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DreadfulWater #6
Deep House
For the first time since the pandemic, Thumps DreadfulWater has finally found some peace in small-town Chinook. Sure, his beloved cat is still missing and his relationship with Claire is more than uncertain, but at least he can relax in the comfort of his home. And now that local businesses are opening their doors again, everything can go back to the way it was.
But when Thumps discovers a body at the bottom of a treacherous canyon, he becomes entangled once again in an inexplicable mystery. And as more puzzling details come to the surface, Thumps begins to question whom he can truly trust--especially when an unexpected visitor walks back into his life.
In the follow-up to Obsidian, a Globe and Mail Favourite of 2020, Thumps DreadfulWater returns once more with wit and wry humour to solve a mystery that only Thomas King could create.
But when Thumps discovers a body at the bottom of a treacherous canyon, he becomes entangled once again in an inexplicable mystery. And as more puzzling details come to the surface, Thumps begins to question whom he can truly trust--especially when an unexpected visitor walks back into his life.
In the follow-up to Obsidian, a Globe and Mail Favourite of 2020, Thumps DreadfulWater returns once more with wit and wry humour to solve a mystery that only Thomas King could create.
352 pages, ebook
Published January 15, 2022
9 people are currently reading
382 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 87 reviews
May 24, 2022
2022 Free Range Reading
A book chosen for fun, not part of any project, plan, or list. Mind you, it would have been on my 2022 list had I realized it was going to be published! I have no idea how this got by me for five months. Well, I knew that Mr. King had said he was done writing. But I should have counted the DreadfulWater books—I also knew that he had a contract to write more as part of a deal to get the first couple of them republished under his name, not the pseudonym.
I love the community of Chinook. Sheriff Duke Hockney is a particular favourite of mine, as is Cooley Small Elk. I was sorry to see the elder Moses the worse for wear from covid. But the greatest happiness came from the return of Freeway, the cat. She's back, with kittens in tow. Just as Thumps' sometimes girlfriend, Claire, is with her adopted child, Ivory. It's the supporting cast as much as DreadfulWater that truly make these books for me.
In actual fact, Thumps is a Sad Sack when it comes to relationships. He seems to think he shouldn't have to put in any effort but still be able to enjoy the good bits: the warm home, the sweet little girl, and the company of her mama. He has Freeway to teach him about taking care of mothers and kittens. About being less selfish in general.
As usual, King's sense of humour was delightful. Thumps's internal dialog is frequently ironically entertaining. Could I be lucky enough that Thumps will have further adventures? I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that King will be as unable to truly retire from writing as another King, Stephen King, has been. The words just seem to keep flowing out of that guy, so maybe I can hope the trait goes with the surname? There's only four years difference in their ages, so I have my hopes. We readers are greedy, we always want one more book from our favourites.
A book chosen for fun, not part of any project, plan, or list. Mind you, it would have been on my 2022 list had I realized it was going to be published! I have no idea how this got by me for five months. Well, I knew that Mr. King had said he was done writing. But I should have counted the DreadfulWater books—I also knew that he had a contract to write more as part of a deal to get the first couple of them republished under his name, not the pseudonym.
I love the community of Chinook. Sheriff Duke Hockney is a particular favourite of mine, as is Cooley Small Elk. I was sorry to see the elder Moses the worse for wear from covid. But the greatest happiness came from the return of Freeway, the cat. She's back, with kittens in tow. Just as Thumps' sometimes girlfriend, Claire, is with her adopted child, Ivory. It's the supporting cast as much as DreadfulWater that truly make these books for me.
In actual fact, Thumps is a Sad Sack when it comes to relationships. He seems to think he shouldn't have to put in any effort but still be able to enjoy the good bits: the warm home, the sweet little girl, and the company of her mama. He has Freeway to teach him about taking care of mothers and kittens. About being less selfish in general.
As usual, King's sense of humour was delightful. Thumps's internal dialog is frequently ironically entertaining. Could I be lucky enough that Thumps will have further adventures? I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that King will be as unable to truly retire from writing as another King, Stephen King, has been. The words just seem to keep flowing out of that guy, so maybe I can hope the trait goes with the surname? There's only four years difference in their ages, so I have my hopes. We readers are greedy, we always want one more book from our favourites.
September 14, 2022
Sep 13, 815pm ~~ Well, I did it! I read six mystery novels one right after the other and enjoyed myself immensely!
