A Matter of Malice A DreadfulWater Mystery

In Thomas King's 'A Matter of Malice,' readers are drawn back into the world of Thumps Dreadfulwater, a Cherokee ex-cop turned photographer residing in the quiet town of Chinook, Montana. Thumps, having recently returned from supporting his girlfriend through cancer treatment, finds his peace disrupted by the arrival of a reality television crew. The show, 'Malice Aforethought,' aims to sensationalize cold cases, and their focus lands on the death of Trudy Samuels, a young woman from a prominent local family whose demise was initially ruled an accident. Reluctantly, Thumps is drawn into assisting the production, his photographer's eye and detective instincts piqued by the lingering questions surrounding Trudy's fate. The plot thickens dramatically when Nina Maslow, one of the show's producers, is found dead in the exact same manner as Trudy Samuels. This turn of events compels Thumps to delve deeper, realizing he's not just examining a cold case but a potential string of murders. As he sifts through the producer's files, he uncovers that Maslow had also begun investigating another case deeply personal to him: the Obsidian murders. This dual investigation forces Thumps to navigate the superficiality of true crime television, the complex dynamics of small-town life near a reservation, and the often-hidden truths beneath the surface. What makes 'A Matter of Malice' compelling is King's signature blend of sharp wit, insightful social commentary, and a gripping mystery plot. The series consistently uses the whodunit structure to explore larger themes, including the sensationalism of media, Indigenous identity, corporate interests, and the lingering impact of past injustices. Thumps Dreadfulwater remains a captivating protagonist, grounded by his personal struggles and his wry observations, supported by a cast of quirky townspeople and his ever-present cat, Freeway. King's storytelling manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering readers a unique perspective that is both critical of societal narratives and deeply human.

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