In Cold Storage: Sex and Murder on the Plains by James W. Hewitt (review)

James Hewitt's latest book and subject of this review, In Cold Storage: Sex and Murder on the Plains, adds interesting breadth to his excellent 2007 book. In Cold Storage reveals the complexity of human existence, in general, and particularly on the Great Plains. Images of the Great Plains often can conjure-up images of bucolic settings on which reside hard working, civic-minded, and law abiding folks. Such community contributors have been held out as examples for years and the author offers examples of such notable civic leaders such as George Norris and former Governors Ralph Brooks, Frank Morrison, and E. Benjamin Nelson. The aforementioned are provided historic markers at their former homes. The focus of the book is not on the well-known civic contributors, but the focus is on the notorious Ena and Harold Nokes. And, for the focus of the book, "No such marker, however, designates the home of Harold Nokes" (10).

The work turns to the prurient as the seemingly unbounded carnal interests take hold of Harold Nokes and Kay Hein. … "The lovers embarked on a sexual journey that was to last until the spring of 1973, a journey that occurred with impressive frequency, often two or three times a week" (25). The real life events took a more complicated turn as Ena the devoted wife of Harold, joined the two-some and commenced upon a Great Plains "ménage a trois." The author offers dark glimpses of the human condition while peppering the passages with the graphic details associated with varied sexual activities. In all the activities, Kay Hein exclusively wanted Harold. "The end of the affair was discouraging for the Nokeses who found a new excitement in their lives" (38).

As the end of the tryst winds down, the reader becomes well aware that the associated graphic sex events conveyed by Hewitt would not provide for a happy ending. Unfortunately for Kay Hein's parents, Edwin and Wilma Hoyt, they became concerned parents in this bizarre triangle. The author provides the gripping details of the concern and involvement of Edwin and Wilma Hoyt. Ensuing conflict followed and on a Sunday night at the Nokes' home, a heated argument ended with Harold Nokes killing the Hoyts with an assist provided by Ena Nokes.

The ensuing details, much like the details of the sexual activities, are considerably graphic. For example, Hewitt writes about the disposal process: "Gripping the ax halfway to the handle with his left hand, Harold used the instrument to break some of Edwin Hoyt's bones, remove the limbs, and then sever the head …" (53). The grizzly details associated with the dumping of the bodies in a nearby lake, Strunk Lake, built an additional layer of graphic details.

The rest of the book documents the complexities associated with the legal and criminal justice process of the particular case. There were many perplexing unresolved issues associated with the murders that make for an interesting read. In the midst of the intense process, the author provides meaningful glimpses into the peculiarities of the landscape and scenes, such as the courthouse. Hewitt writes: "Unique among Nebraska's courthouses, the tiny and antiquated courthouse in Stockville must have seemed like a trip back in time. For well into the twentieth century, the courthouse had no running water or indoor toilet facilities. Consequently, no women were called for jury duty in Frontier County" (81). Such passages provide a humanistic balance to the assorted details associated with the murders.

The events were carefully reconstructed by Hewitt. The many documented inconsistencies serve as a reminder that justice on the Plains or elsewhere is often elusive and mysterious. Inconsistencies aside, on January 10, 1974, Harrold Nokes was charged with one count of first degree murder and one count of second degree murder and his wife Ena was charged with two counts of unlawful disposal of a dead body. Harold entered guilty pleas and Ena pleaded nolo contendere (no...