From reopening cold cases in the light of new evidence, through the careful unravelling of clues, to tense manhunts when a killer is on the loose, the enduring popularity of crime writing has given rise to some of fiction’s most memorable characters. While challenging ourselves to profile just ten detectives, each of whom carries their past troubles or the pressures of the job with them, we present a lineup that includes classics of the genre and household names as well as those who may be less familiar but have grabbed readers’ imaginations.
Philip Marlowe, created by Raymond Chandler
The opportunistic and sometimes brutal streets of LA in the 1930s and ’40s provide an atmospheric backdrop for cynical private eye and archetypal hardboiled detective Philip Marlowe, who featured in seven novels by Raymond Chandler. With a penchant for chess that reflects his studious nature, a keen eye for detail and a strong moral compass – and no fear of getting his hands dirty – he is well-positioned to investigate corruption and a slew of murders, cutting an imposing figure as he crosses paths with femmes fatales, violent criminals and several shots of whiskey in the course of his work.
John Rebus, created by Ian Rankin
Across 17 tartan noir novels the cynical, gruff, former SAS soldier has battled PTSD, alcoholism and the aftermath of divorce while investigating brutal murders around Edinburgh. Well-read, misanthropic and no fan of following the rules, Rebus’ maverick behaviour sees him repeatedly suspended from the force, but his tenacity and skills earn him reprieves. Getting older as the series progresses, the DI officially retired in 2007 and took a civilian role solving cold cases, but thankfully his ageing process seems to have slowed remarkably of late and he continues to make appearances in cases run by his former colleagues.
Adam Dalgliesh, created by PD James
Tall, dark, handsome and reserved – it’s not surprising that Adam Dalgliesh has been compared to Mr Darcy, but unlike Austen’s hero his brooding nature has been heightened by tragedy. Wounded by the loss of his wife and baby in childbirth, the intensely cerebral character channels his energy into writing poetry, honing the introspection and understanding of human nature that allow him to bring a psychological perspective to the complex crimes he unpicks for Scotland Yard. Committed, observant and intellectual, Dalgliesh was promoted from DCI to Commander before he finally found personal happiness.
Varg Veum, created by Gunnar Staalesen
Scruffy and troubled, former child protection officer Varg Veum operates as a private detective in Bergen, Norway, where he is often drawn into the region’s seedy underworld – connections with Marlowe can be seen in the shady locations, heavy drinking and occasional bouts of violence. What sets these Scandi noir novels apart though is Varg’s skill in spotting the struggles that lie behind people’s actions – criminal or not – and the way in which that empathy builds nuanced characters but also informs the solving of complex cases.
Robert Colbeck, created by Edward Marston
Robert Colbeck left behind his career as a barrister to join the Metropolitan Police after the murder of a loved one. With a talent for analyzing puzzling details and following a line of enquiry, no matter how trivial it may seem, he soon becomes the first port of call when the expanding rail network of Victorian Britain proves a haven for criminal activity. Cultured, smart and a bit of a dandy, he is a chagrin to his boss and encounters a fair degree of hostility during his investigations, but attracts the affection of Madeliene as well as the press, who fondly nickname him the Railway Detective.
Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle
Well-known for his observational skills, intelligence and favouring of logic above all else, Sherlock Holmes will inevitably solve even the most complex of mysteries, even if he needs to don a disguise to so do. Legions of admirers do nothing to improve his connections with those around him though and the devoted Dr Watson is among those who find themselves on the receiving end of Holmes’ derision and sometimes brutal honesty. Wilfully Bohemian in attitude and resorting to cocaine to fill the void between cases, this groundbreaking character has come to have timeless appeal.
Thomas Ridpath, created by MJ Lee
Despite being temporarily assigned to the Coroner’s Office following treatment for cancer, DI Ridpath continues to get involved with the work being carried out by his colleagues in the Greater Manchester Police, including gritty murder investigations, violence, missing persons, and the periodic return of the ‘Beast of Manchester’. The medical element of his new role and insights into inquests bring an added perspective to the standard police procedural, as do the detective’s bending of the rules, conflicting loyalties and struggle with personal trauma.
Jack Logan, created by JD Kirk
As part of Glasgow’s Major Investigations Team DCI Logan is used to dealing with brutal criminals but is haunted by one in particular, the serial child killer Mister Whisper. While the trauma of that case has left the detective with a drinking problem and a broken marriage, he continues to use a combination of attention to detail and gut instinct to unravel the mysteries presented by his work. A cynical loner with a streak of the rebellious, he can be counted on to stand up for what’s right and brings an element of dark humour to this tartan noir series.
Craig Gillard, created by Nick Louth
DCI Gillard has the uncommon luck among fictional detectives to be free from addictions or problems with his mental health, despite suffering in his past. That said, his diligence in his work for the Surrey Police force can impinge on his personal life, with his wife Sam regularly drawn into events and the risk that Gillard will miss the birth of his child after witnessing a murder that has links to a spate of other attacks. Considered to be a more relatable character than many in the genre, he is respected by his colleagues and despite his rank is more than willing to play an active part in often-complex investigations.
Clare Mackay, created by Marion Todd
A traumatic incident sees former armed response officer DI Clare Mackay take a position with Scotland’s St Andrews force, where she tries to build a new life for herself while investigating the area’s criminal activities, starting with a hit and run after a wedding. Feisty, intelligent and capable of solving complicated thefts, murders and abduction cases, she isn’t afraid to acknowledge the strains of her work, relaxing with a glass of wine and the company of her English bull terrier Benjy before her relationship with DCI Alastair Gibson develops from initial hostility to romance.
