Characteristic style of detective inspector (4)
I believe the answer is:
vein
'characteristic style' is the definition.
'vein' can be an answer for 'style' (vein is a kind of style). I'm unsure of the 'characteristic' bit.
'of detective inspector' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'VEIN' is hidden within 'detective inspector'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for vein that I've seen before include "Leaf rib; ore layer in rock" , "Vessel carrying blood towards the heart" , "Distinctive style" , "Speaker's useless" , "Vessel for claret" .)