Best fictional detective/sleuth?

Post Reply New Topic

Okay, I'm running a poll of various fictional detectives and sleuths. In the recent anime series Death Note, L is a sleuth in the style of Sherlock Holmes, amongst others. I thought that I would offer a poll with various detectives from various works of fiction, ranging from books to film.

C Auguste Dupin- One of the first detectives who used deductive reasoning processes, Dupin was the invention of Edgar Allan Poe, and was the lead in the stories Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Mystery of Marie Roget, and The Purloined Letter.


Sherlock Holmes- Considered the most famous fictional detective, this character created by Arthur Conan Doyle (and inspired by both Dupin and Doyle's own mentor, Dr Joesph Bell) began his adventures in A Study in Scarlet, and whose observational processes border on the supernatural. He is often helped by Dr John Watson, who also transcribed their adventures. Holmes continues to inspire homages and parodies to this day.


Hercule Poirot- Belgian detective and brilliant investigator, he looks more into the circumstances of the murder rather than forensics. Created by Agatha Christie, he remains popular to this day.

Miss Jane Marple- An elderly spinster and amateur detective, Miss Marple is another of Agatha Christie's creations. While often coming across as confused and bemused, she actually has a sharp, logical mind that helps solve mysteries. That, coupled with her profound understanding of human nature, makes her a formidable detective.

Batman- While considered a superhero, Batman is really a sleuth with a different, more vigilante edge. Rich heir Bruce Wayne witnesses the brutal murder of his parents. Training his body and mind, he decides to take the fight to the criminals, and uses the terrifying, elemental symbol of a bat to strike fear into criminals. While Batman's dark nature sometimes leaves a lot to be desired, his efforts have saved many lives more than once.

Gil Grissom- A character created for the first CSI: Crime Scene Investigation series, Gil Grissom is very much a powerful thinker. Though he works for the police (unlike previous ones in this list), he is very much his own man with various eccentricities and an interest in subjects ranging from human nature, forensic entomology, and roller coasters (using tone of the Vegas roller coasters to unwind after some cases). He is very much a man committed to seeing justice done.

'L'- A mysterious and enigmatic detective from the manga/anime series Death Note, sometimes called in by Interpol to solve otherwise unsolvable cases, L is very much a man of mystery, who only reveals his face to a few members of the Japanese NPA when circumstances lead him to do so in order to gain their trust. A scruffy, eccentric young man from England, L is Light 'Kira' Yagami's main opponent, yet despite their opposition, L is very much like Light in terms of their morality. Despite his penchant for eating sugary things and sitting in a weird crouching position, L is a brilliant investigator, and while some of his methods leave a lot to be desired, he is a brillaint character.

Okay, cast your votes, people.

I am surprised that Detective Bobby Goren isn't listed in this poll.

Weeee! I love Poirot.

I have a cat named after him, all the DVDs of the TV show and film adaptations, all the books, and the 2 PC games featuring him.
His focus on the small, unexplained details of a crime are also something I love about him, and more proof that he's clearly an Aspie.

Here is a link to a Japanese anime version of "The ABC murders":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0IhC-bMmM8

I voted for Sherlock Holmes, but the best fictional detective is definitely Batman

Of TV sleuths My favourite is the lead "Jack" from Touch Of Frost.

I voted for Grissom mainly because I don't really know the others, and CSI shows all the stuff around it. Though as for "current" sleuths, what about Dinozzo from CSI? Just joshin' quatermass... I would change my vote from Grissom to Frost if you do update the poll though. Otherwise I am quite happy leaving my vote where it is.

You don't list Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Scooby Doo, or Matlock.

The answer is L, no contest.

Of the ones I know, I voted Bobby Goren from Law and Order, with Gil Grissom coming in a close second.

Poirot! A true eccentric
I created a thread about him a few days ago.

No one listed can de-throne Sherlock Holmes!

Gil Grissom comes a close second.

So Sherlock Holmes in first place with 4 votes, and Poirot and L tied in second with 3 votes each. Interesting. I was surprised to see votes for the Agatha Christie characters, but I thought I should include them just in case. Actually, Agatha Christie will be appearing in a new Doctor Who story next season, in The Unicorn and The Wasp.

So hard to choose. I love det. fiction -- especially British TV. But in the end I just had to go with Holmes.

Of the poll choices, Poirot is a close second.

I don't watch enough TV, so I can't decide.