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Nick Drake #3
The Shaming Eyes
Nick Drake is back! A contemporary western thriller.
It's 1969 and spring finally comes to the lonesome Oregon high desert after an especially bitter winter, but for every new beginning, something old must give way. Someone is poisoning wild horses and a vicious killer escapes from prison. A murder thrusts Vietnam veteran turned wildlife ranger Nick Drake into a desperate manhunt that turns into a fight for survival to protect those he holds dear. Spring quickly turns into a season of dying and life in Harney County will never be the same.
Read as a standalone or as part of the series.
Award-winning author Dwight Holing draws on his deep roots 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 Shaming Eyes to a climax as powerful as a force of nature.
Here's what readers are saying:★★★★★ Wow! Simply, wow!★★★★★ A touching, terrifying fast-moving thriller.
★★★★★ A real page-turner.
★★★★★ Characters you can believe in.
★★★★★ Holing has put together another masterful story.
★★★★★ Enjoyed the Native American mysticism and folklore.
It's 1969 and spring finally comes to the lonesome Oregon high desert after an especially bitter winter, but for every new beginning, something old must give way. Someone is poisoning wild horses and a vicious killer escapes from prison. A murder thrusts Vietnam veteran turned wildlife ranger Nick Drake into a desperate manhunt that turns into a fight for survival to protect those he holds dear. Spring quickly turns into a season of dying and life in Harney County will never be the same.
Read as a standalone or as part of the series.
Award-winning author Dwight Holing draws on his deep roots 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 Shaming Eyes to a climax as powerful as a force of nature.
Here's what readers are saying:★★★★★ Wow! Simply, wow!★★★★★ A touching, terrifying fast-moving thriller.
★★★★★ A real page-turner.
★★★★★ Characters you can believe in.
★★★★★ Holing has put together another masterful story.
★★★★★ Enjoyed the Native American mysticism and folklore.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2019
338 people are currently reading
87 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 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 30, 2019
Great landscape descriptions and Native American legends
I appreciate Holing’s depiction of the high desert, its beauty and it’s harsh life for its residents. Also the legends of the first people who lived there were enlightening. Nick is a realistic passionate character with both gifts and flaws
I appreciate Holing’s depiction of the high desert, its beauty and it’s harsh life for its residents. Also the legends of the first people who lived there were enlightening. Nick is a realistic passionate character with both gifts and flaws
June 5, 2023
Fantastic, again. This is by far my favorite new series of the year!
July 15, 2019
Nick Drake: A Modern Western Hero
Nick Drake, Vietnam War veteran and wildlife ranger, is back again in The Shaming Eyes for more non-stop drama in the high desert of eastern Oregon. And once again, author Dwight Holing is in top form as he shares another riveting story of Nick and his adventures in this part of the United States.
What sets this book apart from the first two books in this series is that Nick has become a much more developed and well-rounded character. To be sure, we see a side of Nick that we haven’t seen before. He’s more thoughtful and reflective and not simply chasing the ghosts of the Vietnam War as he was in the first two books. He’s still immersing himself into the culture of the indigenous tribes of the region which is one of the book’s strengths, not the least of which is Holing’s fascination and love for the region. I have especially enjoyed the continued exploration and foray into Native American mysticism and folklore, especially the character of the Paiute woman, November. She has been a delightful surprise in the first three books, and if you ask me, worthy of her own series of books (hint, hint, Mr. Holing). As such, each subsequent book in this series is a celebration of our indigenous cultures and worthy of our attention. All and all, it makes for a very engaging and enjoyable read.
And finally, what has become more evident with each new story about Nick is that he is a modern western hero. He’s not riding off into the sunset at the end of each book, but he is fighting injustice, even if he is just a ranger. Holing is onto something here with the character of Nick and the American West. He’s given us a new hero.
Jeffrey Miller,
The Day the Earth Swallowed Louis
Nick Drake, Vietnam War veteran and wildlife ranger, is back again in The Shaming Eyes for more non-stop drama in the high desert of eastern Oregon. And once again, author Dwight Holing is in top form as he shares another riveting story of Nick and his adventures in this part of the United States.
