Die Schatten im Wald

DreadfulWater #4

by Thomas King, Leena Flegler (Translator)

Im Leben von Thumps DreadfulWater lief es auch schon mal besser: Seine Freundin braucht eine Pause, ein Bekannter fährt sein Auto zu Schrott, und sein Kater zieht kurzerhand zu den Nachbarn. Ablenkung tut not! Wie gut, dass das Team einer TV-Show, die sich mit ungereimten Todesfällen befasst, einen polizeilichen Berater sucht. Vor vielen Jahren stürzte eine junge Frau im Wald einen steilen Abhang hinab – war es ein Unfall, Selbstmord oder gar Mord? DreadfulWater hat gerade mit den Ermittlungen begonnen, da stirbt die Produzentin der Show am selben Ort auf die gleiche Weise …

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Canada, Indigenous, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Murder Mystery

400 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2021

About the author

Thomas 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.

Reviews

[Ian M. Pyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Mr. King. Such a great premise for the idea and an insight to the workings of what and who it takes to make a true crime TV show. As always there were many suspects in the murders of those involved with the "Malice Aforethought" story line and introducing the subject matter in Mr. King's next book in this series "Obsidian".

I really like the characters of Thumps and Duke and despite their differences work well together to solve the murders in this book with lots of hints of timelines, forensic evidence, mistruths to be sorted out. And, Moses, Cooley and Al add a bit of comic relief, and it will be interesting to see if Thumps relationship with Claire moves forward in the next book. Will Freeway be back?

I just wonder what is in the air in Canada with such great mystery/thriller writers such as Thomas King, Louise Penny and Giles Blunt - all author's I've read (or are on my TBR list) and recommend to anyone who likes this genre.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sep 11, 1030am ~~ Number four of six, this book continues the adventures of Thumps DreadfulWater, and sets the stage for #5, where he will face his haunting past.

But before we get there, we have to figure out what is going on in this book. I must be getting my Mystery mojo back, since I wondered about a couple of things which turned out to be major clues. But I still just read for the story, not to try and outguess the author or solve the crime on my own. I will let that be my excuse for not working the puzzle out properly. lol

So, what is going on in Chinook at this point in time? Well, the mayor has a new program to try and impress tourists and quite frankly if I owned a business in Chinook and was forced to redecorate it into something it wasn't and spout off all sorts of Old West cliches for the tourists, Chinook would be missing one mayor. But mostly people play along, saying Howdy and Yippee as needed. Can't imagine a moose head in the sheriff's office, though. The place had just been redecorated to be all modern and sleek in the previous book and now the poor guy has to have a moose lurking over his shoulder all the time?! lol

The other idea here is that a reality television show has come to town, planning to film an episode that deals with a cold case from the town's history. Before Thumps arrived, as far back as when the sheriff was just a boy. But the production team asks specifically for DreadfulWater to work with them. Why? Will he accept the job?

And what happens when one of the production team turns up dead?!

This was another fast-paced and intriguing book. I am becoming very comfortable with Thumps, Chinook, and all the characters in town. And I am ready to jump right into book 5, The Obsidian Murders. This is where we will all face down the ghost that has been lurking behind Thumps ever since we met him. He left for California on the final page of A Matter Of Malice. I had better hurry and catch up to him!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thumps DreadfulWater is about as unlikely a name as you can get for a detective. He's a diabetic ex-officer turned photographer who, as the book opens, isn't sure if he's suddenly single, isn't sure if his car is a complete write-off and isn't sure what's going with his cat - who has decided to move in with a family down the road instead.

It's the fourth in Thomas King's DreadfulWater series - though you don't have to have read the previous three to jump right in. Cold case resurrecting, reality TV show, Malice Aforethought is in town to explore the suicide of the poor little rich girl who took a nose dive off a cliff years ago. Her family has always maintained that the brooding loner from the reserve, now a successful author, was responsible for her death.

When the TV show producer dies off the same cliff, in the same way, things really get interesting.

But before that we get Thumps trudging between a cast of unique characters from Stas Black Weasel, the bearlike Russian mechanic to Archimedes Kousloulas the Greek bookstore owner to Alvera Couteau the diner operator known to hold a grudge. It's a bit of local flair set to distract us from a bit of a plodding story. DreadfulWater does his best "I'm too old for this shit" but by the 20th chapter one can't help but think he doth protest too much. It's formulaic but cozy, and it give King plenty of space to judiciously leave clues for the reader. Pure comfort food.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted book which touches on some serious issues. It is the latest in a four-book mystery series featuring former policeman Thumps DreadfulWater. He is a Cherokee man now works as a photographer in the town of Chinook. The crime story is told with dry wit and deadpan humour. I have not read the previous books in the series, but I thought it worked fairly well as a stand-alone.

I have only read two other books by Thomas King and found them highly enjoyable.; The terrific Back of the Turtle which won the Governor Generals Award for fiction, and also The Inconvenient Indian winner of several non-fiction awards which mixed history and humour.

Thumps is experiencing a bad time in his life. His girlfriend, recovering from an illness, has gone away. Her whereabouts are unknown to him, and she is not answering the phone. He is without transportation since his car was totalled. His pet cat has gone missing. He has just learned that his diabetes is worsening, and has to switch from pills to insulin injections.

During this streak of bad luck, Thumps is asked by the producers of a TV reality show Malice Aforethought to participate. . The popular show focuses on true crime cases with the intent of bringing out new facts and perhaps solutions. This time they are shooting a film in Chinook, investigating the death of a young girl from a wealthy family. It was believed to be accident or suicide, but the question of murder will add to the shows’ drama. Thumps is reluctant to do have anything to do with the show. A producer who does exhaustive research on each episode’s crime topic is found dead at the same place and in the same manner as the teenaged girl whose death was being investigated for TV.

Thumps becomes an unwilling participant because his past in law enforcement would give greater authenticity to the program. He has been tricked and bribed with files about a past unsolved case which interests him greatly.
Despite all Thumps personal problems, he manages to solve three murder cases. I felt there was a lack of tension and suspense on my part. I do want to know more about Thumps DreadfulWater, his personal life and his investigative skills. His character and personality were very well developed. I did not come to know his friends and townspeople as well as I hoped, probably because I had not read the former books in the series.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it’s not a good idea to read two books in a series so close together. I put a hold on this book at my library right after finishing Cold Skies: A DreadfulWater Mystery and I regret nothing! Thumps DreadfulWater is an excellent character and King has created a wonderful supporting cast for him in the town of Chinook, Montana.

A reality television film crew comes to Chinook to poke about in an old, unhealed case. Was it a murder? A suicide? Can anyone find out this many years later? Thumps is the man for the cold case and Sheriff Duke Hockney makes sure that he can’t escape the assignment. Really, all they have to do is engage the problem solving part of Thumps’ brain, and he is hooked until the thing is solved. Now, if only he would put that much effort into his own health!

I was a little disappointed to have the Freeway/Pops (cat and dog) storyline fade out of this book, but I guess it’s kind of like the advice not to act with children or animals….they kind of stole the show in the last book, but in a good way. Somehow I don’t think Freeway can be counted out of things entirely. Who knows what will happen after the next book? Freeway and Claire seem to have some similarities and Claire will be gone for a while too. Long enough for Thumps to take care of his unfinished business, perhaps?

I can hardly wait for the next installment The Obsidian Murders: A DreadfulWater Mystery next year. If we’re lucky, Mr. King won’t be done with Thumps at that point!

[Enid Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so delighted when I got the call that my Library hold was ready for pick-up that I started right in on it… and essentially read it in one sitting.

And I'm missing The Dead Dog Cafe all over again. Oh joy! As always King can be counted on for delivering an interesting plot, with a great cast of characters, and not holding back on the subtle - and not so subtle - satire and digs at both settler culture and pop culture (in the form of reality TV).

This is not seat of your pants, cliffhanger thriller territory - this is a fun, engaging read that drives you to keep reading because you want to spend more time with King’s characters as much as you want to know who-dun-it.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my least favourite of the series, it felt less fun and more melancholy than the others. Maybe it was more of a vehicle to set up for Book 5 which will be what the series has been building towards. The murderer was not a surprise at all. I look forward to the next book though which will need to be a bit of a departure from the formula and characters based on its subject. Still overall decently enjoyable!

[Marise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Thomas King knocks it out of the park. I love Thumps but his health decisions make me anxious. I will never not yell at people to read this series of books

[Steven Langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth in Tom King's engaging mystery/thriller series featuring Thumps DreadfulWater, a Cherokee ex-policeman who has left California for the small town of Chinook.

This novel is likely the best so far, as Thumps gets himself involved with a reality TV show that is investigating the death/murder of a young girl some years before; a now-noted Aboriginal author was a close friend of the girl and originally suspected in her death.

The interesting characters that have marked earlier books in the series -- like Al (Alveera) who runs a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Claire who has been Thumps' sometime girlfriend, sheriff Duke, Cooley Small Elk who is always in the centre of problems and Beth the coroner -- are all back in this novel. But added is a group of even less predictable show business characters who make the book particularly intriguing.

This is a book that starts slowly, with Thumps trying to find his lost cat and get his demolished Volvo repaired. But gradually the action and intensity increase, taking the reader to an excellent and unexpected ending. Bravo, Tom King -- another fine achievement, with lots of humour, interesting characters and several spicy mysteries entwined together!

[Sarah83 sbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumps DreadfulWaters Leben gleicht einem Scherbenhaufen. Die Freundin distanziert sich, sein Auto war in einen schweren Verkehrsunfall verwickelt und seine Katze lässt ihn zu allem Elend auch noch im Stich. An ein Leben in ruhigen Bahnen ist gar nicht zu denken, da auch noch seine Gesundheit äußerst angeschlagen ist. Da kommt es nicht gut, dass sein kleines Dorf in Kanada gleich von zwei Werbemaßnahmen überrannt wird. Zum einen will das Bürgermeisteramt ein authenischeres Dorf zeigen, was dazuführt, dass alle Bewohner "verkleidet" sein sollen und zum anderen geschieht ein Mord. Denn als eine Gruppe von Fernsehleuten ins Dorf kommt werden alte Fehden aufgewühlt, die in der jetzigen Zeit zu Toten führen. Doch wie hängt das alles zusammen?
Thomas King legt mit seinem zweiten Buch um den Trumps DreadfulWater einen Kriminalroman der etwas anderen Art vor. Sagt man öfters, man hat schon alles gelesen, ist es bei diesem Kriminalroman wirklich so, dass es einige Änderungen zum klassischen Krimi gibt.
Zum einen der Ort der Handlung, in einem kleinen Dorf in Kanada, weit weg von allem anderen leben die Protagonisten und ihre Nachbarn in einer Gemeinschaft, die durchmischt ist, von Kanadiern, Indianern und den Menschen, die vermeintlich zufällig durchs Dorf kommen.
Der kulturelle Hintergrund, durch die Einbeziehung von verschiedenen Bevölkerungsgruppen ergeben sich für das Buch ganz andere Schwer- und auch Konfliktpunkte als in den klassischen englischen Kriminalromanen.
Die Mischung, nicht nur das Dorf, die Fernsehleute und die Vergangenheit spielt eine Rolle, nein, es wird auch viel Bezug aufs Lesen, auf Bücher ansich und auf Filme genommen. Eine Mischung, die mir in dieser Form wirklich noch nicht untergekommen ist.
"Die Schatten im Wald" glänzt durch seine Andersartigkeit und seine vielen Facetten, es geht eben nicht nur um einen Mord, sondern auch um die alltäglichen Probleme, Sorgen und Nöte, das Mit- oder auch Gegeneinander der Menschen und nicht zuletzt darum, wer am Ende des Tages bereit ist zu morden um den eigenen Lebenstraum zu erfülllen.
Anmerkung: Versehentlich habe ich mit dem zweiten Band begonnen. Mehrere Passagen beziehen sich auf Handlungen im ersten Buch, daher würde ich empfehlen mit dem ersten Band der Serie zu starten.

4,5 von 5 Fährten

[Noah_Wasa Mata · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it does talk about modern issues and that’s a great thing, it legit took around half the book to start being interesting. The beginning is so fucking slow, and the humour didn’t always hit right in my in my opinion.

The fact that our main character is a retired cop and doesn’t want to be involved in the crime scene + the murder happening late ish in the book, I didn’t feel the need to continue reading the book, nothing was pushing me to do so.

You don’t want to solve the crime scene? Okay dude, now I don’t care about it too.

[Barry Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reality TV show, "Malice Aforethought," has come to Chinook to do a true crime feature on an old murder. They want Thumps DreadfulWater to take part. While they're working one of the producers gets murdered in the same location as the old case. Are they connected or two separate cases? DreadfulWater must find out. - BH.

[Tilly Wark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dreadfulwater stories keep on getting better with each book. There's still the humor, but now the darkness is starting to creep in. Even worse, two well-loved characters (from a certain point of view) have made their exit.

