What do you think?
Rate this book
DreadfulWater #1
DreadfulWater
The award-winning, bestselling author of The Back of the Turtle and The Inconvenient Indian masters the comic mystery novel in this series opener, starring ex-cop Thumps DreadfulWater
Thumps DreadfulWater is a Cherokee ex-cop trying to make a living as a photographer in the small town of Chinook, somewhere in the northwestern United States. But he doesn’t count on snapping shots of a dead body languishing in a newly completed luxury condo resort built by the local Indian band. It’s a mystery that Thumps can’t help getting involved in, especially when he realizes the number one suspect is Stick Merchant, anti-condo protester and wayward son of Claire Merchant, head of the tribal council and DreadfulWater’s sometimes lover. Smart and savvy, blessed with a killer dry wit and a penchant for self-deprecating humour, DreadfulWater just can’t manage to shed his California cop skin. Before long, he is deeply entangled in the mystery and has his work cut out for him.
A novel that will appeal to mystery fans as well as Thomas King’s loyal audience, DreadfulWater is a catchy, clever read.
Thumps DreadfulWater is a Cherokee ex-cop trying to make a living as a photographer in the small town of Chinook, somewhere in the northwestern United States. But he doesn’t count on snapping shots of a dead body languishing in a newly completed luxury condo resort built by the local Indian band. It’s a mystery that Thumps can’t help getting involved in, especially when he realizes the number one suspect is Stick Merchant, anti-condo protester and wayward son of Claire Merchant, head of the tribal council and DreadfulWater’s sometimes lover. Smart and savvy, blessed with a killer dry wit and a penchant for self-deprecating humour, DreadfulWater just can’t manage to shed his California cop skin. Before long, he is deeply entangled in the mystery and has his work cut out for him.
A novel that will appeal to mystery fans as well as Thomas King’s loyal audience, DreadfulWater is a catchy, clever read.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
53 people are currently reading
1507 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
March 11, 2019
A delightful mystery, written by one of my favourite writers, Thomas King, under his silly pseudonym Hartley GoodWeather. He was obviously having fun with this mystery novel and indulging his wonderful sense of humour. But King just seems to write gorgeously under any circumstances and this story was a wonderful way to spend a Friday evening after what felt like an interminable week at work.
Thumps DreadfulWater is a non-detective, or so he keeps saying. A former policeman who couldn’t solve a murder that impacted him personally, he has moved into a small town in the North West States (it’s not clear yet exactly where Chinook is located, although that name would hint that it’s east of the Rockies) and he has switched professions, becoming a photographer.
I heard King interviewed on radio about Thumps’ name—Mr. King apparently subscribed to a magazine by phone and spelled his name carefully. When he received the first issue, it was addressed to Thumps King, so he concluded that the person who took his information had pretty poor handwriting, to turn Thomas into Thumps. However, it was too good a name to just let go of.
I read the whole thing in one evening and it was just the antidote to a stressful week. I’ve already put a hold on the next book in the series (and I’m not the only one, I am number 20 in line for 3 copies, so it will be a while). I’m also glad to hear that Mr. King has plans to write further adventures of Thumps DreadfulWater and I look forward to reading them all!
Thumps DreadfulWater is a non-detective, or so he keeps saying. A former policeman who couldn’t solve a murder that impacted him personally, he has moved into a small town in the North West States (it’s not clear yet exactly where Chinook is located, although that name would hint that it’s east of the Rockies) and he has switched professions, becoming a photographer.
I heard King interviewed on radio about Thumps’ name—Mr. King apparently subscribed to a magazine by phone and spelled his name carefully. When he received the first issue, it was addressed to Thumps King, so he concluded that the person who took his information had pretty poor handwriting, to turn Thomas into Thumps. However, it was too good a name to just let go of.
I read the whole thing in one evening and it was just the antidote to a stressful week. I’ve already put a hold on the next book in the series (and I’m not the only one, I am number 20 in line for 3 copies, so it will be a while). I’m also glad to hear that Mr. King has plans to write further adventures of Thumps DreadfulWater and I look forward to reading them all!