What sets this book apart from the first two books in this series is that Nick has become a much more developed and well-rounded character. To be sure, we see a side of Nick that we haven’t seen before. He’s more thoughtful and reflective and not simply chasing the ghosts of the Vietnam War as he was in the first two books. He’s still immersing himself into the culture of the indigenous tribes of the region which is one of the book’s strengths, not the least of which is Holing’s fascination and love for the region. I have especially enjoyed the continued exploration and foray into Native American mysticism and folklore, especially the character of the Paiute woman, November. She has been a delightful surprise in the first three books, and if you ask me, worthy of her own series of books (hint, hint, Mr. Holing). As such, each subsequent book in this series is a celebration of our indigenous cultures and worthy of our attention. All and all, it makes for a very engaging and enjoyable read.
And finally, what has become more evident with each new story about Nick is that he is a modern western hero. He’s not riding off into the sunset at the end of each book, but he is fighting injustice, even if he is just a ranger. Holing is onto something here with the character of Nick and the American West. He’s given us a new hero.
Jeffrey Miller,
The Day the Earth Swallowed Louis
September 13, 2019
Totally Believable Series
This is the third in the series and has been better than the one before. I came upon this author by mistake and I'm so glad I did. I'll be waiting for the next in the series. Characters you can relate to, plots that keep you thinking and totally enjoyable!!
This is the third in the series and has been better than the one before. I came upon this author by mistake and I'm so glad I did. I'll be waiting for the next in the series. Characters you can relate to, plots that keep you thinking and totally enjoyable!!
April 1, 2021
Love these books!
The characters in these novels are so real, so human and so courageous. I would like to step into these novels and meet Nick, Gemma and Pudge, but most particularly November. Someone as wise as November would really be somebody to know. Please, Mr. Holing, don't ever stop writing about the wonderfully flawed people and the glorious land they call home.
The characters in these novels are so real, so human and so courageous. I would like to step into these novels and meet Nick, Gemma and Pudge, but most particularly November. Someone as wise as November would really be somebody to know. Please, Mr. Holing, don't ever stop writing about the wonderfully flawed people and the glorious land they call home.
September 18, 2021
I fell in love with the Nick Drake series, and The Shaming Eyes was the best of the three that I completed. Nick Drake, Gemma and Pudge Warbler, November, and Orville Wilson continue as the main ongoing characters in this tale. Initially I thought that three separate storylines threaded their way through the book, but they all become interrelated in the end. Nick and Gemma are officially in a relationship by now, and one angle revolves around wild horses and their status on public lands. A second plot line involves cattle rustling, and this was a carryover from book two. The third theme involves three escaped convicts and the manhunt that results from that event. Dwight Holing does a masterful job of incorporating the Paiute culture into this story, and November and Nagah Will grab central roles, as the story evolves. The first two Nick Drake books were superb, but this one raises the southeastern Oregon saga to a new level. I anxiously anticipate book 4.
December 20, 2019
The third book in the Nick Drake series continues to amaze.
Nick, a 1969 Vietnam veteran and wildlife ranger in Eastern Oregon's high dessert, is looking into the poisoning of a herd of wild horses, even though his bosses don't want him involved. More Joe Pickett than Reacher but with a bit of Longmire's Native mysticism thrown in, this is a great new entry in the regional mystery genre.
Eastern Oregon is a wonderful new location for the genre. And Drake is a great new character, finding his way through life and what we now call PTSD.
While looking into the horse poisonings, a trio of convicts escape from prison and they may be headed for Nick's territory.
The writing is fast-paced and engaging, the characters are likeable and the series should be a new must read for regional mystery fans.
Nick, a 1969 Vietnam veteran and wildlife ranger in Eastern Oregon's high dessert, is looking into the poisoning of a herd of wild horses, even though his bosses don't want him involved. More Joe Pickett than Reacher but with a bit of Longmire's Native mysticism thrown in, this is a great new entry in the regional mystery genre.
Eastern Oregon is a wonderful new location for the genre. And Drake is a great new character, finding his way through life and what we now call PTSD.
While looking into the horse poisonings, a trio of convicts escape from prison and they may be headed for Nick's territory.
The writing is fast-paced and engaging, the characters are likeable and the series should be a new must read for regional mystery fans.
February 6, 2020
Important to me as a reader is the way an author sets the scenes and landscape. Holing does a masterful job of making the reader feel he/she is right there in the high desert of eastern Oregon. The way he adds in the lore of Paiute tribes is also central to the story. As for the story itself, it's pretty much a run of the mill chase story with Drake helping out the local law enforcement looking for three escaped prisoners. One of them is the father of a boy Holing used in an earlier novel.
As each story builds upon the previous, it's best to read these in order. Those readers who enjoy local color with their thrillers will not be disappointed.
As each story builds upon the previous, it's best to read these in order. Those readers who enjoy local color with their thrillers will not be disappointed.
March 26, 2021
Riveting
This "Nick Drake" series keeps delivering. The main character (Nick) is a guy that tries to do the right thing as he feels he did not always do back in the Vietnam War or, as he calls, "in-country." Being a wildlife ranger, helping the local deputy sheriff, learning the Paiute Tribe language, and dealing with PTSD, Drake always seems busy. 1969 in Harney County, Oregon, continues to be an exciting setting for this third book in Dwight Holing's "Nick Drake" series. The many characters in this novel shine bright and come to life, making this a great book. Charles Leggett's narration is excellent.
This "Nick Drake" series keeps delivering. The main character (Nick) is a guy that tries to do the right thing as he feels he did not always do back in the Vietnam War or, as he calls, "in-country." Being a wildlife ranger, helping the local deputy sheriff, learning the Paiute Tribe language, and dealing with PTSD, Drake always seems busy. 1969 in Harney County, Oregon, continues to be an exciting setting for this third book in Dwight Holing's "Nick Drake" series. The many characters in this novel shine bright and come to life, making this a great book. Charles Leggett's narration is excellent.
April 2, 2024
It's 1969 and spring finally comes to the lonesome Oregon high desert after an especially bitter winter, but for every new beginning, something old must give way. Someone is poisoning wild horses and a vicious killer escapes from prison. A murder thrusts Vietnam veteran turned wildlife ranger Nick Drake into a desperate manhunt that turns into a fight for survival to protect those he holds dear. Spring quickly turns into a season of dying and life in Harney County will never be the same.
I enjoy the mixture of crime thriller along with Native wisdom, as Nick continues his journey of healing , finding himself, and possibly his future.
I enjoy the mixture of crime thriller along with Native wisdom, as Nick continues his journey of healing , finding himself, and possibly his future.
January 10, 2021
Outstanding characters
Holing’s descriptions of the characters in this novel make them come to life in the imagination, down to the lines in their faces and the color of their eyes. The biggest character, the land where the novel is set, is so finely described that it feels like you are there in the wild. The story, while set in Oregon during the late Vietnam war years, could just as easily have happened in the last week. I was transported to another place while reading. And while this is the goal of writers, very few accomplish it as well as Holing has done.
Holing’s descriptions of the characters in this novel make them come to life in the imagination, down to the lines in their faces and the color of their eyes. The biggest character, the land where the novel is set, is so finely described that it feels like you are there in the wild. The story, while set in Oregon during the late Vietnam war years, could just as easily have happened in the last week. I was transported to another place while reading. And while this is the goal of writers, very few accomplish it as well as Holing has done.
February 24, 2021
Just gets better and better
This is the third book in the series, and the writing just gets better, the plot thicker and twistier, and the details more complex. I really enjoy these stories, especially the landscape detail and the character development. Thank you, Mr. Holing, for some amazing reads. Keep them coming! If you haven't read this one yet, start it now. It might keep you reading into the wee hours.
This is the third book in the series, and the writing just gets better, the plot thicker and twistier, and the details more complex. I really enjoy these stories, especially the landscape detail and the character development. Thank you, Mr. Holing, for some amazing reads. Keep them coming! If you haven't read this one yet, start it now. It might keep you reading into the wee hours.
December 24, 2023
Each story just gets better.
I've just finisher book 3 and I will download book 4 when I finish with this review. I am not qualified to write a "professional" review but I can recognize a really good story. Dwight Holing is a fantastic storyteller. I love the characters, the land, the critters. D. Holing has the ability to make me "see" and "hear" the land and the people. Looks like I have become a fan. Thank you Mr Holing. You keep writing and I will keep reading.
I've just finisher book 3 and I will download book 4 when I finish with this review. I am not qualified to write a "professional" review but I can recognize a really good story. Dwight Holing is a fantastic storyteller. I love the characters, the land, the critters. D. Holing has the ability to make me "see" and "hear" the land and the people. Looks like I have become a fan. Thank you Mr Holing. You keep writing and I will keep reading.
February 1, 2020
Entertaining Modern Western
This series is very well written with a diverse group of interesting characters. Time and place is well described, there is plenty of action, a touch of romance, and the storyline is sufficiently complex for the genre. The main characters are likeable such that I hope to read more about them in upcoming sequel(s).
This series is very well written with a diverse group of interesting characters. Time and place is well described, there is plenty of action, a touch of romance, and the storyline is sufficiently complex for the genre. The main characters are likeable such that I hope to read more about them in upcoming sequel(s).
March 3, 2022
Shall.ing Eyes
I find the depth of character of this series important people fascinating. Also the description of the landscape of Oregon beautiful and amazing in the variety.I accidentally skipped book 2 so will be going back to it. I again totally enjoyed this writers writing and thank him for the looks I am reading that he has written
I find the depth of character of this series important people fascinating. Also the description of the landscape of Oregon beautiful and amazing in the variety.I accidentally skipped book 2 so will be going back to it. I again totally enjoyed this writers writing and thank him for the looks I am reading that he has written
January 7, 2024
I read a lot of this genre so I was impressed by this novel. The descriptive passages and knowledge of place were particularly authentic and there were no obvious plot contrivances to detract from the flow.
I read books 1 and 2 but this one seemed more entertaining to me in a way I can't really describe.
Definitely a page turner.
I read books 1 and 2 but this one seemed more entertaining to me in a way I can't really describe.
Definitely a page turner.
January 8, 2020
Nick Drake is a star!
A burned out Vietnam vet, battling a heroin addiction and PTSD finds a new life working for HIM. The story of his new life, the mystery he is involved in and the Indian legends he learns all make for a great story.
A burned out Vietnam vet, battling a heroin addiction and PTSD finds a new life working for HIM. The story of his new life, the mystery he is involved in and the Indian legends he learns all make for a great story.
April 12, 2020
Fast moving and a fun read.
Love the way Dwight Holing writes. His Nick Drake novels are fast moving and interesting. Going to start his 4th novel now. Hopefully there will be a 5th novel by the time i am done reading the 4th Nick Drake novel.
Love the way Dwight Holing writes. His Nick Drake novels are fast moving and interesting. Going to start his 4th novel now. Hopefully there will be a 5th novel by the time i am done reading the 4th Nick Drake novel.
June 17, 2020
Recommended read
Entertaining story telling with suspense and some twists. I have read the first two books in the series and he is doing well developing his main characters who are all interesting.
Entertaining story telling with suspense and some twists. I have read the first two books in the series and he is doing well developing his main characters who are all interesting.
July 5, 2020
These books just keep getting better! The characters are becoming more developed and kit makes them much more real and interesting. And I beginning to really enjoy the Paiute lore and descriptions of the terrain. One more to go!
December 27, 2020
This is such a good series, I wish he’d write more of them.. The attention to nature , very rich landscape descriptions, and the Paiute culture along with strong characters make it rich and compelling..
May 27, 2021
I wish Holing had written more of these. Kind of a cross between the CJ Box series and the Longmire series. Thoroughly enjoyable characters... Great descriptions of places I'd rather be... A fun escape.
June 10, 2021
Dwight Holling has managed to give me an excellent read again. I did not enjoy the Jack McCoul series at all, but really enjoyed the first three of the Nick Drake series. Right now he is my go to author.
June 12, 2021
Girl Born in Snow
The passage where Girl Born in Snow dancing her way back to vitality while saving Nagah Will and Nick is stunning and simply beautiful. Mr. Holing exercises real mastery of character, dialogue and drama here.
The passage where Girl Born in Snow dancing her way back to vitality while saving Nagah Will and Nick is stunning and simply beautiful. Mr. Holing exercises real mastery of character, dialogue and drama here.
May 12, 2022
This is a great series.
I'm really enjoying this series. I was looking for something to read after I finished the last long mire and Joe picket books. This series is every bit as good. I highly recommend.
I'm really enjoying this series. I was looking for something to read after I finished the last long mire and Joe picket books. This series is every bit as good. I highly recommend.
October 3, 2022
More spiritual than who done it. The description of the many different wildlife was spectacular. As with the first two, many questions left unanswered and never brought up again. The end is confusing. Is he fired or not.
March 4, 2023
4.5. Another plus addition to this series. The author captures both the sense of a beautiful land and a period of time and culture. Nixon era, Vietnam War, Returning vets, Pacific NW, land rights, conservation and human greed. Not required but start with book 1 and move forward.
September 14, 2024
I really like the characters in this series. The villains are a bit one-dimensional but that's a minor flaw. The Native American characters are especially interesting. You get a wonderful sense of time and place as well.
February 6, 2020
Good read
A good story that’s not too complicated but let’s the reader care about the characters in and of the book.
A good story that’s not too complicated but let’s the reader care about the characters in and of the book.
March 22, 2020
Nick Drake has some Joe Pickett, CJ Box books, in him. I really enjoy reading Dwight Holing books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews