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Detective Hellier #1
Death and Deception
Detective Inspector Dan Hellier returns home to Exeter under a cloud.
The body of a talented young singer is found in the woods.
Hellier needs to redeem himself and solve the murder.
What links her death to the boss of a recording studio, a Latvian gang and a school music teacher?
Before the body count rises Hellier will need to untangle the web of Death and Deception. And the clock is ticking …
This is the first Detective Dan Hellier novel.
342 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1774
31 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Steadman
2 books31 followersI taught English for many years and completed my debut novel, Death and Deception, when I escaped the classroom and could finally stop marking essays.
These days I write, walk, and bend a bit in yoga. I have a husband and two cats, and live in the East Devon countryside. I am a passionate supporter of wildlife, and am vice-chair of trustees at a local animal sanctuary - after all, animals have no voice but ours to speak for them.
With the publication of the second book in the Dan Hellier Crime series, I guess I'm planning several years of adventures for the team in the apparently peaceful city of Exeter, England. As I live in a small village, where the usual crime rate is zero, it was with great pleasure that I set the books in and around Exeter, an ancient Roman city which has seen its fair share of murder and mayhem over the centuries. Death and the Good Son takes the action out of the city and towards the estuary. Book 3 will extend even further along the Jurassic coastline.
These days I write, walk, and bend a bit in yoga. I have a husband and two cats, and live in the East Devon countryside. I am a passionate supporter of wildlife, and am vice-chair of trustees at a local animal sanctuary - after all, animals have no voice but ours to speak for them.
With the publication of the second book in the Dan Hellier Crime series, I guess I'm planning several years of adventures for the team in the apparently peaceful city of Exeter, England. As I live in a small village, where the usual crime rate is zero, it was with great pleasure that I set the books in and around Exeter, an ancient Roman city which has seen its fair share of murder and mayhem over the centuries. Death and the Good Son takes the action out of the city and towards the estuary. Book 3 will extend even further along the Jurassic coastline.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 19, 2016
Death And Deception is the first book in the Detective Hellier series.
This book is a great start to a new crime series.
I don't think Dan Hellier as well as the rest of his work colleagues realised what surprises they were in store for when they start investigating the death of a teenage girl.
The author takes the reader on a dark journey up a very twisted road.
I thought to start with the story would just be a straight forward 'who dunnit'. Well how wrong I was. The murder is not the only crime that the investigators discover and to be honest what they stumble across is even more horrific than what happened to the talented young singer.
The characters in this story, I took to quite quickly. They really grabbed my interest and I wanted to learn more about them. I was just as interested in the suspects lives as I was with the ones in the police force as they all intrigued me.
The author has created a compelling read that had me hooked from start to finish. Can't wait for the next one.
This book is a great start to a new crime series.
I don't think Dan Hellier as well as the rest of his work colleagues realised what surprises they were in store for when they start investigating the death of a teenage girl.
The author takes the reader on a dark journey up a very twisted road.
I thought to start with the story would just be a straight forward 'who dunnit'. Well how wrong I was. The murder is not the only crime that the investigators discover and to be honest what they stumble across is even more horrific than what happened to the talented young singer.
The characters in this story, I took to quite quickly. They really grabbed my interest and I wanted to learn more about them. I was just as interested in the suspects lives as I was with the ones in the police force as they all intrigued me.
The author has created a compelling read that had me hooked from start to finish. Can't wait for the next one.
October 12, 2016
This was extremely well- and convincingly-plotted, its confusions and conclusion convincing and during the course of the book Dan Hellier became more rounded and more sympathetic a character, as did his fellow police.
But oh! such a horribly produced book!
The sans serif font maybe suited to a kindle, but not for print, the beyond counting instances of indentations where none should be and the misuse of capital letters were bad enough, but the book itself was so uncomfortable to read - too tight bound to fully prise open and read in comfort. and the covers curled and would not stay flat. This does appear to be a Create Space characteristic and for the sake of the rest of the series I hope another printer is used.
But oh! such a horribly produced book!
