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DreadfulWater #8
Black Ice: A DreadfulWater Mystery
From the #1 bestselling author of Indians on Vacation and Double Eagle
Thumps DreadfulWater has a lot on his plate. With Duke out of commission following his wife’s tragic death, Thumps is appointed temporary deputy sheriff, a role that makes him doubly eager for Duke’s swift recovery.
First, a myopic private investigator dies while in custody. The autopsy concludes that he died of natural causes; then an assault rifle is found in the trunk of the dead man’s rental car, and the mystery woman he was investigating disappears. Meanwhile, Thumps contends with a couple of horse-thieving octogenarians and a large, slobbery dog acquired in the line of duty.
As the rest of Chinook comes together to cheer on golf novice Wutty Youngbeaver, who is competing in the US Open qualifying tournament up at Shadow Ranch, Claire and Ivory decamp to Alberta, leaving Thumps to contemplate the simplicity of a life lived alone. If he can’t manage something as simple as a dog or a couple of cats, how can he be responsible for another human being? Two human beings?
The plot thickens when ninja assassin Cisco Cruz returns to Chinook, and Thumps finds himself knee-deep in a complicated web of deceit spun by a nefarious collective known as Black Ice. His job? To sort through the lies. It’s like a game of Jenga, where the blocks need to be removed carefully, one by one, or the whole structure will topple.
Thumps DreadfulWater has a lot on his plate. With Duke out of commission following his wife’s tragic death, Thumps is appointed temporary deputy sheriff, a role that makes him doubly eager for Duke’s swift recovery.
First, a myopic private investigator dies while in custody. The autopsy concludes that he died of natural causes; then an assault rifle is found in the trunk of the dead man’s rental car, and the mystery woman he was investigating disappears. Meanwhile, Thumps contends with a couple of horse-thieving octogenarians and a large, slobbery dog acquired in the line of duty.
As the rest of Chinook comes together to cheer on golf novice Wutty Youngbeaver, who is competing in the US Open qualifying tournament up at Shadow Ranch, Claire and Ivory decamp to Alberta, leaving Thumps to contemplate the simplicity of a life lived alone. If he can’t manage something as simple as a dog or a couple of cats, how can he be responsible for another human being? Two human beings?
The plot thickens when ninja assassin Cisco Cruz returns to Chinook, and Thumps finds himself knee-deep in a complicated web of deceit spun by a nefarious collective known as Black Ice. His job? To sort through the lies. It’s like a game of Jenga, where the blocks need to be removed carefully, one by one, or the whole structure will topple.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2024
11 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Thomas King
103 books1,286 followersThomas King was born in 1943 in Sacramento, California and is of Greek and German descent. He obtained his PhD from the University of Utah in 1986. He is known for works in which he addresses the marginalization of American Indians, delineates "pan-Indian" concerns and histories, and attempts to abolish common stereotypes about Native Americans. He taught Native American Studies at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, and at the University of Minnesota. He is currently a Professor of English at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. King has become one of the foremost writers of fiction about Canada's Native people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 26, 2025
Jan 25, 530pm ~~ First of all, a big THANK YOU to GR friend Wanda, who alerted me about this newest DreadfulWater mystery. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Wanda!
It was great fun to visit Chinook again and hang out with Thumps and the rest of the gang. I had a hard time putting the book down. I don't mind insomnia when I have a Thomas King book going.
As usual, we have a few things to help Thumps keep track of: his relationship with Claire, a PGA qualifying round that one of the town's residents will be playing in, a Jenga competition between two sheriff's deputies, to name a few.
And then Cisco Cruz from Pie Town, New Mexico shows up. He's cool. He's mysterious. And trouble seems to follow him around. Or maybe he is the one following trouble around?
Either way, there is always trouble when Cisco comes to Chinook, and this time is no different. Trouble in the form of a lady named Nancy Gage. And we mustn't forget her dog Howdy, a Golden Retriever mixed breed who came this close to being called Potus because "he's big and orange and dumb as a post".
I reread all of my King books just a few years ago in 2022, but I just might go back and start all over again, because every time I read Thomas King I have the same reaction: Please sir, may I have some more?!
It was great fun to visit Chinook again and hang out with Thumps and the rest of the gang. I had a hard time putting the book down. I don't mind insomnia when I have a Thomas King book going.
As usual, we have a few things to help Thumps keep track of: his relationship with Claire, a PGA qualifying round that one of the town's residents will be playing in, a Jenga competition between two sheriff's deputies, to name a few.
And then Cisco Cruz from Pie Town, New Mexico shows up. He's cool. He's mysterious. And trouble seems to follow him around. Or maybe he is the one following trouble around?
Either way, there is always trouble when Cisco comes to Chinook, and this time is no different. Trouble in the form of a lady named Nancy Gage. And we mustn't forget her dog Howdy, a Golden Retriever mixed breed who came this close to being called Potus because "he's big and orange and dumb as a post".
I reread all of my King books just a few years ago in 2022, but I just might go back and start all over again, because every time I read Thomas King I have the same reaction: Please sir, may I have some more?!
September 2, 2025
Halloween Bingo 2025
A surprise entry in the DreadfulWater series. Mr. King has declared himself done writing and yet has produced 2 or 3 books since then. Thank you, sir! Any time you will grace us with more Thumps DreadfulWater I will gladly read it.
As usual, the characters make this book. The usual gang makes their appearances, with a few losses and changes. Everyone is worried about Duke after his wife Macy has died. Thumps is Temporary Deputy Sheriff while Duke grieves and figures out what he's going to do. Moses Blood is showing his age and isn't the spry, wise elder that he was in the early books. Claire is considering a move to Canada to access healthcare for her daughter Ivory.
On the plus side, Deanna Heavyrunner and Cooley Small Elk are officers of the law now (and obsessed with Jenga whenever they are in the office). Wutty Youngbeaver has made good by getting into a qualifying round for the U.S. Open (being held at Chinook) and the community is entranced with golf as a result.
Thumps is dealing with an unusual car theft situation. Cars disappear, only to be returned eventually, with repairs made and interiors detailed. Deanna is considering leaving her keys on the dash to facilitate a car kidnapping. More seriously, our temporary sheriff is called to investigate a dead body who turns out not to be dead. But Thumps knows that the shit is about to hit the fan when Cisco Cruz blows into town. Does Cruz bring trouble or follow it? A bit from Column A and some from Column B, perhaps.
This book has its funny moments, as all King's mysteries do, but it felt a little sadder to me. The dialogue is still snappy, but there's considerably less of Thumps' internal monologue. When he is wearing a badge instead of being a photographer drafted by Duke, he is much more serious. Which is appropriate, but slightly less entertaining (but only slightly). It was good to catch up with the gang again.
I read this book for the Village Villainy square of my Halloween Bingo card.
A surprise entry in the DreadfulWater series. Mr. King has declared himself done writing and yet has produced 2 or 3 books since then. Thank you, sir! Any time you will grace us with more Thumps DreadfulWater I will gladly read it.
As usual, the characters make this book. The usual gang makes their appearances, with a few losses and changes. Everyone is worried about Duke after his wife Macy has died. Thumps is Temporary Deputy Sheriff while Duke grieves and figures out what he's going to do. Moses Blood is showing his age and isn't the spry, wise elder that he was in the early books. Claire is considering a move to Canada to access healthcare for her daughter Ivory.
On the plus side, Deanna Heavyrunner and Cooley Small Elk are officers of the law now (and obsessed with Jenga whenever they are in the office). Wutty Youngbeaver has made good by getting into a qualifying round for the U.S. Open (being held at Chinook) and the community is entranced with golf as a result.
Thumps is dealing with an unusual car theft situation. Cars disappear, only to be returned eventually, with repairs made and interiors detailed. Deanna is considering leaving her keys on the dash to facilitate a car kidnapping. More seriously, our temporary sheriff is called to investigate a dead body who turns out not to be dead. But Thumps knows that the shit is about to hit the fan when Cisco Cruz blows into town. Does Cruz bring trouble or follow it? A bit from Column A and some from Column B, perhaps.
