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Jed Walker #5
The Agency
It's 2005, and Walker has just entered the CIA. After a distinguished ten-years within Air Force special ops, he's re-upped to avoid a desk job. But his first job will move the front line far closer to home - his first mission is stateside.
New Orleans, pre Katrina. Walker is sent on a mission by Harold Richter, CIA field operations legend and trainer of agents provocateur. The task he sends Walker on is a one-way ticket - survive and succeed at all costs. Walker is an off-the-grid, solo, deniable asset.
But Walker soon finds out: he's not alone. There's a British Agent in place, a feisty MI6 operator named Steph Mensch, and she's been tracking a super yacht of Russians from Miami to the Big Easy. They're there to buy - and the asking price is huge. Soon, our spies learn that they must work together, and their missions become one and the same - and personal.
When Steph is taken hostage, the case opens up. No one is who they seem, and soon Walker must take steps that will betray The Agency in order to do what's right by the nation. In a high-stakes game where the winner takes all, he mustsucceed. But at what cost?
Then Walker finds out: the Russians are there to buy something that was stolen from them during the Russian war in Afghanistan. Walker uses all the skills he can bring to bare as his mission heats up in more ways than one, and he knows: if he doesn't succeed, it's not only Steph and he that will be left behind - failure will result in the world suffering an epic act of terrorism.
As Katrina comes to town to forever change a city and a country, it's clear to Walker that his life as a spy will play a pivotal part in shaping our world. From Langley to Louisiana, Washington to Moscow, The Agency moves like a hurricane through a treacherous landscape of double crosses, false identities, and enemies old and new.
New Orleans, pre Katrina. Walker is sent on a mission by Harold Richter, CIA field operations legend and trainer of agents provocateur. The task he sends Walker on is a one-way ticket - survive and succeed at all costs. Walker is an off-the-grid, solo, deniable asset.
But Walker soon finds out: he's not alone. There's a British Agent in place, a feisty MI6 operator named Steph Mensch, and she's been tracking a super yacht of Russians from Miami to the Big Easy. They're there to buy - and the asking price is huge. Soon, our spies learn that they must work together, and their missions become one and the same - and personal.
When Steph is taken hostage, the case opens up. No one is who they seem, and soon Walker must take steps that will betray The Agency in order to do what's right by the nation. In a high-stakes game where the winner takes all, he mustsucceed. But at what cost?
Then Walker finds out: the Russians are there to buy something that was stolen from them during the Russian war in Afghanistan. Walker uses all the skills he can bring to bare as his mission heats up in more ways than one, and he knows: if he doesn't succeed, it's not only Steph and he that will be left behind - failure will result in the world suffering an epic act of terrorism.
As Katrina comes to town to forever change a city and a country, it's clear to Walker that his life as a spy will play a pivotal part in shaping our world. From Langley to Louisiana, Washington to Moscow, The Agency moves like a hurricane through a treacherous landscape of double crosses, false identities, and enemies old and new.
335 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2018
46 people are currently reading
2804 people want to read
About the author
James Phelan
36 books257 followersJames Phelan is the award-winning author of twenty-four novels and one work of non-fiction. He first studied and worked in architecture before turning to English/Lit, working five years at The Age newspaper, obtaining an MA (Writing) and PhD (Young Adult Literature).
Hachette has published his five geo-political thrillers: FOX HUNT, PATRIOT ACT, BLOOD OIL, LIQUID GOLD and RED ICE.
From 2010-2011, Hachette published the widely acclaimed ALONE trilogy of Young Adult post-apocalyptic/dystopian novels.
In 2013/2014, Scholastic published James' thirteen-book adventure series about the dream work THE LAST THIRTEEN. The multi-award winning series (2014 YABBA, COOL, KOALA awards) has been highly successful around the world, selling over a million copies in 18 months.
THE SPY (Hachette, 2013), was the first instalment in a new series of suspense thrillers with the protagonist Jed Walker, and is followed by THE HUNTED (2015), and KILL SWITCH (2015).
James is currently working on a follow-up trilogy to THE LAST THIRTEEN, more thrillers, and an illustrated middle-grade series titled GRANDPA SPIES.
James has taught writing at post-graduate level and regularly talks at schools, libraries and universities around the world. Since 2006 he has sold over 4 million copies of his books.
Hachette has published his five geo-political thrillers: FOX HUNT, PATRIOT ACT, BLOOD OIL, LIQUID GOLD and RED ICE.
From 2010-2011, Hachette published the widely acclaimed ALONE trilogy of Young Adult post-apocalyptic/dystopian novels.