April 20, 2022
An amazing novel. Not what I expected and in a good way. Great story line and such an interesting concept as well. Lots of twists and turns and clued leading to an unexpected ending to who the murdered was and what an escape plan to get away from law enforcement!
Loved the character of Thumps DreadfulWater and as this is my first time reading this series, it will be interesting to see if there is further development in the following books; and with the other police officers introduced in this book.
I live in Calgary (Alberta), so the description of Chinook, the weather, desolation, small town amenities and even the casinos where this takes place is very similar to areas nearby.
Recommend to those who like light/cozy murder mysteries.
Loved the character of Thumps DreadfulWater and as this is my first time reading this series, it will be interesting to see if there is further development in the following books; and with the other police officers introduced in this book.
I live in Calgary (Alberta), so the description of Chinook, the weather, desolation, small town amenities and even the casinos where this takes place is very similar to areas nearby.
Recommend to those who like light/cozy murder mysteries.
September 6, 2022
Sep 5, 245pm ~~ Review asap.
830pm ~~ This is the first in a six book mystery series by Thomas King.
Wait, Debbie, you are reading a mystery series?! I thought that was your least favorites genre, that you very rarely read mysteries, that you overdosed on them many years ago and have avoided them ever since?!
Yes, yes. but this is Thomas King!!
I don't know all the details about this, but he wrote the first two books using a pen name, Hartley GoodWeather. I had no idea until just recently that these books existed. Well, I saw them listed but at that word 'mystery' I just decided they would not appeal to me. But when GR friend Wanda told me I should give them a try, I took the plunge and here we are, at the beginning of a mini marathon, and facing the final books in my Thomas King project of 2022.
In DreadfulWater we meet ex-cop turned photographer Thumps DreadfulWater, living in Chinook, a small town "somewhere in the northwestern United States". Thumps lives alone except for his cat Freeway. He is not exactly a happy guy, you can tell he has ghosts from the past haunting him, but you don't find out until later what they might be, and then only partly.
The mystery begins with a dead body in one of the fancy condos about to go on sale at a new resort and casino not too far out of town, on the Indian reserve. Thumps is called by the sheriff to take crime scene photos. But he is curious about the case and does a little investigating on his own. And, of course, gets into a bit of trouble here and there in the process.
I don't read enough mysteries to pass judgment on King's style of problem solving for his mystery, or even if the mystery itself was tricky enough for a Diehard Mystery Reader. I was reading more for the presentation. What I liked were the characters, from Thumps to Duke the sheriff to Beth the coroner to Moses Blood, who seems to be the requisite Wise Old Indian of the community.
And that was the other thing I enjoyed: the community. The way the characters interacted, the way the town felt like home even here in my first visit. I am looking forward to getting to know all of these people better in the next few days!
830pm ~~ This is the first in a six book mystery series by Thomas King.
Wait, Debbie, you are reading a mystery series?! I thought that was your least favorites genre, that you very rarely read mysteries, that you overdosed on them many years ago and have avoided them ever since?!
Yes, yes. but this is Thomas King!!
I don't know all the details about this, but he wrote the first two books using a pen name, Hartley GoodWeather. I had no idea until just recently that these books existed. Well, I saw them listed but at that word 'mystery' I just decided they would not appeal to me. But when GR friend Wanda told me I should give them a try, I took the plunge and here we are, at the beginning of a mini marathon, and facing the final books in my Thomas King project of 2022.
In DreadfulWater we meet ex-cop turned photographer Thumps DreadfulWater, living in Chinook, a small town "somewhere in the northwestern United States". Thumps lives alone except for his cat Freeway. He is not exactly a happy guy, you can tell he has ghosts from the past haunting him, but you don't find out until later what they might be, and then only partly.
The mystery begins with a dead body in one of the fancy condos about to go on sale at a new resort and casino not too far out of town, on the Indian reserve. Thumps is called by the sheriff to take crime scene photos. But he is curious about the case and does a little investigating on his own. And, of course, gets into a bit of trouble here and there in the process.
I don't read enough mysteries to pass judgment on King's style of problem solving for his mystery, or even if the mystery itself was tricky enough for a Diehard Mystery Reader. I was reading more for the presentation. What I liked were the characters, from Thumps to Duke the sheriff to Beth the coroner to Moses Blood, who seems to be the requisite Wise Old Indian of the community.