The sans serif font maybe suited to a kindle, but not for print, the beyond counting instances of indentations where none should be and the misuse of capital letters were bad enough, but the book itself was so uncomfortable to read - too tight bound to fully prise open and read in comfort. and the covers curled and would not stay flat. This does appear to be a Create Space characteristic and for the sake of the rest of the series I hope another printer is used.
July 8, 2016
I was totally drawn in to the main characters and plot of this new name in Police Procedurals tales. Detective Dan Hellier has hi flaws, but getting to the guilty in complex murder cases is not one of them.
I am a big fan of Ian Rankin, Peter Robertson and their ilk and I can almost guarantee that B..A Steadman is soon to join them as one of my favourite crime writers.
I look forward to future titles in the series and learning how the lead characters meld together.
Well done on your first novel.
I am a big fan of Ian Rankin, Peter Robertson and their ilk and I can almost guarantee that B..A Steadman is soon to join them as one of my favourite crime writers.
I look forward to future titles in the series and learning how the lead characters meld together.
Well done on your first novel.
January 21, 2019
DI Dan Hellier is a man who needs to redeem himself. A case gone horribly wrong in London sends him home to Exeter to lick his wounds and try to rebuild his career. He ends up working with a crusty DCI seconds from retirement, who doesn’t like him and makes no secret of that, and a boss who sees something redeemable in him, but is worried about his stability. The murder of a talented young singer involved in an “Exeter’s Got Talent” completion brings unwanted attention to Hellier and the team and puts many lives in jeopardy.
I liked everything about this book – the characters, the settings, the plot, the pacing. Hellier is a complicated, flawed man, at war with himself over bringing criminals to justice and peace to victims and their families, while trying to hew to following policy and doing things the right way. The secondary characters are multi-dimensional as well, and watching them interact made the story richer. The action was fast-paced, the ending a complete, shocking surprise, and I was sad when the book ended.
I am pleased to see I have no. 2 in this dark, gritty, realistic British police procedural to catch up with, and I hope Hellier hangs around for a long time.
I liked everything about this book – the characters, the settings, the plot, the pacing. Hellier is a complicated, flawed man, at war with himself over bringing criminals to justice and peace to victims and their families, while trying to hew to following policy and doing things the right way. The secondary characters are multi-dimensional as well, and watching them interact made the story richer. The action was fast-paced, the ending a complete, shocking surprise, and I was sad when the book ended.
I am pleased to see I have no. 2 in this dark, gritty, realistic British police procedural to catch up with, and I hope Hellier hangs around for a long time.
March 8, 2018
This is the first DI Dan Hellier book and it gets off to an exciting start. A recent transfer from the Met to Exeter is the ideal opportunity to make a fresh start. A relationship behind him, he can start afresh in a new environment. He knows the city, but not the workforce at the police station.
A body is found on the edge of school land, and the search for her killer is on. They discover that she is a talented girl with a special voice and has recently been “found” and about to have a session in a music studio.
Studio owner is interviewed soon after the body is found, but things become complicated when the police realise that there are possibly two different enquiries.
The team find themselves investigating the relationships between pupils and their teachers, amongst themselves and the effects of a dysfunctional family can have on them. The more sordid world of child pornography is also explored.
We are introduced to Hellier's team. They are an integral part of these books.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
A body is found on the edge of school land, and the search for her killer is on. They discover that she is a talented girl with a special voice and has recently been “found” and about to have a session in a music studio.
Studio owner is interviewed soon after the body is found, but things become complicated when the police realise that there are possibly two different enquiries.
The team find themselves investigating the relationships between pupils and their teachers, amongst themselves and the effects of a dysfunctional family can have on them. The more sordid world of child pornography is also explored.
We are introduced to Hellier's team. They are an integral part of these books.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for this opportunity.
August 26, 2018
DI Dan Hellier has returned to his hometown of Exeter after a stint in the Met. He didn’t react well to the end of his relationship and a transfer seemed to be the best option al round. He’s been called to head his first murder enquiry - a teenage girl’s body has been discovered on land behind the local secondary school. It’s soon discovered that she was a pupil there. Dan and his team try to find a motive for her killing - the investigation uncovers a dysfunctional family, an inappropriate relationship between a pupil and a teacher, child abuse, pornography and jealousy. It also leads to a tragedy for the police team. A cracking read from start to finish - look forward to book two.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and BA Steadman for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and BA Steadman for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 22, 2017
I found myself enjoying this book far more than I expected, as I usually find 'police procedurals' have a tendency to be formulaic. Not this one! The plot is excellent, with enough twists and turns to lead the reader in a number of false directions. The main character, Dan Hellier, is most likeable and I was quickly on his side as things began to go wrong.
The kindle version of the book needs a really good edit as it is peppered with formatting errors. It says a lot for the quality of the story that I found myself so engrossed as to be prepared to overlook them, and I have not deducted any stars for this reason.
Would I read it again? Yes, and I will now read more of this author.
The kindle version of the book needs a really good edit as it is peppered with formatting errors. It says a lot for the quality of the story that I found myself so engrossed as to be prepared to overlook them, and I have not deducted any stars for this reason.
Would I read it again? Yes, and I will now read more of this author.
April 10, 2021
Absolutely over the moon i am, that i have found my next series to sink my teeth into !
D I Dan Hellier has outshone Rankins latest offerings from a tired Rebus by a mile in this grippimg book. A great bunch of characters, written very well by the author and i'm absolutely hooked , roll on book 2 arriving in the post !
D I Dan Hellier has outshone Rankins latest offerings from a tired Rebus by a mile in this grippimg book. A great bunch of characters, written very well by the author and i'm absolutely hooked , roll on book 2 arriving in the post !
March 29, 2018
A jolly good read! A fallible lead character, a believable enough story and written in an easy to digest style that kept me guessing and engaged. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last.
April 15, 2019
Quite slow to begin with, the thing that put me off and took me a while to get into it properly was the font. My first steadman book, I may read more if the chance arrises. The main character hellier was just not memorable at all.
July 30, 2020
I received this book in a Giveaway from GoodReads.
I enjoyed this from start to finish. It was an easy, compelling read. The characters were convincing and loved some of the banter between them.
I look forward to reading further books from B.A. Steadman.
I enjoyed this from start to finish. It was an easy, compelling read. The characters were convincing and loved some of the banter between them.
I look forward to reading further books from B.A. Steadman.
March 25, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
November 15, 2023
This was excellent! What an interesting investigation.
June 26, 2025
Found it slow to get into and slightly confusing, but got better towards the end
February 23, 2017
Dan Hellier makes his entrance in BA Steadman's novel Death and Deception,
I liked Dan, although he certainly had his issues and a lot to learn.
The story was strong and started with finding the body of a teen, who is popular, but maybe not liked by all.
There are two main storylines that run through this book and Hellier's job with his team is to determine the connection.
The support characters are well placed and I found them likeable, there is humour and banter where needs be, and Hellier is trying to find his feet in this new team.
I enjoyed the pace of the book, found it easy to follow without being too steeped in extra details and procedures.
I have by accident read the second book, Death and the Good Son first, they can be read as stand alones, however as always it is better to read a series in order.
I am looking forward to catching up with Hellier and his team in book 3.
I liked Dan, although he certainly had his issues and a lot to learn.
The story was strong and started with finding the body of a teen, who is popular, but maybe not liked by all.
There are two main storylines that run through this book and Hellier's job with his team is to determine the connection.
The support characters are well placed and I found them likeable, there is humour and banter where needs be, and Hellier is trying to find his feet in this new team.
I enjoyed the pace of the book, found it easy to follow without being too steeped in extra details and procedures.
I have by accident read the second book, Death and the Good Son first, they can be read as stand alones, however as always it is better to read a series in order.
I am looking forward to catching up with Hellier and his team in book 3.
February 19, 2017
A really enjoyable first novel. I love detective books and this one didn't let me down - in fact I couldn't put it down and eating was an inconvenience! The main characters are appealing and I am looking forward to reading book 2.
June 17, 2016
This is a thrilling crime novel, the first in a series concerning DI Dan Hellier. We get to know and follow detective Hellier, who has come down from the London Met to Exeter. The book starts with the dumping of the body of the 16 year old beautirful and talented schoolgirl Carly.
As we see Hellier struggle to assert his authority within the police force, we also see a thrilling plot evolving revealing more horrifying and gruesome crimes than Hellier could have ever imagined. He is determined to get to the bottom of it, but is this case becoming too much for him?
It is a great and intriguing detective story, easy to read and with enough speed to keep you hooked on the story. Each chapter in the book starts with the date and time, as well as place. That chronological order and the placing of each action is convenient and enhances the reader’s close connection to the book as well as to its characters.
DI Dan Hellier is someone you can relate to and can sympathize with, that makes it a terrific character and promises exciting more reads to come in this series. I can’t wait for the next Detective Hellier book to be published.
Read my full review on: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/death-a...
As we see Hellier struggle to assert his authority within the police force, we also see a thrilling plot evolving revealing more horrifying and gruesome crimes than Hellier could have ever imagined. He is determined to get to the bottom of it, but is this case becoming too much for him?
It is a great and intriguing detective story, easy to read and with enough speed to keep you hooked on the story. Each chapter in the book starts with the date and time, as well as place. That chronological order and the placing of each action is convenient and enhances the reader’s close connection to the book as well as to its characters.
DI Dan Hellier is someone you can relate to and can sympathize with, that makes it a terrific character and promises exciting more reads to come in this series. I can’t wait for the next Detective Hellier book to be published.
Read my full review on: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/death-a...
June 18, 2016
This is a new author and a new detective to me.
D I Dan Hellier has moved back to Devon, from London, and is trying to fit in with his new colleagues.
A talented schoolgirl singer Carly Braithwaite, is found dead by schoolboys, near her school.
Dan leads the investigation alongside Ian Gould, who is due to retire, and who regards Dan as a young upstart.
The book is set in around Exeter, and there is a great feeling of place, which adds to the authenticity of the story.
As Carly’s last days are investigated, we encounter her teachers, her angry father and neglected sister, her boyfriend, and a recording studio owner, all of whom have secrets.
Throw in some Latvian gangsters who have their own agenda, and mix thoroughly, and you have an intriguing story with many twists, turns, and shocks before the killer is finally revealed.
On the way, we learn more about Dan and his family, and his new team.
I hope this is the start of a series, and look forward to many more meetings with Dan and co.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and UK Crime Book Club for the opportunity to read this book.
D I Dan Hellier has moved back to Devon, from London, and is trying to fit in with his new colleagues.
A talented schoolgirl singer Carly Braithwaite, is found dead by schoolboys, near her school.
Dan leads the investigation alongside Ian Gould, who is due to retire, and who regards Dan as a young upstart.
The book is set in around Exeter, and there is a great feeling of place, which adds to the authenticity of the story.
As Carly’s last days are investigated, we encounter her teachers, her angry father and neglected sister, her boyfriend, and a recording studio owner, all of whom have secrets.
Throw in some Latvian gangsters who have their own agenda, and mix thoroughly, and you have an intriguing story with many twists, turns, and shocks before the killer is finally revealed.
On the way, we learn more about Dan and his family, and his new team.
I hope this is the start of a series, and look forward to many more meetings with Dan and co.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and UK Crime Book Club for the opportunity to read this book.
April 28, 2016
Carly Braithwaite is found by 3 boys at the edge of the school field- dead. Jez Adams runs a music studio where Carly was meant to be making a recording the day before however he also has other activities going on. Dan has his first role as lead on a case and is trying to put ghosts behind him and make his mark whilst looked on by his retiring colleague. Carly’s father prefers alcohol to food and ignores his other daughter whilst having a criminal record for talking with his fists. Carly’s boyfriend is who he shouldn’t be and the one who should be- isn’t!
This book grabs you from the outset. Easy to read and well described both in scenes and characters to keep you wanting to turn another page. Short chapters keep the flow and pace, each being given a time, person and place stamp. An excellent storyline that twists and turns until the very end. Good character and scene descriptions, I could see this as a TV drama.
A very enjoyable book.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
This book grabs you from the outset. Easy to read and well described both in scenes and characters to keep you wanting to turn another page. Short chapters keep the flow and pace, each being given a time, person and place stamp. An excellent storyline that twists and turns until the very end. Good character and scene descriptions, I could see this as a TV drama.
A very enjoyable book.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
April 28, 2016
I would like to thank my book club and the author for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
What a fantastic start to a new series! I love crime/police procedural books and this gas turned into one of my favourites.
DI Dan Hellier has returned to his home town of Exeter under a bit of a cloud. His first case is the murder of a young girl.
This has got everything a thriller needs, a plot that keeps you enthralled with twists and turns and a few red herrings, characters that you care for and are believable and great dialogue.
I was drawn in from page 1 and couldn`t stop reading until I`d finished. By the end I was breathless and my heart was going 19 to the dozen.
If you like a fast paced, thrilling thriller this is a must read.
I can't wait to meet Dan and his team again.
What a fantastic start to a new series! I love crime/police procedural books and this gas turned into one of my favourites.
DI Dan Hellier has returned to his home town of Exeter under a bit of a cloud. His first case is the murder of a young girl.
This has got everything a thriller needs, a plot that keeps you enthralled with twists and turns and a few red herrings, characters that you care for and are believable and great dialogue.
I was drawn in from page 1 and couldn`t stop reading until I`d finished. By the end I was breathless and my heart was going 19 to the dozen.
If you like a fast paced, thrilling thriller this is a must read.
I can't wait to meet Dan and his team again.
September 6, 2016
Death & Deception – Bernie Steadman
An excellent start to the DI Hellier series. What begins as an apparent straight forward murder of a young girl, steps up a pace to reveal a much larger horrific crime. I would have liked to have learned more about Hellier, so will have to buy the sequel to find out what happened in his past. Recommended.
An excellent start to the DI Hellier series. What begins as an apparent straight forward murder of a young girl, steps up a pace to reveal a much larger horrific crime. I would have liked to have learned more about Hellier, so will have to buy the sequel to find out what happened in his past. Recommended.
January 19, 2016
I'm not a particular reader of crime/police procedural novels but I was immediately drawn into this one and found it hard to put down. Taking place over a short time scale, it is fast-paced with very believable characters. DI Hellier isn't perfect but I found myself gunning for him and hoping he solved the case! The author created a world I was quickly and easily immersed in.
I'm looking forward to the next book in what I hope is going to be a series by this new author.
I'm looking forward to the next book in what I hope is going to be a series by this new author.
April 30, 2016
This is a brilliant debut novel! From the very first page the reader is involved and you cannot wait to see how the story will evolve. The DI is a fascinating creation and his back story is slowly revealed in the course of the novel, which involves two closely linked crimes. I very much hope that this will become a series as the story only hints at the character of the protagonists. Excellent!
April 28, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. To me it felt like a bit of a slow starter, but after a couple of chapters it had me hooked. Every tin I thought oh it was them or could be them, there was a twist that made me go hmmm. Definitely going to read the sequel. Ending sets it up nicely and sounds intriguing already.
April 30, 2016
I received this as an ARC from the Uk crime book club on facebook in exchange for an honest review, my only issues with this book are with some of the police actions that weren't accurate, having said that its a cracking read that actually made me miss my bus stop I was so absorbed in the plot. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read from an author I am sure will go far.
August 25, 2016
Quite reasonable, will look out for any further books in the series.
April 16, 2016
A great thriller that kept me turning the page anxious to find out who did it. Loved the character of Hellier and can't wait to read more and unravel him. Recommend this book.
April 25, 2016
I won this book on good reads from the author. I enjoyed reading it. It was my first book by this author. It had a good story to it. I hope to read more books by this author.
June 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It grips you right from the start and keeps you interested right to the end.
Can't wait to read Book 2.
Can't wait to read Book 2.
June 22, 2016
Couldn't put it down and read it in I about 4 days! It was like a written criminal minds and everyone time I thought I had the connection there was a twist!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews