The Darkness in the Pines

Nick Holleran #0.5

by David Green

Before ‘The Devil Walks In Blood’ and ‘One Life Left’, Nick Holleran, Haven’s one and only Paranormal Detective, finds himself drawn into a dangerous game destined to change his second life completely.

Treading water after being brought back from the brink of death, and finding his perception of reality altered forever, Nick is simultaneously offered a job and blackmailed into finding the same a motel and bar by the name of ‘Whiskey Pete’s’, and a road missing from every known map called Route Thirteen.

Curiosity and notions of self-preservation piqued, Nick travels to the Middle-of-Nowhere, Idaho, and is confronted with the supernatural, the weird, and the horrific in a thrilling prequel story from the Paranormal Detective’s early years, where Nick learns an important lesson.

No one ever leaves Whiskey Pete’s. Not really.

139 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2023

About the author

David Green is a neurodivergent internationally best-selling writer of the epic and the urban, the fantastical and the mysterious.

With his character-driven dark fantasy series Empire Of Ruin, or urban fantasy noir Hell In Haven starring Haven's only supernatural PI Nick Holleran, David takes readers on emotional, character-driven, action-packed thrill rides that leaves a reader needing their next fix.

Hailing from the north-west of England, David now lives in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. When not writing, David can be found wondering why he chooses to live in, and write about, places where it constantly rains.

David represented by Laura Bennett at LLA.

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Reviews

[Julia Sarene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkness in the Pines by David Green is a novella set in the Nick Holleran world.

I really loved how it felt a bit I soured by the Lotus Eaters, with him coming into a Motel which people rarely leave... However, it obviously takes its own spin on things, and nothing goes as expected!

Once more I was brilliantly entertained, and can assure you the author gets better by the book!

[Liz Delton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Nick Holleran story!
I've read the first 2 books in this series and this story fits in just fine as a prequel! Nick Holleran is such a great character to read; the snarky reluctant hero with a heart stuck investigating when bad things go down in Hell. This Whiskey Pete's storyline was eerie, and the suspense building up to the mystery he has to solve was fantastic. A great little story in the Nick Holleran universe.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am typically not a gal that enjoys urban fantasy, but I do love me some Supernatural, and I do love me some David Green. So when I learned that those two things have meshed and melded into a NICK HOLLERAN I SAID HELL TO THE YES!

What really makes me love this story is the dialogue. The creatures of lore are pretty fun too. I just think that Mr. Green is a most excellent wordsmith!

[Laura Friars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, easy read that made my heart pound!!!

[Melinda Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me take a moment or ten or a hundred and tell you about the ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and COMPLETELY CAPTIVATING book I just finished.

If you don’t already know, let me tell you, I absolutely LOVE David Green’s Hell in Haven series. It is the perfect combination of a completely endearing but snarky MC, dark and mysterious circumstance and events, awesome supernatural beings of every shape, size, and nature (except Werewolves!), and dark, deadly, and spooky happenings. And no matter how many times or unedited books David Green offers to let me read the answer is YES! ALWAYS YES!

And that is how I ended up with this awesome, supernatural, beauty of a prequel in my greedy little hands (technically my email inbox…but…close enough!)! Darkness in the Pines DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Actually it WAY SURPASSED ALL OF MY EXPECTATIONS! I could not put it down. I actually tried to continue reading it as I forced one eye open while the other fought to drag me into sleep and only stopped when I realized I was going to bed way to late to be up for work at 3 am. This story was THAT GOOD! Green is a genius when it comes to the supernatural, crypteds, and dark mythical beings. And the way he takes these beings and delves into their lore and then twists them to create new and unique stories is nothing short of MASTERFUL! How does he do it? I don’t know either…but…it’s Supernatural Perfection.

In this prequel Nick is still very green when it comes to Hell and the fact that ghosts, demons, and a plethora of other hellacious beings walk among the living here on Earth unknown to those of us that can’t “see”. He is living his supernatural life as he lived his P.I. life and doesn’t always prepare for the world around him or the supernatural P.I. cases he now takes on. Money is tight and the fact that he almost made it to Heaven just to be pulled back into Hell eats at him. So when he gets pulled into a case involving a mysterious town, down a mysterious unmarked road, he can’t help but see where it leads. And where it leads is down one perfectly written adventure filled with death, demons, and the evil that continues to walk among us.

So yep…this prequel was AWESOME! 110 Stars! Would DEFINITELY and HIGHLY RECOMMEND to any and all fantasy fans. Especially if you enjoy a captivating and earth shattering tale filled with dark and deadly beings and the mysteriousness that surrounds and veils them! Oh and the SNARK! The Snark is TOP NOTCH! You just HAVE TO READ THIS PREQUEL and DEAD MAN WALKING, THE DEVIL WALKS IN BLOOD and ONE LIFE LEFT! They ALL should be on EVERYONE’S TBR!