And that was the other thing I enjoyed: the community. The way the characters interacted, the way the town felt like home even here in my first visit. I am looking forward to getting to know all of these people better in the next few days!
January 20, 2017
This is a very comfortable read. A perfect cozy mystery, this is set on a reservation, complete with trailer park graveyard. Slip on your slippers, sip an herbal tea, and enjoy a book with murder, humour, social commentary and nothing too serious. Please Mr King, write another with Thumps DreadfulWater, ex-cop and now arts photographer.
June 16, 2018
I’m torn between my fealty to Thomas King and my obligation to be honest, because I did not love this book.
DreadfulWater is the first in a mystery series featuring retired-cop-turned-photographer-turned-itinerant-investigator Thumps DreadfulWater. Thumps retired to Chinook after his life in California took a tragic turn, and it’s being going well for him. He has a small business, friends, a kind-of girlfriend. He’s starting to mend.
Then a new and controversial casino becomes the scene of a murder, which sets of a chain of events that pulls Thumps - sometimes reluctantly, sometimes not - back into old habits. Namely, investigating murders.
The plot is engaging enough - it centres around a series of murders, after all - but it’s so light and airy that you almost don’t feel it. Certainly, it has a much lighter touch than any other mystery I remember reading. That’s not bad, I suppose. It’s just not what I’m looking for in a mystery.
I do love Thumps. He’s a great character - smart and savvy and self-deprecating. A bit obsessive-compulsive, too, which is probably my favourite detail. I also enjoy the three Indigenous women who play second leads. Beth is the local doctor and coroner who has a much stronger stomach than Thumps. Claire is a member of the band council and the driving force between bringing the casino to the reserve in the first place. And Ora Mae works at the band office and takes no shit from anyone. They’re very different personalities, but all amusing and endearing.
Still, I’m not sure they can save this book from itself. The mystery at the centre of everything is so broad and so lightly rendered that it leaves no impression. I hate to say it, but you’d probably be better off waiting for King’s next book. So long as it’s not part of this series.
DreadfulWater is the first in a mystery series featuring retired-cop-turned-photographer-turned-itinerant-investigator Thumps DreadfulWater. Thumps retired to Chinook after his life in California took a tragic turn, and it’s being going well for him. He has a small business, friends, a kind-of girlfriend. He’s starting to mend.
Then a new and controversial casino becomes the scene of a murder, which sets of a chain of events that pulls Thumps - sometimes reluctantly, sometimes not - back into old habits. Namely, investigating murders.
The plot is engaging enough - it centres around a series of murders, after all - but it’s so light and airy that you almost don’t feel it. Certainly, it has a much lighter touch than any other mystery I remember reading. That’s not bad, I suppose. It’s just not what I’m looking for in a mystery.
I do love Thumps. He’s a great character - smart and savvy and self-deprecating. A bit obsessive-compulsive, too, which is probably my favourite detail. I also enjoy the three Indigenous women who play second leads. Beth is the local doctor and coroner who has a much stronger stomach than Thumps. Claire is a member of the band council and the driving force between bringing the casino to the reserve in the first place. And Ora Mae works at the band office and takes no shit from anyone. They’re very different personalities, but all amusing and endearing.
Still, I’m not sure they can save this book from itself. The mystery at the centre of everything is so broad and so lightly rendered that it leaves no impression. I hate to say it, but you’d probably be better off waiting for King’s next book. So long as it’s not part of this series.
March 17, 2022
4.5 stars. Thomas King's narrative voice is my absolute favourite of all time, and it shines here with his trademark combination of poetic simplicity, wry humour, and occasional gut-punch moments. Overall, this was a light and fun mystery novel. The characters are a lot of fun and have great banter.
The mystery itself was so-so from a plot perspective, but I enjoyed every single second of this book because of the characters and the written voice. Can't wait to read more in this series!
The mystery itself was so-so from a plot perspective, but I enjoyed every single second of this book because of the characters and the written voice. Can't wait to read more in this series!
