What do you think?
Nick Drake #2
The Pity Heart
Nick Drake returns in the thrilling sequel to The Sorrow Hand. A contemporary western thriller.
Set in 1968, Nick Drake is a troubled Vietnam War veteran seeking redemption as a game warden in a quiet land. But when a fighter pilot from a nearby Air Force base mysteriously plummets onto one of his refuges, he is plunged into a deadly showdown with the military. A vexing mystery involving multiple murders ensues, and Nick must turn to the old ways of his Paiute neighbors to hunt for a vicious killer and bring justice to the pitiless high desert.
Read as a standalone or as part of the series.
Award-winning author Dwight Holing draws on his deeply rooted connection to the American West and understanding of the natural world to create a masterful story. With memorable characters and prose that crackles like the unforgiving setting, the suspense builds and drives The Pity Heart to a climax as powerful as a force of nature.
Here's what readers are saying:
Set in 1968, Nick Drake is a troubled Vietnam War veteran seeking redemption as a game warden in a quiet land. But when a fighter pilot from a nearby Air Force base mysteriously plummets onto one of his refuges, he is plunged into a deadly showdown with the military. A vexing mystery involving multiple murders ensues, and Nick must turn to the old ways of his Paiute neighbors to hunt for a vicious killer and bring justice to the pitiless high desert.
Read as a standalone or as part of the series.
Award-winning author Dwight Holing draws on his deeply rooted connection to the American West and understanding of the natural world to create a masterful story. With memorable characters and prose that crackles like the unforgiving setting, the suspense builds and drives The Pity Heart to a climax as powerful as a force of nature.
Here's what readers are saying:
★★★★★
If you love C.J. Box's Joe
Pickett, you'll love Nick Drake
.
★★★★★ Once I started reading The Pity Heart, I couldn't stop.
★★★★★ Beautifully written and pulls you right in.
★★★★★ Vivid, realistic and engaging.
★★★★★ Nick Drake is the Real Deal.
★★★★★ Love the emphasis on Native American folklore and mysticism.
★★★★★ Beautifully written and pulls you right in.
★★★★★ Vivid, realistic and engaging.
★★★★★ Nick Drake is the Real Deal.
★★★★★ Love the emphasis on Native American folklore and mysticism.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2019
About the author
Dwight Holing
52 books106 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 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 6, 2022
Extremely Enjoyable Series
This is just a darn good series. Nick Drake is a Vietnam vet with three tours under his belt. His last tour his entire platoon but him was wiped out. After time at Walter Reed military hospital mental ward, suffering from shell shock or during my time in the military it’s called PTSD. After release he works as a ranger in a federal wildlife reserve. This time he observes a USAF F101 Vodoo jet flying over the reserve when he sees one of the crewman eject and there’s no chute. This starts the story, then multiple murders and drugs. The author is extremely adept at weaving in descriptions of the state park and Native American lore. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is just a darn good series. Nick Drake is a Vietnam vet with three tours under his belt. His last tour his entire platoon but him was wiped out. After time at Walter Reed military hospital mental ward, suffering from shell shock or during my time in the military it’s called PTSD. After release he works as a ranger in a federal wildlife reserve. This time he observes a USAF F101 Vodoo jet flying over the reserve when he sees one of the crewman eject and there’s no chute. This starts the story, then multiple murders and drugs. The author is extremely adept at weaving in descriptions of the state park and Native American lore. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 14, 2019
Quick, fun read.
Drake is on the search for a poacher while the sheriff is trying to track down cattle rustlers. Then there's the air force pilot that ejects from his plane and dies when the parachute doesn't open. Makes for a very interesting read. A lot of thoughts of Vietnam by Drake as well as some interesting sidebars into Paiute legends and history.
Worth the read.
Drake is on the search for a poacher while the sheriff is trying to track down cattle rustlers. Then there's the air force pilot that ejects from his plane and dies when the parachute doesn't open. Makes for a very interesting read. A lot of thoughts of Vietnam by Drake as well as some interesting sidebars into Paiute legends and history.
Worth the read.
February 23, 2019
This is the second book in the Nick Drake Novel series and is set in 1968, with a main character called Nick Drake. It follows on from The Sorrow Hand, but is easily read as a standalone book. He is a Vietnam Veteran with a troubled past, seeking redemption by working as a game warden, covering a large area. He works for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in No Mountain, Oregon, and daily tries to keep free of addiction and enjoy the open spaces and peace and quiet.
This book starts with Nick trying to catch a poacher on the water, when his actions are interrupted by a falling body from an overhead formation of fighter planes, doing practise runs from the nearby base. He gets on the wrong side of the Air Force man who comes to retrieve the body and airplane parts from the scene. The mystery deepens as further deaths occur that link to the military base.
Nick has to draw on his Native American friends and the retired Sheriff to assist in his hunt for the killer. Lots of Native American lore and traditions are included in the tale and the scenery is well described. He is also visited by his memories of what happened in the war and episodes of PTSD. The ghosts of his past comrades in arms continue to fill his nights and his days are long. The draw of drugs is stronger than he can imagine.
Nick continues his investigation into the crash and this makes him a target of those behind the murders on the base. It seems there is a very large secret that some will kill to keep that way and anyone that interferes, such as Nick, will put them in the crosshairs of danger and also those close to him. Flights between the States and areas of Vietnam are part of the mystery and he needs assistance to solve the case. Help comes from unexpected quarters and he will have to rely on the spirit world to aid his survival.
A great book, based in a troubled period of the late 60’s, with many young men being sent to war and coming back damaged and struggling to get back into civilian life. The main character, Nick Drake, is a troubled person, who has his own scars from the war and a daily fight to stay off drugs. Busy cities are not for him, so the peace and wide open spaces are a boon for his spirit. He has a sense of duty, right and wrong, and loyalty to those close to him. With the addition of the descriptions of scenery and native folklore, it just all adds to the enjoyment of reading the series.
I think I like this series and character even more than the author’s Jack McCoul Capers series, which I have really enjoyed reading. I can’t wait to see what any next book in this series holds. I would seriously recommend this series to others. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
This book starts with Nick trying to catch a poacher on the water, when his actions are interrupted by a falling body from an overhead formation of fighter planes, doing practise runs from the nearby base. He gets on the wrong side of the Air Force man who comes to retrieve the body and airplane parts from the scene. The mystery deepens as further deaths occur that link to the military base.
Nick has to draw on his Native American friends and the retired Sheriff to assist in his hunt for the killer. Lots of Native American lore and traditions are included in the tale and the scenery is well described. He is also visited by his memories of what happened in the war and episodes of PTSD. The ghosts of his past comrades in arms continue to fill his nights and his days are long. The draw of drugs is stronger than he can imagine.
Nick continues his investigation into the crash and this makes him a target of those behind the murders on the base. It seems there is a very large secret that some will kill to keep that way and anyone that interferes, such as Nick, will put them in the crosshairs of danger and also those close to him. Flights between the States and areas of Vietnam are part of the mystery and he needs assistance to solve the case. Help comes from unexpected quarters and he will have to rely on the spirit world to aid his survival.
A great book, based in a troubled period of the late 60’s, with many young men being sent to war and coming back damaged and struggling to get back into civilian life. The main character, Nick Drake, is a troubled person, who has his own scars from the war and a daily fight to stay off drugs. Busy cities are not for him, so the peace and wide open spaces are a boon for his spirit. He has a sense of duty, right and wrong, and loyalty to those close to him. With the addition of the descriptions of scenery and native folklore, it just all adds to the enjoyment of reading the series.
I think I like this series and character even more than the author’s Jack McCoul Capers series, which I have really enjoyed reading. I can’t wait to see what any next book in this series holds. I would seriously recommend this series to others. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
April 12, 2019
Dwight Holing is the Real Deal!
In his follow-up to the highly successful and widely-acclaimed The Sorrow Hand, Dwight Holing and Nick Drake are back at again in The Pity Heart. This time, Nick is not only battling a new crop of bad guys but also battling the ghosts of his past.
What impressed me most about this second outing for Dwight/Nick in The Pity Heart is the emphasis on Native American folklore and mysticism and the way that it figures into the story. I found this novel to be more philosophical (don’t worry folks, there’s plenty of action to keep you riveted!) as well as a chance to get to know Nick better. Nick is a much more developed and well-rounded character than he was in The Sorrow Hand. Part of this, I believe, is Holing being more comfortable with the character and giving him this room to grow within the story.
In The Sorrow Hand, we learn that Nick is still battling PTSD and the ghosts from the Vietnam War; in The Pity Heart though, Holing bests himself with delving deep into Nick’s life and those ghosts.
As I said, there’s plenty of action and bad guys to keep Nick and Pudge on their toes that’ll keep readers turning the pages. Kudos again to Holing for another well-written and captivating story!
Jeffrey Miller,
The Day the Earth Swallowed Louis
In his follow-up to the highly successful and widely-acclaimed The Sorrow Hand, Dwight Holing and Nick Drake are back at again in The Pity Heart. This time, Nick is not only battling a new crop of bad guys but also battling the ghosts of his past.
What impressed me most about this second outing for Dwight/Nick in The Pity Heart is the emphasis on Native American folklore and mysticism and the way that it figures into the story. I found this novel to be more philosophical (don’t worry folks, there’s plenty of action to keep you riveted!) as well as a chance to get to know Nick better. Nick is a much more developed and well-rounded character than he was in The Sorrow Hand. Part of this, I believe, is Holing being more comfortable with the character and giving him this room to grow within the story.
In The Sorrow Hand, we learn that Nick is still battling PTSD and the ghosts from the Vietnam War; in The Pity Heart though, Holing bests himself with delving deep into Nick’s life and those ghosts.
As I said, there’s plenty of action and bad guys to keep Nick and Pudge on their toes that’ll keep readers turning the pages. Kudos again to Holing for another well-written and captivating story!
Jeffrey Miller,
The Day the Earth Swallowed Louis
January 21, 2025
Really enjoy this series. It is set back in the late 60s and the main character, Nick Drake, is a combat vet who works for Fish & Game. After fighting in Vietnam, he came back to the states and battled a drug addiction and now lives in remote Oregon. He likes that he doesn't have to interact with a lot of people. He is friends with a part time deputy sheriff and his veterinarian daughter.
While out checking on a wildlife refuge he sees an Air Force plane overhead eject the canopy and the copilot ejects with no parachute and lands in the refuge. Nick is concerned and starts looking into the circumstances and what appears to be a coverup behind it. He encounters the nurse who helped him kick his addiction and another person he had met during his time in the service.
He is very stubborn and when told to stay away from the investigation he ignores it and gets himself involved in some risky situations. At the same time, he is trying to hunt down a very wily poacher who is killing lots of ducks and geese. He reads some old stories given to him by the deputy sheriff's housekeeper, November, and applies them to his life.
Strong characters, good scene descriptions, some history, good mystery.
While out checking on a wildlife refuge he sees an Air Force plane overhead eject the canopy and the copilot ejects with no parachute and lands in the refuge. Nick is concerned and starts looking into the circumstances and what appears to be a coverup behind it. He encounters the nurse who helped him kick his addiction and another person he had met during his time in the service.
He is very stubborn and when told to stay away from the investigation he ignores it and gets himself involved in some risky situations. At the same time, he is trying to hunt down a very wily poacher who is killing lots of ducks and geese. He reads some old stories given to him by the deputy sheriff's housekeeper, November, and applies them to his life.
Strong characters, good scene descriptions, some history, good mystery.
December 20, 2019
There's a great new player in the regional mystery genre. Dwight Holing's Nick Drake series is the real deal.
It combines the game warden spirit of C J Box's Joe Pickett, the former Army MP legacy of Reacher and the Native American mysticism of Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire and Peter Bowen's Gabriel du Pre in a wonderful series set in the wilderness of Eastern Oregon in 1968.
Nick Drake is a Vietnam veteran, dealing with his memories and what will later be called PTSD, hiding out as a forest ranger in the national parks of a whole new region for regional mysteries.
When a co-pilot ejects out of a US Air Force plane, Drake pulls the man from a lake.
But when the plane doesn't crash and the co-pilot's death is not investigated properly, Nick pursues matters as only he can. Nick is a great character and the series continues to grow, both in character development and writing skill.
Each book is better than the next. This is a series that deserves a wider following.
It combines the game warden spirit of C J Box's Joe Pickett, the former Army MP legacy of Reacher and the Native American mysticism of Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire and Peter Bowen's Gabriel du Pre in a wonderful series set in the wilderness of Eastern Oregon in 1968.
Nick Drake is a Vietnam veteran, dealing with his memories and what will later be called PTSD, hiding out as a forest ranger in the national parks of a whole new region for regional mysteries.
When a co-pilot ejects out of a US Air Force plane, Drake pulls the man from a lake.
But when the plane doesn't crash and the co-pilot's death is not investigated properly, Nick pursues matters as only he can. Nick is a great character and the series continues to grow, both in character development and writing skill.
Each book is better than the next. This is a series that deserves a wider following.
March 30, 2024
Set in 1968, Nick Drake is a troubled Vietnam War veteran seeking redemption as a game warden in a quiet land. But when a fighter pilot from a nearby Air Force base mysteriously plummets onto one of his refuges, he is plunged into a deadly showdown with the military. A vexing mystery involving multiple murders ensues, and Nick must turn to the old ways of his Paiute neighbors to hunt for a vicious killer and bring justice to the pitiless high desert.
So much has happened with Nick as we watch him fight to heal himself. As November tells him and this is reinforced when we see him talk to his former nurse Carla" he will at some point have to let someone in".
I can relate to his love of the lonely country and how it helps you find yourself, his enjoyment at feeling the power of a running horse. Holings portrayal of the military's habit of CYA is spot on. All in all I enjoyed this second installment in the series.
So much has happened with Nick as we watch him fight to heal himself. As November tells him and this is reinforced when we see him talk to his former nurse Carla" he will at some point have to let someone in".
I can relate to his love of the lonely country and how it helps you find yourself, his enjoyment at feeling the power of a running horse. Holings portrayal of the military's habit of CYA is spot on. All in all I enjoyed this second installment in the series.
March 25, 2021
Immersing
I found "The Pity Heart," second in the "Nick Drake" series, to be engaging, interesting, humorous, and educational. I did not like (only at first) the changing of narrators from Steve Marvel to Charles Leggett, although Leggett did a good job and continued to through the following two books in the series. Marvel and Leggett are both excellent narrators, but I don't particularly appreciate changing the series voice. I still adapted am glad I kept with the series. I enjoyed the setting being in 1968 and that the author held to this past setting with all the history, kinds of phones, computers, etc. I loved the scene in desolate Harney County, Oregon, where cowboys still exist. The Paiute Indian Tribe is interweaved in this series, and their ways are very intriguing. Author Dwight Holing does it again!
I found "The Pity Heart," second in the "Nick Drake" series, to be engaging, interesting, humorous, and educational. I did not like (only at first) the changing of narrators from Steve Marvel to Charles Leggett, although Leggett did a good job and continued to through the following two books in the series. Marvel and Leggett are both excellent narrators, but I don't particularly appreciate changing the series voice. I still adapted am glad I kept with the series. I enjoyed the setting being in 1968 and that the author held to this past setting with all the history, kinds of phones, computers, etc. I loved the scene in desolate Harney County, Oregon, where cowboys still exist. The Paiute Indian Tribe is interweaved in this series, and their ways are very intriguing. Author Dwight Holing does it again!
March 4, 2022
The pity heart
Again Author Holing has kept me reading and ignoring the rest of the things I need to do.in my day. I am 86 years old and retired. Have read since I was five years old and raised three intelligent sons. This series has been educating me about PTSD. I HATED the Korean War and even more HATED the Vietnam one. President Eisenhower warned us about the dangers of the industrial-military complex. He should have included the politicians as part of that dangerous complex. It is clear in this book the dangers they have created. The major actor in this series is deeply caring as he lives his life in the men and women he served with and the animals and birds he now is sworn to protect. Again thanks to the author for his appealing characters and the lives he depicts that they are living. Even in the novel genre. They feel real to.me.
Again Author Holing has kept me reading and ignoring the rest of the things I need to do.in my day. I am 86 years old and retired. Have read since I was five years old and raised three intelligent sons. This series has been educating me about PTSD. I HATED the Korean War and even more HATED the Vietnam one. President Eisenhower warned us about the dangers of the industrial-military complex. He should have included the politicians as part of that dangerous complex. It is clear in this book the dangers they have created. The major actor in this series is deeply caring as he lives his life in the men and women he served with and the animals and birds he now is sworn to protect. Again thanks to the author for his appealing characters and the lives he depicts that they are living. Even in the novel genre. They feel real to.me.
March 10, 2023
This book is very well written And definitely a mystery!
Nick Drake is definitely A tourchered soul Who is bound and determined to overcome his demons and do what is right. As he was staking out 1 of the lakes looking for a poacher He sees jets flying overhead , And someone being ejected from 1 of the jets.That person is not ejected from his seat but falls into the lake And does not surface.Nick Swims out to where the body enter the lake And eventually gets the pilot back to shore. The pilot did not survive the fall as his parachute did not open. Nick is pulled into the intrigue while trying to get his poacher and help the deputy Pudge catch rustlers! Because of the descriptions of the land, lakes and flora, I felt like I was there. I am definitely going to read more Nick Drake novels!
Nick Drake is definitely A tourchered soul Who is bound and determined to overcome his demons and do what is right. As he was staking out 1 of the lakes looking for a poacher He sees jets flying overhead , And someone being ejected from 1 of the jets.That person is not ejected from his seat but falls into the lake And does not surface.Nick Swims out to where the body enter the lake And eventually gets the pilot back to shore. The pilot did not survive the fall as his parachute did not open. Nick is pulled into the intrigue while trying to get his poacher and help the deputy Pudge catch rustlers! Because of the descriptions of the land, lakes and flora, I felt like I was there. I am definitely going to read more Nick Drake novels!
January 15, 2019
The Pity Heart is a great follow up to The Sorrow Hand. I was already invested in all the characters and it was great to spend more time with them. The central protagonist, Nick Drake, is a Vietnam Vet dealing with PTSD and getting as far away from people as possible by becoming a wildlife ranger in Eastern Oregon. We learn more about Nick's experience in Nam and how it continues to haunt him. All the characters are very well drawn. I love local sheriff Pudge and his daughter, Gemma. Nick is dealing with multiple mysteries and, in the process, delving deeper into the local Native American community and their tribal lore. Like the previous book in the series, it's beautifully written and pulls you right in.
February 20, 2019
As a lover of mystery series, when I got the opportunity to read The Pity Heart for free, I just had to read the first book, The Sorrow Hand first. Both were excellent! The story was an intriguing blend of nature and wide open spaces, a crime to solve, the repercussions and the haunting horrors of war, and Native American lore. The characters are deeply flawed, each in their own way, and extremely likeable. The plot twists and turns kept me guessing and kept running back to the story every chance I got. I'm really looking forward to many more in the Nick Drake series from this author.
October 11, 2019
This is the second in a mystery series set in Vietnam-era America. A recovered heroin-addicted soldier fights his demons and those poaching in his area of land and wildlife management. Unfortunately, when an Air Force copilot dies in front of his eyes, he is pulled back into the military life. Holing pulls in Native American lore but doesn't do it as seamlessly as in his first book. It feels more chock-a-block. The mystery was decent and the characters were interesting. Still worth a read if you love the Box,Doiron, and McGarrity stories.
November 20, 2019
I'd rate it 4.3 stars. Entangled with the Vietnam war is the southeast area of Oregon which is partly desert and somewhat mountainous as well. It's a great place to evolve a story that mixes the Air Force, Paiute Indians, cattle rustling, poaching, a US Fish and Wildlife officer (Nick Drake) and a part time no-nonsense sheriff named Pudge. I really liked how the story kept flowing (the books is barely over 250 pages) and there are few drawn out lulls. The author does a good job of pacing the action and keeping things real. I will be reading the third book in the series very soon.
January 14, 2019
Outstanding!
Nick Drake is a character you can understand as much as he understands himself. His service to his country has left him with a lot of baggage that does not want to leave him alone. His Paiute friends help him to understand the world in a very different way. The place he lives brings its own beauty and dangers. He is an astute sleuth in a diverse world. If you like C.J.Box's Joe Picket you will love Nick Drake.
Nick Drake is a character you can understand as much as he understands himself. His service to his country has left him with a lot of baggage that does not want to leave him alone. His Paiute friends help him to understand the world in a very different way. The place he lives brings its own beauty and dangers. He is an astute sleuth in a diverse world. If you like C.J.Box's Joe Picket you will love Nick Drake.
February 5, 2019
All the essentiials of a great read for me. Settiing in wildlife refuge. Indigenous people . Honorable man battling himself and bad guys
Beautiful lakes, rivers, flora and fauna, and, sunsets. Not so many characters that you can't remember . Drake charges ahead sometimes, but not in a stupid way. I thoroughly enjoyed the book along with the action and mystery. Will recommend to friends and family.
Beautiful lakes, rivers, flora and fauna, and, sunsets. Not so many characters that you can't remember . Drake charges ahead sometimes, but not in a stupid way. I thoroughly enjoyed the book along with the action and mystery. Will recommend to friends and family.
March 2, 2021
I loved The Pity Heart. I enjoyed The Sorrow Hand by Dwight Holing, but I think The Pity Heart was even better. I learned more about the main character, Nick Drake, in this thriller that involves the personnel at a nearby Air Force base. Holing incorporated three native Americans; November, Tuhudda Will, and Gordon Loq into this plot, and the combination of drugs and native American lore provided some very interesting scenes. The setting remains the sparse landscape of southeastern Oregon, and a secondary plot thread involves a poacher with a custom built gatling gun. Sheriff Pudge Warbler and his daughter Gemma once again play a key role as supporting players, and I continued to root for a Gemma and Nick relationship. I highly recommend this book, particularly if you are a fan of the western/outdoor thriller and mystery genre. I cannot wait to wade into book number three in the series.
March 12, 2022
Considering that I liked the first book so much that I bought the entire series of 6 and hope more will follow I'd say that Dwight Holing writes with excellently developed çharacters, a bit of accurate history and legends, and expresses the struggles of so many Vietnam vets when they come home.
All this comes wrapped in an interesting storyline following Nick Drake and his determination to conquer his own demons while protecting those humans and animals around him.
All this comes wrapped in an interesting storyline following Nick Drake and his determination to conquer his own demons while protecting those humans and animals around him.
February 4, 2019
Fascinating
This second book in the Nick Drake series is as good as the first book. My dad was a 30yr Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam and Korea so I found the book interesting and informative. The mystery was good too and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This second book in the Nick Drake series is as good as the first book. My dad was a 30yr Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam and Korea so I found the book interesting and informative. The mystery was good too and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 20, 2019
This book truly connected with me. As a Vietnam Vet from the Air Force I recognized the fighter pilots and their antics. The style of writing drew me in and created extremely realistic images with very accurate descriptions. So much of the book dealt with thangs I know about and continue an interest in. It was like a visit to parts of my life.
July 1, 2020
Holing has in interesting way of weaving his plot with touches of flashbacks from Nick's Viet Nam experiences and Paiute legends taught to Nick by an ancient Native woman. This part of the series focuses on wildlife poachers, cattle rustlers, and some rogue Air Force men from the local training base. Another engaging story!
April 23, 2023
Great book. A quick, fast paced read. The Nick Drake series, this included, is even better than his Jack McCoul series, which I also liked. There is some benefit from reading the series in order as the writer adds depth to his main characters from book-to-book. I’m a Vietnam combat veteran. Holding’s flashbacks to his combat in Vietnam add another level of authenticity.
April 26, 2023
I am so glad to have discovered this series. I enjoy Nick’ perspective as a Viet Nam veteran with PTSD and drug addictions, the descriptions of Harley County on Oregon, the native influences, stories, and culture, and the mystery that unravels when Nck pulls a co- pilot of out the lake. Looking forward to the next book.
September 23, 2023
Glad I found this author
Loved the complex main character, the vivid descriptions—some that took my breath away, and not just for depictions of the scenery, the feeling of immediacy in the action and the writing in general.
This is the second book that I’ve read by this author and in this series, and I plan to read them all!
Loved the complex main character, the vivid descriptions—some that took my breath away, and not just for depictions of the scenery, the feeling of immediacy in the action and the writing in general.
This is the second book that I’ve read by this author and in this series, and I plan to read them all!
August 27, 2024
I found this very interesting and enjoyable. I especially liked the Native American aspects. There was a lot going on but the author managed to pull it all together. Nick is basically a good guy but he has demons he must face down. Pudge is the classic wise old man that Nick leans on and vice versa. Gemma is pretty cool too.
September 25, 2024
shell shock glimpses rest
Combining a Vietnam casualty linking with some isolated, strong minded people. The writing is excellent. The plot is, too. I found a couple of overdoses of spirituality not helpful. But that might increase this mystery popularity with those less cynical than I.
Combining a Vietnam casualty linking with some isolated, strong minded people. The writing is excellent. The plot is, too. I found a couple of overdoses of spirituality not helpful. But that might increase this mystery popularity with those less cynical than I.
February 14, 2025
On a roll
I have now read books one and two of the Nick Drake series. I have enjoyed both books. The setting is during Vietnam era and I can relate to the time period. I had several friends including two ex-husbands that were in Vietnam. I think it is time we have more books dealing with this time period. Now on to the next one.
I have now read books one and two of the Nick Drake series. I have enjoyed both books. The setting is during Vietnam era and I can relate to the time period. I had several friends including two ex-husbands that were in Vietnam. I think it is time we have more books dealing with this time period. Now on to the next one.
April 5, 2025
The Nick Drake series continues to improve. It is interesting, exciting, with a little simple charm. The Vietnam era timeline makes it standout and unique among mystery-thrillers today. This one is realistic, especially the end. However, the ending is also why I couldn't give it 5 stars. It just didn't ring true, and left me a little empty. Perhaps it was meant to?
August 26, 2025
Great Book
This series is turning out to be excellent! I love Purge and November is cool too! I am enjoying the characters interact. Judge makes me laugh out loud! The mystery as always I can't figure put the bad guy until it's revealed in the end. Looking forward to reading the third book!
This series is turning out to be excellent! I love Purge and November is cool too! I am enjoying the characters interact. Judge makes me laugh out loud! The mystery as always I can't figure put the bad guy until it's revealed in the end. Looking forward to reading the third book!
February 3, 2019
Mystery woven with southwest flavor.
Twists and turns with murders, heroin from Viet Vietnam, cattle rustling and poaching. Lots to keep anyone interested. Asp Piaute stories interwoven.
Twists and turns with murders, heroin from Viet Vietnam, cattle rustling and poaching. Lots to keep anyone interested. Asp Piaute stories interwoven.
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