This book has its funny moments, as all King's mysteries do, but it felt a little sadder to me. The dialogue is still snappy, but there's considerably less of Thumps' internal monologue. When he is wearing a badge instead of being a photographer drafted by Duke, he is much more serious. Which is appropriate, but slightly less entertaining (but only slightly). It was good to catch up with the gang again.
I read this book for the Village Villainy square of my Halloween Bingo card.
October 24, 2024
There are mystery series where I’m invested in the mystery, and there are series where I’m invested in the characters, and if I’m really lucky there is the rare series that gets me on both counts. I love Thomas king; I’ve read everything (fiction) he’s written, and I’ll keep reading the dreadfulwater books, but if I’m being honest, I’m in it (almost entirely) for the humorous dialogue, and the citizens of Chinook, not so much the mystery.
October 12, 2025
Thomas King’s DreadfulWater series continues to be one of my favorite series.
Black Ice isn’t a fast-paced thriller. It’s a slow, steady unfolding that feels deeply lived in.
The book picks up right where "Obsidian" left off, with Thumps DreadfulWater unraveling the tangle of rogue government contracts and hidden financial schemes. The investigation matters, but it’s the people of Chinook who make this story worth reading.
King’s pacing is deliberate, his dialogue rich and wry. The mystery creeps forward through conversation, observation, and humor rather than action.
Somehow that makes it feel more authentic.
There’s warmth in every page, the comfort of familiar diners, doughnuts, dog slobber, feeding cats, who's in the holding cells now, old friends who converse over Jenga, and shared silences that say more than words.
What I love most is Thumps himself. He's a man of quiet intelligence, reluctant curiosity, and bone-dry humor. I can’t help but imagine that Thomas King has poured much of his own wit and worldview into him, a kind of secret persona observing the world with affection and irony.
Black Ice proves that crime fiction doesn’t need explosions to hold you. It just needs heart, community, and the patience to let a story breathe. Cozy, clever, and wonderfully entertaining.
Black Ice isn’t a fast-paced thriller. It’s a slow, steady unfolding that feels deeply lived in.
The book picks up right where "Obsidian" left off, with Thumps DreadfulWater unraveling the tangle of rogue government contracts and hidden financial schemes. The investigation matters, but it’s the people of Chinook who make this story worth reading.
King’s pacing is deliberate, his dialogue rich and wry. The mystery creeps forward through conversation, observation, and humor rather than action.
Somehow that makes it feel more authentic.
There’s warmth in every page, the comfort of familiar diners, doughnuts, dog slobber, feeding cats, who's in the holding cells now, old friends who converse over Jenga, and shared silences that say more than words.
What I love most is Thumps himself. He's a man of quiet intelligence, reluctant curiosity, and bone-dry humor. I can’t help but imagine that Thomas King has poured much of his own wit and worldview into him, a kind of secret persona observing the world with affection and irony.
Black Ice proves that crime fiction doesn’t need explosions to hold you. It just needs heart, community, and the patience to let a story breathe. Cozy, clever, and wonderfully entertaining.
January 26, 2025
Light, funny read a bit drawn out towards the end but overall an enjoyable book.
March 18, 2025
I really enjoy reading the DreadfulWater series. Thomas King writes a good book.
December 28, 2024
I’ve committed to reading and collecting the Dreadfulwater Mystery series but I fear that as the series continues, the story has not kept my interest. This is book 8 and I wasn’t super impressed. Maybe read the first 3 or 4 books and then stop ! Take it from someone who has all 8 on her bookshelf haha
December 22, 2024
This is the first Thomas King novel I have read.
I enjoyed it so much, I will have to start the “Dreadfulwater” series from the beginning.
The humour, the side comments about the US; and even DreadfulWaters’s name reflecting water conditions on reserves.
I felt this had a bit of Mayberry and a bit of Stephanie Plum, but with more class and maturity.
The characters are fabulous. The plot twists kept me reading, right up until the end.
Not sure how I stumbled upon this one, but I am so glad I did.
Oh! And Thomas King is a Canadian author!
I enjoyed it so much, I will have to start the “Dreadfulwater” series from the beginning.