April 22, 2007
Thomas King being literary-goofy (writing under a pseudonym) apparently so that he can use phrases like, "He was as romantic as a used kleenex." (ha ha) A quick, light read with lots of funny parts, as well as a mystery to keep you intrigued.
February 15, 2021
I think this falls into the cozy mystery genre. It is a lot of fun and fairly light overall. It is a shame that the cover (once they started republishing this series under Thomas King's real name anyway instead of his amazing pseudonym) makes it look really gritty and serious. Not that it's a farce or anything but you can just tell that King is having a lot of fun with the detective genre.
I will have to pace myself from powering through the rest of the series as I have a lot of other books to read, but I'm sold on Thumps DreadfulWater! 2021 is the year I'm getting back into the mystery genre and I'm happy to have found a couple intriguing series by Canadian authors.
I wondering why this is set in the US when King is Canadian and his readers are primarily Canadian but it looks like he spent some time living in the states at some point too. I may be wrong but I think there was some Canadian terminology being used by the American characters that is probably not accurately regional (runners, Kraft Dinner), haha.
I will have to pace myself from powering through the rest of the series as I have a lot of other books to read, but I'm sold on Thumps DreadfulWater! 2021 is the year I'm getting back into the mystery genre and I'm happy to have found a couple intriguing series by Canadian authors.
I wondering why this is set in the US when King is Canadian and his readers are primarily Canadian but it looks like he spent some time living in the states at some point too. I may be wrong but I think there was some Canadian terminology being used by the American characters that is probably not accurately regional (runners, Kraft Dinner), haha.
January 11, 2024
Title:
DreadfulWater
Author: Thomas King
Series: DreadfulWater #1
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: January 1, 2002
T H R E E • W O R D S
Sharp • Quiet • Witty
📖 S Y N O P S I S
With his cop life officially behind him, Thumps now makes his living as a fine-arts photographer in Chinook - a western town snuggled up against a reservation that's struggling for economic independence via investment in a glitzy new resort and casino complex called Buffalo Mountain. It's a slow-paced, good life for Thumps and his eccentric cat, Freeway. Most of the time. But when a dead body turns up in one of the just-completed luxury condos, things change fast — and not for the better. Photographing corpses is not part of Thumps's master plan.
He can't help getting involved, especially when he realizes that the number one suspect is Stanley "Stick" Merchant, anticondo protestor and wayward son of Claire Merchant, head of the tribal council and Thumps's onetime love. If it affects Claire, it affects Thumps.
It seems that Stick disappeared just about the time of the murder. Coincidence? Or just bad timing? Thumps knows that the police often shoot smart-ass teenagers first and ask questions later. He doesn't want that to happen to Stick. But can Thumps find Stick in time? And can Thumps find a killer before a killer finds Thumps?
💭 T H O U G H T S
I picked up a copy of DredfulWater on a whim after reading and enjoying several of Thomas King's more recent works. Little did I know this is the first installment in a series he wrote under the pseudonym Hartley GoodWeather. I knew it was a mystery but didn't know anything else when I decided to pick it up.
Written with his signature dry humour and social commentary, this novel is a light, cozy murder mystery. The plot unfolds at a whodunit pace with little clues delivered throughout each chapter. There are several memorable characters, but of course, Thumps DreadfulWater steals the show. His car, Freeway, was a welcome addition and gave it the cozy mystery vibes. As the plot unfolds, the reader gets to know Thumps better, and it definitely is setting the stage for more to come. Thumps inner dialogue was beyond entertaining.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this quiet mystery from one of Canada's best authors. I originally didn't realize it was part of a series, but am definitely interested in continuing on with it, as well as continuing to explore King's backlist.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers in search of a quiet mystery
• anyone looking for a cozy winter read
• Thomas King devotees
⚠️ CW: death, murder, gun violence, sexual content
Author: Thomas King
Series: DreadfulWater #1
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: January 1, 2002
T H R E E • W O R D S
Sharp • Quiet • Witty
📖 S Y N O P S I S
With his cop life officially behind him, Thumps now makes his living as a fine-arts photographer in Chinook - a western town snuggled up against a reservation that's struggling for economic independence via investment in a glitzy new resort and casino complex called Buffalo Mountain. It's a slow-paced, good life for Thumps and his eccentric cat, Freeway. Most of the time. But when a dead body turns up in one of the just-completed luxury condos, things change fast — and not for the better. Photographing corpses is not part of Thumps's master plan.
He can't help getting involved, especially when he realizes that the number one suspect is Stanley "Stick" Merchant, anticondo protestor and wayward son of Claire Merchant, head of the tribal council and Thumps's onetime love. If it affects Claire, it affects Thumps.
It seems that Stick disappeared just about the time of the murder. Coincidence? Or just bad timing? Thumps knows that the police often shoot smart-ass teenagers first and ask questions later. He doesn't want that to happen to Stick. But can Thumps find Stick in time? And can Thumps find a killer before a killer finds Thumps?
💭 T H O U G H T S
I picked up a copy of DredfulWater on a whim after reading and enjoying several of Thomas King's more recent works. Little did I know this is the first installment in a series he wrote under the pseudonym Hartley GoodWeather. I knew it was a mystery but didn't know anything else when I decided to pick it up.
Written with his signature dry humour and social commentary, this novel is a light, cozy murder mystery. The plot unfolds at a whodunit pace with little clues delivered throughout each chapter. There are several memorable characters, but of course, Thumps DreadfulWater steals the show. His car, Freeway, was a welcome addition and gave it the cozy mystery vibes. As the plot unfolds, the reader gets to know Thumps better, and it definitely is setting the stage for more to come. Thumps inner dialogue was beyond entertaining.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this quiet mystery from one of Canada's best authors. I originally didn't realize it was part of a series, but am definitely interested in continuing on with it, as well as continuing to explore King's backlist.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers in search of a quiet mystery
• anyone looking for a cozy winter read
• Thomas King devotees
⚠️ CW: death, murder, gun violence, sexual content
May 9, 2021
Having read King's The Truth About Stories and An Inconvenient Indian, I was curious to read his novel about a reluctant, sort-of-retired detective. The former two books are essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the harsh and ongoing impact of colonialism on indigenous people in North America. Dreadful Water introduced me to a character I am going to enjoy following through all his exploits in the ensuing books. King gives his characters a full dose of complexity and the kind of humour that sneaks up on you. Add to that a mystery that keeps the reader guessing, and Dreadful Water joins the list of series just right for those of us who like to follow characters through a multitude of situations.
October 22, 2016
A great whodunit with a firm tongue-in-cheek touch!
April 12, 2020
Great read. Fascinating characters. Looking forward to the next installment. Strongly recommended.
October 23, 2025
Thomas King's first venture into the mystery field is a success, introducing an interesting character into the pantheon of crime solvers: Thumps DreadfulWater, a former policeman turned photographer. He'd rather be sleeping or relaxing than unraveling crime but none of his friends, who all know exactly what he needs, will let him alone. He'll be forced onto the case, despite himself. A refreshing debut. - BH.
June 26, 2024
This was our June pick for our book club!
Pretty solid mystery, if a bit overwrought sometimes. I have hopes that the more over the top moments are meant to be character beats that will pay off in future installments. Extremely delightfully 2000s in some ways. Often quite funny. I liked how Thomas King worked in a casual, everyday approach to Native culture and characters, but that's hardly a remarkable opinion. I also thought our detective had an interesting dynamic with the police; I would be curious to see how that relationship changes in future books.
Also if I had a nickel every time was plot relevant to a book club book, I'd have ten cents, which isn't a lot, but ... etc.
Pretty solid mystery, if a bit overwrought sometimes. I have hopes that the more over the top moments are meant to be character beats that will pay off in future installments. Extremely delightfully 2000s in some ways. Often quite funny. I liked how Thomas King worked in a casual, everyday approach to Native culture and characters, but that's hardly a remarkable opinion. I also thought our detective had an interesting dynamic with the police; I would be curious to see how that relationship changes in future books.
Also if I had a nickel every time was plot relevant to a book club book, I'd have ten cents, which isn't a lot, but ... etc.
December 10, 2024
3,5
Un bon tome introductif, un personnage intéressant dans un milieu autochtone, avec de l'humour en plus. Il me manque le petit plus pour monter à 4* mais le roman a su garder mon intérêt, ce qui est assez rare ces temps-ci.
Un bon tome introductif, un personnage intéressant dans un milieu autochtone, avec de l'humour en plus. Il me manque le petit plus pour monter à 4* mais le roman a su garder mon intérêt, ce qui est assez rare ces temps-ci.
March 14, 2022
This is the first fiction by Mr. King that I’ve read, and I’ll definitely read more. I was surprised to find that I have quite a bit in common with his protagonist, Thumps DreadfulWater, something I’ve never before felt about a mystery novel. For one thing, the story is set in an area very similar to where I live – Shell stations, Tim Hortons, east face of the Rockies between the forest and the high prairies, and chinooks (although his has a capital “C”.) For another, he lives a rather self-directed life, sleeping late and then napping, eating a lot, living with a demanding cat (well, I used to), and apparently working only when he feels like it. He’s also out of shape and overweight.
The story and characters remind me quite a bit of C.J. Box's works, and maybe Tony Hillerman's though not so dry and dusty. The writing is fine, and filled with a self-deprecating humour.
I enjoyed the story so much I ended up reading right through till 6:00 a.m., and don’t regret it.
The story and characters remind me quite a bit of C.J. Box's works, and maybe Tony Hillerman's though not so dry and dusty. The writing is fine, and filled with a self-deprecating humour.
I enjoyed the story so much I ended up reading right through till 6:00 a.m., and don’t regret it.
December 11, 2018
Cozy Western Mystery
Review of the 2017 reissue of "DreadfulWater Shows Up" (2002)
Thomas King has recently rebooted his DreadfulWater amateur detective series with "Cold Skies: A DreadfulWater Mystery" (2018) and "A Matter of Malice: A DreadfulWater Mystery" (2019). This provides for reissue editions of the original books in the series (issued under the pseudonym of Hartley GoodWeather) from 2002 and 2006's The Red Power Murders: A DreadfulWater Mystery with atmospheric landscape photos added to the covers which are now in the spirit of Thumps DreadfulWater's post-police fine-art photography career in which he occasionally doubles as a crime-scene tech. In the present case, Thumps is asked to help investigate the murder of a security systems analyst working in the setup of a soon-to-be-opened casino/condo complex on a first nations reserve.
The Thumps DreadfulWater series is solidly in the cozy mystery realm except in a setting of Indian Reserves with modern day issues such as casinos/indigenous rights added to the mix. King has a good ear for dialogue banter and Thumps makes for an engaging likeable lead character.
Observation
This isn't advertised as a Large-Print edition, but the font has definitely been boosted to about 14-points in order to bulk up the reprint to a medium-doorstopper level of 448 pages, from the original 2002 edition's 240 pages. Some sort of publisher psychological persuasion to convince you that the book is more substantial than a light mystery?
Review of the 2017 reissue of "DreadfulWater Shows Up" (2002)
Thomas King has recently rebooted his DreadfulWater amateur detective series with "Cold Skies: A DreadfulWater Mystery" (2018) and "A Matter of Malice: A DreadfulWater Mystery" (2019). This provides for reissue editions of the original books in the series (issued under the pseudonym of Hartley GoodWeather) from 2002 and 2006's The Red Power Murders: A DreadfulWater Mystery with atmospheric landscape photos added to the covers which are now in the spirit of Thumps DreadfulWater's post-police fine-art photography career in which he occasionally doubles as a crime-scene tech. In the present case, Thumps is asked to help investigate the murder of a security systems analyst working in the setup of a soon-to-be-opened casino/condo complex on a first nations reserve.
The Thumps DreadfulWater series is solidly in the cozy mystery realm except in a setting of Indian Reserves with modern day issues such as casinos/indigenous rights added to the mix. King has a good ear for dialogue banter and Thumps makes for an engaging likeable lead character.
Observation
This isn't advertised as a Large-Print edition, but the font has definitely been boosted to about 14-points in order to bulk up the reprint to a medium-doorstopper level of 448 pages, from the original 2002 edition's 240 pages. Some sort of publisher psychological persuasion to convince you that the book is more substantial than a light mystery?
March 5, 2022
This was one of the novels I had to read for a Crime and Conspiracy Literature class and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I was expecting another book like Shroud for a Nightingale (another book I had to read for this class... and a 1 star) but instead I discovered one of my new favourite books.
The way Thomas King writes is completely engaging and beautiful. His characterization gave an amazing picture of what each individual was like, and how they interacted in their relationships. This was my favourite element, as it made the story come alive.
The plot itself is fast-paced and thrilling. I did not find it predictable, but felt like I was given enough clues that I wasn't frustrated when the killer was revealed. Thumps, the detective in this novel, did not reminisce on useless details, and readers were given only what was necessary to lead the narrative on. In this way, it almost read more like a typical thriller novel than a detective novel, which worked in my favour, as these stories are more my style.
The themes in this novel were also incredibly poignant and flawlessly interwoven. Thomas King is an Indigenous Canadian, and provides this perspective within this novel. Topics such as racism and police brutality were mentioned in incredibly eye-opening and important ways. I was pleased to read an own-voices explanation of these topics within a fiction narrative.
This book is totally underrated. I highly recommend picking it up if you enjoy mystery/thriller novels. It has quickly become one of my new favourite books, and I can't wait to pick up more from King (and the sequels to this novel) in the future!
The way Thomas King writes is completely engaging and beautiful. His characterization gave an amazing picture of what each individual was like, and how they interacted in their relationships. This was my favourite element, as it made the story come alive.
The plot itself is fast-paced and thrilling. I did not find it predictable, but felt like I was given enough clues that I wasn't frustrated when the killer was revealed. Thumps, the detective in this novel, did not reminisce on useless details, and readers were given only what was necessary to lead the narrative on. In this way, it almost read more like a typical thriller novel than a detective novel, which worked in my favour, as these stories are more my style.
The themes in this novel were also incredibly poignant and flawlessly interwoven. Thomas King is an Indigenous Canadian, and provides this perspective within this novel. Topics such as racism and police brutality were mentioned in incredibly eye-opening and important ways. I was pleased to read an own-voices explanation of these topics within a fiction narrative.
This book is totally underrated. I highly recommend picking it up if you enjoy mystery/thriller novels. It has quickly become one of my new favourite books, and I can't wait to pick up more from King (and the sequels to this novel) in the future!
November 12, 2012
I ought to say that I am not a reader of mystery books; however, I can see that this is something of a parody. Parody or not, the book has its merits. I suspect it has a connection with the work of Tony Hillerman (invoked in this book). Anyhow, the book is worth it for the following passage:
"Thumps carried all sorts of guns and rifles when he had been a cop, and he hadn't cared much for any of them. The National Rifle Association's assertion that guns didn't kill people, that people killed people, was disingenuous at best. Actually it was bullshit. Guns were dangerous. All by themselves, they we dangerous. People just made them more dangerous."
There is more, but you will have to check page 116 to read that more.
Any book with a main character named Thumps DreadfulWater must hold interest. As usual with Thomas King, aka Hartley Goodweather, humour slides into the story effortlessly, and the humour has an edge, perhaps even an angry edge. I like this.
"Thumps carried all sorts of guns and rifles when he had been a cop, and he hadn't cared much for any of them. The National Rifle Association's assertion that guns didn't kill people, that people killed people, was disingenuous at best. Actually it was bullshit. Guns were dangerous. All by themselves, they we dangerous. People just made them more dangerous."
There is more, but you will have to check page 116 to read that more.
Any book with a main character named Thumps DreadfulWater must hold interest. As usual with Thomas King, aka Hartley Goodweather, humour slides into the story effortlessly, and the humour has an edge, perhaps even an angry edge. I like this.
October 5, 2018
I read the second book in this series first, and now I have read the first book second. I am really getting into the Thumps DreadfulWater character. As I have said before, I enjoy Thomas King's writing, and look forward to reading more from him in this detective series, as well as anything else he should choose to write!
December 26, 2020
This is the third book I've read by Thomas King, and all three books have been different genres. Based on these experiences, I think I would enjoy anything this man writes.
February 23, 2020
This first book in Thomas King's "DreadfulWater" mystery series - I believe there are now four - is a winner.
Thumps DreadfulWater is a Cherokee ex-cop from California trying to make a living as a photographer in the small town of Chinook somewhere in the northwestern United States. He made the move to Chinook to leave behind his failure to hunt down a vicious killer, an unsolved case that still haunts him.
If that sounds dark and heavy, this story is definitely not. King, who is a literary legend in Canada (and lives about a mile from my house), writes about the mild-mannered Thumps and the assorted motley residents of Chinook with such wit and charm, I was captivated.
I finished the book last night, and today I'm ordering the next one in the series. What could be better proof of its sweet appeal?
Thumps DreadfulWater is a Cherokee ex-cop from California trying to make a living as a photographer in the small town of Chinook somewhere in the northwestern United States. He made the move to Chinook to leave behind his failure to hunt down a vicious killer, an unsolved case that still haunts him.
If that sounds dark and heavy, this story is definitely not. King, who is a literary legend in Canada (and lives about a mile from my house), writes about the mild-mannered Thumps and the assorted motley residents of Chinook with such wit and charm, I was captivated.
I finished the book last night, and today I'm ordering the next one in the series. What could be better proof of its sweet appeal?
January 9, 2024
An enjoyable mystery from Canadian favourite Thomas King.
I don't know if I thought this was King's best work, and the whodunnit - a murder tied into a cyber crime - was just ok for me, but I will definitely continue to read the series.
I hope that protagonist Thumps, a former cop-turned-photographer who still can't resist following a trail of clues, will get a more fleshed-out back-story in subsequent volumes. I liked him though, and some of the other side-characters in the small Indigenous town of Chinook were promising as well. For now I am sufficiently intrigued.
I don't know if I thought this was King's best work, and the whodunnit - a murder tied into a cyber crime - was just ok for me, but I will definitely continue to read the series.
I hope that protagonist Thumps, a former cop-turned-photographer who still can't resist following a trail of clues, will get a more fleshed-out back-story in subsequent volumes. I liked him though, and some of the other side-characters in the small Indigenous town of Chinook were promising as well. For now I am sufficiently intrigued.
July 21, 2020
This mystery was original published under King’s pen name Hartley Goodweather and titled Dreadfulwater Shows Up. It was rereleased as Dreadfulwater under King’s name in 2017.
It’s the story of an ex-cop named Thumps Dreadful water living in a small town and making a living as a photographer. When a murder takes place on a soon to be opened Casino Resort built by the Local Indian band, Dreadful water gets involved because he knows the prime suspect, and believes he is innocent.
This is a simple mystery and the end was a bit predictable, but it was an enjoyable read. It didn’t weigh down in the middle because of King’s ability to bring characters to life. Good way to pass a lazy summer day.
It’s the story of an ex-cop named Thumps Dreadful water living in a small town and making a living as a photographer. When a murder takes place on a soon to be opened Casino Resort built by the Local Indian band, Dreadful water gets involved because he knows the prime suspect, and believes he is innocent.
This is a simple mystery and the end was a bit predictable, but it was an enjoyable read. It didn’t weigh down in the middle because of King’s ability to bring characters to life. Good way to pass a lazy summer day.
April 10, 2022
Love this author but couldn’t get into this one and finally decided to bail about a third of the way through since I continuously found myself disconnected from the characters and therefore uninterested in the story.
June 25, 2024
This book is a comedy, actually.
Despite the humour, something about the tone of the book felt more subdued in a way I didn't love.
Despite the humour, something about the tone of the book felt more subdued in a way I didn't love.
August 4, 2024
2.5
the main characters names were thumps and sticks. what.
the main characters names were thumps and sticks. what.
August 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This is a series I have been wanting to read for a while. I am a King fan, and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is a series I have been wanting to read for a while. I am a King fan, and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Once again, King’s great sense of humour made this read as fun as the other I read from him
November 19, 2024
I've really enjoyed Thomas King over the last several years, he's been by far my favorite author and now I've gotten into this series of mystery novels. Great start and a simple yet insightful read with lots of fun laughs, intense and interesting moments.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews