A worthy start to what will, hopefully, be a new Aussie series

 

4 stars

I've been aware of Garry Disher for some time but this is the first book I've read. As a keen fan of Chris Hammer and Jane Harper, I found this book to be in a similar vein adding Mr. Disher to the cadre of Aussie authors I eagerly gravitate toward. 

In Under the Cold Bright Lights we meet Alan Auhl. Once a homicide detective who retired but is now back investigating cold cases as a 'retread'. I believe this is a stand alone novel but it has the casual looseness of a long running series. Alan has good instincts and is very good at his job. He does have a questionable hobby which, if this is leading to a series, as it feels it should, could prove tricky for him. His living arrangements are not of a traditional variety, either, having opened his home to just about any waif and stray needing shelter. Unusual, indeed, but also feeds the story with ample side plots and an injection of varying characters. A lot occurs in this book well beyond the original investigation into a skeleton found by a snake wrangler. The world created is engaging, as is Alan, who comes across as an easy going professional, a friend to most. 

Under the Cold Bright Lights wasn't like I expected but that has worked in its favour as the story that unfolds is multifaceted and intriguing. Alan Auhl is certainly a character I want to know more about and I look forward to further adventures featuring this ace investigator.