The humour, the side comments about the US; and even DreadfulWaters’s name reflecting water conditions on reserves.
I felt this had a bit of Mayberry and a bit of Stephanie Plum, but with more class and maturity.
The characters are fabulous. The plot twists kept me reading, right up until the end.
Not sure how I stumbled upon this one, but I am so glad I did.
Oh! And Thomas King is a Canadian author!
December 11, 2024
3.5*
The strength of this series is definitely the liveliness of the side characters. It was great to meet everyone on the page again and the shenanigans at the sheriff's office were particularly great, though I wish it had all turned out more relevant.
I think I'm trying to make my peace that the push-and-pull of the relationship with Claire is part of its charm.
The mystery was extremely whatever. I think these ones with shadowy alphabet government mobs are always the least interesting. Thumps doesn't show much agency or initiative in this one; we mostly just sit around waiting for something else to happen.
The passage of time hits deep in this one. Thumps is an old man who's only getting older and it tugged at my heartstrings.
Not my favourite of the series but I'm definitely happy to keep picking these up.
The strength of this series is definitely the liveliness of the side characters. It was great to meet everyone on the page again and the shenanigans at the sheriff's office were particularly great, though I wish it had all turned out more relevant.
I think I'm trying to make my peace that the push-and-pull of the relationship with Claire is part of its charm.
The mystery was extremely whatever. I think these ones with shadowy alphabet government mobs are always the least interesting. Thumps doesn't show much agency or initiative in this one; we mostly just sit around waiting for something else to happen.
The passage of time hits deep in this one. Thumps is an old man who's only getting older and it tugged at my heartstrings.
Not my favourite of the series but I'm definitely happy to keep picking these up.
October 6, 2024
Thumps DreadfulWater has done it again! Just when you get to thinking that this temporary sheriff of this quiet county who always order the same thing for breakfast at the diner, talks to the same people and lives a quiet life, in comes his old nemesis Cisco. Cisco had an amazing tale to tell but only the parts he wants to share, leaving half a story and hamstringing the police, but Thumps is no schlub and he figures it out pretty quickly . His love life is on-off again so many times it makes your head spin. Can’t wait for the next one.
September 11, 2025
Thomas King's Black Ice is another delightful instalment in the DreadfulWater mystery series, and it continues to deliver the charm, wit, and warmth that fans have come to expect. Set in the fictional town of Chinook, nestled near a Blackfoot reserve in Montana, the novel offers a cozy yet compelling mystery that unfolds with King's signature blend of satire and heartfelt storytelling. The protagonist, Thumps DreadfulWater, is a reluctant investigator whose quiet life as a photographer is regularly interrupted by the town’s need for his sleuthing skills. In this book, Thumps is temporarily appointed deputy sheriff after the local sheriff takes leave, and he’s quickly drawn into a tangled case involving a dead private investigator, a missing woman, and a shadowy group known as Black Ice.
What makes this series so enjoyable is its mellow tone and the quirky, endearing cast of characters who populate Chinook. King’s writing is infused with dry humour and a deep affection for the community he’s created. The Indigenous elements woven throughout the story add richness and authenticity, offering glimpses into traditional knowledge and the lived experiences of the people on the nearby reserve. Thumps himself is a wonderfully layered character—haunted by past tragedy, resistant to authority, and quietly brilliant in his own way. His reluctance to fully re-enter police work adds a compelling tension to his role, and watching him navigate this latest mystery is both satisfying and entertaining.
Black Ice is not just a mystery; it’s a meditation on grief, identity, and the quiet resilience of a man who never quite wanted to be a hero. It’s a book that feels like spending time with old friends in a familiar place, and for readers who appreciate character-driven stories with heart and humour, it’s an absolute treat.
What makes this series so enjoyable is its mellow tone and the quirky, endearing cast of characters who populate Chinook. King’s writing is infused with dry humour and a deep affection for the community he’s created. The Indigenous elements woven throughout the story add richness and authenticity, offering glimpses into traditional knowledge and the lived experiences of the people on the nearby reserve. Thumps himself is a wonderfully layered character—haunted by past tragedy, resistant to authority, and quietly brilliant in his own way. His reluctance to fully re-enter police work adds a compelling tension to his role, and watching him navigate this latest mystery is both satisfying and entertaining.
Black Ice is not just a mystery; it’s a meditation on grief, identity, and the quiet resilience of a man who never quite wanted to be a hero. It’s a book that feels like spending time with old friends in a familiar place, and for readers who appreciate character-driven stories with heart and humour, it’s an absolute treat.
October 25, 2024
I quite liked this Thumps DreadfulWater story. We renew our acquaintance with Cisco Cruz who somehow always winds up in Thumps neck of the woods no matter how big the US of A is.
We also learn more about Thumps. He is a golfer or rather knows how to golf.
I always find the way that Thomas King tells a story to be very interesting. I also like his dialogue between his characters. It is always pithy. He has no need to have long explanations when just a few words are needed.
I liked that Thumps is a cat person and that Freeway has a son.
A new pet, a dog named Howdy, is introduced and he is a treat.
Duke the Sheriff is having a hard time, but I won’t say why you must read the book.
Cisco Cruz is on the trail of lost money, and we are never sure who he works for. The People of Chinook refer to him as the Ninja Assassin which bothers Cisco but not too much.
One of the Chinook regulars, Wutty, is playing golf in a Pro Am tournament and so the town is quite excited by the event which is how we find out that Thumps knows golf.
There are 2 new deputies working in the Sheriff office and they seem to fit right into the working method of Duke and Thumps.
My only criticism of this book is to do with Thumps relationship with Claire. I am tired of the way Claire treats Thumps, and I think he should just move on. I know she has some concerns and has some of her own problems to deal with, but I am so over that relationship because I don’t think she appreciates him. I am also tired of the other women in town who seem to think that Thumps is the one at fault in the relationship.
I hope there are more stories to come in this series.
We also learn more about Thumps. He is a golfer or rather knows how to golf.
I always find the way that Thomas King tells a story to be very interesting. I also like his dialogue between his characters. It is always pithy. He has no need to have long explanations when just a few words are needed.
I liked that Thumps is a cat person and that Freeway has a son.
A new pet, a dog named Howdy, is introduced and he is a treat.
Duke the Sheriff is having a hard time, but I won’t say why you must read the book.
Cisco Cruz is on the trail of lost money, and we are never sure who he works for. The People of Chinook refer to him as the Ninja Assassin which bothers Cisco but not too much.
One of the Chinook regulars, Wutty, is playing golf in a Pro Am tournament and so the town is quite excited by the event which is how we find out that Thumps knows golf.
There are 2 new deputies working in the Sheriff office and they seem to fit right into the working method of Duke and Thumps.
My only criticism of this book is to do with Thumps relationship with Claire. I am tired of the way Claire treats Thumps, and I think he should just move on. I know she has some concerns and has some of her own problems to deal with, but I am so over that relationship because I don’t think she appreciates him. I am also tired of the other women in town who seem to think that Thumps is the one at fault in the relationship.
I hope there are more stories to come in this series.
January 31, 2025
Just when I thought he might have been running out of steam, King like his protagonist, pulls a gem out of his hat. Yes, Thumps, still painfully slow, is back! It is aptly named since everything in this western world move at a glacial pace but that's the fun of it. This is the eighth in the series and the sub plot around his on again off again, cooling, cold relationship with Claire looks dead in the water, but looks can be deceiving. Deception is the central theme in this particular mystery and it move along just enough to keep it interesting but leaves plenty of room for the whole cast of characters that inhabit this strange little western mountain town. The one casualty is the sheriff's (Duke's) wife who has passed on and he grieves and his friends worry in ways that are barely perceptible. There is an unexpected PGA tryout with local spark Wutty, implausibly in the running, and the return of Cicsco Cruz, everyone's favourite ninja assassin.
All around a great fun read. But a warning to the uninitated- if you are looking for thrills and page turing action, this isn't the place. Go find some big dirty city on the east coast or small corrupt southern town where psychos are everywhere. This place is too nice for anything like that.
All around a great fun read. But a warning to the uninitated- if you are looking for thrills and page turing action, this isn't the place. Go find some big dirty city on the east coast or small corrupt southern town where psychos are everywhere. This place is too nice for anything like that.
October 2, 2024
DreadfulWater #8
Black Ice: A DreadfulWater Mystery
Thomas King
And once more we enter the world of Tom King which has a turn of phrase and logic, or lack thereof, of its own. King loves to play on cliches and turn them on their heads. Cops and donuts being a favourite.
In this outing Thumps has assumed sheriff duties while Duke mourns the death of his wife. A large slobbery dog enters the picture. Golf becomes Wuty’s latest craze. And Thumps becomes involved in a case that involves money laundering and secret government wrongdoing. Thumps is in over his head. Freeway’s kitten has grown into massive male tiger. Somehow he keeps them fed.
Black Ice: A DreadfulWater Mystery
Thomas King
And once more we enter the world of Tom King which has a turn of phrase and logic, or lack thereof, of its own. King loves to play on cliches and turn them on their heads. Cops and donuts being a favourite.
In this outing Thumps has assumed sheriff duties while Duke mourns the death of his wife. A large slobbery dog enters the picture. Golf becomes Wuty’s latest craze. And Thumps becomes involved in a case that involves money laundering and secret government wrongdoing. Thumps is in over his head. Freeway’s kitten has grown into massive male tiger. Somehow he keeps them fed.
November 4, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
I've enjoyed this series since the very beginning, and always look forward to a new instalment.
This time Thumps is dealing with a job he doesn't really want, a relationship he doesn't really have and a dead body whose identity is up in the air.
I love the way King portrays the characters and community, and his writing style - the mystery, for me, is always secondary.
3.5 out of 5 because I didn't feel we were really committed to the mystery part and the ending was quite unsatisfactory/abrupt.
For fans of Longmire who want something cozier.
I've enjoyed this series since the very beginning, and always look forward to a new instalment.
This time Thumps is dealing with a job he doesn't really want, a relationship he doesn't really have and a dead body whose identity is up in the air.
I love the way King portrays the characters and community, and his writing style - the mystery, for me, is always secondary.
3.5 out of 5 because I didn't feel we were really committed to the mystery part and the ending was quite unsatisfactory/abrupt.
For fans of Longmire who want something cozier.
April 4, 2025
Was the Whodunnit obvious? Sure, but at least the confirmation was entertaining like always. And having it all centre around Jenga was a blast.
I love Thumps' opinion on pie as a vegetable, Cisco's incessant bellyaching over getting shot, the holding cell as the latest and greatest guest room, Wutty the golf hero, and Duke saying that he won't be keeping Howdy the Dog (though he 100% will). Most importantly, though, reading a Dreadfulwater book not only makes me feel like I'm hanging out with an old friend, but this one had some extra flair that reminded me of my deceased Metis (Abenaki) grandmother. And it made me smile.
I love Thumps' opinion on pie as a vegetable, Cisco's incessant bellyaching over getting shot, the holding cell as the latest and greatest guest room, Wutty the golf hero, and Duke saying that he won't be keeping Howdy the Dog (though he 100% will). Most importantly, though, reading a Dreadfulwater book not only makes me feel like I'm hanging out with an old friend, but this one had some extra flair that reminded me of my deceased Metis (Abenaki) grandmother. And it made me smile.
October 11, 2024
Thomas King is an excellent writer; humour runs through his stories. This is the latest in a string of crime mysteries set in the best part of Montana, where the small police force must solve a crime much more complex than the usual run of local and family disagreements. Despite having names like Thumps Dreadfulwater (a nod to the lack of water treatment plants on many First Nations), the characters are complex and have interesting backstories. King does a good job of showing the network of relatives and friends and enemies that make up smaller communities. I liked this book a lot.
July 1, 2025
I love this series. The characters were all well developed and were realistic. The plot was somewhat interesting but the flow was hampered by some of the characters refusing to tell the whole truth. But I believe this is what police often have to deal with. I also like the fact that the police force in this story are very intelligent which you can tell by their banter and their work ethic. I hope the next book comes out soon.
September 28, 2025
One good story, that one.
One of the best DreadfulWaters! Witty, wry, heartfelt, human, endearing, AND a great mystery to boot. A private investigator, caught investigating a customs agent, the ninja assassin is back in town, Claire & Ivory are not, Duke's on compassion leave, Thumps is Sheriff, Temporary, with two great deputies, and a big golf tournament is in town. Plus a big, sloppy dog. Everything here is to be loved, and it's all woven in so so well. Masterful.
One of the best DreadfulWaters! Witty, wry, heartfelt, human, endearing, AND a great mystery to boot. A private investigator, caught investigating a customs agent, the ninja assassin is back in town, Claire & Ivory are not, Duke's on compassion leave, Thumps is Sheriff, Temporary, with two great deputies, and a big golf tournament is in town. Plus a big, sloppy dog. Everything here is to be loved, and it's all woven in so so well. Masterful.
December 12, 2025
Although Thomas King has fallen into disrepute, re claims of aboriginality, I still enjoy his books. It is so sad that, at the end of his life and career, lies have been brought to light.
Having said that, I still enjoyed this lighthearted novel. King always has a way to make me laugh... I wonder if he had not identified himself as indigenous, - whether he would have been as successful an author.
A very sad state of affairs ....
Having said that, I still enjoyed this lighthearted novel. King always has a way to make me laugh... I wonder if he had not identified himself as indigenous, - whether he would have been as successful an author.
A very sad state of affairs ....
July 11, 2025
Love the character of Dreadfulwater and his cast of misfit friends and cronies. Also his ongoing tentative romance with a certain woman. This episode where he gets to be the hapless sheriff is a good one. A credible threat to his community has Dreadfulwater trying hard to puzzle out and match wits with the bad actors. Can this charming community weather the storm of 'modern' progress?
November 18, 2024
Another very good read with the characters carrying more o the story than the crime plot. Unfortunately, this was written such that it may be the final installment to the series. Has Thumps truly found him home??
January 11, 2025
This is more of a 3.5 because I really enjoy the characters and Thomas King’s humour.
Downgraded a bit because the series is a bit formulaic and after you’ve read a few, the mysteries and dialogue are quite similar.
I think they would make a great set of limited series. Maybe a 4-5 episode season each. Would APTN and Crave want to partner on this?
Downgraded a bit because the series is a bit formulaic and after you’ve read a few, the mysteries and dialogue are quite similar.
I think they would make a great set of limited series. Maybe a 4-5 episode season each. Would APTN and Crave want to partner on this?
January 25, 2025
If King keeps writing them, I will be reading them. I look forward to checking in with Thumps and the good people of Chinook.
Though not as strong as some of his standalone books, they are like comfort food to me.
If you like Dreadfulwater, you’ll probably love Sufferance.
Though not as strong as some of his standalone books, they are like comfort food to me.
If you like Dreadfulwater, you’ll probably love Sufferance.
February 25, 2025
The characters are witty and have depth. One could spend a lot of time with these characters. There is more to them than meets the eye. Lot of history to be discovered. The mystery plot felt like it was not important to the story.
April 13, 2025
Another great read from Thomas King featuring DreadfulWater, Duke, Cruz and the Chinook gang. I found the wrap up a bit harder to follow than it needed to be, hence why I am giving the book a 4 instead of a 5.
August 18, 2025
First time reading this author, and this is the 8th book in the Thumps DreadfulWater series, but it was fine as a stand-alone. I enjoyed his playful style of writing and his character development. I'm going to try one of his highly acclaimed books - there are several to choose from.
December 3, 2025
Still one of my favorite authors, despite his discovering he actually had no native heritage. Good to see all of the old characters again. This storyline was a little too "government conspiracy" for my taste, but still worthwhile and recommended.
October 8, 2024
The secret-agent plot is absolutely preposterous...but the characters and the community in these DreadfulWater novels is what we come to experience...and they are wonderful.
October 14, 2024
Another humorous who-done-it by King. Once again DreadfulWater is caught up in a complicated case. This one involves a government agency and missing money. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews