The Most Famous Detective in Literature, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the detective you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 13, 2024 07:07
When attempting to decide which sleuth stands out among the iconic detectives created in literary history, varied opinions often cloud a clear verdict. Each detective character brings a unique blend of intellect, deductive prowess, and personality. Creating a rank list where enthusiasts can cast their votes helps to highlight which characters resonate most with readers across different cultures and ages.
By participating in this ranking, every enthusiast contributes to a democratic selection process that marks out the most admired literary detectives. The evolving list reflects changing tastes and new insights as more fans contribute their viewpoints. This ongoing input ensures that the list stays current and representative of a broad spectrum of perspectives.
Who Is the Most Famous Detective in Literature?
-
166votes
Special Collections Toronto Public Library from Toronto, Canada · Public domainSir Arthur Conan Doyle's creation has become the epitome of the detective genre. Known for his sharp intellect, deductive reasoning, and masterful disguises, Holmes is the most famous literary detective of all time.Sherlock Holmes in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous detective in real life
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous literary character
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular main characters
-
221votesAgatha Christie's Belgian detective is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to solve the most complicated of cases. He is known for his eccentricities and his signature mustache.Hercule Poirot in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous detective in real life
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Belgian
-
321votesAnother creation of Agatha Christie, Miss Marple is an elderly spinster who solves mysteries with her sharp mind and knowledge of human nature. She is known for her unassuming appearance and her ability to see through people's lies.Miss Marple in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous female detective
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular female detective in literature
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous detective in real life
-
410votes
National Motion Picture Council · Public domainRaymond Chandler's private detective is known for his hard-boiled attitude and his ability to navigate the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. He is a classic example of the noir detective. -
521votes
my own screen capture · Public domainDashiell Hammett's detective is another example of the noir detective. He is known for his tough, no-nonsense attitude and his ability to solve the toughest cases. He is the protagonist of Hammett's most famous work, The Maltese Falcon. -
64votesDorothy L. Sayers' aristocratic detective is known for his wit, charm, and intelligence. He is a master of disguise and a skilled investigator. He is also known for his love of literature and his appreciation for the finer things in life.
-
74votesP.D. James' detective is a poet and a detective. He is known for his introspective nature and his ability to see the world in a unique way. He is also a skilled investigator who is able to solve the most complicated cases.
-
87votesColin Dexter's detective is known for his love of opera, his sharp mind, and his gruff demeanor. He is a classic example of the British detective and has appeared in numerous novels and television adaptations.
-
96votes
Crowell Publishing Company, illustration by Carl Mueller · Public domainRex Stout's detective is known for his love of food, his eccentricities, and his ability to solve the most complicated cases from the comfort of his own home. He is a classic example of the armchair detective. -
106votesG.K. Chesterton's detective is a Roman Catholic priest who solves mysteries with his knowledge of human nature and his understanding of the human psyche. He is known for his humility and his ability to see the good in people.
Missing your favorite detective?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for famous detective
-
PopularityThe popularity of the character among readers is an important factor, as it indicates the impact the character has had in popular culture.
-
Intelligence and reasoning abilityA great detective must have a sharp, analytical mind and excellent reasoning skills.
-
Solving complex casesThe detective should be able to solve complex mystery cases and have a high success rate.
-
Memorable character traitsThe detective should have memorable character traits that make them stand out from other detectives.
-
Enduring legacyThe detective's lasting impact on literature and culture over time is also important in determining their ranking.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous detective in literature. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Detective is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1752 views
- 159 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Detective once every 24 hours. The rank of each Detective is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous detective in literature
In the world of literature, detectives have always been a popular character archetype. From the classic Sherlock Holmes to the modern-day Nancy Drew, these sleuths have captured the imagination of readers for generations. But who is the most famous detective in literature?
The answer to this question is subjective and open to interpretation. Some might argue that Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is the most famous detective of all time. He has become a cultural icon, with his trademark deerstalker hat and pipe becoming synonymous with the detective genre.
Others might argue that Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot deserves the title of most famous detective. Poirot's fastidious nature and sharp mind have made him a beloved character in the world of literature and beyond.
Other contenders for the title might include Edgar Allan Poe's C. Auguste Dupin, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's other famous detective, Professor Moriarty, or even the Hardy Boys.
Regardless of who you believe is the most famous detective in literature, there is no denying the impact these characters have had on the genre. Their stories have captured the imaginations of readers for generations and will continue to do so for years to come.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
