Dale M. Nelson shares book 3 in his 4-part Gage Files series

Sun Nov 02 2025 at 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm UTC-05:00

Elaine's | Alexandria

Host Jeffrey Higgins + Hope Gibbs InkandescentPR
Publisher/HostHost Jeffrey Higgins + Hope Gibbs InkandescentPR
Dale M. Nelson shares book 3 in his 4-part Gage Files series
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Join us at Elaine's Literary Salon Literary Salon for a conversation with author Dale M. Nelson about "Lightning Strikes Twice"
About this Event

Meet the Author: 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.

About Book 3 in the 4-part Gage :
About the Book:

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.

Critics say: 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.

About our Elaine's Literary Salon Host, 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:

. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on and listen to all the podcasts on

[caption id="attachment_12728" align="alignright" width="300"]Elaine's Literary Salon[/caption]

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.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Elaine's, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, United States

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