Under the Cold Bright Lights by Garry Disher

First Sentence:  On a mild October morning near Pearcedale, southeast of Melbourne, a snake slid over the edge of a veranda on a shortcut to somewhere.

      

Alan Auhl lives in a huge house with his daughter Bec, occasionally his ex-wife with benefits, various random borders, and a young wife named Neve and her daughter Pia. Although Auhl retired after 10 years in homicide, he is now back on the force working cold cases.  It's a juggling act, but Auhl's goal is to achieve justice.

      

Disher has achieved a nice balance between Auhl's professional and personal life.  It creates a very good sense of realism, as does the fact that he works several cases at the same time.  His relationship with his boss, Sr. Sergeant Helen Colfax—"A wise boss is a revered boss."--and with his frequent partner Clare Pascal, works nicely.  But it's Auhl who is the real draw; learning about how he came to own the house, his attitude toward it and the people who take up residence, are nicely done and are reflected in his work.  He is one who takes care of others, although his relationship with his ex- is complicated and rather sad.

      

The individual cases are interesting and varied.  Each is handled in separate ways using various methods of police work.  A very unexpected resolution to a couple of cases come as a real surprise.

      

"Under the Cold Brights Lights" is an excellent blend of characters, police work, suspense, and bits of humor.  Disher is an author whose work is always a treat to read.

UNDER THE COLD BRIGHT LIGHTS (PolProc-Alan Auhl-Australia-Contemp) – VG+

      Disher, Garry – Standalone

      SOHO Crime – July 2019