Step into the chaotic, laugh-out-loud world of Dan Starkey, where a pint-soaked journalist stumbles through Belfast’s gritty streets, unraveling crimes with sharp wit and questionable decisions. Colin Bateman’s Dan Starkey series, a blend of dark comedy, crime thriller, and Northern Irish satire, follows this flawed yet lovable anti-hero as he navigates love, loss, and the region’s turbulent politics.
With its fast-paced plots and biting humor, the series captures the heart of Belfast’s complex identity, making it a must-read for fans of irreverent crime fiction. Ready to meet Dan and his misadventures? Let’s dive in!
How Dan Starkey Began
Colin Bateman, a former journalist from Bangor, County Down, created Dan Starkey in his 1995 debut novel, Divorcing Jack. Inspired by his own reporting days at the County Down Spectator, Bateman crafted Starkey as a semi-autobiographical figure—a cynical, boozy journalist with a knack for trouble. The novel, born from a eureka moment in the bath, aimed to blend detective fiction with Northern Ireland’s unique political and social landscape. Its success, including a Betty Trask Award, launched Bateman’s career and the beloved series.
The Heart of Dan Starkey
The Dan Starkey series kicks off with Divorcing Jack (1995), where Dan’s drunken kiss with a student spirals into a darkly comic tale of murder and political intrigue, set against Belfast’s pre-Good Friday Agreement tension. In Of Wee Sweetie Mice and Men (1996), Starkey heads to New York to cover a boxing match, only to tangle with racism and kidnapping. Turbulent Priests (1999) sees him on a remote island, investigating claims of a messianic child, while The Dead Pass (2014) finds him as a private eye diving into Derry’s drug-fueled underworld.
Bateman’s series thrives on its sharp dialogue, absurd situations, and Starkey’s devilish charm. Themes of identity, conflict, and resilience shine through, with Northern Ireland’s Troubles as a vivid backdrop. The novels tackle heavy topics—religious extremism, political corruption, and personal grief—yet balance them with humor, making Starkey’s missteps both poignant and hilarious. Belfast’s gritty streets and pubs ground the stories, offering a raw, authentic setting that resonates with readers.
Why Dan Starkey Resonates
The Dan Starkey series has carved a niche in crime fiction, blending Hiaasen-esque absurdity with Northern Irish wit. Its cult following cherishes Starkey’s irreverence and the series’ unflinching look at a divided society. The adaptation of Divorcing Jack into a 1998 film starring David Thewlis brought wider attention, while Bateman’s screenplays and later works cemented his storytelling prowess. Fans still clamor for more, as seen in the excitement for Starkey’s 2014 return in The Dead Pass.
Starkey’s appeal lies in his humanity—flawed, sarcastic, yet determined to do right. The series’ ability to weave humor with the scars of conflict makes it timeless, offering both entertainment and insight into Northern Ireland’s soul.
- Publication Span: 1995–2014
- Number of Books: 10
- Awards: Betty Trask Award for Divorcing Jack (1995)
- Adaptations: Divorcing Jack (1998 film)
About Dan Starkey
Grab Divorcing Jack and dive into Dan Starkey’s wild, witty world of crime and comedy! Whether you’re a thriller junkie or a fan of dark humor, this series promises a rollicking ride through Belfast’s heart.