There’s trouble, and then there’s Big Lake Troubles.

Coal might be killing the planet, but former judge Jason Erickson is reluctant to get involved in a case involving a massive coal shipper on Lake Superior. He’d prefer drinking wine and walking the California beaches rather than winter in a Wisconsin courtroom. Jason’s girlfriend, Grace Clarkson, represents the opponents and is pressuring him to join her. However, committing to the case means different things to each of them, and their relationship might be at stake.

Hotshot Chicago attorney Courtney Sharpe represents the coal shipping company. She will crush the opposition if she can only get former mentor and lover Earl Franks—recently out of prison—to help her. But can she get to him before the other side does?

As this drama unfolds, alliances shift, and some of these respected attorneys become convinced they must engage in shady ethical practices involving small boats and large dogs to catch the coal facility in bad faith. But when they put someone’s life in danger, can they still consider themselves the good guys?

Big Lake Troubles picks up where Boldt’s acclaimed first novel Blue Lake left off. It’s an elegant exploration of the ethics of tackling the climate crisis in a flawed system and an inspiring journey of personal growth, connection, and truths beyond courtroom walls.