Garry Disher is one of Australia’s best-known authors whose crime novels have earned him an international reputation and won many awards. He has published many books including books for young adults and children.
His latest book Under the Cold Bright Lights is a crime novel set in Melbourne. Alan Auhl is a retired homicide detective. He lives in a rambling house he inherited from his parents with an assortment of random boarders, his daughter and, sometimes, his estranged wife.
Five years into his retirement he is back on the job as an acting sergeant in the cold case and missing persons squad. He is the oldest member of the squad, nicknamed 'Retread' by the younger cops.
There are several story lines running through this book – the body found under the slab, and the death of John Elphick, a case he hasn’t been able to let go of. There is also Dr Alec Neill, who Auhl believes killed his first two wives and a girlfriend even though there was no evidence to prove he was responsible. He will work the cold cases until justice is done one way or another.
Apart from work, Auhl gets involved in helping a battered wife and her ten-year-old daughter who live in his house. What starts out as a supportive role ends up involving him more that it should.
I enjoyed this book. The four story lines that run through the book have credible plots. There are twists and diversions that lead you in various directions. It kept me turning the pages and surprised me with things I did not see coming.