Shit just got real. We're going to need a lot of pie.

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about Thumps Dreadfulwater and his ongoing attempts to not be involved in solving murders. He is a former cop who is trying to be a photographer and it seems he is always front and centre when it comes to the Sherriff of Chinook needing someone to help solve murders. Poor Thumps. The man just wants a decent cup of coffee and breakfast. His life is confusing is he in a relationship with Claire and what does relationship mean to him. His cat has left him and one can only imagine that his cat left him for a better relationship with a family. His relationship with various townspeople is also very questionable. His relationship with his health (diabetic) is also a difficult one for him to tackle. Everything in Thumps life revolves around relationships and I want to read more about him and how he grows in his dealings with the world around him.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Matter of Malice” the fourth novel in the “Dreadful Water Mystery” series and Thumps has returned to Chinook after supporting Claire Merchant through her cancer treatments in Seattle only to find his Volvo wrecked in an accident and his cat Freeway missing from his neighbor’s house.

With the Howdy program in full swing during the Chinook Roundup Season and the true-crime reality TV show “Malice Afterthought” taping a segment on a cold case that swept the town years before, all too soon Thumps gets dragged into helping solve a suicide that Nina Maslow, one of the producers is certain was a murder. When she dies in the exact way and place as Trudy Samuels, Thumps deputized by Sheriff Duke Hockney investigates using Maslow’s files to piece together not one but three crimes.

Fast-paced and intriguing as Thumps Dreadful Water struggles with the personal problems in his life he’s swept up in not one but two murder mysteries. With humor and his fine-tuned sleuthing skills Thumps begins not only putting the pieces of puzzle together but taking a role on the show that has him reluctantly showing off his interview skills.

Well-written with compelling characters like the bitchy and aggressive Sydney Pearl who shares in co-producing the true crime reality show with clever, bulldog investigator Nina Maslow; handsome, self-centered star Calder Banks; snotty Adele Samuels; and world famous novelist Tobias Rattler, a loner and murder suspect, the plot keeps you enthralled from the first page to the last. Like the familiar personalities of self-contained, withdrawn and inaccessible Claire Merchant whose relationship with the reluctant Cherokee ex-cop turned photographer Thumps Dreadful Water seems lukewarm most of the time the characters are cleverly crafted drawing you into a story that progresses all to quickly to a climax that has not only three crimes being solved but introducing a cliff-hanger.

Like all of the Dreadful Waters Mystery series I thoroughly enjoyed “A Matter of Malice” and look forward to Thomas King’s next novel.

[Michelle Skelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Howdy's!

In the fourth installment of Thomas King's captivating series, "A Matter of Malice" continues to excel through its masterful writing and deep, character-driven plot. Thumps DreadfulWater, our protagonist, is more relatable and frustratingly realistic than ever, albeit a tad downtrodden as he grapples with unresolved history. The return of favorite characters enriches the narrative, underscoring Thumps' need for resolution and personal growth.

King's writing shines, bolstered by witty in-text references to Robert Parker and Craig Johnson, showcasing his adeptness at weaving literary homage into his storytelling. These nods not only delight dedicated mystery readers but also enrich the texture of King's narrative universe.

While the mystery at the heart of "A Matter of Malice" unfolds more slowly than in previous books, it is by no means lacking in intrigue. The case, involving the death of a TV producer and a revisited "misadventure," might not grip with the immediate intensity of earlier entries but evolves compellingly in the latter half. This slower burn allows for a deeper exploration of character dynamics and themes, making the journey worthwhile.

Yet, what truly sets this book apart is not just the mystery itself but the questions it poses about the future. The evolving relationship between Thumps and Claire is a focal point, brimming with potential and unanswered questions. Where is this leading? What revelations await them? These questions linger, adding layers of anticipation and depth to the narrative.

"A Matter of Malice" might not be the series' standout favorite for some, as it feels like a setup for future revelations, but it's a testament to King's skill as a storyteller. The brilliance of his writing and the complexity of his characters make this book, and the series as a whole, profoundly engaging. Fans and newcomers alike will find much to admire and anticipate eagerly what's next for Thumps DreadfulWater.