Of course the fact that they were written by Thomas King makes the difference, I'm sure. Don't expect to see this genre popping up in my feeds all the time now.
At least not until TK writes another DreadfulWater book.
I certainly hope he does that, by the way. I may be at the end of the series as of this date, but I am not ready to say goodbye to Thumps and Chinook!
So, what happens in this sixth book?
Well, characters from the past come back, and more hotshot corporation people come to town, and did you know there are such things as test facilities for paint?! To see how they hold up to the weather? Okay, I don't know if there really are such things, but there was one here. Seems like a good idea, but it got people in trouble (or dead) this time instead of just giving paint a place to dry.
I liked the affectionate smart mouthing between the characters here. But I admit it was a little weird to read a fiction book that mentions COVID. I don't read too many current titles, so this 2022 book with Chinook dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic felt a little odd at first. But after a few chapters so much else is going on that COVID sort of slips off into a quiet corner. Pretty much like in real life. It's still there, but we don't hardly seem to be paying attention to it anymore.
I guess that's a good thing?
Anyway, I am so glad I listened to my GR friend Wanda and read these books. I know I will come back to them again Someday. And I will be keeping an eye open so I can pounce on number 7 if it should show up!
Maybe next year?
In the Spring?
Please, Mr. King?
Of course the fact that they were written by Thomas King makes the difference, I'm sure. Don't expect to see this genre popping up in my feeds all the time now.
At least not until TK writes another DreadfulWater book.
I certainly hope he does that, by the way. I may be at the end of the series as of this date, but I am not ready to say goodbye to Thumps and Chinook!
So, what happens in this sixth book?
Well, characters from the past come back, and more hotshot corporation people come to town, and did you know there are such things as test facilities for paint?! To see how they hold up to the weather? Okay, I don't know if there really are such things, but there was one here. Seems like a good idea, but it got people in trouble (or dead) this time instead of just giving paint a place to dry.
I liked the affectionate smart mouthing between the characters here. But I admit it was a little weird to read a fiction book that mentions COVID. I don't read too many current titles, so this 2022 book with Chinook dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic felt a little odd at first. But after a few chapters so much else is going on that COVID sort of slips off into a quiet corner. Pretty much like in real life. It's still there, but we don't hardly seem to be paying attention to it anymore.
I guess that's a good thing?
Anyway, I am so glad I listened to my GR friend Wanda and read these books. I know I will come back to them again Someday. And I will be keeping an eye open so I can pounce on number 7 if it should show up!
Maybe next year?
In the Spring?
Please, Mr. King?
January 4, 2023
Another very good book in this series and a great story/plot line that kept me guessing until the end.
Obviously with the topography, rivers, canyons, etc., of Chinook it was easy to hid bodies and dispose of evidence (as detailed in this book and the others in this series) certainly added clues & evidence and made things interesting for Duke Hockney and Thumps to figure things out. Lots of misdirection as well with the three employees from Shield Industries (Martha, Carl and Graham) coming to Chinook to track down Rajan Garza to recover certain items which brought those four to Chinook and were part of this mystery.
As always, Beth, Gabby, Ora Mae, Al, Chintak, Stas, Big Fish, Wutty, added comic relief to varying degrees throughout the series. Cruz, (Rajan's brother), was well, Cruz - getting in the way at times and at others, offering help.
And everything worked out in the end for "Thumps" as he and Claire are together and Freeway returned with a nice surprise!
All in all, fairly easy reads and a entertaining (can you say that about murder mystery thrillers?) series with enough funny distractions with the other residents of Chinook.
Obviously with the topography, rivers, canyons, etc., of Chinook it was easy to hid bodies and dispose of evidence (as detailed in this book and the others in this series) certainly added clues & evidence and made things interesting for Duke Hockney and Thumps to figure things out. Lots of misdirection as well with the three employees from Shield Industries (Martha, Carl and Graham) coming to Chinook to track down Rajan Garza to recover certain items which brought those four to Chinook and were part of this mystery.
As always, Beth, Gabby, Ora Mae, Al, Chintak, Stas, Big Fish, Wutty, added comic relief to varying degrees throughout the series. Cruz, (Rajan's brother), was well, Cruz - getting in the way at times and at others, offering help.
And everything worked out in the end for "Thumps" as he and Claire are together and Freeway returned with a nice surprise!
All in all, fairly easy reads and a entertaining (can you say that about murder mystery thrillers?) series with enough funny distractions with the other residents of Chinook.
February 13, 2022
Perhaps I'd rate it closer to 4.5 stars, because I don't know what Thumps sees in that fickle wishy-washy Clare...but that aside, this is easily the best of the DreadfulWater mysteries that I've read to date. It's just the perfect, compelling combination of Christie-style (maybe more Columbo-style) mystery, with soap opera shenanigans & a lovely cast of characters. It's all tied together with a wry & dry sense of humour that hits my sweet spot. This is seriously begging to be adapted into a television series...and at times, it feels like a novelization of a TV series that doesn't exist. I'll be back for future outings.
March 23, 2022
What can I say, I love the DreadfulWater Mystery series. Thomas King has created a cast of characters as quirky and endearing as Louise Penny's Three Pines characters and as in Donna Leon's Brunetti mysteries. All quick reads. Gotta read in order, I think. Again Thumps DreadfulWaters is unwittingly drawn in to a murder investigation and reluctantly becomes sheriff Duck Hockney's "special deputy". I again read it too quickly, couldn't put it down.
April 13, 2023
Thomas King has written another winner with this sixth entry of the DreadfulWater mysteries. I love these books, though it’s not the mystery part that attracts me back to the little town of Chinook; it’s the fantastic characters and wonderful dialogue. Thumps DreadfulWater reminds me of the one-eyed man in the land of the blind. He’s the reluctant, laid-back, retired detective that everyone goes to for help and advice. His humorous inner dialogue with himself is one of my favorite things about his character. The only thing that bothers me at all is his on again, off again relationship with Claire. I want to scream at him to just stay away from her. She just drives me up the wall. The other characters are a nice and entertaining mixture of eccentrics and offbeat friends of Thumps. Their interactions with him and each other are the best things about the mysteries.
I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to see more of my favorite character, Moses. But, Cooley Small Elk was in the story enough for me to overlook that omission. I recommend this book and the others in the series for anyone who enjoys a mystery with a good dose of humor.
I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to see more of my favorite character, Moses. But, Cooley Small Elk was in the story enough for me to overlook that omission. I recommend this book and the others in the series for anyone who enjoys a mystery with a good dose of humor.
August 17, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this, much more than the previous Dreadful Water mystery I read. I don’t think anyone reads these for the actual mystery but for the characters and wonderful humour. Reading it was a cross between listening to King’s old “Dead Dog Cafe” radio stories and reading the #1 Ladies Detective Agency novels.
February 16, 2022
I so enjoy reading Thomas King and I really do enjoy reading about Thumps DreadfulWater and the things he gets up to. It is not so much what Thumps gets up to but what every one else gets him involved in. He just wants to lead a quiet life and take his photographs. He has left the life of a policeman behind him and just wants peace and quiet. This is never going to happen for him in the town of Chinook. First the Sheriff Duke Hockney is always deputizing Thumps and making him assist in investigations.
In this story a body is found by accident in a hard-to-reach canyon called Deep House. It is interesting how the body is found but I won’t reveal that here. It always amazes me how authors can come up with an idea that makes perfect sense to the reader and to the story line. I guess that is why they are authors, and I am a reader.
I was also entertained by the fact that Thomas King included the pandemic we are in as part of his story. It was not an important part but was given a bit of attention. This was through one of the characters dying because of Covid and another character and Thumps himself having recovered from the disease. This was interesting because I listened to a talk by a couple of authors who were certain they would not mention the pandemic in their next books but also wondered if that was a cheat to their readers especially given that their series and story lines are current. This does seem to be a bit of a dilemma for authors. It will be interesting to see what happens with this situation.
All the usual characters are present in this story. The big surprise is Freeway, Thumps cat, has come home and come home with a surprise. Life with Claire is still up in the air. The pandemic has had an impact on the businesses in Chinook as it has everywhere, but the people of Chinook are taking things in stride.
I enjoyed this story and I like the dry humour that Thomas King uses in his story telling.
In this story a body is found by accident in a hard-to-reach canyon called Deep House. It is interesting how the body is found but I won’t reveal that here. It always amazes me how authors can come up with an idea that makes perfect sense to the reader and to the story line. I guess that is why they are authors, and I am a reader.
I was also entertained by the fact that Thomas King included the pandemic we are in as part of his story. It was not an important part but was given a bit of attention. This was through one of the characters dying because of Covid and another character and Thumps himself having recovered from the disease. This was interesting because I listened to a talk by a couple of authors who were certain they would not mention the pandemic in their next books but also wondered if that was a cheat to their readers especially given that their series and story lines are current. This does seem to be a bit of a dilemma for authors. It will be interesting to see what happens with this situation.
All the usual characters are present in this story. The big surprise is Freeway, Thumps cat, has come home and come home with a surprise. Life with Claire is still up in the air. The pandemic has had an impact on the businesses in Chinook as it has everywhere, but the people of Chinook are taking things in stride.
I enjoyed this story and I like the dry humour that Thomas King uses in his story telling.
April 13, 2022
Another great read! If we were to play which character would you like to meet in real life I'd have to say it would be Archie. Or Al. I haven't decided.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
Can't wait to see what happens next!
January 21, 2023
I love King’s writing and, in particular, his DreadfulWater series. The humour reminds me of my Dad and uncles kibitzing around a kitchen table. There were no « dining rooms » in the Mills households, growing up … instead there was a « table » around which were many chairs and many people who would drink tea and eat Nana’s baking or an Auntie’s baking. In the 80’s coffee became a thing. But the home baking was a fixture.
All this to say that King’s humour is nostalgically witty and causes me to laugh out loud. His descriptions are insightful and familiar at the same time. Add to this, King is not stuck in an « era » his settings and references are contemporary. Real time.
The man is a gifted story teller. But those of you who read King already know that.
All this to say that King’s humour is nostalgically witty and causes me to laugh out loud. His descriptions are insightful and familiar at the same time. Add to this, King is not stuck in an « era » his settings and references are contemporary. Real time.
The man is a gifted story teller. But those of you who read King already know that.
August 19, 2022
I wasn't sure I'd continue with the series after wrapping up the big ongoing mystery in the last book but I saw this was out and just needed something chill and fun and this hit the spot. I mainly just needed to know what happened to Freeway the cat!
Want to read
July 7, 2022on sale today - $4.99 Kobo
April 20, 2025
The kittens stole the book for me. The banter between some of the characters keeps me coming back to the series too.
October 17, 2025
Big city folks. One horse town. Humor abounds.
August 16, 2024
Thomas King’s characters are like comfort food. Love em!
March 9, 2022
Deadfulwater mysteries aren't for everyone. King enjoys deadpan humour, a good puzzle mystery, and teasing the reader. (Hint: find the fourth item not allowed in the Mustang Bar.)
Not for the youth, nor for those who wish to to solve everything with an off the books assassin.
Perfect for grump old farts.
Not for the youth, nor for those who wish to to solve everything with an off the books assassin.
Perfect for grump old farts.
March 9, 2023
Thumps Dreadfulwater is back. It’s been a while since Obsidian. The Covid 19 pandemic has affected the characters in the series, as well as the author and, indeed, his readers. The usual Chinook posse is up to their usual zany activities. Sheriff Duke Hockney is healing, Al is still making the best breakfasts in town, the gang from the Res is up to more money-making schemes, and Claire is still ambivalent about Thumps’ courtship. Long-term fans will be pleased to see that Freeway is back – this time followed by a queue of little‘uns – and the “bag of laundry” from next door is even more attentive than usual. And more odiferous.
As in some previous volumes, the mystery (it is, after all, a mystery story) revolves around corporate jiggery-pokery, but the solution comes more-or-less out of left field, while still respecting the Readers’ Bill of Rights (i.e. no deus ex machina, no mysterious stranger popping up at the last minute, no completely unpredicted motivation.)
I adore Mr. King’s mysteries.
As in some previous volumes, the mystery (it is, after all, a mystery story) revolves around corporate jiggery-pokery, but the solution comes more-or-less out of left field, while still respecting the Readers’ Bill of Rights (i.e. no deus ex machina, no mysterious stranger popping up at the last minute, no completely unpredicted motivation.)
I adore Mr. King’s mysteries.
