Constable Paul Hirschhausen has a snowdropper on his patch. Someone is stealing women’s underwear, and Hirsch knows enough about that kind of crime – how it can escalate – not to take it lightly.
But the more immediate concerns are a call from the high school, a teacher worried about a student who may be in danger at home. Another call, a different school: a man enraged about the principal’s treatment of his daughter.
A little girl in harm’s way and an elderly woman in danger. An absent father who isn’t where he’s supposed to be; another who flees to the back country armed with a rifle. Families under pressure. And the cold, seeping feeling that something is very, very wrong.
Consolation is the third novel in Garry Disher’s Hirsch series, following bestsellers Peace and Bitter Wash Road. With incredible atmosphere and a stunning rural backdrop, Disher has once again brought these now-familiar characters to life in a way that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Disher has really perfected small-town living, with the rural gossip and often financial hardships that many places like this face. You’ll find yourself immersed in this story with the many diverse and interesting characters. Disher’s wonderful prose only accentuates the host of characters that we are presented with.
The protagonist, Hirsch, is complex and compelling. Often visiting people who live on the fringes of the town to check up on them as a friend rather than a cop, Hirsch was clearly someone who was made for the job, and someone who, as a reader, is a character I admire.
The beauty of the story really comes from the look into the everyday life of a small-town police officer. Often acting as a therapist, social worker, or general handyman, Disher really understands this role, bringing it to life on the page. The descriptions of the daily mundane is an excellent buffer for the impossible situations often Hirsch finds himself in.
Consolation is a spectacular glimpse into the life of a rural cop, and an amazing follow up from the other books in the series. With a range of characters and a fascinating landscape, Garry Disher has once again brought his signature touch to this incredible story. A perfect read for any crime lover!
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