I heard the phrase “Private Eye July” and thought, there is a diversion in this. So this month, let’s discuss fictional detectives.
A well-written mystery often features a memorable detective. You root for them to solve the mystery as you attempt to figure it out before they do. So many of these detectives are eccentric and bigger than life. Let’s for a moment imagine some of our favorite literary detectives in real life and fit them into our lives.
I would like it if Flavia de Luce, of Alan Bradley’s mystery series, was my daughter. I would be amused by her wit and cleverness but would probably be constantly scolding her as she frequently gets into trouble.
I would love to have dinner with Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. He would be well-dressed, charming, and tell the best stories (and hopefully we would be in an art deco style restaurant eating haute cuisine).
If I committed a murder, I would like Precious Ramotswe, of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, to be on my case. She would definitely catch me but would be gentle on me when she did.
Finally, if I had to solve a mystery, I would want to work with Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club. I think they would be so much fun to hang out with and would make me feel young!
Now it is your turn. I invite you to bring your favorite literary detectives into your life. What literary detective would you like to have dinner with, vacation with, work with, date or marry, be related to, or track you down when you commit a crime?