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lbjessome's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
selinayoung's review against another edition
3.0
More like 3.5 stars. I liked the story and the past connecting with present.
secanno's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mickeymole's review
5.0
Another fun page-turner from Thomas King. Humor, mystery, and great characters.
mohogany225's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love Thomas King’s writing! A much as I’ve enjoyed the books my mom had owned, I’m so glad that I’ve bought the rest of the series! As much as I loved ‘Obsidian’, I think this was the best-written book in the series so far.
In this book, Thumps DreadfulWater is confronted with events from his university days when Noah Ridge, a Red Power activist, arrives in Chinook for his book tour. Not long after, a former FBI agent, who’d investigated Ridge before, is found dead at his hotel. Thumps is quickly recruited to investigate the murder, and is confronted with the events of the past, and the disappearance of a friend so many years ago.
I think what I love about this book is the sense of place that Thomas King gives to his writing. The characters have a lot of depth to them, even when they are only present for a short time. And his dry sense of humour will always bring me back for more. The interactions and conversations between Thumps and Sheriff Hockney will always be my favourites.
In this book, Thumps DreadfulWater is confronted with events from his university days when Noah Ridge, a Red Power activist, arrives in Chinook for his book tour. Not long after, a former FBI agent, who’d investigated Ridge before, is found dead at his hotel. Thumps is quickly recruited to investigate the murder, and is confronted with the events of the past, and the disappearance of a friend so many years ago.
I think what I love about this book is the sense of place that Thomas King gives to his writing. The characters have a lot of depth to them, even when they are only present for a short time. And his dry sense of humour will always bring me back for more. The interactions and conversations between Thumps and Sheriff Hockney will always be my favourites.
mattrabpc's review against another edition
3.0
A pretty standard but interesting detective novel. It was long but it never dragged, didn't suck me in but I was also never bored reading it. Will probably read more of this series eventually
sarah787's review
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
cepbreed's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book because I think my perception of the entire thing was biased. Of all of the books we’ve read for my Indigenous Fiction class, this was my least favorite. At the same time, this was the book I had to do a presentation on rather than read passively while waiting for the discussion. I was forced to analyze every single page out of the 500 and that is such a tedious process I became so tired. I didn’t find Thumps particularly interesting as a character though he has his moments. The narrative felt weighed down by the details forced into the story. I just couldn’t keep everything straight (once again could be a biased view because I was rushing this for class). I couldn’t recall for the life of me the details of what happened to Lucy Kettle and why it mattered, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the climax. The action that took place was very fast-paced from page 368 ish onward. I’m glad I took this class and was exposed to so many wonderful stories, it speaks volumes that this was my least favorite and it isn’t even a bad book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Murder, and Sexism
Minor: Torture and Blood