The WSJ posed the question: Who is your favorite fictional detective? They printed five answers, and I’m not sure any of them would have made my list. Perhaps there are just too many from which to choose especially for someone like me who mostly reads mysteries.
Not that I need any books to add to my To Be Read list, but I had to look up the two that were new to me. The first was DC Smith from Peter Grainger’s DC Smith series. As so often happens, this British detective series isn’t available at my local library, so I’ve ordered a used copy of book one, “Accidental Death,” from Amazon. I’m a sucker for British mysteries.
Next up was Phryne Fisher from Kerry Greenwood’s series set in 1920s Australia. There are twenty books in the series, and the tales were briefly turned into a TV show and one follow-up TV movie. These books seem right up my alley, and the description reminded me of the Mrs. Bradley series starring Diana Rigg, though Phryne Fisher is a younger character. That series is available at my library, so it’s on my online list to order later.
Miss Marple was also on the list. Funny, I have a vague memory of reading maybe one Miss Marple book. The rest I’ve enjoyed on television. We have a running debate at our house as to who played the best Miss Marple. I’m partial to Geraldine McEwan, and my husband prefers Joan Hickson.
Jules Maigret who is featured in 75 novels and innumerable television productions was the fourth detective mentioned. Written in French by George Simenon, the books were later published in English. Again, I’ve never read any of these, but have enjoyed the latest BBC production starring Rowan Atkinson.
The fifth detective appeared only on TV—the beloved Columbo. Didn’t we all love him? I’d forgotten he had a dog until I read that fact in the paper.
This list was not meant to be definitive nor complete. It was comprised simply of responses that came into the WSJ mailbox. Who would I put on my list? That’s a difficult question. I’m not sure I could come up with a number one favorite, though I can list several characters whose stories I’ve followed with great pleasure. Robert B. Parker’s Spenser leaps to mind as do Louise Penny’s Armand Gamache and Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch. Kinsey Milhone was a long-time favorite, but these days it’s the British sleuths like Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs and Charles Todd’s Inspector Rutledge who top my list.
Is it any wonder my TBR list at the library has over forty books on it, and my wish list on Amazon is a lengthy one too? Who’s your favorite fictional detective? Can you narrow it down to only one?
Anyone who loves a good book, especially detective, police procedural, mystery, could not possibly have only one favorite. Could they? Agatha Christie is an old, well loved favorite author also, P. D. James, Louise Penny, Michael Connelly, Sue Grafton, Peter Grainger, and the list grows.
I have some eye problems and am addicted to audio books. I Love the narrator for the Peter Grainger books, Gildardt Jackson. He brings Smith to life and the other characters as well. Listen to one, you may never go back to READING books again!
Grace, Because my books are coming out in audio this year, I will soon give listening a try! Would you believe I just finished reading the latest Michael Connelly book? Still love him.
Hi Kathy,
I have a lot of favorite detectives, but lately I’ve been catching up on M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series, and her Hamish McBeth series, both have a lot of books I hadn’t read yet. Both Agatha and Hamish are now made into BBC TV series, and we enjoy getting the DVDs from the library & watching them. If you haven’t seen them, give them a try!
P.S: I also like Leta Parker & her two four-legged helpers: Dickens & Christie!
I’ve watched a few Hamish McBeth on TV and read quite a few. For some reason, I had a hard time getting into Agatha Raisin. May have to give it another go! I, of course, am delighted that you like Leta and her sidekicks!
I’ve always been partial to Kinsey Millhone, but recently have been on a roll with the Agatha Raisin series. I’ve enjoyed the Holmes, Marple and Poe books, along with the Thursday Murder Club. (Do amateur and/or retired detectives count?) So many amateur detectives, like the Marlow Murder Club, as well! But, at the top of my list would be Bernie Little, of the Chet and Bernie series by Spenser Quinn, followed closely by Allan Russell’s Sirius series, with police detective Gideon. Oh, and Lincoln Rhyme and Will Trent are also near the top. I just love a good police procedural.
Now, I need to look the Sirius series and add to my neverending TBR pile!