1930s Detectives

Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” (1934) was perhaps the most famous mystery of the decade. Featuring Christie’s iconic detective, Hercule Poirot, the novel takes place on the luxurious Orient Express train as it makes its way from Istanbul to Calais. When a wealthy American passenger is found dead in his cabin, Poirot must use his powers of deduction to unravel the complex web of lies and deceit that led to the murder. With its intricate plot and colorful cast of characters, “Murder on the Orient Express” remains a beloved classic of the mystery genre.

Another popular mystery series of the 1930s was Dorothy L. Sayers’ “Lord Peter Wimsey” novels. Set in England between the World Wars, the series follows the adventures of aristocrat and amateur detective Lord Peter Wimsey as he solves a series of murders and other crimes. Sayers’ witty writing and intricate plots made the “Lord Peter Wimsey” series a favorite among mystery fans.

For readers who preferred a bit of romance with their mystery, Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca” (1938) was the perfect choice. The novel tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and moves into his sprawling estate, only to find herself haunted by the memory of his first wife, the enigmatic and beautiful Rebecca. As she begins to unravel the secrets of Rebecca’s life and death, the young woman finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of deception and betrayal.

Finally, Erle Stanley Gardner’s “Perry Mason” series introduced readers to the brilliant defense attorney who always managed to prove his clients’ innocence in the face of seemingly insurmountable evidence. With its fast-paced courtroom scenes and colorful characters, the “Perry Mason” series became a staple of the mystery genre in the 1930s and beyond.

Whether readers were drawn to the high society intrigue of Lord Peter Wimsey or the fast-paced legal drama of Perry Mason, the mysteries of the 1930s offered something for everyone. And even today, these classic novels continue to captivate readers with their timeless tales of mystery and suspense.

1930s Detectives

The 1930s was a golden age for detective fiction, and many of the most famous fictional detectives were created during this time. Here is a list of 10 of the most important fictional detectives of the 1930s:

1. Sherlock Holmes: Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is arguably the most famous fictional detective of all time. He first appeared in the novel A Study in Scarlet in 1887, and he has been featured in over 50 novels and short stories. Holmes is a brilliant detective who is known for his deductive reasoning and his ability to solve even the most complex mysteries.
2. Hercule Poirot: Created by Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot is a Belgian detective who is known for his egg-shaped head and his impeccable mustache. He first appeared in the novel The Mysterious Affair at Styles in 1920, and he has been featured in over 30 novels and short stories. Poirot is a master of disguise and deduction, and he is always able to solve the crime, no matter how difficult.
3. Miss Marple: Created by Agatha Christie, Miss Marple is a spinster who lives in a small village in England. She is known for her sharp wit and her keen observation skills, and she is always able to solve the crime, no matter how small. Miss Marple first appeared in the novel The Murder at the Vicarage in 1930, and she has been featured in over 20 novels and short stories.
4. Philip Marlowe: Created by Raymond Chandler, Philip Marlowe is a private detective who works in Los Angeles. He is a hard-boiled detective who is not afraid to get his hands dirty. He first appeared in the novel The Big Sleep in 1939, and he has been featured in over 10 novels and short stories. Marlowe is a complex character who is both cynical and idealistic.
5. Sam Spade: Created by Dashiell Hammett, Sam Spade is a private detective who works in San Francisco. He is a hard-boiled detective who is not afraid to take risks. He first appeared in the novel The Maltese Falcon in 1930, and he has been featured in over 5 novels and short stories. Spade is a tough and resourceful detective who is always willing to fight for justice.
6. Nero Wolfe: Created by Rex Stout, Nero Wolfe is a private detective who lives in New York City. He is a brilliant detective who is known for his intellect and his love of food. He first appeared in the novel Fer-de-Lance in 1934, and he has been featured in over 40 novels and short stories. Wolfe is a complex character who is both brilliant and eccentric.
7. Ellery Queen: Created by Frederic Dannay and Manfred B. Lee, Ellery Queen is a mystery writer who also happens to be a detective. He is known for his clever puzzles and his ability to solve even the most complex mysteries. He first appeared in the novel The Roman Hat Mystery in 1929, and he has been featured in over 40 novels and short stories. Queen is a popular character who has been adapted into several films and television shows.
8. Charlie Chan: Created by Earl Derr Biggers, Charlie Chan is a Chinese-American detective who works for the Honolulu Police Department. He is known for his wisdom and his ability to solve even the most complex mysteries. He first appeared in the novel The House Without a Key in 1925, and he has been featured in over 40 novels and short stories. Chan is a popular character who has been adapted into several films and television shows.
9. The Hardy Boys: Created by Franklin W. Dixon, The Hardy Boys are two teenage brothers who solve mysteries. They are known for their courage and their ability to solve even the most dangerous mysteries. They first appeared in the novel The Tower Treasure in 1929, and they have been featured in over 200 novels and short stories. The Hardy Boys are popular characters who have been adapted into several films and television shows.
10. Nancy Drew: Created by Edward Stratemeyer, Nancy Drew is a teenage detective who solves mysteries. She is known for her intelligence and her ability to solve even the most dangerous mysteries. She first appeared in the novel The Secret of the Old Clock in 1930, and she has been featured in over 200 novels and short stories. Nancy Drew is a popular character who has been adapted into several films and television shows.