[David Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is the fourth one in the Thumps DreadfulWater mystery series by Thomas Cook. Thumps is originally a Cherokee who served a policeman in California but left that job and moved to Chinook, a fictional town somewhere in the American Northwest, to work as a photographer. When he needs help in solving a case, the sheriff (Duke) often enlists Thumps to help him. One day the crew of Malice Aforethought, a true-crime reality show, shows up to relate the story of the death of Trudy Samuels, originally thought to be an accident, but the producer, Nina Maslow, wants to portray the case as a murder in order to improve ratings. She really wants Thumps to help solve the murder. When Nina dies in the exact same place and in the same way as Trudy, DreadfulWater reluctantly agrees to help. While the mystery is suspenseful, and Thumps a very unique detective, what is really most interesting is the cast of regular Chinook characters who interact with with Thumps and the staff of the TV show. Some of the conversations among the book’s characters are downright funny. King has a dry sense of humour which keeps the reader entertained throughout. And the character of Thumps DreadfulWater is really original. There is no detective like him.

[Gwen Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whenever I need to relax with an engaging and amusing mystery, I turn to Thomas King and his detective, Mr. Thumps Dreadful Water. A Matter of Malice does not disappoint. Thumps must deal with a diagnosis of diabetes - difficult in a town of greasy fast food joints, his car totalled by a friend, the continuing strained relationship with Claire, a Howdy-themed promotion of Chinook, and above all, a movie producer with crew examining an unsolved mystery for a reality show.

Brilliant descriptions and observations —such as this one about the handsome (and not too bright) lead actor Calder Banks at a fancy dining room—are pervasive throughout the tale.

"Calder Banks was sitting at a corner booth by the window. He stood in one fluid motion and tossed his napkin carelessly on the table as though it were a prop in a scene. The man was dressed in chocolate slacks, a vanilla shirt, and a caramel jacket. At a distance, he looked like an ice cream bar on a stick". (p 99)

A delight and a diversion.

[Art Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom King's mysteries are always fun in a cosy predictable kind of way. They read like they could be episodes of one of any number of CBC series, (North of Sixty comes to mind) but maybe because Tom is a dual american citizen, I should include Northern Exposure to that list. This one is no different- no big surprises not much in the way of character development, quirky sarcasm throughout. What I really appreciate is the clever plot and mystery solving is done with a self depricating 'geez sorry' approach that seems very Canadian to me.
The plot for this one revolves around the world of reality crime TV shows and pokes a godd deal of fun at just how unreal reality TV is. Also much fun is the efforts of the mayor to get her sad sack citizens to get behind her "Howdy Days" town boosterism efforts which they goodnaturedly try to get behind but with a general lack of enthusiasm.
All told, there is nothing cutting edge here but there is a lot to be said for comfortable sweaters and an ordinary breakfast of bacon and eggs. or sausages. Yes. I think I'll take the sausages.

[Garth Mailman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumps current run of luck is not looking good. He’s been away accompanying his girlfriend while she has cancer surgery and chemo. The friend who borrowed his faithful old Volvo was T-boned and the car’s a write-off and his moody cat Freeway whom he’d left in the care of his neighbour has wandered off and not returned. And his doctor wants to see him about his latest blood sugar tests. All this before he hits his latest murder mystery.

Too many police procedurals are like the old Dragnet. The cops are cutouts as much as the bad guys in a just the facts sterile environment. Here we have real people with all their foibles and personal issues. The town of Chinook is full or characters and Thumps is one of them. As the book comes to a close we are prepared for the next volume which will see Thumps tackle the Obsidian murders that ultimately saw him leave Northern California in the first place.

Malice of course come from the name of a reality TV Show.

[Susan Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas King is one of my favourite authors. He has written a variety of genres, including children's books, all of which I have enjoyed. Some of his books are serious, while this one is part of a mystery series that he has written.

While he sets this one in an undefined place in the U.S., I found there were references to things Canadian, and Canada is the place King has called home for decades. As a Canadian, I enjoyed these comments.

King is part Cherokee and infuses his writing with his particular brand of humour. It's not slap-stick, and as a mystery, it is not one that is edge-of-your-seat. Instead, the humour is subtle, sometimes sly and the characters develop gracefully and gradually. I chuckled a number of times during the reading, sometimes due to the dialogue, sometimes the ridiculousness of the situation.

This is an easy, thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thumps DreadfulWater returns home from Seattle where he has been with his girlfriend, Claire, while while she was treated for cancer. Things are looking good for her but as soon as they return home, she heads off somewhere without letting Thumps know.
Turns out that while he was away his car was wrecked, his cat ran away, and his diabetes has taken a turn for the worse.
A film crew offers him money to help them find out what really happened in the death of a young girl a few decades earlier. Thumps resists but when one of the crew dies in the same mysterious way, he ends involved.
Gotta love all the characters in this series. Each book feels like visiting old friends. I hate having to wait for the next in this series which, from the end of this one, appears to be when he solves the serial murders linked to his past.

[Jordy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorta meh.

First half of this book had me losing interest and I can't honestly retell you what happened. This instalment of the series was plagued by similar issues as the previous 2 books in the series including: many one-dimensional side characters, plot elements being rushed, and a tendency to follow a similar formula established earlier in the series. Not naming names but some plot points or characters could be dropped and nobody would notice...

It's definitely a light-hearted series so I've learned not to take things too seriously. I'm invested in the series because I find it enjoyable and easy to read. In between the dry humour and deadpan comedy you can witness King's creative writing experience really shine. Moses and Coolie are my fave characters and their presence added another star to this review.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas's crime novels are reminiscent of the Golden Age of crime, but without the locked room aspect. I like the gentleness, the hints at modern Native American life and the spiritual relationship with the landscape. The crimes that are solved by Thumps DreadfulWater are not as gruesome as in some modern detective novels. Thumps is never violent, but is a pensive character who is constantly trying to decide who he is and where he needs or wants to be in life. He is all too human, a man of a certain age with health and relationship issues. The basis for the crime that happens in the present of the novel is related to unsolved crimes from the past. One of which is central to the life of Thumps DreadfulWater himself and is a thread that will be continued into the next book - The Obsidian Murders.

[Reggie Billingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr King....just keep writing will ya? I hear your voice as I read and the wry and honest perspective you maintain is just so refreshing I wanna walk up the hill and shake your hand.
So...when Thumps enters an environment away from Chinook (and away from all the dependable characters you have made us expect and thoroughly enjoy) in the next title .... wot then, eh?
It's a writer's problem perhaps hidden from the sight of many readers who don't write but for those of us who do....whotcher gonna do there fellah?
I am confident it will be clever and inventive and reliably Thumpsian...but also darker perhaps.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein wirklich unterhaltsamer Krimi, mit viel Lakonie und Witz erzählt. Die Hauptfigur, ein ehemaliger Kriminalbeamter, der seine Familie durch einen Mord verlor, ist auf der einen Seite haltlos, auf der anderen schrullig und eindeutig in seinem Charakter. Die Einblicke in das Leben einer kanadischen Kleinstadt nahe einem Indianerreservat sind hoch interessant.
Das Buch macht viel Spaß. Allerdings ähnelt es in Aufbau und Erzählweise sehr Teil 1 der Reihe, so dass ich befürchte, dass Autor Thomas King hier ein Erfolgsmuster wiederholt. Teil 3 von insgesamt fünf Büchern ist noch nicht auf Deutsch erschienen. Ich hoffe, King zeigt darin mehr Variationsbreite.

[Chrystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this one as much as books 2 and 3 of the series. The character development in those two, especially book 3, was exceptionally well done. This one felt to be more of a transitional work to shift Thumps from his depressed, stagnant existence in Chinook to the expected fulfillment/resolution of matters left undone, which are the subject of book 5, The Obsidian Murders.

A Matter of Malice was slow to start, the mystery not all that compelling, the Thumps I've grown to like not his usual self and the usual town characters pretty much off stage.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read from Thomas King. I like all the characters in Chinook and enjoy all their interactions and the character development that continues in each book. I love the humor and wit in every book. This one was about a true crime realty show that comes to Chinook to talk to the mother of a girl whose death was ruled accidental, but the producer of the show is looking at it being murder. When the producer dies Thumps becomes more involved and solves both cases. The mother and step brother were involved in one and a co-worker in the other.

[Linda Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical laconic Thumps Dreadfulwater. Seems like nothing goes right for this man, however he is good at solving crimes. This one took a bit longer than most but the zinger at the end was a three-fer. He definitely needs to take care of his diabetes, he never seems to be eating the right stuff or even at all. It is no laughing matter, it can kill you. Am eagerly awaiting the next one, hopefully it will deal with the Obsidian murders.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thumps Dreadful Water, the main character, can't catch a break and neither can I. I started towards the end of this series because there were no other titles in the series on the library's shelves.

Usually in a book with this many characters I give up trying to keep them straight but King creates real people with accents and mannerisms who are unforgettable. For a murder mystery, I laughed out loud a lot.