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The Yellow Hair
New Badge. Old Blood.Nick Drake traded his past as a fish and wildlife ranger for the Sheriff’s star, but Harney County, Oregon doesn’t do election honeymoons. His tenure kicks off with a double homicide staged as a murder-suicide—a lie Nick isn't buying. As he digs into the crime’s rotting core, the rookie Sheriff finds himself fighting a war on two a lethal learning curve with unproven deputies and a political recall designed to bury him. In the High Lonesome where secrets kill, Nick must strike first and strike hard. Because in this office, the only thing shorter than his term is his life expectancy.
The Yellow Hair delivers the trademark tension, unforgettable characters, multiple storylines, and cinematic settings that Dwight Holing fans crave.
Readers agree about the bestselling Nick Drake Murder and Mystery on the High Lonesome
★★★★★ Gritty, real & straight to the heart!
★★★★★ Nick Drake is a man to run the river of life with!
★★★★★ Grabs you, holds you, and never lets you go!
★★★★★ Excellent contemporary western!
★★★★★ Love the emphasis on Native Americanism!
The Yellow Hair delivers the trademark tension, unforgettable characters, multiple storylines, and cinematic settings that Dwight Holing fans crave.
Readers agree about the bestselling Nick Drake Murder and Mystery on the High Lonesome
★★★★★ Gritty, real & straight to the heart!
★★★★★ Nick Drake is a man to run the river of life with!
★★★★★ Grabs you, holds you, and never lets you go!
★★★★★ Excellent contemporary western!
★★★★★ Love the emphasis on Native Americanism!
- GenresFiction
284 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Dwight Holing
52 books104 followersDwight Holing is the author of twenty books, including two Amazon #1 bestselling mystery series: the Silver Falchion Award-winning Nick Drake Novels and the Jack McCoul Capers. He is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Western Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime.
His ten-book-and-counting Nick Drake mystery series has won fans and awards for his deft portrayal of richly developed characters, vivid descriptions of settings, multiple storylines, and unrelenting pace. Reviewers laud his philosophical insights that bring added depth to the stories and principal characters and his incorporation of indigenous cultural history.
Holing is also the author of two collections of short stories, California Works and Over Our Heads Under Our Feet. Many of the stories were previously published in literary journals and won awards, including the Arts & Letters Prize for Fiction.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon and began his writing career as a freelancer. Assignments took him from Alaska to Zanzibar and his feature articles on adventure travel, conservation, natural history, and environmental issues appeared in Audubon, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, Outside, San Francisco Chronicle, Sierra, and Travel & Leisure, to name a few. He also wrote and edited books on those subjects. His publishers included Smithsonian Books, Time-Life, and Animal Planet.
Dwight Holing 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 ten-book-and-counting Nick Drake mystery series has won fans and awards for his deft portrayal of richly developed characters, vivid descriptions of settings, multiple storylines, and unrelenting pace. Reviewers laud his philosophical insights that bring added depth to the stories and principal characters and his incorporation of indigenous cultural history.
Holing is also the author of two collections of short stories, California Works and Over Our Heads Under Our Feet. Many of the stories were previously published in literary journals and won awards, including the Arts & Letters Prize for Fiction.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon and began his writing career as a freelancer. Assignments took him from Alaska to Zanzibar and his feature articles on adventure travel, conservation, natural history, and environmental issues appeared in Audubon, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, Outside, San Francisco Chronicle, Sierra, and Travel & Leisure, to name a few. He also wrote and edited books on those subjects. His publishers included Smithsonian Books, Time-Life, and Animal Planet.
Dwight Holing 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 15, 2026
The Yellow Hair delivers a clever blend of historical intrigue, suspense, and detective work set against a richly detailed ancient backdrop. You’d buy this book if you enjoy mystery novels with intelligent puzzles and historical atmosphere, and I’d recommend it because the engaging investigation and strong storytelling make it rewarding for both longtime series fans and new readers alike.
May 15, 2026
Delightful
Great continuation of this series. I think Nick is going to make a great sheriff in Pudge's tradition. His new deputies are also going to rock!
