The most beloved detectives from literature

"The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes."

― Arthur Conan Doyle

Crime fiction or detective fiction is probably the most popular genre among booklovers. Fictional detective characters have gained popularity over the ages and have made numerous appearances on both the silver and small screen. 

The list of famous detectives from literature includes amateurs, private investigators and professional policemen.

These beloved fictional detectives mesmerise readers through their skills in solving crimes in detective novels and short stories written by the popular writers. 

The 1920s to 1930s is considered the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction."

The first famous detective in fiction was Edgar Allan Poe's  C. Auguste Dupin. Later, many fictional detectives joined the "famous club" and became our beloved characters. 

Let's take a good look at some of these famous fictional detectives.

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most famous detectives in the history of literature.  Sherlock Homes is also perhaps the most famous and widely read detective series. 

Holmes is a household name and has had a major impact on the entire mystery genre. Created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the character first appeared in "A Study in Scarlet" in 1887. 

Most of the Sherlock Holmes stories are frame narratives told from his assistant Dr Watson's point of view. 

Sherlock uses the science of deduction and footprint analysis methods to solve mysteries.

Guinness World Records listed the highly intelligent detective as the most portrayed literary human character in film and television history.

The most popular books from the series are: "A Study in Scarlet (1887)," "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892)," "The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902)."

Hercule Poirot

Created by Agatha Christie, the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is undoubtedly the most delightful contributions to world of crime fiction. 

Hercule is one of Christie's most famous and long-running characters, and appeared in 33 novels, and more than 50 short stories published between 1920 and 1975.

He tackles all manners of crime with his calm mind and easy charm, from high-octane murder to animal kidnappings and theft. Hercule solves all kinds of crime mysteries with his acuity and intellectual brilliance.

The character has been adapted for numerous television and theatre productions.  The character made its silver screen debut through 1931 movie, "Alibi." 

Recommended reads include "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926)," "Death on the Nile (1937)," "The Labours of Hercules (1947)."

C. Auguste Dupin

Created by Edgar Allan Poe, the character plays a pivotal role in the evolution of detective fiction. C. Auguste Dupin first appeared in "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," in 1841. 

The short story is considered the first detective story. 

With his almost superhuman abilities of deduction and understanding of criminal psychology, Dupin was, indeed, created even before the term 'detective' was coined. 

Dupin's character later served as a model on which other works of detective fictions were based. 

"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" has been adapted for radio, film and television many times. 

The most read books from the series are "The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841)," "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt (1842)," "The Purloined Letter (1844)."

Lord Peter Wimsey

Lord Peter Wimsey has a supreme intellect and vigour. Created by British crime writer and poet, Dorothy L Sayers, Wimsey's character traits also include his expertise on fine food and clothing, and his skills at the piano.

The character first appeared in "Whose Body" in 1923. 

Dorothy gave interesting descriptions of Wimsey in the books. Wimsey is described as being of average height, who has straw-coloured hair, and a beaked nose. 

Recommended reads include  "Whose Body? (1923)," "Strong Poison (1931)," "Gaudy Night (1935)."