February 14, 2022
So I'm in the middle of reading To Paradise, and it's excellent, but what with all of this[gestures vaguely] going on in the world, I needed to do some less intense reading. Thomas King seemed like a good choice. In one way, it makes a great counterbalance. The voice is breezy and ironic. It's not that he shies away from the darkness besetting us; it's more that he's saying, "We've known for a while the world is terrible; let's just laugh while we can." On the other hand, this breeziness can be a problem for a distracted reader: plot points are introduced in such an understated way that one ends up getting lost in the narrative, circling back to previous chapters in search of a clue.
All the personal stuff aside, the dialogue and inner narrative are pitch perfect, as always with King. He evokes setting, social and geographical, with effortless grace. The plot does seem to just ebb away as the novel progresses, though.
All the personal stuff aside, the dialogue and inner narrative are pitch perfect, as always with King. He evokes setting, social and geographical, with effortless grace. The plot does seem to just ebb away as the novel progresses, though.
February 21, 2022
Set in the sleepy town of Chinook since the Pandemic, Thomas King’s “Deep House: A DreadfulWater Mystery" opens with local businesses in town beginning to open; Thumps job as temporary sheriff ended; his beloved cat Freeway missing; and his relationship with Claire Merchant uncertain after her adoption of the child Ivory.
But life is never boring in town when an empty burned van is found near the Shield Industries test facility at Deep House. The mystery only deepens when a body expected to be that of the driver is found at the bottom of the nearby canyon. Called on as a Special Deputy to help Sheriff Duke Hockney, Thumps puts aside his love of photography to help investigate, only to have an unexpected visitor add to the puzzling questions surrounding the case.
Slow in building tension with domestic issues like Thumps relationship with Claire, a farting dog that keeps watch at his doorstep, and the return of Freeway with her kittens, intensity and suspense begin to ignite with the discovery of a dead body in the canyon, and the implications surrounding a researcher and her work for Shield Industries. Like all the DreadfulWater novels the dialogue is engaging as is the author’s dry sense of humor which fills the pages as well as his use of captivating characters - human and animal.
I enjoyed the DreadfulWater Mystery, “Deep House” and hope this is not the last we’ll read of Thumps and the delightful residents of Chinook.
But life is never boring in town when an empty burned van is found near the Shield Industries test facility at Deep House. The mystery only deepens when a body expected to be that of the driver is found at the bottom of the nearby canyon. Called on as a Special Deputy to help Sheriff Duke Hockney, Thumps puts aside his love of photography to help investigate, only to have an unexpected visitor add to the puzzling questions surrounding the case.
Slow in building tension with domestic issues like Thumps relationship with Claire, a farting dog that keeps watch at his doorstep, and the return of Freeway with her kittens, intensity and suspense begin to ignite with the discovery of a dead body in the canyon, and the implications surrounding a researcher and her work for Shield Industries. Like all the DreadfulWater novels the dialogue is engaging as is the author’s dry sense of humor which fills the pages as well as his use of captivating characters - human and animal.
I enjoyed the DreadfulWater Mystery, “Deep House” and hope this is not the last we’ll read of Thumps and the delightful residents of Chinook.
October 19, 2024
In this latest installment, "Thumps DreadfulWater" finds himself back in small-town Chinook, where life is slowly returning to normal after the pandemic. Sure, Thumps is still missing Freeway (boo!) and his relationship with Claire remains uncertain, but there’s a sense of calm that seems to be settling in. That is until a body is discovered at the bottom of a canyon, dragging him (& us) into another mystery.
I absolutely loved this book! All of the wonderful characters from the series return. Fans will be especially delighted by the reappearance of a familiar face, I know I was. The mystery unfolds slowly, but for fans of the series, that’s part of the charm. We come back for Thumps and the colorful cast that surrounds him. I especially enjoyed the Sheriff, who brought extra entertainment & "world famous coffee" this time around.
King’s ability to weave together wit, culture, and vivid scenery makes these books such an enjoyable walk through the fictional town of Chinook. Series regulars are rewarded with being in on the local community, the banter at Al's, Beth's basement, or the boxing ring out at the Mustang.
I can’t wait to jump into book 7, King does it again!
I absolutely loved this book! All of the wonderful characters from the series return. Fans will be especially delighted by the reappearance of a familiar face, I know I was. The mystery unfolds slowly, but for fans of the series, that’s part of the charm. We come back for Thumps and the colorful cast that surrounds him. I especially enjoyed the Sheriff, who brought extra entertainment & "world famous coffee" this time around.