Great continuation of this series. I think Nick is going to make a great sheriff in Pudge's tradition. His new deputies are also going to rock!
May 6, 2026
Always an ADVENTURE
Action, life lessons, honor and loyalty abound in Dwight Holing’s books with Nick Drake. Each is a classic and this one brought the years after Vietnam back to me. Looking forward to his development of the new deputies.
Action, life lessons, honor and loyalty abound in Dwight Holing’s books with Nick Drake. Each is a classic and this one brought the years after Vietnam back to me. Looking forward to his development of the new deputies.
May 11, 2026
Another Excellent Novel in the Series
Plotting, characterization, sense of place are all superb, continuing a extraordinarily well-written series. What stands out for me is the clear evidence of extensive, in-depth research underlying the First Nations culture, beliefs, history, and language woven so well into each book. In addition, that level,of research underpins the Vietnamese culture, beliefs, history, and language and Vietnam War history in this and other books in the series. I purchase Dwight Holing’s Nick Drake Mysteries as soon as a new publication date is announced. That’s the quality of this author and this series.
Plotting, characterization, sense of place are all superb, continuing a extraordinarily well-written series. What stands out for me is the clear evidence of extensive, in-depth research underlying the First Nations culture, beliefs, history, and language woven so well into each book. In addition, that level,of research underpins the Vietnamese culture, beliefs, history, and language and Vietnam War history in this and other books in the series. I purchase Dwight Holing’s Nick Drake Mysteries as soon as a new publication date is announced. That’s the quality of this author and this series.
May 19, 2026
As usual the strengths of this story are wonderful character development, a strong sense of place (high lonesome), and local Native American history and mysticism.
A mystery/sheriff (ing) book of the highest order.
A mystery/sheriff (ing) book of the highest order.
May 26, 2026
Thanks to Jackdaw Press and Netgalley for this eARC.
The Yellow Hair by Dwight Holing
(Nick Drake Mysteries — Book 10)
The Yellow Hair is a rugged, tightly coiled mystery that blends Western grit with procedural tension, anchored by Dwight Holing’s signature sense of place and character. Nick Drake—newly elected sheriff and still carrying the instincts of his past life as a fish and wildlife ranger—steps into office only to find that Harney County offers no grace period. His first major case, a double homicide staged as a murder‑suicide, immediately signals that someone is counting on him being too inexperienced—or too overwhelmed—to dig deeper.
🌄 Holing’s High Lonesome landscape is more than scenery; it’s a force. The wide‑open spaces, the isolation, and the harsh beauty of Oregon’s high desert create a backdrop where secrets can survive for decades—and where justice requires both patience and ferocity. The environment mirrors Nick’s internal terrain: vast, scarred, and full of places he’d rather not revisit.
👮 Nick Drake: A Sheriff with Old Skills and New Enemies
Nick is compelling because he’s competent but untested in this new role.
He’s navigating:
- Unproven deputies, who may or may not be ready for the fight ahead
- A political recall effort, designed to bury him before he can uncover the truth
- A case that refuses to stay contained, pulling him into deeper, darker territory
Holing gives Nick a quiet intensity—he’s not flashy, but he’s relentless. His ranger past gives him a tracker’s instincts, and those instincts serve him well as he follows a trail that others insist doesn’t exist.
The staged crime scene is only the beginning. As Nick digs, he uncovers a web of motives tied to old grudges, buried histories, and the kind of rural politics where loyalty can be as dangerous as betrayal. The tension builds not through constant action, but through the steady tightening of threads that all lead back to the same rotting center.
Holing’s narrative style is cinematic—lean, vivid, and attentive to the emotional and cultural textures of the region, including the Indigenous histories that shape the land and the people who live on it.
The Yellow Hair is a strong, atmospheric addition to the Nick Drake series—one that tests its protagonist on every front and refuses to let him (or the reader) look away from the cost of truth. It’s a mystery with grit, heart, and a deep respect for the land and its histories.
Fans of character‑driven Western crime fiction will find plenty to savor here.
The Yellow Hair by Dwight Holing
(Nick Drake Mysteries — Book 10)
The Yellow Hair is a rugged, tightly coiled mystery that blends Western grit with procedural tension, anchored by Dwight Holing’s signature sense of place and character. Nick Drake—newly elected sheriff and still carrying the instincts of his past life as a fish and wildlife ranger—steps into office only to find that Harney County offers no grace period. His first major case, a double homicide staged as a murder‑suicide, immediately signals that someone is counting on him being too inexperienced—or too overwhelmed—to dig deeper.
🌄 Holing’s High Lonesome landscape is more than scenery; it’s a force. The wide‑open spaces, the isolation, and the harsh beauty of Oregon’s high desert create a backdrop where secrets can survive for decades—and where justice requires both patience and ferocity. The environment mirrors Nick’s internal terrain: vast, scarred, and full of places he’d rather not revisit.
👮 Nick Drake: A Sheriff with Old Skills and New Enemies
Nick is compelling because he’s competent but untested in this new role.
He’s navigating:
- Unproven deputies, who may or may not be ready for the fight ahead
- A political recall effort, designed to bury him before he can uncover the truth
- A case that refuses to stay contained, pulling him into deeper, darker territory
Holing gives Nick a quiet intensity—he’s not flashy, but he’s relentless. His ranger past gives him a tracker’s instincts, and those instincts serve him well as he follows a trail that others insist doesn’t exist.
The staged crime scene is only the beginning. As Nick digs, he uncovers a web of motives tied to old grudges, buried histories, and the kind of rural politics where loyalty can be as dangerous as betrayal. The tension builds not through constant action, but through the steady tightening of threads that all lead back to the same rotting center.
Holing’s narrative style is cinematic—lean, vivid, and attentive to the emotional and cultural textures of the region, including the Indigenous histories that shape the land and the people who live on it.
The Yellow Hair is a strong, atmospheric addition to the Nick Drake series—one that tests its protagonist on every front and refuses to let him (or the reader) look away from the cost of truth. It’s a mystery with grit, heart, and a deep respect for the land and its histories.
Fans of character‑driven Western crime fiction will find plenty to savor here.
May 24, 2026
A couple found dead in a ranch. Was it a murder-suicide or a double-homicide? It was up to Sheriff Nick to find out.
I always enjoy a good mystery and this one seemed like it would be suitable. The narrative was simple and procedural with long descriptions and over-explanations. I felt like I was getting a lot of terminology of The Farmer’s Almanac and Military 101—all quite new to me. These elements slowed the pace of the story and made it feel longer than it should. It was good for getting into a modern Old West setting. The good thing is that there was a mystery here and it was interesting seeing how a newbie sheriff went about investigating it. Quite honestly, I prefer a simpler mystery with lighthearted wit. But even though this book really wasn’t my preference, it was a suitable mystery. A fairly nice read.
I always enjoy a good mystery and this one seemed like it would be suitable. The narrative was simple and procedural with long descriptions and over-explanations. I felt like I was getting a lot of terminology of The Farmer’s Almanac and Military 101—all quite new to me. These elements slowed the pace of the story and made it feel longer than it should. It was good for getting into a modern Old West setting. The good thing is that there was a mystery here and it was interesting seeing how a newbie sheriff went about investigating it. Quite honestly, I prefer a simpler mystery with lighthearted wit. But even though this book really wasn’t my preference, it was a suitable mystery. A fairly nice read.
July 6, 2026
This is another good addition to the Nick Drake series. Nick has decided to leave his job as a wildlife ranger and become the local Sheriff in Harney County, Eastern Oregon. The book starts out with an apparent murder/suicide. But there is much more to the story than that. Local politicians don't want Nick in this new position and they try to throttle his investigation. The plot develops well and there is plenty of local history with great descriptions of Eastern Oregon. The recurring characters continue to develop well and a few new characters are introduced that should add to the continuing narrative. Overall a good read where one actually learns a few things. Thumbs up from this reviewer and I look forward to the next installment.
May 21, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Nick Drake, new sheriff in town, had to find his way through politics, murder, livestock, and his own past. The clues led everywhere and nowhere, and had me guessing all the way to the end. The history of the First Nations, their beliefs, as well as some tragic history of the Vietnam War strengthened my feelings for these people. Nick was so patient, intelligent, and a very caring person. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a copy through RABT, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy through RABT, and this is my unsolicited review.
May 22, 2026
This is my first Nick Drake mystery, and although I rarely go back in a series, I think I’ll have to do so here.
This is an excellent story, full of suspense, but that isn’t what kept me reading. It’s the characters and most importantly, Nick. I suppose I have a weakness for those somewhat moody, stalwart good guys, and Holing sure created one here.
I also liked the setting. This has a Native American flair and a Western flavor. My kind of book.
This is an excellent story, full of suspense, but that isn’t what kept me reading. It’s the characters and most importantly, Nick. I suppose I have a weakness for those somewhat moody, stalwart good guys, and Holing sure created one here.
I also liked the setting. This has a Native American flair and a Western flavor. My kind of book.
June 30, 2026
A gripping blend of mystery and contemporary Western storytelling.
Descriptive writing gives us a vivid picture of the modern American West while weaving in Native American history and culture in a way that feels thoughtful and authentic.
I especially appreciated how the suspense kept slowly showing deeper layers of the mystery and the characters.
The setting feel alive, and the tension kept me invested all the way through.
Descriptive writing gives us a vivid picture of the modern American West while weaving in Native American history and culture in a way that feels thoughtful and authentic.
I especially appreciated how the suspense kept slowly showing deeper layers of the mystery and the characters.
The setting feel alive, and the tension kept me invested all the way through.
May 16, 2026
Book 10 of the Nick Drake series. I really like this entire series. It takes place in Eastern Oregon - an area that I've never seen covered by any other books, so I'm learning something about the area. The series is set in the "right after the Vietnam War" era, so the references seem familiar to a person from my generation.
May 29, 2026
I was wondering how this was going to go after Pudge was gone, but Jazz and Trace are both good additions. This was an interesting story, especially how the 2 storylines intersected. I would have liked to have learned how the DA and Judge ended up with egg one their faces and if the recall vote went through. I guess I will have to wait for the next installment.
July 26, 2026
The tenth book in the Nick Drake series marks a new chapter as he becomes the new Harney County Sheriff, taking over from his deceased father-in-law, Pudge Warbler. The story delves into Nick's Vietnam War memories and follows his son's journey from the war back to the U.S., offering a solid mystery and compelling narrative.
July 26, 2026
Excellent
High quality as usual, this well written page turner has an intriguing storyline with twists and turns, and the usual political BS to be navigated. While we have lost a few key characters over the course of the series, new ones have been brought in seamlessly to keep the story fresh. Looking forward to the next book!
High quality as usual, this well written page turner has an intriguing storyline with twists and turns, and the usual political BS to be navigated. While we have lost a few key characters over the course of the series, new ones have been brought in seamlessly to keep the story fresh. Looking forward to the next book!
May 29, 2026
Greatest Nick Drake Mystery Yet
I loved how Dwight Holing weaved so many stories together for this mystery. I especially liked his Vietnamese characters which made his son Johnny come alive so well.
I loved how Dwight Holing weaved so many stories together for this mystery. I especially liked his Vietnamese characters which made his son Johnny come alive so well.
June 4, 2026
Storytelling
Dwight is a great storyteller! His characters are interesting and the way he tells the story makes you feel like you are there in the story! Nick Drake's family is wonderful! I love each character, especially November! His police force is also great!
Dwight is a great storyteller! His characters are interesting and the way he tells the story makes you feel like you are there in the story! Nick Drake's family is wonderful! I love each character, especially November! His police force is also great!
June 2, 2026
good story
Enjoyed the read looking forward to the next one hopefully it will be soon I have to put five more words in the review
Enjoyed the read looking forward to the next one hopefully it will be soon I have to put five more words in the review
June 26, 2026
4.5 stars. Enjoyed the history lesson and rest of the story here. Well written as usual. Really like this series.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews