My assumption turns out was correct, the book drops off of a "Nisch Val Torash Mashk" instead. According to Allakhazam, it isnt supposed to be the mob that drops it. (Of course Allakhazam isn't 100% correct anyhow).
A wandering "a Tesch val Gnoll" may be it's placeholder but I am unsure.
http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/npc.html?id=14480[EDIT]
The "Nisch Val Torash Mashk" was heading East to West above Splitpaw and was killed at -2477, 305.
The "a one-eyed gnoll" was found moving South to North around Splitpaw as well. Saw him a few times, but seemed to despawn off track? Maybe a timed spawn?