November 4 2025
Stay tuned for our interview at Elaine’s Literary Salon with Crime, Thriller, and Sci-Fi author Dale Nelson talks about his latest novel in the 4-part Gage Files series, “Lightning Strikes Twice”
Meet the Author — Dale says: I grew up outside Tampa, Florida and attended the University of Florida, where I graduated from the College of Journalism and Communications (Go Gators!). After graduation, I commissioned in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a logistics officer and war planner. After my military service, I worked in defense and tech before writing full time. I’ve had the opportunity to live abroad and see a large part of the world, thanks to my time in the military, and that’s certainly informed my writing. I currently live in Washington, DC, with my wife and daughters.
I’m a lifelong storyteller. I began writing at eight and never stopped. My school notebooks were indecipherable because I had as many story fragments, ideas, notes and bits of dialogue as I did whatever I was actually supposed to be taking notes on. I believe there is real power in stories. It can help us see and understand our world with a different perspective and experience things we might never see. But mostly, there’s just nothing like a great story well told.
Outside of writing, I’m passionate and loud about good books, good wine, music, travelling, snowboarding, college football and spending time with my family. Learn more: dalemnelson.com.
About
What is more dangerous than the truth? Matt Gage is about to find out.
When investigative reporter Jennie Burkhardt uncovers a link between Russia and the mysterious “Havana Syndrome” attacks, she enlists former CIA operative-turned private eye Matt Gage to verify the source―a Russian defector with ties to a shadowy military intelligence unit. But as Gage plunges headlong into the investigation, he realizes the opposition is far more organized―and closer to home―than he expected.
Gage’s case pulls him into an international hunt, making him the target of powerful adversaries determined to bury the secret. And as the investigation continues, he realizes they’ll stop at nothing to bury him, too.
With powerful forces closing in, Gage faces a harrowing choice: reveal the truth, risking worldwide chaos, or become complicit in hiding a dark conspiracy, betraying his values and humanity.
Dale M. Nelson’s third installment in the Gage Files is a gripping, hard-edged tale of crime and conspiracy―perfect for readers of Nelson DeMille, Michael Connelly, and David Baldacci.
Click here to buy book 3 in the series!
About Book 2 in the series: One Bullet Away
For some, loyalty is a game played with loaded dice. In Miami’s deceptive calm, private investigator Matt Gage is pulled into a case that cuts to the core of the city’s athletic empire. Hired by sports agent Jimmy Lawson, Gage is tasked with infiltrating the shadowy Sunshine Sports Collective and unraveling a dark conspiracy that spans the recesses of Miami’s underbelly to the pulsing heart of its illustrious arenas.
As an ex-CIA operative, Gage is familiar with danger. But the Collective is a new breed of enemy. Behind the glamorous facade of endorsements and celebrity athletes lies the prospect of grim machinations. And when a shocking act of violence turns the case personal, Gage finds himself alone in the Magic City, a place as dangerous as any he survived in his years as a spy. With no one to trust and nothing as it seems, Gage learns that death is only one bullet away.
Dale M. Nelson’s latest thriller is a hard-hitting, no-nonsense ride through crime and deception. Gritty, sharp, and relentless—fans of Nelson DeMille, Michael Connelly, and David Baldacci won’t want to miss it.
Click here to buy One Bullet Away!
About Book 1: No Prayers for the Dying
Ex-CIA operative Matt Gage thought he’d escaped his past. Then a dead tech mogul’s daughter walked through his door.
Matt Gage isn’t in the spy game anymore…these days, he’s a private investigator, taking cases that pay the bills and keep him out of trouble. But trouble finds him anyway when Elizabeth Zhou walks into his office, asking him to look into her wealthy father’s mysterious death.
The cops ruled it a suicide. Elizabeth isn’t buying it. Neither is Gage.
The closer he looks, the more suspicious the case becomes―police stonewalling, details not adding up, and powerful people who don’t like being questioned. Then come the whispers: a secret Chinese intelligence unit operating on U.S. soil, dissidents disappearing without a trace, and a war nobody admits is happening.
But it’s not just whispers anymore―one of Gage’s leads is murdered, and he might be next on the list.
From the sunbaked streets of Los Angeles to the neon glow of San Francisco’s Chinatown, Gage is running out of time and allies. With every step, he walks closer into a conspiracy hidden far from the public eye, and he soon realizes his CIA past isn’t as far behind him as he thought.
Perfect for fans of Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, and David Baldacci, this novel delivers gripping action, a razor-sharp plot, and a hero you won’t forget.
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com
Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.
Elaine’s Literary Salon
About Elaine’s Restaurant: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host 
And meet the PR Director for Elaine’s Literary Salon, InkandescentPR.com’s founder, Hope Katz Gibbs. With her team of award-winning journalists, illustrators and video producers, they help writers up their PR and marketing game with professionally produced podcasts on 
