One Bullet Away

by Dale M. Nelson

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.

Prepare for a heart-racing thriller with Dale M. Nelson’s latest addition to the Gage Files. This electrifying sequel is a high-octane journey that rivals the twists and turns of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, the strategic cunning of Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, and the complex plots of David Baldacci.

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2025

About the author

Dale M. Nelson grew up outside Tampa, Florida and is a graduate of the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications. He served eight years a United States Air Force Officer. Following his military service, Dale relocated to the Washington D.C. area and has worked in the defense, technology and telecommunications sectors before starting his writing career. He currently lives in Washington D.C. with his wife and daughters.

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being a big sports fan, I was a bit hesitant about this one, but since I enjoyed the first book in the series I wanted to give this one a fair shot. I found the book to be very interesting. I wasn’t even aware that college athletes hired agents, had sponsors and endorsement contracts and were essentially being paid to play. The plot was entertaining and there’s plenty of action to keep you engaged. Matt Gage isn’t your typical PI. His background in the CIA makes him a unique investigator. As the investigation progresses, it becomes evident that there is so much more going on than the Ponzi scheme that was originally suspected. This was an enjoyable, fast paced read.

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

One Bullet Away by Dale M. Nelson is the second book about private investigator Matt Gage. He is not your typical pi and that is what makes this series interesting. I didn't like this book as much as the first and I think it's because of the sport angle. Not much of a sport fan and definetely not these typical american stuff. Still I found the book good and if you like pi stories why not try this. I thank Severn House Publishing and Edelweiss for supplying me with this advance copy.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Bullet Away by Dale M. Nelson
The Gage Files #2

Illegal, immoral, unethical, or just shady…what is the truth about NIL “Name, Image, Likeness” rights and what some will do to acquire a “star” in their stables.

What I liked:
* Matt Gage: Ex-CIA operative, works part-time for the Orpheus Foundation, freelance investigator, capable, skilled, bright, sees connections, interesting backstory, tenacious, strong moral compass, intriguing, would like to know more about him
* The network of interconnected law enforcement agencies and how people overlap and get to know and support one another
* Learning something new – had no idea that there were sports agents out there signing athletes in college and wonder if some are as unscrupulous as Ray was in this book
* That even though I am not a sports follower or up on the latest – this book still made sense to me and made me care about the outcome
* That there are some coaches and parents that truly care about and work for the benefit of the athlete, provide honest guidance, see them as people, assist them achieve their, and support them as they work to achieve their goals
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That the Ponzi scheme Gage was asked to investigate led to so much more that provided an interesting book to read
* That most of the bad guys were caught by the end of the story with no loose threads left dangling
* Wondering what will happen in book three

What I didn’t’ like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about some of the people in this books and the crimes they committed then wondering how people manage to justify what they have done and continue to do

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to Severn River for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Severn Publishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Yhe story begins with Matt neeting a client in L.A. that wants him to look into a group that Jimmy, the Agent, felt was involved with some sort of illegal activity. This group was using the NIL funding scenario to get individuals signing with them. Jimmy had one that joined and he was under contract for life to provide them with 15% of his future earnings. He had been offered $1M to sign but only received $200K with the balance being invested. Jimmy wanted Matt to find sommething tp force SSC. the group, to release Bashard, the client, from the contract. Matt had to go to Miami to perform the investigation. As the investigation was going on, Jimmy was killed so Matt no longer had a client. Another party hired Matt to find Jimmy's killer.

As Matt continued his search, he discovered that ther was a lot more to what was going on than originally thought. As Matt got closure to learning what was happeneg. a lot of danger now arose for several individuals.

To learn who killed Jimmy, what SSC was up to and what happened in the end, then you need to read this book.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seedy world of NIL! I know very little about the NIL world, but from an outsiders perspective, I found this fascinating. The NIL seems ripe for abuse and has drastically changed college athletics. This novel brings the possible corruption to the forefront and weaves a very tangled web of just how athletes can be taken advantage of (by family, agents, sponsors, people with ill intentions, etc). It’s like the dirty underbelly of Hollywood, but now for college athletes, so it’s nationwide.
I enjoyed how everything was pulled together – and so many one liners that kept it funny throughout. Action packed, Matt Gage keeps turning over rocks those involved want him to leave alone, and as a result, ends up running from multiple enemies as he tries to solve his investigation. Enjoyable read overall – definitely recommend.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Bullet Away is a fun, energetic, thrill-ride through the tumultuous, corrupt world of college athletics. Twisting and turning throughout, Matt Gage unravels the central mystery in new and exciting ways. Nelson gives the reader enough to draw conclusions, then pulls the rug along the way, keeping you off-balance and wanting more. An engaging read, it moves quickly, while providing deep background into the new world of NIL in college athletics. This story serves both as a fun, engaging read - but also possible insight into how the new rules and wild-west nature of the NCAA leave potential for exploitation.

Like No Prayers For The Dying, Nelson breathes life into the city setting and characters. Miami comes alive and the central mysteries unravel in satisfying and unpredictable fashion.

I can't wait to see what Matt Gage gets into next.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent action-packed addition to the Matt Gage Series.

One Bullet Away, the second offering in the Matt Gage series is an action-packed thriller built around college athletes and the name, image, likeness business. In this story Matt is in Miami to investigate an organization that has put a college athlete under a lifetime contract. There are so many elements to this story that even when you think you have puzzled out all the players in the game, you suddenly realize there is more to be seen. With so many things going on in this story it is impressive how Dale Nelson wove them together and brought each strand into a completed tapestry at the end. I received an Advance Reader Copy of One Bullet Away from the publisher and chose to provide my review.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Bullet Away (The Gage Files Book 2), my sixth read from author Dale M. Nelson, the first 4 were co-written with author Andrew Watts in The Firewall Spies series. The primary character is well developed. A captivating, page-turning, well-written book! “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author, in fact Lightning Strikes Twice (The Gage Files Book 3) is already on my TBR list and it doesn't release until October 14, 2025. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Ronaele Whittington, D.S.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary issues for young athletes; surprising and scary

A lot of people, agencies, moving parts, and skullduggery keep Matt Gage thinking out loud (in kindle print in this case). Stream of consciousness reveals Matt’s rationale for inserting himself into multiple levels of crime and intrigue. Matt amasses resources anywhere he goes. All details get explained before Matt moves on. Note that Matt’s body becomes bruised and maimed multiple times, but he remains walking and talking.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Not being a sports fan, I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but gave it a chance, anyway. I’m glad I did! The plot had much intrigue and plot twists. The book held my interest with a lot of action. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Daniel Fedko · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun series

I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment  I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

PI Matt is no stranger to danger. How will he deal with this case, is able to solve it. Another great as always.