[Marena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Nick Holleran's first big job since returning from the dead and slowly learning his way around Hell. He is hired to find out how the client's twin brother and his work partner died and he is blackmailed by the editor of the newspaper to find his two missing reporters. Harry and Mauve, Nick's friends and mentors have been getting reports of people missing or dead and all roads lead to route Thirteen (not on any map) and takes you to a motel/bar that goes by the name of Whiskey Pete's.

And so this begins another fun adventure we follow Nick into and hope he can get us out alive because no one ever leaves Whiskey Pete's.

[C.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the eldest brings the plague home from school, there is only one cure: dressing gown, hot beverage of choice, and a good book. And this one is superb. It might only be a short one, but don't let its size fool you; it packs a fantastic punch and is a wonderful taste of the calibre of David Green's writing.

Look, it is no secret that David is one of favourite authors (he's a genuinely rad person too) and his 'Hell in Haven City' (aka those bloody awesome Nick Holleran books) series is my favourite of his. Don't get me wrong, 'Empire of Ruin' is a wicked, awesome, dark epic fantasy saga, but there is just something about Nick and Haven that was love at first page flip.

It has taken me longer than it should have to get around to reading 'The Darkness in the Pines', but oh boy, it did not let me down. It's dark and atmospheric and just wonderfully gritty in that whiskey-soaked, cigarette-smoke-wreathed, paranormoir (not an actual word but totally should be) way.

If you haven't experienced this series yet and you like gritty paranormal mysteries where the dark themes are balanced by acerbic wit, a host of, at times extremely humorous, pop culture references, and a killer taste in music. Then definitely give this series a go. You can start with 'The Darkness in the Pines' as it is a prequel, though I highly recommend starting with 'The Devil Walks In Blood'.

[Alan Behan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic new short story from the world of Nick Holleran, and it's a doozy. The Darkness in the Pines is a prequel novella from the Hell in Haven series.

If you are a fan of the Supernatural series, The Dresden Files books, or the Shadowhunters, then you will absolutely love these books, David Green continues to deliver time and time again with the one and only paranormal investigator Nick Holleran.

What I love about these books is the fast-paced setting. From the very first pages, you are trusted straight into the action as Nick finds himself up to his eyes in trouble, whether it be death after him, a bullet with his name on it or the devil himself.

Nick Holleran is a fantastic character. He's sarcastic, witty, and absolutely hilarious. Even though you would love to give him a good kick up the arse, you can't help but love him. David Greens' worldbuilding and setting is brilliant. If you were to wake up in Haven, you would find yourself in a living knightmare in hell.

After Nick Hollerans brushed with death, he woke up to find what he thought was all make, believe, and old ghost stories, now knows that monsters are very real. Now, a paranormal detective is hired for a case in backwater town in the middle of nowhere in the state of Utah.

People are being murdered and disappearing at an alarming rate at a motel called Whiskey Pete's in the town of Chevron. But these are no ordinary murders, Nick must use all his knowledge and his trusty Ruger pistol if he is to survive death a second time.

It's a fun, dark tale that will keep on tender hooks right till the end, short and sweet, I very highly recommended....😁👹💀🧚‍♂️⚡️

[Jessica Kurnas · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Darkness in the Pines by David Green

This is my first time reading anything by David Green…but I’m glad I chose his writings to be read in 2024 because this little short novella was STELLAR! A couple things stand out to me here, and number one being, David makes use of some of the lesser heard of beings in folklore and mythology. For example Djinn’s and Kashgar’s. Skinwalkers are mentioned, as well as a plethora of other lesser known’s. I really love this because we are so used to more common species and creatures like elves, orcs and dwarfs. But in David’s worlds, I wouldn’t expect to see the more common amongst creatures.

Another thing that stood out to me was the writing in and of itself.
We see first person, through Nick Holleran. I feel like I’m temporarily in his body as the tale unfolds. Everything is experienced first-hand. And the way Nick speaks is not always…poetic, not always put together but often odd and broken. Like a real human being would talk. I found this style to be very quick…and easy to read.

OH! And another thing. I’d suggest this to anyone who likes a little horror and mystery. There were some truly spooky moments that would make Stephen King himself proud. At one point, the house creaked and I JUMPED. I can’t wait to read more of David’s writing and I hope you will give it a go to, no matter what’s your cuppa’. If you are a fan of fantasy…give this one a go!

[Denise Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been a fan of P.I. stories and this one has a definite Sam Spade feel, but the paranormal aspect of it is absolutely fascinating, not to mention the skill with which the author adopts that voice when his Fantasy stories are totally different! Even the present tense is done well, a rarity in modern books.

This is a good introduction to the character, Nick Holleran. It's very character led and takes us down some very dark alleys, to say the least. I was fascinated from the start and didn't want to stop reading.

I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. I've already started Book 1 and Book 2 is on my Kindle. I expect to keep reading through.

[Luke Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Holleran the most likeable unlikeable character I think I’ve ever read. This is an early story in his career where he’s still finding his feet, learning the ropes of the paranormal side of his investigations. If you enjoy The Dresden Files then this is for you! David Green continues to knock it out of the park.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the devil walks in blood so knew all about detective Nick Halloran. It was great to read this prequel and more about Nick.

He has become a favourite character to read, I might even re read the Devil walks in blood and I can't wait for more Nick Halloran stories

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great urban fantasy with amazing 70s thriller mystery vibes. I felt it was a great glimpse into the Nick Holleran world and a fantastic story. I am excited to read the rest!

[Mark Kielty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have finished my third Nick Holleran book and my third David Green book overall, and I’m still loving this series. I can’t get enough of Nick Holleran and the monsters he faces working as a paranormal investigator.

In case you haven’t read my other reviews, Nick Holleran has escaped death, and as a result, he can now see all the ghoulish things that live invisibly among us. Ghosts, demons, and other monsters, he discovers Hell is on Earth, and we’re living it.

This book is a prequel, taking place a number of years before Dead Man Walking and The Devil Walks in Blood. Whilst it meant I missed Diana, the eyeless teenage ghost from the 1960s and the prominence of Rosa, Nick’s girlfriend, it does mean the return of Harry and Maeve. Harry is an elderly man who can see as Nick does, and Maeve is his deceased wife, a ghost who refuses to cross-over until her husband does.

As usual, Nick has taken on a case (two cases actually) and they both bring him along Route 13, a fabled road, which takes him to a haunted motel and bar by the name of Whiskey Pete’s.

The theme of found family is a common factor in Green’s books, and this is no different. Harry and Maeve are always looking out for Nick, and through them, we learn more about the monsters that inhabit the world. Green creates lovable and engaging characters which are a joy to read, and my only complaint is that we can’t spend more time with them.

Whisky Pete’s is a creepy and mysterious place where no one leaves. Green successfully gives you that uncomfortable feeling in your gut as you accompany Holleran on his case. Everything is a bit off until everything is very much off and Holleran finds himself in insurmountable trouble yet again.

Green’s writing style incapsulates the voice of Holleran who is witty, honest, and straight talking, meaning we get a clear picture of who Holleran is and the world around him.

The prequel gives us the opportunity to explore Holleran’s character from the early days, giving us a new perspective as to why he is the way he is. As much as I like this book, I’m very much looking forward to getting back to present-ish day Hell in Haven.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Devil Walks in Blood - it was one of my favorite reads last year, so I was super excited to get my hands on this prequel story (thanks to David Green for letting me read an early version!). It was so much fun to go back to this world!

The series has an unusual and interesting premise and the hard boiled tone is great fun. Nick Holleran is a PI who died briefly, and can now see ghosts and demons, so he’s become the private investigator for ghosts and paranormal creatures. Nick is even more jaded and snarky in the prequel-hilariously so- and he gets mixed up in a mystery involving an abandoned truck stop in the middle of nowhere (well, Idaho). I have to say, David Green does creepy extremely well.

Another excellent episode in the Hell in Haven series!

I also loved seeing Harry and Maeve again, even if only briefly.

Cw: lots of swearing, extremely and excellently creepy settings and situations

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

And having discovered there was a prequel novella to this series, I bumped it right up the list. The Darkness in the Pines takes us back in time to shortly after Nick's near death experience and realisation that he can now see dead people. One thing leads to another and he finds himself drawn into a creepy and potentially life ending case. This is a very green Nick who is still finding his footing in the newly realised world he's found himself in, but the stakes are certainly no lower.

This felt darker than the main novels in the series, with a significant creep factor and some horror thrown into the mix along with a possible hint of what may be coming for Nick further down the line. There's also some poignant reflection thrown in with the action and grimness, which I thought was a nice touch. My only regret was that I wanted it to be longer, something I often find with novella length pieces. Although I have to admit, this is well rounded and has enough meat on the bones.

[Nikki DeKeuster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, twisted, irreverent, snarky, all the things we love about Nick. This short story was part of an anthology called Last Stop and has been expanded to great effect in this prequel novella. Green is a versatile writer and even though it's a novella he'll take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion with a spine-chilling ending that will leave you reaching for The Devil Walks in Blood.

The author has fun while penning this character and it shows. Give the series a try and join Holleran's growing fanbase...we meet at Whiskey Pete's every Friday at 11 pm.

[Susan1566 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this was an enjoyable read, a bit weird in spots but good. Nick Holleran has died and come back to life to discover that Hell is on Earth. Wanting to go to Heaven when he dies again he does PI work for good. There are a multitude of different characters and types of all things (except werewolves). Nick reminds me of an old type PI such as Sam Spade – hard bitten, tough, good meaning, stubborn. There is a fair amount of action and great character interactions. This is a series I will be completing.

[Stacey Markle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Nick gets himself in a heap of trouble! It's a good thing he's smart and see's more than normal people would. He's on a case, not one he would have chosen but sometimes, a case chooses you.
This is pretty dark and gritty, just the way I like it! it's a novella that feels like a full book. The author's fast paced, dark noir style works so well, it keeps me turning those pages.
I would not want to be anywhere near route 13 or the Whiskey Pete's hotel, that's for sure! It's very ominous that the ending is kind of a cliffhanger!
Such a good read and I'm moving on to book #3!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel book in the Nick Holleran series. Nick is a PI who almost died. And after his near death experience, he can now see ghosts and demons and anything “Hell” related. When the wife of the man who shot him walks into his office with a job offer, he can’t turn it down. But nothing is what it seems.
This a great introduction to Nick and Haven. Nick is a now jaded PI who only works supernatural cases. He’s the odd one that the police pass any unsolved cases to. He’s a bit passionate to his detriment at times. But he means well and wants to do the right thing.
I liked Harry and Maeve, that their loved extended past life. And I’m intrigued to know what happened to “Darcy” and see where that takes the next book.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in this dark urban fantasy series. I'm thoroughly enjoying this collection of quick reads and really loved the monster in this particular volume. Nick is called away from Haven on an adventure that has those great film noire detective vibes, truly creepy monsters, and once again showcases this very intriguing world. If you enjoy dark urban fantasy and obscure beasts, you'll definitely want to check this series out.

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiskey Pete

Nick is looking for some missing people. His investigation takes him to Whiskey Pete's . There is something dark in Whiskey Pete's. Can Nick survive? Suspense filled spine chilling read.

[Ivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know, I just don't feel this one. The prose is obviously very good and the world building is thoughtfully done, but I was slugging through it. Perhaps my experience with the novels will be better.

[Leigh Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because this is a prequel Nick is still new to seeing the true Haven and a bit rough around the edges, flying by the seat of his pants type of guy. Although I love how Nick's character has grown in the other books, I do rather like this version of him, it's what made me like him in the first place. I thought this was a great story with a good twist at the end (no spoilers) but maybe we haven't heard the last of Whiskey Pete's. I don't think I'm ever going to get enough of reading about Haven or it's one and only paranormal detective and am now even more excited for book 4.

If you haven't read any of these books I highly recommend you do, I'm betting you'll have a HELL of a good time.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin with this review, let me start by saying I LOVE NICK HALLORAN!!!! Which, anyone who has read any of my prior reviews, will be nodding their heads in confirmation at this not so secret decree....but HECK!!!!! How could I possibly NOT love him??? There is something so ultra special about his character, something so captivating about his story, something so genuinely beautiful about him. This is a prequel of events, from Nick's POV, pre all the revelations that shattered his thinking.

Boy was this dark and delicious! I do enjoy a darker read, I find the heart thumping, brow sweating, cringing effect, it keeps all my organs in tip top condition 😁 who needs exercise anyway. The monsters, the demons, the supernatural, are all on EARTH. That's enough to blow anyone's mind. As Nick is dying after being shot, he's hovering and has a major epiphany, he sees THE light, he realises heaven IS real but a well meaning samaritan refuses to let him go, coaxing him back, where he gets his second epiphany....hell is real too, except it's right here on earth! Yeah, a real bummer!

Whenever I read a David Green book, I tend to lose myself, I'm sucked in from the first sentence, totally unaware of my surroundings, totally glued to the words leaping out at me, reaching into my very soul. The almost casual recount of events by Nick, paint a picture like non other. The fun prose is exceptional, a lightness to an otherwise darker read, like this for example "Another of my strong points? Flying by the seat of my pants", as though Nick's taking the mickey. Love it. The world he now sees is vastly different to the one prior his demise. The characters slide in, entrenching themselves, filling every crevasse, until they are indeed a part of me. And Nick Halloran is takes centre stage. I jealously keep him close, long after I've read the book, he percolates under my skin, a comfortable, beautiful persona I'll never relinquish!

[Runalong · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing and disjointed novella with poor pacing and overall left me cold and unvested

Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...

[Graham Millichap · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first adventure with Nick Holleran and I thought it was great. It gives Hell on Earth a new take and I loved the world-building that went into this captivating world. I loved the way Nick narrated the story and loved the way he interacted with the world and characters. Had me laughing a few times.

Although only a novella this had me following along with Nick and feeling the tension and fear as he unravels the mystery, all through the story and to the nail-biting climax. A very good read indeed. (Didn't mean to rhyme there)

If you like supernatural-type stories and wise-cracking PIs this is the book for you. I can't wait to get reading more from Nick.

Thanks for the great story David

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting supernatural tale