WINTER IN TIVERTON.

Constable Paul Hirschhausen is dealing with a snowdropper. Someone is stealing women's underwear, and Hirsch knows how that kind of crime can escalate. Then two calls come in: a teacher who thinks a child may be in danger at home. A father on the rampage over at the primary school.

Hirsch knows how things like that can escalate, too.

Families under pressure. Financial problems. But it's always a surprise when the killing starts.

Consolation is Garry Disher at his masterful best. A flawed hero struggling to keep his small community safe. Characters, places so sharply drawn you could cut yourself. And suspense pulled tight from the first word to the last.