The Most Famous Detective in Real Life, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the detective you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 8, 2024 07:07
Determining the most impactful detective in real life isn't just about trivia; it affects how we view investigative methods and law enforcement history. A detective's fame may derive from the complexity of the cases they've solved, the methods they've pioneered, or the influence they've had on public safety policies. By ranking these professionals, we gain insights into what makes an effective detective and which strategies stand the test of time.
This dynamic ranking emerges from the votes of users like you, who contribute their perspectives and preferences to shape a clearer picture of detective excellence. Each vote helps to adjust the prominence given to each detective, reflecting shifts in public opinion and new understandings of their achievements. Partaking in this process not only enriches the list but also deepens the public's understanding of the crucial roles detectives play in society.
Who Is the Most Famous Detective in Real Life?
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132votes
Special Collections Toronto Public Library from Toronto, Canada · Public domainAlthough Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he is still widely recognized as one of the most famous detectives in history. His sharp intellect, deductive reasoning, and attention to detail have inspired countless other detectives and shaped the genre of detective fiction.Sherlock Holmes in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous detective in literature
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous literary character
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular main characters
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232votes
Brady's National photographic Galleries · Public domainAllan Pinkerton was a Scottish-American detective and the founder of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. He is known for his work as a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War and for his role in tracking down and capturing notorious outlaws such as Jesse James and the Wild Bunch. -
323votesHercule Poirot is another fictional detective, created by Agatha Christie. He is known for his fastidiousness, his mustache, and his "little grey cells" that allow him to solve even the most complex of cases.Hercule Poirot in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous detective in literature
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Belgian
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419votesJoe Kenda is a retired homicide detective from Colorado Springs, Colorado, who gained national attention for his work on the Investigation Discovery series Homicide Hunter. Kenda solved over 400 homicide cases during his career and is known for his no-nonsense approach to police work.
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59votes
Unknown photographer · Public domainKate Warne was the first female detective in the United States, working for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in the mid-19th century. She is known for her role in uncovering a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861. -
615votesMartin Hewitt is a fictional detective created by Arthur Morrison. He appeared in a series of short stories published in the late 19th century and is considered one of the pioneers of the detective genre. Hewitt is known for his calm demeanor and his ability to solve seemingly unsolvable cases.
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79votesWilliam Burns was a detective and the founder of the William J. Burns International Detective Agency, which he later sold to Pinkerton. He is known for his work on high-profile cases such as the Lindbergh kidnapping and the Teapot Dome scandal.
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87votesMiss Marple is another fictional detective created by Agatha Christie. She is an elderly spinster who solves crimes in her small English village through her knowledge of human nature and her sharp observation skills.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 3 of 10 in Most famous detective in literature
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99votes
Marion S. Trikosko · Public domainJ. Edgar Hoover was the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1924 until his death in 1972. He is known for his controversial tactics, including illegal wiretapping and surveillance, and for his role in shaping the modern FBI.J. Edgar Hoover in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous FBI agent
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person from Washington, D.C.
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108votesNancy Drew is a fictional detective created by publisher Edward Stratemeyer. She first appeared in 1930 and has since become a cultural icon, inspiring generations of young girls to pursue careers in law enforcement and criminal justice.Nancy Drew in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous female detective
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular female detective in literature
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous detective in real life. 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
- 2314 views
- 165 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 real life
Detectives have always fascinated us with their ability to solve complex mysteries and bring criminals to justice. From books to movies to TV shows, we have seen numerous fictional detectives who have captured our imagination. However, there are also real-life detectives who have made a significant impact on the world of crime-solving. These detectives have solved some of the most notorious crimes in history, and their stories continue to inspire and intrigue us to this day. In this article, we explore the most famous detective in real life and delve into their fascinating life and career.
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