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The Thunder Head
A murder. A land grab. A won’t see it coming ending. The explosive return of Nick Drake.
Wildlife Ranger Nick Drake and Sheriff Pudge Warbler join forces to solve a grisly murder. Their investigation thrusts them into the middle of a vicious battle between ranchers and developers over a beautiful valley.
When they close in on the killer, everything the lawmen hold dear is threatened and forces a reckoning. Will they honor their oaths to follow the letter of the law in the pursuit of justice or damn the consequences and use any means necessary to protect the people and land they love?
Whatever their decision, one thing is certain. While the Wild West lives on in Harney County, Oregon, not everyone in this fight will.
Readers agree about the Nick Drake murder and mystery on the high lonesome
★★★★★ Smart, thrilling, beautifully-written.
★★★★★ A love song to a remote land.
★★★★★ Grabs you, holds you, and never lets you go.
★★★★★ Excellent contemporary western.
★★★★★ Love the emphasis on Native Americanism.
Wildlife Ranger Nick Drake and Sheriff Pudge Warbler join forces to solve a grisly murder. Their investigation thrusts them into the middle of a vicious battle between ranchers and developers over a beautiful valley.
When they close in on the killer, everything the lawmen hold dear is threatened and forces a reckoning. Will they honor their oaths to follow the letter of the law in the pursuit of justice or damn the consequences and use any means necessary to protect the people and land they love?
Whatever their decision, one thing is certain. While the Wild West lives on in Harney County, Oregon, not everyone in this fight will.
Readers agree about the Nick Drake murder and mystery on the high lonesome
★★★★★ Smart, thrilling, beautifully-written.
★★★★★ A love song to a remote land.
★★★★★ Grabs you, holds you, and never lets you go.
★★★★★ Excellent contemporary western.
★★★★★ Love the emphasis on Native Americanism.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2025
42 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Dwight Holing
51 books91 followersDwight Holing is the award-winning author of over twenty books, including two popular mystery series: the acclaimed Nick Drake Novels and the witty Jack McCoul Capers. The 8th book in his Nick Drake series, The Broken Blood, won a Silver Falchion. His short story Gallopers was awarded the Arts & Letters Prize for Fiction.
His genre-spanning work includes standalone novels, short story collections, and books on natural history, conservation, wildlife, and outdoor travel. He lives beside a coastal river in California with his wife and two dogs who’d rather swim than walk.
Learn: Dwight Holing
Follow: Dwight Holing
Instagram: @dwight_holing
His genre-spanning work includes standalone novels, short story collections, and books on natural history, conservation, wildlife, and outdoor travel. He lives beside a coastal river in California with his wife and two dogs who’d rather swim than walk.
Learn: Dwight Holing
Follow: Dwight Holing
Instagram: @dwight_holing
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 23, 2025
One thing I like about this series is it teaches me about little known native cultural found in the Oregon area (and Alaska this time around). I also like how each character has their own distinct voice. The author blends both of these aspects seamlessly.
This story is action packed while not losing its original presentation. What I mean by that is the reader (me) is still grounded in the settings and surroundings.
By way of criticism, I felt the role KT played at the end of the story was not explained. How was he allowed to be in the situation he was in. A bit of a huh? Also, the author has a tendency to repeat phrases and description. An example would be reminding the reader well past half way that November's native name is Girl Born In Snow.
Don't get me wrong. The author knows how to tell a story and I am completely absorbed in the world he has built. Bring on the next one.
This story is action packed while not losing its original presentation. What I mean by that is the reader (me) is still grounded in the settings and surroundings.
By way of criticism, I felt the role KT played at the end of the story was not explained. How was he allowed to be in the situation he was in. A bit of a huh? Also, the author has a tendency to repeat phrases and description. An example would be reminding the reader well past half way that November's native name is Girl Born In Snow.
Don't get me wrong. The author knows how to tell a story and I am completely absorbed in the world he has built. Bring on the next one.
December 26, 2025
The Thunder Head is Dwight Howling’s ninth novel in his Nick Drake series. Each set in the High Lonesome, as it is affectionately called, otherwise known as the southeastern corner of Oregon, a sparsely populated stretch of desert and scrub, not at all like the popular rain-soaked image of the state. Nick is a Vietnam War Army Cavalry Veteran, now a Wildlife Ranger, in a modern-day land of cowboys and Indians, cattle and horses, six-guns and shootouts. This particular story starts with the discovery of a dead body and escalates from there. And it escalates quickly. Howling throws suspects and danger from all directions at a breakneck pace. Just when you think the case is heading in one direction, he turns and goes another. The plot pits down-on-their-luck ranchers against big-money developers, and a lot of family secrets percolate to the surface.
In between, he laces his tale with interesting bits of history, culture, Indian lore and descriptions of the geography, lovingly rendered. It’s a fast and easy read, and when you’re finished, you are ready to reach for the next episode. If you like detective mysteries in the Wild West, and I’m thinking Craig Johnson’s Longmire series or Tony Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorn series, then you’ll love these Nick Drake Mysteries.
I first met Dwight at a California Crime Writers’ Conference in Culver City a couple of years ago. He was talking on a panel about self-publishing, or “indie publishing” as they called it. It was his encouragement that finally pushed me to publish my own books.
In between, he laces his tale with interesting bits of history, culture, Indian lore and descriptions of the geography, lovingly rendered. It’s a fast and easy read, and when you’re finished, you are ready to reach for the next episode. If you like detective mysteries in the Wild West, and I’m thinking Craig Johnson’s Longmire series or Tony Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorn series, then you’ll love these Nick Drake Mysteries.
I first met Dwight at a California Crime Writers’ Conference in Culver City a couple of years ago. He was talking on a panel about self-publishing, or “indie publishing” as they called it. It was his encouragement that finally pushed me to publish my own books.
June 24, 2025
This is another very good addition to the Nick Drake series. As in the previous volumes, there are great descriptions of the Eastern Oregon Countryside as well some native history. This one rings somewhat true; there is a conflict between developers that want to build a large project called the Running R and the local ranchers. In present day Eastern Oregon, there are 2 large developments; Running Y outside of Klamath Falls and Silvies Valley Ranch, a large golf-spa resort in Eastern Oregon. I am sure that there were some conflicts when these were being constructed.
All of the regular characters continue to develop in interesting manners. The story moves along well. It is a little slow during the first 2/3 of the book, but the last 3rd was very good and the ending caught me by surprise. As a person who loves the Eastern Oregon landscape and also a good mystery, this book was a hit for me. I highly recommend.
All of the regular characters continue to develop in interesting manners. The story moves along well. It is a little slow during the first 2/3 of the book, but the last 3rd was very good and the ending caught me by surprise. As a person who loves the Eastern Oregon landscape and also a good mystery, this book was a hit for me. I highly recommend.
April 28, 2025
One of Holing's Best
I've enjoyed every novel in the Nick Drake series, but this one stands out as one of Holing's best. At times, I had to force myself to put it down; it's just that absorbing.
The characters are true to themselves but still show growth. There are a few surprises and twists in store, but when you reach the end, you know it simply couldn't have ended any other way.
The descriptions of the land and the wildlife, the incorporation of the indigenous cultural history, the fathfulness to the time period described -- all contribute to the book enveloping the reader in Nick Drake's world. I highly recommend this novel.
Outstanding, Mr. Holing. I know this is a book I'll be reading again a time or two.
I've enjoyed every novel in the Nick Drake series, but this one stands out as one of Holing's best. At times, I had to force myself to put it down; it's just that absorbing.
The characters are true to themselves but still show growth. There are a few surprises and twists in store, but when you reach the end, you know it simply couldn't have ended any other way.
The descriptions of the land and the wildlife, the incorporation of the indigenous cultural history, the fathfulness to the time period described -- all contribute to the book enveloping the reader in Nick Drake's world. I highly recommend this novel.
Outstanding, Mr. Holing. I know this is a book I'll be reading again a time or two.
June 21, 2025
He made me cry
I have read every book in the Nick Drake series. Me and a friend. He reads a lot slower than me. So, I highlight the portions that I want to review with him as we go along. Each book has its own vibe. Each story is interesting in its own way. Similar to what this books characters said, "the only-est thing constant is change," yet still hard to accept, is the death of one of the main characters. Shoot, and golly, I cried.
I have read every book in the Nick Drake series. Me and a friend. He reads a lot slower than me. So, I highlight the portions that I want to review with him as we go along. Each book has its own vibe. Each story is interesting in its own way. Similar to what this books characters said, "the only-est thing constant is change," yet still hard to accept, is the death of one of the main characters. Shoot, and golly, I cried.
August 30, 2025
A man to ride the river with
A tight-woven story of honor and justice, ties that bind and paths unseen but taken. It pays homage to people who struggled through the hardest things in life and yet rise to be worthwhile. In the time honored somewhat Western way, good overcomes evil, but with a price. The beauty of wild lands, grand sunrises, and souls who’ve gone before weave their ways through these words. Nick Drakes once again proves himself a man to ride the river with.
A tight-woven story of honor and justice, ties that bind and paths unseen but taken. It pays homage to people who struggled through the hardest things in life and yet rise to be worthwhile. In the time honored somewhat Western way, good overcomes evil, but with a price. The beauty of wild lands, grand sunrises, and souls who’ve gone before weave their ways through these words. Nick Drakes once again proves himself a man to ride the river with.
May 3, 2025
A twisty one
A con man and a man fueled by vengeance and money come to No Mountain. A death and Pudge and Nick find themselves in a dangerous situation. This one gets a little twisty.
Look forward to more in this series. This series can be read individually, but better if you start in the beginning.
A con man and a man fueled by vengeance and money come to No Mountain. A death and Pudge and Nick find themselves in a dangerous situation. This one gets a little twisty.
Look forward to more in this series. This series can be read individually, but better if you start in the beginning.
June 30, 2025
An absolutely awesome tale!
It explodes on so many different levels and heartfelt responses that I can only recommend that you just jump right in and not worry about where you're headed. There is grief involved as well as happiness, but that is kind of the way of life. Whatever you do, don't pass it by.
It explodes on so many different levels and heartfelt responses that I can only recommend that you just jump right in and not worry about where you're headed. There is grief involved as well as happiness, but that is kind of the way of life. Whatever you do, don't pass it by.
May 25, 2025
Wow, the best of the series! It moved along so well I’m surprised it wasn’t 500 pages. Like a fine wine, Dwight just keep getting better with age. What a great storyteller! Very involved storyline and great new (bad) characters. Worthy of another star, a gold one 👍🏼
June 14, 2025
On Form
This episode has Nick Drake back on form and. Cast of characters who manage to be authentic and modern at the same time. This is a land and people to believe. Story is pretty good too
This episode has Nick Drake back on form and. Cast of characters who manage to be authentic and modern at the same time. This is a land and people to believe. Story is pretty good too
August 15, 2025
Best Nick Drake Mystery Yet!
I have read all of Dwight Holings mysteries and this is by far the best of the lot! I look forward to continuing to read them and see Nick become the new Harney County Sheriff.
I have read all of Dwight Holings mysteries and this is by far the best of the lot! I look forward to continuing to read them and see Nick become the new Harney County Sheriff.
October 10, 2025
Great Read
Excellent book! I had hoped for a different ending for Pudge. He was such a wonderful character and important part of every story. Hopefully, you won't get rid of November.
Excellent book! I had hoped for a different ending for Pudge. He was such a wonderful character and important part of every story. Hopefully, you won't get rid of November.
April 27, 2025
Wow
This series keeps getting better. Sense of place and characterization excellent as always. Finely-honed plotting, complex and challenging. I can’t wait for book 10.
This series keeps getting better. Sense of place and characterization excellent as always. Finely-honed plotting, complex and challenging. I can’t wait for book 10.
April 27, 2025
Great book
So much knowledge about the meaning behind the word of the natives Alaska and the Tinlets Alaska native also Oregon natives
So much knowledge about the meaning behind the word of the natives Alaska and the Tinlets Alaska native also Oregon natives
April 30, 2025
Another winner!
This book may be my favorite in the Nick Drake series. Dwight Holing is an exceptional story teller. Give the series a try. You'll be glad you did
This book may be my favorite in the Nick Drake series. Dwight Holing is an exceptional story teller. Give the series a try. You'll be glad you did
May 9, 2025
One of his best yet
This opens the door to a whole new series. Can't wait for them to start and see where it takes the cast of characters.
This opens the door to a whole new series. Can't wait for them to start and see where it takes the cast of characters.
May 15, 2025
Another heartwarming story
I loved this book! I love all the characters in this series and can't wait to see where the story goes from here...
I loved this book! I love all the characters in this series and can't wait to see where the story goes from here...
May 15, 2025
May be his best ever
I didn’t want this book to end. It’s pace was unrelenting and ever engaging. Loved it and you will too.
I didn’t want this book to end. It’s pace was unrelenting and ever engaging. Loved it and you will too.
June 11, 2025
About Time
Excellent book in the series. Setting up, I hope, for the next one. A stand alone story. You don't have to read the other ones, but it does help.
Excellent book in the series. Setting up, I hope, for the next one. A stand alone story. You don't have to read the other ones, but it does help.
June 23, 2025
4/5 very good addition to the series. This one is definitely turning point in the series. There is going to be some big changes in the future books. Can’t wait.
July 30, 2025
4.5 stars. 9th book in the series about a fictional Fish & Wildlife Service Officer stationed at Malheur Refuge in the 1960s, one of my favorite places on earth. As usual, he solves a couple of murders.
November 25, 2025
Wow
Can,t wait for another story have read all 9books in maybe 10 days great jyst great come on nick time for another adventure lets go
Can,t wait for another story have read all 9books in maybe 10 days great jyst great come on nick time for another adventure lets go
January 14, 2026
This has become one of my favorite series. I was saddened by the ending but understand why the author did it. I hope the Tlingit woman stays in the future storylines. She was really interesting.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews