style is visually evocative and feels ready for the leap to a screenplay. Would love to see this on Netflix someday soon!
Richard Poe's performance as Garris Kelley is masterful, giving the character a bit of a noir feel reminiscent of the hard men in classic Raymond Chandler mysteries. All of the characters are distinct and fun to listen to.
As the plot heads toward it's conclusion, there are surprising twists and satisfying pay offs. It left me wanting more! Looking forward to listening to Garris' next adventure or whatever comes next from author Gene Koon.
April 16, 2025
4.5 stars.
The story opens with a mass shooting on a train. A U.S. Senator is aboard. Garris Kelley is a CIA agent who takes the senator to safety. The shooter gets away. Garris is famous since the president has outed his CIA identity. Garris knows there's a target on his back but he's got to go after the shooter because of an innocent bystander being hurt. Garris teams up with FBI Agent Gayle Wilson who has been investigating her partner's disappearance.
I love a book where the main character is extremely capable with an elite skill set. Good vs. evil. I get to root for him even harder when the bad guys have elite skills too. The book was very fast paced. There were lots of people to keep up with and I should have made a list. I saw a little bit of Evan Smoak and a little bit of Jack Reacher in Garris. Maybe that's why I liked him so much.
I won a Kindle copy of the book in a Goodreads giveaway. I would definitely look for other books by this author.
The story opens with a mass shooting on a train. A U.S. Senator is aboard. Garris Kelley is a CIA agent who takes the senator to safety. The shooter gets away. Garris is famous since the president has outed his CIA identity. Garris knows there's a target on his back but he's got to go after the shooter because of an innocent bystander being hurt. Garris teams up with FBI Agent Gayle Wilson who has been investigating her partner's disappearance.
I love a book where the main character is extremely capable with an elite skill set. Good vs. evil. I get to root for him even harder when the bad guys have elite skills too. The book was very fast paced. There were lots of people to keep up with and I should have made a list. I saw a little bit of Evan Smoak and a little bit of Jack Reacher in Garris. Maybe that's why I liked him so much.
I won a Kindle copy of the book in a Goodreads giveaway. I would definitely look for other books by this author.
April 26, 2025
If Gene Koon isn't Clive Cussler I will eat my hat.
The dashingly charming but unfailingly polite hero of the day, that just happens to live in not one but four hangars??
The car and plane descriptions?
The politcally themed history woven into the very core of the story?
The thrilling shoot 'em up absurdity that skates just this side of the ridiculous (but fun) plots that are a full James Bond spy novel?
The dames, who are definitely not damsels?
The descriptions of the most exquisite dishes you've ever heard of?
The wine?
Come on!!
(I did of course, have my fingers crossed behind my back for that first sentence because I'm not a fool and hats are rather unpleasant eating — especially used).
The dashingly charming but unfailingly polite hero of the day, that just happens to live in not one but four hangars??
The car and plane descriptions?
The politcally themed history woven into the very core of the story?
The thrilling shoot 'em up absurdity that skates just this side of the ridiculous (but fun) plots that are a full James Bond spy novel?
The dames, who are definitely not damsels?
The descriptions of the most exquisite dishes you've ever heard of?
The wine?
Come on!!
(I did of course, have my fingers crossed behind my back for that first sentence because I'm not a fool and hats are rather unpleasant eating — especially used).
December 4, 2024
In the book Another Try, author Gene Koon follows “covert” CIA operative Garris Kelley. But since President Cahill exposed him as part of the CIA, life has changed for Garris and he is not covert any more. Teaming up with FBI agent Gayle Wilson to try and stop an assassination and find out whose behind it all. This is an edge of your seat political thriller that keeps you guessing as to who is behind it all. I would recommend this book. The audio-book narration was very good. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
Another Try is a thriller plus (+)
Another Try was a book I didn't know I needed. It provides enjoyable action sequences along with well written characters and dialogue. Gene Koon effortlessly weaves a story which has notes of Ian Fleming's sense of place and Elmore Leonard's sense of character.
Both spy and action hero, Garris Kelly is a character with plenty stories to be told. I'm looking forward to his next thrill ride adventure.
Another Try was a book I didn't know I needed. It provides enjoyable action sequences along with well written characters and dialogue. Gene Koon effortlessly weaves a story which has notes of Ian Fleming's sense of place and Elmore Leonard's sense of character.
Both spy and action hero, Garris Kelly is a character with plenty stories to be told. I'm looking forward to his next thrill ride adventure.
December 26, 2024
Audiobook narrator was good, book itself is 2 stars, overall 3. Hope it has nothing to do with the real secret service or FBI or CIA
April 23, 2025
What happens when the President “accidentally” IDs an undercover agent who took out a top tier drug cartel mafia boss. Being identifiable doesn’t make Garris any less of a bad a$$. Along with a retired General and a rogue FBI agent, Garris still works to handle the bad guys! Pretty good plot, easy to follow, good read! I liked it!!
Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
August 17, 2025
Probably a 3.5. Not bad. Not great.
June 25, 2025
This book was hard to put down. The characters were well developed. Many parts of the book had you on the edge of your seat. Thank you Goodreads for this very suspenseful book.
July 14, 2025
Another Try by Gene Koon is a gripping thriller that captivates from the first page. With its compelling characters, intense action, and a vibe reminiscent of Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, this novel is hard to put down. Fans of Reacher and Orphan X will find themselves on the edge of their seats as they follow the story of CIA Operative Garriss Kelley.
The plot kicks off with a high-stakes assassination attempt on a senior United States Senator, thrusting Kelley into a perilous mission. With surgical precision, Kelley navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue and danger, determined to protect his VIP while uncovering the masterminds behind the plot. The tension escalates as Kelley races against time to thwart the conspirators' plans, which threaten to target even more significant figures.
Gene Koon's writing is spellbinding, drawing readers deeper into the narrative with each chapter. The story builds to a breathtaking climax, leaving readers both satisfied and eager for more. Garriss Kelley emerges as a protagonist worth rooting for—strategic, decisive, and unyielding in the face of danger.
If you relish thrillers brimming with action and suspense, Another Try is a must-read. Gene Koon delivers a guaranteed page-turner that will keep you hooked until the very end.
The plot kicks off with a high-stakes assassination attempt on a senior United States Senator, thrusting Kelley into a perilous mission. With surgical precision, Kelley navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue and danger, determined to protect his VIP while uncovering the masterminds behind the plot. The tension escalates as Kelley races against time to thwart the conspirators' plans, which threaten to target even more significant figures.
Gene Koon's writing is spellbinding, drawing readers deeper into the narrative with each chapter. The story builds to a breathtaking climax, leaving readers both satisfied and eager for more. Garriss Kelley emerges as a protagonist worth rooting for—strategic, decisive, and unyielding in the face of danger.
If you relish thrillers brimming with action and suspense, Another Try is a must-read. Gene Koon delivers a guaranteed page-turner that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews