No Prayers for the Dying Dale M. Nelson
The Gage Files #

Fast-paced action-packed introduction to a new series with an intriguing main character ~ First book I’ve read by this author but not the last

What I liked:
* Matt Gage: Ex-CIA operative, works part-time for the Orpheus Foundation, freelance investigator, for journalists, capable, skilled, bright, sees connections, interesting backstory, would like to know more about him
* The reason Matt left the CIA and how it impacted his life afterward
* The moral compass Matt seems to have regarding his work
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That the story drew me in, made me think, and think about spies and espionage and what it would take to be one or to be the handler of one
* Thinking about Matt and his past (hoping to hear more about that) and what he might get up to in future books in the series
* That all of the threads of the story were tied up in the end and the future was brighter for Matt at the conclusion than at the beginning of the book
* Being able to start in on a new series with the first book
* Knowing that there is another book in the series to look forward to

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about corruption in law enforcement
* The evil done for and by governments to further their own agendas

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

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

4-5 Stars

Matt Gage, an ex-CIA operative, is the star of No Prayers For the Dying by Dale M. Nelson. Spying and murder keep Gage busy. The author keeps a good pace as the novel develops. The less I say about the story the better for those who want to read it unspoiled. I enjoyed it, I think you will too.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

If you enjoy reading fast-paced stories, with relatable characters, and espionage plot, No Prayers for the Dying is a must-read. Matt has been fired by the CIA and is making ends meet work as an investigative journalist partner and sometimes as a PI (although he does not have a license). He is approached by Elizabeth, a Chinese woman whose father has recently died and it was labeled as a suicide but she does not accept it and hires Matt to find the truth. It's the beginning of a life threatening chase to uncover a ring of spies, deceit, murders, betrayal, the selling of state secrets, and the hard truth that Matt could trust no one. No Prayers for the Dying would be great on film and hopefully it will make to the screens!
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

No Prayers for the Dead is a timely espionage narrative that focuses on the intelligence apparatus in a fast-paced spy setting and takes you for a very enjoyable journey through back room deals and intense skirmishes all kept reasonably realistic.