Rain Dance

by David Homick

Separating truth from lies continues to be a messy—and dangerous—business.

Dillon Bishop thinks he’s leaving trouble behind when he moves from Texas to live on the Colorado horse ranch that girlfriend Jenny Lee inherited from her Uncle Roy. But it doesn’t take long for him to realize that trouble has a way of finding him wherever he goes.

Buck, the ranch foreman, suggests that Roy was murdered, but Dillon writes it off as the ramblings of a crusty old cowboy who likes his liquor a little too much. However, Buck is not alone in his opinions, and Dillon pokes a sleeping bear when his accusations put him at odds with the local sheriff.

Once again, he’s forced to do battle with corrupt law enforcement, as well as the large marijuana farm that wants Jenn’s land, and others closer to home whose motives are thrown into doubt.

Truth is in short supply in this little Colorado town, and Dillon finds himself pulled into another conspiracy that could cost him everything.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2023

About the author

After years of working in the banking industry in The Finger Lakes Region of Central New York, David Homick left his suits behind for a more casual gig as a freelance Web Designer. He loves the creative aspect of his work, which was not something that was encouraged growing up. Perhaps it’s all that pent up creative energy that has motivated him to express himself now between the covers of a book.

Homick weaves a touch of metaphysical wisdom and inspiration into intriguing, suspenseful, contemporary love stories and mysteries. He believes that fiction should do more than entertain. Good fiction causes us to see ourselves and our world in a different light, creating an emotional resonance that remains with us long after the final page has been read.

Many readers will in some way identify with his characters, whose outer circumstances and inner demons stand in the way of the love and sense of belonging that they seek. Their journeys have many twists and turns, and at times seems hopeless, but through perseverance they learn the key to building meaningful relationships and creating the life they ultimately deserve. Of course, we should never rule out a clever twist of fate or subtle divine intervention along the way.

One of the underlying themes of his writing, as well as his life, was inspired by a favorite quote from George Eliot. "It's never too late to be what you might have been."

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

another excellent book, so well written, a fast moving, interesting, page turning book. Highly recommend this author and his books.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of the RAIN MYSTERY TRILOGY, RAIN DANCE is another stellar mystery from the pen of author David Homick.

Rain Dance is the second book in author David Homick’s exciting Rain Mystery Trilogy, and it is another riveting page-turner of a story. This go-round, Dillon Bishop and Jenn Myles investigate the final days before her Uncle Roy’s death and have a number of possible culprits for a murder that’s been covered up as natural causes. Each of the suspects muddy the waters of truth by adamantly pointing the finger at one of the other candidates.

Dillon is still showing signs of recovery from the PTSD that had plagued him since Afghanistan: Colorado had been good for him in addition to the Rain Dance tea provided by the shaman, Leota, in book one. His apprehension about becoming a father (adoptive) and formalizing his relationship with Jenn was thoughtful and understandable, and I liked that he was working on both. On the other hand, Jenn has some secrets yet to explain, and I will anxiously await the final book in the trilogy for the resolutions to those.

This author’s writing style continues to hit all the right notes. The dialogue throughout and Dillon’s inner voice is perfect. The plot is intriguing, as Dillon and his pal, Cooper Hill, follow the money and outsmart the bad guys. It was a very clever and well-thought-out investigation.

Readers are introduced to Dillon’s new stomping grounds of Redfield, Colorado, and the small town brings with it some fresh new supporting characters. Hattie Scott is a quirky and lovable throw-back to the 60s, as is Charlie “Buck” Owens. I was midway through the story before the penny dropped and on his nickname. (But of course, that’s what it would be!) I hope both returns in the next book. Alex is a wonderful addition to the family that is forming, and I really liked his storyline. With the inclusion of Alex, the horse rescue setting, and Dillon’s inner monologue, I am somewhat reminded of David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series, only grittier and more serious.

With its compelling plot, engaging characters, and bold-as-brass tactics of the bad guys, I was thoroughly absorbed into another stellar mystery by David Homick. I recommend RAIN DANCE to mystery readers who enjoy a solid plot with an intelligent investigation or a Colorado setting that makes you feel like you’re right next to the characters.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

[Francine Lunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading “Rain Dance,” I have a feeling that in another life Dillon Bishop and David Homick were good friends. I envision David being Dillon’s steady friend, guiding him through the rough patches of his childhood and leaving Dillon with an empathic energy, which directs him in his next life to sense and correct wrong doing. I’ve decided Dillon is the kind of friend I would want in my circle, protecting those close to him and willing to risk his own life for the safety of others. Dillon is the good guy in “Rain Dance” discovering, revealing, and proving the truth. I look forward to reading about what trouble he unfolds in book 3 of this trilogy. Read “Don’t Curse the Rain” and “Rain Dance” now, so you're all caught up when book 3 arrives.

[Traci Medford-Rosow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part love story, part murder mystery, David Homick’s brilliant second book in his Rain Mystery trilogy will keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the final page.’ Replete with intrigue, Rain Dance is a delight to both intellect and heart.

[Lis Sigona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in a trilogy of David Homick’s mystery series. At first, I wasn’t as excited about this novel as I was about the first. I’m not sure what it was that first didn’t get me hooked. I felt like it wasn’t as intriguing and or enticing as the first. But as I pushed through it I did find myself caught up in the storyline, the betrayals, the lies, the hiding the truths, the corruptions, etc. Then I couldn’t put it down and wanted to know which of the two were the real culprit and how they were going to prove it. Now I have to see what the third book in the trilogy is all about!