Detectives In The Dock: B A Steadman's Dan Hellier

In the dock today is B A Steadman's DI Dan Hellier. Here's a little background on the suspect

DI Dan Hellier is in his early thirties at the start of the series. He grew up in the Exeter suburbs and attended local Exeter University, where he studied Geography, got bored and decided to join the police. He is keen, nervous, but a good-hearted, if quick-tempered man. The first book, Death and Deception begins when Dan arrives back home to Devon from his rising career in the London Met under a cloud – he assaulted the new boyfriend of his ex-partner. Rather than sacking a promising detective, the powers that be transfer him to Exeter. With a lot to prove, and still smarting from being dumped, Dan expects a peaceful time in his home city. That is the last things he gets.

The Fields of Wheat moment… What is the most rebellious thing Hellier has ever done?

Breaking into a locked studio at night in search of evidence

with no warrant in search of paedophiles. This one act has far-reaching consequences for all concerned. Outside work; tracking his ex-partner’s new boyfriend to a club, luring him outside and beating him badly without noticing the CCTV.

Which 3 items would your character bring to a desert island … and why?

His guitar – because he played as a teenager and still hankers after being discovered (if only he practised a bit more) without doing anything about it.

Good coffee and a percolator – did anyone say ‘addict?’

If it’s not all sand – his pushbike, otherwise, running shoes. He’s vain enough to want to keep the weight down!

The Nitty Gritty: The Big Reveal 

What secret does Dan Hellier have?

Available here

His sister, a drug addict, prostitute and thief is in prison. Shehas almost destroyed his nice middle-class family on several occasions.He lives in dread of being found out and judged on her behaviour by his colleagues.

What or who does Dan hate most?

Dan is passionate about stamping down on anything or anybody involved with illegal drugs. He has seen first-hand the destructive power of drug addiction over his sister.

What does your character fear most?

Available here

Not being good enough. He’s very hard on himself, and that can make him hard on his team.

What is their Achilles heel?

Jealousy. He knows he’s unreasonable or controlling, but he hates other men getting too close to his woman, and can lose it badly when this happens.

In five words describe…

Dan's finest hour to date.

Although it cost him his beloved car, Dan stopped a getaway villain by slewing the car in front of her van and managed to save his sergeant and himself. He might have got a commendation for this had not actually been on suspension at the time…

His physical appearance

Think Matthew Goode’s face with the body of Bradley
Wiggins.

All of his favourite things …   

What is Dan Hellier's favourite:                              

Holiday destination  Greek Islands              

Hobby cycling

Drink/beverage Good coffee 

Song You stole the sun from my heart                           

Band/singer   Manic Street Preachers

Would Dan rather… 

Visit a Post Mortem or clean up a drunk’s sick
Visit a Post Mortem

Have Roger Moore or Sean Connery as Bond
Sean Connery as Bond

Eat pizza or curry
Curry