In 2013/2014, Scholastic published James' thirteen-book adventure series about the dream work THE LAST THIRTEEN. The multi-award winning series (2014 YABBA, COOL, KOALA awards) has been highly successful around the world, selling over a million copies in 18 months.
THE SPY (Hachette, 2013), was the first instalment in a new series of suspense thrillers with the protagonist Jed Walker, and is followed by THE HUNTED (2015), and KILL SWITCH (2015).
James is currently working on a follow-up trilogy to THE LAST THIRTEEN, more thrillers, and an illustrated middle-grade series titled GRANDPA SPIES.
James has taught writing at post-graduate level and regularly talks at schools, libraries and universities around the world. Since 2006 he has sold over 4 million copies of his books.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 7, 2018
I actually thought that #4 was going to be the last book in the series since Jed Walker had definitely finished a stage in his life. However in The Agency James Phelan has cleverly set his main character in a new direction with lots of scope for more instalments.
Jed Walker is a little bit like Jack Reacher. He can take on and defeat several attackers at the same time, he is always a step ahead of the enemy and he continues against enormous odds. Four detached ribs? So what! Just take a few painkillers and carry on as normal. Not realistic but it makes for great reading!
As usual the book is action packed with a number of interesting characters. Phelan's books sometimes get a bit too political for me but I just skim past those bits and get on with the good stuff. Still an easy 4 stars.
Jed Walker is a little bit like Jack Reacher. He can take on and defeat several attackers at the same time, he is always a step ahead of the enemy and he continues against enormous odds. Four detached ribs? So what! Just take a few painkillers and carry on as normal. Not realistic but it makes for great reading!
As usual the book is action packed with a number of interesting characters. Phelan's books sometimes get a bit too political for me but I just skim past those bits and get on with the good stuff. Still an easy 4 stars.
February 23, 2018
Jed Walker had decided to join the CIA ranks in preference to a desk job at the end of his Air Force special forces career; his training was intense and the immediate call to head into his first mission came sooner than he'd thought it would. But with his alias under his belt and the handler named Harold Richter directing his moves, Walker was on his way to New Orleans - not really sure what he had to do when he arrived...
When Walker's life was saved by Steph Mensch, a British agent who seemed to be following the same thread he was, they joined forces. But the stakes were high and the danger higher. Then Steph was captured and Hurricane Katrina loomed on the horizon. Could Walker extract Steph, as well as complete the operation which would avert an act of terrorism in the midst of a hurricane that could devour the country?
The Agency by Aussie author James Phelan is the 5th in the Jed Walker series and another tense, gripping, fast-paced thriller which I loved and had trouble putting down. This series is highly addictive and I'm looking forward to #6 already :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read and review.
When Walker's life was saved by Steph Mensch, a British agent who seemed to be following the same thread he was, they joined forces. But the stakes were high and the danger higher. Then Steph was captured and Hurricane Katrina loomed on the horizon. Could Walker extract Steph, as well as complete the operation which would avert an act of terrorism in the midst of a hurricane that could devour the country?
The Agency by Aussie author James Phelan is the 5th in the Jed Walker series and another tense, gripping, fast-paced thriller which I loved and had trouble putting down. This series is highly addictive and I'm looking forward to #6 already :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read and review.
August 11, 2019
“There are no dumb ideas,” Walker said. “Just ideas that don’t work out as planned.”
“Well, I guess that explains the Iraq War.”
August 2005. Texan Jed Walker, a Lieutenant-Colonel with the Air Force special forces is out celebrating completion of his training/induction with the CIA with other successful candidates when he is approached by 2 MP’s who direct him to a man in a vehicle outside the bar – Richter. Walker picks him as a Langley man and Richter mentions that from Walker’s file, his father was a friend of Marty Bloom at the NSA. Walker is given a false ID, cash and a ticket on the last flight to New Orleans, where he is to meet a man in a bar. Unsure whether this is an assignment on US soil or another test, Walker hides his ID in a hotel room and goes to the rendezvous point, where is approached by a woman, warning him that the operation is compromised and that the man who shows up is there to kill him.
Welcome to the fast-paced world of Walker, caught in the crossfire between Russian heavies on board an oligarch’s yacht in the Gulf of Mexico, and former American military working as private contractors for a company called GreyStone, who operate out of a compound at Fort Lee, Louisiana. For them money buys loyalty over patriotism, there is some unknown weapon up for grabs, but has Richter gone rogue?
The woman Steph who tipped him off is a MI5/MI6 operative, who seems to have her own agenda, running people to shadow the oligarch’s yacht from Florida. Walker’s clash with the heavy in the bar is swiftly followed by another in a muscle car driven by two other CIA newbies who are to take him alive or dead and are not particularly choosy. Meanwhile Hurricane Katrina is forcing New Orleans to evacuate or into lock-down.
I found myself a little bemused by this all-action thriller: Steph at first seems mildly annoying, then is unaccountably late for a rendezvous, without explanation, but manages to pull off a couple of minor victories. Walker is carrying back injuries from his stoush with the CIA newbies, survives on little sleep, and is held together by painkillers, surgical tape, coffee and some mystery food source known as a “po-boy”. Steph’s knowledge of first aid seems limited to getting Walker’s kit off and using him as a mattress. Walker doesn’t seem to mind. The best character was hacker / comms expert Luke who saves the day and is sent by Walker to Washington to contact Marty Bloom at the NSA. Meanwhile Hurricane Katrina closes in, and for an Air force man Walker seems to know a lot about seamanship.
The marina at Avoca Island Cutoff didn’t disappoint. Down at the level of the docks and jetties, the sea was ferocious. No little tin dinghy for him, (Walker) needed something that could handle rough seas. A long slender hull was going to have a softer ride, as long as the designer got the roll time right, which was mostly about the length to beam ratio, generating a steeper dead-rise and a sharp, deep entry. A wide, shallow hull wouldn’t perform anywhere near as well. He needed a boat with a length-to-beam ratio of at least 3:1, A true deep-V hull with a dead-rise at the transom of over twenty degrees. Stout stringers, hulls and decks bolted together and bonded, a heavy boat – a hull’s dry weight would help soften the ride. Minimal superstructure, or there would be increased roll and handling problems ...
The action takes place from Friday 26 August to Friday 2 September, and with 73 chapters plus prologue and epilogue across 335 pages, it had my head spinning. Enjoyed the technical detail, but too many “loose ends” for my tastes, so 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
“Well, I guess that explains the Iraq War.”
August 2005. Texan Jed Walker, a Lieutenant-Colonel with the Air Force special forces is out celebrating completion of his training/induction with the CIA with other successful candidates when he is approached by 2 MP’s who direct him to a man in a vehicle outside the bar – Richter. Walker picks him as a Langley man and Richter mentions that from Walker’s file, his father was a friend of Marty Bloom at the NSA. Walker is given a false ID, cash and a ticket on the last flight to New Orleans, where he is to meet a man in a bar. Unsure whether this is an assignment on US soil or another test, Walker hides his ID in a hotel room and goes to the rendezvous point, where is approached by a woman, warning him that the operation is compromised and that the man who shows up is there to kill him.
Welcome to the fast-paced world of Walker, caught in the crossfire between Russian heavies on board an oligarch’s yacht in the Gulf of Mexico, and former American military working as private contractors for a company called GreyStone, who operate out of a compound at Fort Lee, Louisiana. For them money buys loyalty over patriotism, there is some unknown weapon up for grabs, but has Richter gone rogue?
The woman Steph who tipped him off is a MI5/MI6 operative, who seems to have her own agenda, running people to shadow the oligarch’s yacht from Florida. Walker’s clash with the heavy in the bar is swiftly followed by another in a muscle car driven by two other CIA newbies who are to take him alive or dead and are not particularly choosy. Meanwhile Hurricane Katrina is forcing New Orleans to evacuate or into lock-down.
I found myself a little bemused by this all-action thriller: Steph at first seems mildly annoying, then is unaccountably late for a rendezvous, without explanation, but manages to pull off a couple of minor victories. Walker is carrying back injuries from his stoush with the CIA newbies, survives on little sleep, and is held together by painkillers, surgical tape, coffee and some mystery food source known as a “po-boy”. Steph’s knowledge of first aid seems limited to getting Walker’s kit off and using him as a mattress. Walker doesn’t seem to mind. The best character was hacker / comms expert Luke who saves the day and is sent by Walker to Washington to contact Marty Bloom at the NSA. Meanwhile Hurricane Katrina closes in, and for an Air force man Walker seems to know a lot about seamanship.
The marina at Avoca Island Cutoff didn’t disappoint. Down at the level of the docks and jetties, the sea was ferocious. No little tin dinghy for him, (Walker) needed something that could handle rough seas. A long slender hull was going to have a softer ride, as long as the designer got the roll time right, which was mostly about the length to beam ratio, generating a steeper dead-rise and a sharp, deep entry. A wide, shallow hull wouldn’t perform anywhere near as well. He needed a boat with a length-to-beam ratio of at least 3:1, A true deep-V hull with a dead-rise at the transom of over twenty degrees. Stout stringers, hulls and decks bolted together and bonded, a heavy boat – a hull’s dry weight would help soften the ride. Minimal superstructure, or there would be increased roll and handling problems ...
The action takes place from Friday 26 August to Friday 2 September, and with 73 chapters plus prologue and epilogue across 335 pages, it had my head spinning. Enjoyed the technical detail, but too many “loose ends” for my tastes, so 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
February 26, 2018
‘Walker had no idea what he was getting into.’
It’s 2005, and after 10 years in the Air Force special ops, Jed Walker has joined the CIA. This is his way of continuing to make a difference, by avoiding a desk job. Walker and the others who’ve passed their training to join the CIA are out having a celebratory drink when Walker is approached to undertake his first mission. Somehow, he thought it would take longer.
Walker is sent on his mission by Harold Richter, a CIA field operations legend. Walker is given an alias, and instructions to meet someone in New Orleans. He has no idea what the mission is.
From the beginning, things don’t work out as expected. But Jed Walker hooks up with Steph Mensch, a British agent who seems to know what is happening, and that it involves a super yacht full of Russians. But what is it that the Russians are trying to buy, and who is selling it to them? And so begins a high stakes, action-paced adventure as Walker and Mensch try to prevent the purchase and to work out just what is happening. Trust me: it’s complicated. The Russians aren’t the only bad guys on the scene and they are certainly not the only ones who would like Jed Walker to fail. Then Steph is kidnapped, and Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans. How can Jed Walker possibly succeed?
‘You couldn’t make this stuff up.’
This is my first Jed Walker novel, but I’ll be reading more. For me this is near perfect escapist fiction: a fast-paced story, heroes who are almost superhuman, villains who are truly evil and an array of complicating factors. And I read it so fast that certain aspects I might otherwise quibble over are forgotten in my race to find out how it ends.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
It’s 2005, and after 10 years in the Air Force special ops, Jed Walker has joined the CIA. This is his way of continuing to make a difference, by avoiding a desk job. Walker and the others who’ve passed their training to join the CIA are out having a celebratory drink when Walker is approached to undertake his first mission. Somehow, he thought it would take longer.
Walker is sent on his mission by Harold Richter, a CIA field operations legend. Walker is given an alias, and instructions to meet someone in New Orleans. He has no idea what the mission is.
From the beginning, things don’t work out as expected. But Jed Walker hooks up with Steph Mensch, a British agent who seems to know what is happening, and that it involves a super yacht full of Russians. But what is it that the Russians are trying to buy, and who is selling it to them? And so begins a high stakes, action-paced adventure as Walker and Mensch try to prevent the purchase and to work out just what is happening. Trust me: it’s complicated. The Russians aren’t the only bad guys on the scene and they are certainly not the only ones who would like Jed Walker to fail. Then Steph is kidnapped, and Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans. How can Jed Walker possibly succeed?
‘You couldn’t make this stuff up.’
This is my first Jed Walker novel, but I’ll be reading more. For me this is near perfect escapist fiction: a fast-paced story, heroes who are almost superhuman, villains who are truly evil and an array of complicating factors. And I read it so fast that certain aspects I might otherwise quibble over are forgotten in my race to find out how it ends.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 4, 2024
Predictable spy novel.
May 8, 2018
It is 2005 and Jed Walker has decided to join the CIA instead of being stuck behind a desk after ten years in the Air Force Special Forces. He goes through hell and is just celebrating his success when director Harold Richter picks him up and dumps him in New Orleans. Jed doesn’t know what is going on and what he is supposed to do but he does know that failure is not an option.
Thankfully Steph Mensch, a MI6 operator, saves his butt and puts him on the path. It seems a yacht full of Russians is in town with plans to spend a lot of money on some items. But then Steph is kidnapped and it is up to Jed to find her, discover what the Russians are after, and get out before Katrina hits land.
This is a fast paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. This is my first book from James Phelan and although this is the fifth book in the series, I had no trouble catching up with the happenings and hoping that Jed saves the girl, stops the bad guys, and saves the day.
If you like fast paces thrillers with the CIA and MI6 you will love this book. I can’t wait to see what I have missed with the rest of this series and others from James Phelan.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Thankfully Steph Mensch, a MI6 operator, saves his butt and puts him on the path. It seems a yacht full of Russians is in town with plans to spend a lot of money on some items. But then Steph is kidnapped and it is up to Jed to find her, discover what the Russians are after, and get out before Katrina hits land.
This is a fast paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. This is my first book from James Phelan and although this is the fifth book in the series, I had no trouble catching up with the happenings and hoping that Jed saves the girl, stops the bad guys, and saves the day.
If you like fast paces thrillers with the CIA and MI6 you will love this book. I can’t wait to see what I have missed with the rest of this series and others from James Phelan.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
February 15, 2019
I really thought that Dark Heart was going to be the last book in the series since it seemed to indicate that Jed Walker had finished a stage in his life. For that reason I came to the conclusion that The Agency is a set in a time before the first four books??
I could be wrong, but in any event, it was another great read and sets the scene for more books to follow. In some ways, Jed Walker is a bit like Jack Reacher. His character makes you want to read more, so I look forward to the next episode.
I could be wrong, but in any event, it was another great read and sets the scene for more books to follow. In some ways, Jed Walker is a bit like Jack Reacher. His character makes you want to read more, so I look forward to the next episode.
July 6, 2019
Not my cup of tea, unfortunately. I struggled with the concept of the twists of the plot--In a matter of days Jed had disposed of a huge number of badies----really ? Steph the love interest--really?
Jack Reacher has nothing to worry about.
I wouldnt waste my time reading another of James Phelan's publishings--Sorry James
Jack Reacher has nothing to worry about.
I wouldnt waste my time reading another of James Phelan's publishings--Sorry James
March 10, 2018
This book in a series featuring Jed Walker takes him back to first starting at the CIA. It moves rapidly with a fast paced plot and is a page-turner which is always a winner in my preference in a book. If you like Jack Reacher then I would definitely recommend reading this Aussie author.
November 18, 2018
A US agent starts an assignment not what his goal is or who he can trust.
I found this book pretty entertaining, in a few places the plot seemed it had been padded out and / or drifted, but the characters and action scenes were good.
Overall rating 3.5
I found this book pretty entertaining, in a few places the plot seemed it had been padded out and / or drifted, but the characters and action scenes were good.
Overall rating 3.5
June 25, 2023
Jed's first CIA mission
Not quite as good as the Zodiac series, but still an OK read
Interesting to see hurricane Katrina used as a backdrop to part of the story
Would be interesting to see more mission type books about Jed
Not quite as good as the Zodiac series, but still an OK read
Interesting to see hurricane Katrina used as a backdrop to part of the story
Would be interesting to see more mission type books about Jed
June 10, 2018
A good book. Will read more from this author.
February 15, 2020
Gripped me from the first page. Ending was a bit naff but I'll excuse that as I thoroughly enjoyed everything else.
July 19, 2020
Not nearly as good as Lee Child at his best & too many motives & counter motives to the point of irritation
November 23, 2022
Probably 2.75, Jed Taylor a CIA agent is sent to New Orleans to investigate Russians in the area, supposedly to buy weapons.
December 18, 2024
Bodies, bodies everywhere. Narrated by Rob Shapiro
July 30, 2025
A good read
August 9, 2025
suspenseful
Great storyline that moves at a fast pace with lots of action. Very entertaining! Great start to a new series.
Great storyline that moves at a fast pace with lots of action. Very entertaining! Great start to a new series.
May 31, 2020
This is the fifth book in the Jed Walker series but it is set years before the previous books, to when he transferred from the Air Force to the CIA. He has just finished his training and he and the others on his course are celebrating when he is pulled aside and sent on his first mission. Things don't seem right from the start as the CIA don't usually operate in the mainland USA. But Jed goes along with the mission which unfortunately goes badly wrong and very quickly.
He doesn't know who he can trust but sticks with a woman who saved him and seems to have all the answers, up to a point. He isn't sure what to do but is determined to find out what is going on and why he is involved in something that doesn't make any sense to him. He is also focused on surviving even if he has to kill.
I really enjoyed this book and it introduces a character who I could read more of. Jed Walker is a determined man who whats to do good and protect the innocent. But he is also ruthless when he has to be.
He doesn't know who he can trust but sticks with a woman who saved him and seems to have all the answers, up to a point. He isn't sure what to do but is determined to find out what is going on and why he is involved in something that doesn't make any sense to him. He is also focused on surviving even if he has to kill.
I really enjoyed this book and it introduces a character who I could read more of. Jed Walker is a determined man who whats to do good and protect the innocent. But he is also ruthless when he has to be.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews