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Nick Drake #4
The Whisper Soul
Trouble doubles down on wildlife ranger Nick Drake.
In the latest novel in the highly acclaimed contemporary western thriller series, a mysterious Native American pleads with Nick Drake to find her missing six-year-old twins. At the same time, an arsonist goes on a rampage. As Nick mounts a desperate search for the children, he is forced to fight fire with fire when the pyromaniac targets the people and land he loves.
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 prose that crackles like the unforgiving setting, the suspense builds and drives The Whisper Soul to a climax as powerful as a force of nature.
Readers agree about the Nick Drake mystery series:
★★★★★ Smart, thrilling, beautifully-written page-turners.
★★★★★ A love song to a remote land.
★★★★★ Outstanding!
★★★★★ Excellent contemporary westerns.
★★★★★ Love the emphasis on Native American folklore and mysticism.
In the latest novel in the highly acclaimed contemporary western thriller series, a mysterious Native American pleads with Nick Drake to find her missing six-year-old twins. At the same time, an arsonist goes on a rampage. As Nick mounts a desperate search for the children, he is forced to fight fire with fire when the pyromaniac targets the people and land he loves.
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 prose that crackles like the unforgiving setting, the suspense builds and drives The Whisper Soul to a climax as powerful as a force of nature.
Readers agree about the Nick Drake mystery series:
★★★★★ Smart, thrilling, beautifully-written page-turners.
★★★★★ A love song to a remote land.
★★★★★ Outstanding!
★★★★★ Excellent contemporary westerns.
★★★★★ Love the emphasis on Native American folklore and mysticism.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2020
About the author
Dwight Holing
52 books108 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 27, 2020
Deeply engaging
The Nick Drake books continue to get better and better. They work on several levels. At the surface is a well-plotted story of engaging characters. All of the protagonists the some depth and heft, even if the villains are a bit one dimensional. At the next level is a glimpse into the culture and world view of the indigenous people of the region, although told through a white man’s eyes. And through it all the land is central to the tale. In this book, Nick Drake is reading Desert Solitaire. I like to think Cactus Ed would have enjoyed reading this book in his fire tower.
The Nick Drake books continue to get better and better. They work on several levels. At the surface is a well-plotted story of engaging characters. All of the protagonists the some depth and heft, even if the villains are a bit one dimensional. At the next level is a glimpse into the culture and world view of the indigenous people of the region, although told through a white man’s eyes. And through it all the land is central to the tale. In this book, Nick Drake is reading Desert Solitaire. I like to think Cactus Ed would have enjoyed reading this book in his fire tower.
February 8, 2022
I am a big fan of Nick Drake and the series of thrillers created by Dwight Holing. Number four, The Whisper Soul, did not disappoint. I ripped through this 290 page novel in a couple days. The author actually created two parallel mysteries that start out together and then split to form two separate storylines. Nick and another marine veteran, Loq, who shares the same fish and wildlife area, rush to a waterhole in the midst of a brushfire to save the wildlife that is gathered there. In the process of rescuing the animals they also discover and evacuate a native American woman named Wanda Manybaskets. Within twenty-four hours Nick and Loq witness a pickup truck tossing Molotov cocktails out the window and starting fires. This takes place in the midst of an extreme drought and very dangerous fire conditions. Wanda Manybaskets informs Nick and Loq that she is searching for her twin children. The remainder of the book traces efforts to find the missing children and to identify the firebug starting fires that threaten ranches and domestic animals. Nick, Gemma, November, Orville, and Pudge remain the main characters; and I love them all. The relationship between Nick and Gemma continued to flourish, and Pudge is running for the sheriff position. The main bad guy in this installment is a spoiled keg party host named Judd Hollister, and the author describes a character that we have all been exposed to. The well meaning but misguided couple of Cameron and Arabelle Parker represent all that is bad about white folks, who think they know what is best for non-whites. The infusion of Native American culture and traditions truly enhances the impact of this narrative. I am anxiously awaiting book five in the series.
October 5, 2026
Love these history lessons and Native lore included in these books
This series is wonderfully written. I love the historical information included as i had never heard of the incident in Bly in 1945. Once I read about it in this book I went searching for more info online and the story in this book was very well-researched. I also love the Native lore , language, and mysticism in these books, as I believe there are things in this world that cannot be explained logically.
I also find it sad that Native children have in the past and still are being stripped of their heritage by a society that is so arrogant that they think they know what is best because they feel superior due to the color of their skin.
This series is wonderfully written. I love the historical information included as i had never heard of the incident in Bly in 1945. Once I read about it in this book I went searching for more info online and the story in this book was very well-researched. I also love the Native lore , language, and mysticism in these books, as I believe there are things in this world that cannot be explained logically.
I also find it sad that Native children have in the past and still are being stripped of their heritage by a society that is so arrogant that they think they know what is best because they feel superior due to the color of their skin.
April 28, 2024
A mysterious Native American pleads with Nick Drake to find her missing six-year-old twins. At the same time, an arsonist goes on a rampage. As Nick mounts a desperate search for the children, he is forced to fight fire with fire when the pyromaniac targets the people and land he loves.
Nick and Loq must stop an arsonist as well as try and find some missing children. The catch is the children end up being many Native children that are taken and placed in foster -care or sent to schools that are to indoctrinate them.
This story brings to light the past and the present policies our government has enacted in dealing with the first people's.
Nick and Loq must stop an arsonist as well as try and find some missing children. The catch is the children end up being many Native children that are taken and placed in foster -care or sent to schools that are to indoctrinate them.
This story brings to light the past and the present policies our government has enacted in dealing with the first people's.
March 5, 2022
The whisper Soul
Again I hAve read a book in this series that has taught me about severa subjects. The state of Oregon. I lived there I.n Hermiston . Prior to that in Portland where my first son was born. The author has again brought one of my most favorite characters of all my years into terrible danger and through .more healing times. Read these books if you favor the U.S. West,, Native American tribal history and people you would love to meet if they weren't fictional.l.
Again I hAve read a book in this series that has taught me about severa subjects. The state of Oregon. I lived there I.n Hermiston . Prior to that in Portland where my first son was born. The author has again brought one of my most favorite characters of all my years into terrible danger and through .more healing times. Read these books if you favor the U.S. West,, Native American tribal history and people you would love to meet if they weren't fictional.l.
July 18, 2020
Indian children
I was amazed that this book is based on facts regarding Indian child foster system. How disgusting that the government is not doing more to help these native children. Also, casinos on Indian land should contribute more to their people. Hopefully, that is happening. Love Nick Drake and cast of characters. Great read. I look forward to more books....sooner. Thank you.
I was amazed that this book is based on facts regarding Indian child foster system. How disgusting that the government is not doing more to help these native children. Also, casinos on Indian land should contribute more to their people. Hopefully, that is happening. Love Nick Drake and cast of characters. Great read. I look forward to more books....sooner. Thank you.
March 27, 2021
Captivating
Book four in the "Nick Drake" series continues to entertain. The wildlife ranger continues his quest to help those in need. His PTSD is getting better, and he is letting a woman into his life. His ties with the Paiute Indian Tribe continue to grow. Harney county is dry and on fire, and Drake helps solve who is responsible. I find this series to be both relaxing and engaging. Charles Leggett's narration continues to be excellent. Dwight Holing's writing is superb.
Book four in the "Nick Drake" series continues to entertain. The wildlife ranger continues his quest to help those in need. His PTSD is getting better, and he is letting a woman into his life. His ties with the Paiute Indian Tribe continue to grow. Harney county is dry and on fire, and Drake helps solve who is responsible. I find this series to be both relaxing and engaging. Charles Leggett's narration continues to be excellent. Dwight Holing's writing is superb.
March 14, 2022
Another can't put it down(unless your dogs keep interfering) book whose main characters just weave their way into your mind.
The Paiute beliefs are treated with reverence as they should be and yet the horrible way indigenous people have and are being treated should make whites question their morals because playing God over those who have different religious beliefs, languages and lifestyles doesn't make them right or civilized-it makes them bigoted savages themselves
The Paiute beliefs are treated with reverence as they should be and yet the horrible way indigenous people have and are being treated should make whites question their morals because playing God over those who have different religious beliefs, languages and lifestyles doesn't make them right or civilized-it makes them bigoted savages themselves
August 24, 2020
A Wonderful Tale
I’ve read all the Nick Drake books and wish there were more! They are excellent renditions of culture, environmentalism, and mystery solving. As a mystery writer myself, my hat is off to Dwight Holing for the excellent skill in storytelling he brought to the task.
I’ve read all the Nick Drake books and wish there were more! They are excellent renditions of culture, environmentalism, and mystery solving. As a mystery writer myself, my hat is off to Dwight Holing for the excellent skill in storytelling he brought to the task.
June 20, 2021
Love the Nick Drake Series!
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Interesting characters mixed with the beautiful landscape of the Big Lonesome. Nick Drake is flawed but the vast beauty and animals of the High Desert is bringing him peace after his return from Viet Nam. Interesting story lines woven with rich Native American culture. Informative and full of Grace.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Interesting characters mixed with the beautiful landscape of the Big Lonesome. Nick Drake is flawed but the vast beauty and animals of the High Desert is bringing him peace after his return from Viet Nam. Interesting story lines woven with rich Native American culture. Informative and full of Grace.
March 18, 2023
My 3rd Nick Drake book in a few weeks (and my 4th overall). I have Nick Drake fatigue now and will take a break.
However, I do enjoy this series and the characters, the land and the overall vibe set in the early 1970's. In fact I started to listen to some old CSN&Y again after reading these books.
The first book in this series remains my favorite but all are decent.
However, I do enjoy this series and the characters, the land and the overall vibe set in the early 1970's. In fact I started to listen to some old CSN&Y again after reading these books.
The first book in this series remains my favorite but all are decent.
August 16, 2023
I am totally enjoying this series featuring Nick Drake. As with the earlier books this book has many teachings; things about WWII and Viet Nam, the displacement of Native American children, fire in the high desert, Native American customs. I love how Drake is being healed by the community and the love of Gemma.
April 1, 2020
Dwight Holing hits it out of the park again with this 4th book in the Nick Drake saga. The richness of the characters and scenery bring the story to life. You can feel the emotions of the characters and imagine the wonder of the world around them.
June 26, 2020
Entertaining Read
I have enjoyed this series and its characters.The locale is uncommon providing a different reading experience than usual. The characters are interesting and well developed, and the storyline is compelling. In all, a solid entertaining series.
I have enjoyed this series and its characters.The locale is uncommon providing a different reading experience than usual. The characters are interesting and well developed, and the storyline is compelling. In all, a solid entertaining series.
November 3, 2020
Living the life
Dwight sure knows how to draw you into the landscape, into people's lives like you are part of them also. The only problem is this; are there no more Nick books? 4 are not enough get busy boy! Or if there are more let me know
Dwight sure knows how to draw you into the landscape, into people's lives like you are part of them also. The only problem is this; are there no more Nick books? 4 are not enough get busy boy! Or if there are more let me know
September 29, 2021
Nick Drake series
Set in Southeastern Oregon, Dwight Holing’s Nick Drake series is a very good series. The characters are interesting with good back stories. I look forward to reading more from Dwight Holing. I highly recommend this this series!
Set in Southeastern Oregon, Dwight Holing’s Nick Drake series is a very good series. The characters are interesting with good back stories. I look forward to reading more from Dwight Holing. I highly recommend this this series!
October 24, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series. All the supporting characters are interesting and likeable. I thoroughly enjoy the Native American history lessons that are offered. The actual mysteries are solid enough but not why I read this particular series.
May 21, 2020
Love the Nick Drake books and they just get better. Highly recommend.
June 15, 2020
I loved the Nick Drake series. I hope there will be many more to come.
I loved this series. I read all four. I hope there will be more Nick Drake books in the very near future.
I loved this series. I read all four. I hope there will be more Nick Drake books in the very near future.
July 10, 2020
This author is really doing a great job keeping me interested. I believe I see at least another book from him in the future and I'll be reading it, too.
January 8, 2021
Fish and Wildlife Ranger Nick Drake is tracking down an arsonist at the same time he is searching for two missing children. Most of the male protagonists are combat veterans, quietly competent to deal with any situation, even when outnumbered. The story is well-written but rather painful to read with its setting of massive Oregon forest fires.
January 16, 2021
Great
This book is deep but very interesting information on the ways of the Indians that lived in this area. I really is a good book
This book is deep but very interesting information on the ways of the Indians that lived in this area. I really is a good book
March 4, 2022
He writes with true knowledge of southeastern Oregon.
October 31, 2022
Nick is healing everyday. Very current as to the huge wildfires this year. Hope more novels are on the horizon.
June 9, 2023
Another great book in the series! These books definitely have a Joe Pickett vibe to them, but dare I say, I think I like Nick Drake even better than Joe??
January 10, 2024
4/5 very enjoyable story. Sometimes it gets a little windy in telling other stories.
September 22, 2024
4 stars. This series is so not my usual type of book, but I love reading about the fictional Harney County Oregon Fish & Wildlife officer and his Sheriff friend.
September 6, 2025
Outstanding writer
I enjoyed the story very much! Everyday I look forward to reading the next chapters. I am ready to start book 5. Can't wait!
I enjoyed the story very much! Everyday I look forward to reading the next chapters. I am ready to start book 5. Can't wait!
March 7, 2026
Very Good.
Setting - 5
Plot/Story - 4
Characterization - 4
Writing - 3
Setting - 5
Plot/Story - 4
Characterization - 4
Writing - 3
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews