Picture a British storyteller who traded the courtroom for crime scenes, weaving tales that grip you till the last page—meet Helen Fields! A former barrister turned Sunday Times bestselling author, Fields has captivated readers with her D.I. Callanach series, starting with the chilling Perfect Remains. With a knack for suspense and a love for licorice, she’s redefined crime fiction with her razor-sharp narratives.
From her home in Hampshire, where she lives with her husband, children, and two dogs, Fields crafts stories that blend legal authenticity with heart-pounding thrills. Her unique background and vivid imagination have made her a global sensation, with books translated into over 20 languages. Ready to dive into her world of Edinburgh’s darkest corners? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this crime fiction maestro!
The Making of Helen Fields
Born in the UK, Helen Fields initially pursued a legal career, practicing as a criminal and family law barrister for 13 years after completing her pupillage at Middle Temple. Her courtroom experience, filled with real-life drama, laid the foundation for her authentic crime narratives. After welcoming her second child, Fields stepped away from the bar, craving a new creative outlet. Alongside her husband David, she ventured into film production, but her true calling emerged when she began writing novels.
Fields’s transition to writing wasn’t a whim—she’d always been a storyteller at heart, with a love for historical fiction and horror. Her legal background gave her an edge, allowing her to craft procedurally accurate yet emotionally charged stories. This blend of grit and heart became the cornerstone of her literary career, launching her into the crime fiction spotlight with Perfect Remains in 2017.
Helen Fields’s Unforgettable Stories
Fields’s D.I. Callanach series, set in Edinburgh, is her crown jewel, introducing readers to Detective Inspector Luc Callanach, a half-French, half-Scottish former Interpol officer. The series kicked off with Perfect Remains, a gruesome yet gripping tale of a serial killer targeting successful women. Its visceral storytelling and Scottish backdrop earned it a nomination for the McIlvanney Prize and a spot as a Dutch debut crime novel finalist.
Subsequent books like Perfect Prey, where a killer strikes at a rock festival, and Perfect Kill, longlisted for the Crime Writers Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, showcase Fields’s ability to escalate tension. Her standalone novels, such as The Shadow Man, featuring forensic psychologist Dr. Connie Woolwine, and Degrees of Guilt (written as HS Chandler), explore psychological depth and moral ambiguity. Fields’s style—dark, witty, and laced with compelling romance—draws comparisons to Val McDermid and M.J. Arlidge, blending gore with human connection.
Her meticulous research and legal expertise shine through, grounding even the most twisted plots in reality. Whether it’s a bomber terrorizing Edinburgh in One for Sorrow or a locked-room thriller like The Institution, Fields keeps readers guessing, making her books addictive page-turners.
Why Helen Fields Matters
Helen Fields has carved a niche in crime fiction by blending procedural accuracy with emotional resonance, appealing to fans of gritty thrillers and character-driven stories alike. Her D.I. Callanach series has sold over a million copies, resonating globally with its universal themes of justice and survival. Fields’s ability to humanize both heroes and villains adds depth, making her work stand out in a crowded genre.
Beyond her books, Fields inspires aspiring writers, proving that a career pivot can lead to literary stardom. Her global recognition, from Amazon #1 bestsellers to international translations, cements her as a modern crime fiction icon. With her 14th book in the works, Fields continues to push boundaries, keeping readers on edge.
- Born: United Kingdom
- Key Works: Perfect Remains, Perfect Kill, The Shadow Man, Degrees of Guilt
- Awards: Nominated for McIlvanney Prize, Crime Writers Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger
- Fun Fact: Fields adores licorice and splits her time between West Sussex, USA, and Scotland.
Snag Perfect Remains and dive into Helen Fields’s thrilling crime fiction world—your next obsession awaits!