King’s ability to weave together wit, culture, and vivid scenery makes these books such an enjoyable walk through the fictional town of Chinook. Series regulars are rewarded with being in on the local community, the banter at Al's, Beth's basement, or the boxing ring out at the Mustang.
I can’t wait to jump into book 7, King does it again!
February 18, 2023
This one was my least favourite in the series. I blasted through the other DreadfulWater books in no time, but this one I found I could put down. I should be giving this a 3/5 star rating, but there were a few one liners that had me laughing until I cried. That earned Deep House an extra star.
Deep House had a different flow and vibe to it. Though I can appreciate wanting to remain current and have Covid factor into the story, doing so just sucked the energy out of everything, including me. After the Rona, and the 5 previous books, I was hoping Thumps and Claire would have their relationship figured out. I also miss the Volvo, but hurray for kittens. My great-gram always said you had to lose one to gain one. Previously lose the car, currently gain a herd of cats.
Cruz was too ex machina, and the throwback to Shipman wasn't necessary. However, I can appreciate ringy-dingy as it's something my grandmother used to say.
Finally, this book was missing something. Something to give it life. I can't put my finger on it just yet, but when I figure it out, I'll let you know.
Deep House had a different flow and vibe to it. Though I can appreciate wanting to remain current and have Covid factor into the story, doing so just sucked the energy out of everything, including me. After the Rona, and the 5 previous books, I was hoping Thumps and Claire would have their relationship figured out. I also miss the Volvo, but hurray for kittens. My great-gram always said you had to lose one to gain one. Previously lose the car, currently gain a herd of cats.
Cruz was too ex machina, and the throwback to Shipman wasn't necessary. However, I can appreciate ringy-dingy as it's something my grandmother used to say.
Finally, this book was missing something. Something to give it life. I can't put my finger on it just yet, but when I figure it out, I'll let you know.
April 15, 2024
I finished Deep House last night and can confirm that all six books in the Thumps DreadfulWater series are great reads. Of course, plot is always important in a mystery, but what makes these books so much more fun are the added attractions such as odd and interesting characters with cool names, the interactions of the various denizens of Chinook and the Reserve nearby, and of course, the humour. One of the first Thomas King books I read was Green Grass, Running Water back in 1995 and I really enjoyed his use of humour in dealing with often uncomfortable subjects. Since then, I have read twelve more of his works and have yet to be disappointed. Thomas King is a Canadian national treasure. I say this because, although born in the US in 1943, he moved permanently to Canada in 1980 and it is here that his stories have been written. You cannot go wrong with his fiction. For the record, I strongly suggest reading the DreadfulWater books in order; I did not do that, but it would have been more fun watching his character evolve.
April 29, 2022
Tom King is one of my favorite authors. His suspense series following Cherokee former detective Thumps DreadfulWater is a particularly fine combination of humour and mystery - with a little love interest added.
In this latest book (number 7 in the series) Thumps finds a dead body in a deep canyon setting off a vivid story combining corporate greed and scientific search for solar power breakthroughs. The plot is not quite as compelling as some previous novels but there is a lot of humour in interactions with various characters - and with Thump’s cat who finally returns with a litter of kittens after being missing.
The off and on romance with Claire also takes a number of unexpected turns, providing another interesting dimension to the book.
All in all a solid and delightful return of Thumps. I shall be looking forward to number 8 in the series!
In this latest book (number 7 in the series) Thumps finds a dead body in a deep canyon setting off a vivid story combining corporate greed and scientific search for solar power breakthroughs. The plot is not quite as compelling as some previous novels but there is a lot of humour in interactions with various characters - and with Thump’s cat who finally returns with a litter of kittens after being missing.
The off and on romance with Claire also takes a number of unexpected turns, providing another interesting dimension to the book.
All in all a solid and delightful return of Thumps. I shall be looking forward to number 8 in the series!
May 25, 2023
4.5 stars. I really enjoy Thumps DreadfulWater, the main character. He’d just as soon not get involved in things, and yet he ends up in the middle anyway. It wouldn’t necessarily be correct to say in the middle of the action because there isn’t too much of it, but just enough. This book opens with a teaser chapter. A recently unemployed driver steals a van from his former company and heads out of town. Then it takes a while before we get back to him again. In the meantime, Thumps is wondering what happened to his cat, and to his relationship with his sometime girlfriend. There are plenty of colourful characters, good food, and bad coffee. And eventually we get around to the guy with the van. I’ve now read the first and the latest books in the DreadfulWater series so it’s time to work my way through the rest.
February 12, 2024
Watching Thomas King develop his characters is a lot like watching someone paint. Initially very rough sketches, they have gradually developed albeit at a glacial pace. Throughout this series we've seen main characters and side characters both start off kind of cartoonish only to have King finally lean into their humanity. This latest installment ironically sees greater development in everybody except Thumps DreadfulWater, our protagonist, who seems stuck in space and time. The author alludes to the possibility that he is suffering from depression. Meanwhile all the regulars are growing and getting on with their lives.
All that aside, as usual King delivers a page turning fun romp involving greedy corporate types and a plucky genius scientist fighting over a game changing technology that somehow ends up in murder and mayhem.
All that aside, as usual King delivers a page turning fun romp involving greedy corporate types and a plucky genius scientist fighting over a game changing technology that somehow ends up in murder and mayhem.
February 16, 2022
When Obsidian wasn't available from my e-library, I opted to read Deep House. It's a fun, light mystery with lots of colorful characters and since it takes place in the town of Chinock, somewhere in the US Southwest. Thumps DreadflulWater finds a body in a local canyon and he and the local sheriff, among several other gritty characters, work to solve the mystery.
The names of the characters connote Native American heritage as do their attitudes and habits. If you're familiar with the series (I was not) you'll agree that King's writing is whimsical, relaxed and comfortable. There is also a smattering of education regarding the Native American conditions and challenges.
I'll definitely watch for Obsidian to be available.
The names of the characters connote Native American heritage as do their attitudes and habits. If you're familiar with the series (I was not) you'll agree that King's writing is whimsical, relaxed and comfortable. There is also a smattering of education regarding the Native American conditions and challenges.
I'll definitely watch for Obsidian to be available.
March 15, 2023
I've really enjoyed all the Thumps Dreadfulwater books, and this might be my favorite.
As usual, it's a pleasure to catch up with the eclectic characters of the town and see what they've all been up to. This is a post-pandemic novel, so there have been some substantial changes, but all the most comforting things are still present.
The mystery is part of a new move in Canadian fiction to investigate crimes that are adjacent to the climate crisis, and this is a really good one.
Also (spoiler alert), Freeway is back. I can't even tell you how happy that makes me!
I highly recommend this series, and truly enjoyed this novel.
As usual, it's a pleasure to catch up with the eclectic characters of the town and see what they've all been up to. This is a post-pandemic novel, so there have been some substantial changes, but all the most comforting things are still present.
The mystery is part of a new move in Canadian fiction to investigate crimes that are adjacent to the climate crisis, and this is a really good one.
Also (spoiler alert), Freeway is back. I can't even tell you how happy that makes me!
I highly recommend this series, and truly enjoyed this novel.
October 5, 2024
Absolutely entertaining!
Thumps DreadfulWater is as singular as his name. While he is a former sheriff of Chinook, the man now moves at his own pace and is monitoring signs of life in town post-pandemic. When he inadvertently discovers a body in a the Deep House canyon, he is called back into action.
He and other creatively-named characters investigate the shenanigans at the old paint test facility and seek to discover if there is a killer in their midst.
Wry humour, wise insight, and clever plotting make this a delight.
Thumps DreadfulWater is as singular as his name. While he is a former sheriff of Chinook, the man now moves at his own pace and is monitoring signs of life in town post-pandemic. When he inadvertently discovers a body in a the Deep House canyon, he is called back into action.
He and other creatively-named characters investigate the shenanigans at the old paint test facility and seek to discover if there is a killer in their midst.
Wry humour, wise insight, and clever plotting make this a delight.
June 1, 2025
Deep House is a narrow gorge, hard to access even on foot. It is where stuff and bodies seem to get dumped. Security alarm blip reveals a burned out car from a former paint testing company with a local facility long closed down. Driver who was fired turns up on Thumps radar.Why does alarm keep getting tripped on a failed and abandoned site?
*spoiler alert*
Is solar paint technology a factor in this drama? Is it even possible? What happened to the scientist?
So many unanswered questions. Intriguing premise.
*spoiler alert*
Is solar paint technology a factor in this drama? Is it even possible? What happened to the scientist?
So many unanswered questions. Intriguing premise.
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