Detectives and Their Authors Trivia Quiz

Answer: Edgar Allan Poe

C. Auguste Dupin, a detective created by Edgar Allan Poe, is often regarded as the first fictional detective, and his methods laid the foundation for the modern detective genre. Dupin made his debut in "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" in 1841, which is considered the first detective story. He became the archetype for all detectives that came after him, long before Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot came onto the scene. He also appears in two other stories by Poe, "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt" (1842) and "The Purloined Letter" (1844). Dupin is portrayed as a highly intelligent, analytical thinker who relies on logic and keen observation to solve crimes.

Dupin's approach to solving mysteries involves a deep understanding of psychology, which allows him to get inside the minds of criminals and understand their motivations. He is famous for his ability to make seemingly impossible deductions based on minimal evidence, often uncovering details that others miss. His methods resemble what we now call 'ratiocination', a process of reasoning that became the hallmark of several future well-known literary detectives.

Answer: Jo Nesbø

Harry Hole, created by Norwegian author Jo Nesbø, is a compelling and complex character in the realm of contemporary crime fiction. He is the protagonist of a series of novels that began with "The Bat" in 1997 and includes several critically acclaimed titles, such as "The Snowman" and "The Leopard". Hole is a detective with the Oslo Police Service, known for his unorthodox methods, keen intuition, and often troubled personal life.

One of the defining characteristics of Harry Hole is his troubled, flawed nature. He is a brilliant investigator but also a deeply troubled individual, often battling his inner demons, including alcoholism and personal trauma. Hole's struggles with addiction and his tendency to push people away add literary depth to his character, making him both relatable and tragic. His flaws often interfere with his professional life, leading him into dangerous situations and causing friction with his colleagues and superiors. Hole's investigative style is marked by intuition and a willingness to think outside the box. He often relies on gut feelings and unconventional methods, which can clash with the more procedural approach of his colleagues. Despite his complex humanity, he is dedicated to his work and possesses an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter the personal cost.

Answer: G.K. Chesterton

Father Brown, created by British author G.K. Chesterton, is one of the most beloved and enduring characters in detective fiction. He first appeared in a 1911 collection of short stories titled "The Innocence of Father Brown" and has since become synonymous with the 'cozy mystery' subgenre. Unlike many traditional detectives, Father Brown is a Roman Catholic priest who uses his understanding of human nature, morality, and theology to solve crimes, rather than relying on physical prowess or forensic science.

Father Brown's character is defined by his humility, kindness, and keen insight into the human condition. He often finds himself in the company of criminals and suspects, and his ability to empathize with them allows him to uncover the truth behind their motives. This empathetic approach makes him a unique figure in detective fiction; rather than seeing criminals as simply evil, he seeks to understand their motivations, often leading him to insights that traditional detectives might overlook. His deep faith and moral convictions guide his actions and inform his understanding of right and wrong. He is often accompanied by the astute and somewhat cynical Detective Chief Inspector Gideon Fell. Together, their styles, however contrasting, often help them to solve the complex puzzles left by the crimes they are solving.

Answer: Colin Dexter

Inspector Morse, created by British author Colin Dexter, is one of the most well-known and beloved detectives in British crime fiction. He first appeared in "Last Bus to Woodstock" (1975) and went on to feature in thirteen novels and numerous adaptations, including the highly successful TV series "Inspector Morse", which ran from 1987 to 2000. Morse is an intellectual, cultured, and somewhat melancholic and curmudgeonly character, quite different from many of the hard-boiled or eccentric detectives found in other literary traditions. Solving cases with his assistant, Detective Sergeant Robbie Lewis, the two blend the logical with the pragmatic, which often leads to productive results.

Set in the picturesque and intellectually rich city of Oxford, Morse's cases often involve intricate puzzles that reflect his creator's fascination with classical literature, music, and the arts. Morse himself is a highly intelligent, well-read detective who enjoys classical music, especially opera, with a particular fondness for Wagner. He also enjoys cryptic crosswords, a reflection of his love for solving intellectual challenges. His cases often involve complex, layered mysteries with subtle clues, and they frequently explore moral and philosophical questions.

Answer: Agatha Christie

Hercule Poirot, created by the legendary British author Agatha Christie, is one of the most iconic and enduring detectives in literary history. First introduced in "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" in 1920, Poirot is a Belgian private detective known for his meticulous approach to solving crimes, his keen observational skills, and his distinctive personality. His character is a quintessential example of the 'gentleman detective' who blends intellect, charm, and a touch of eccentricity.

Poirot is often described as small, meticulous, and fastidious in his appearance, with a well-groomed moustache and a penchant for tailored suits. His personal grooming and precise nature reflect his belief in order and symmetry, which also extend to his methods of investigation. He has a deep appreciation for the finer things in life, including fine food and art, which adds to his character's charm. Poirot's self-assured nature and somewhat pompous attitude often lead him to regard himself as superior to others, which can create amusing dynamics with those around him. Many of Christie's novels involve a classic 'whodunit' format, where Poirot must sift through a series of red herrings and misleading clues to reveal the perpetrator.

Answer: Douglas Adams

Dirk Gently, the eccentric holistic detective created by British author Douglas Adams, is a character unlike any other in the detective genre. First appearing in "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency" in 1987, he is not your typical sleuth. Unlike traditional detectives who rely on logic, observation, and deduction, Dirk embraces the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. His holistic approach to solving mysteries is based on the idea that everything is fundamentally connected, even if the connections seem bizarre or unrelated.

Dirk Gently (whose actual name is Svlad Cjelli) runs a private detective agency that specializes in solving mysteries of a more unusual and metaphysical nature. His methods are often unconventional, to say the least, and seem chaotic and random at times. Rather than actively seeking clues or pursuing suspects, Dirk follows his belief in the holistic nature of the universe, allowing himself to be led by chance and intuition. He often claims that solving one mystery requires solving all mysteries, which results in a very roundabout way of investigating. Despite his seemingly haphazard approach, Dirk's methods usually lead to surprising and unexpected solutions that reveal the deeper, interconnected patterns of events.

Answer: Dashiell Hammett

Sam Spade, a detective created by Dashiell Hammett, is a central figure in hard-boiled detective fiction and a key influence on the genre. He made his debut in the 1930 novel "The Maltese Falcon", Hammett's most famous novel, which has become a cornerstone of noir literature. Spade is a tough, no-nonsense private investigator operating in San Francisco, and his character embodies the gritty, morally ambiguous world of crime fiction that Hammett helped pioneer.

Unlike some detectives who are guided by a strong moral compass, Spade is often more difficult to read. Physically, Spade is described as tall, blond, and somewhat wolfish, with a lean, sharp look that complements his hard-edged personality. Emotionally, he is guarded and aloof. He operates in a world where right and wrong are not always clearly defined, and he frequently makes decisions based on practical, self-preserving logic rather than any deep-seated sense of justice. This pragmatic approach gives him a detached, enigmatic quality. At the same time, Spade is not without honour - he lives by his own set of rules and principles, which might not align with conventional morality but are nonetheless consistent and firm.

Answer: Raymond Chandler

Philip Marlowe, created by Raymond Chandler, is one of the most iconic figures in hard-boiled detective fiction. He first appeared in 1939 in "The Big Sleep", and over the course of several novels, he became the quintessential private investigator of mid-20th century American noir fiction. Marlowe is known for his sharp wit, moral code, and tough, cynical outlook on the world, all of which make him a compelling character who has left a lasting imprint on the genre.

Unlike the more intellectual or eccentric detectives like Sherlock Holmes or Nero Wolfe, Marlowe operates in a gritty, dangerous world filled with corruption, crime, and moral ambiguity. Set primarily in Los Angeles, Chandler's novels depict a city rife with vice, where wealthy elites and street criminals often blur together; somewhere Marlowe must navigate the underworld while adhering to his personal code of honour. Despite his often jaded perspective, Marlowe is a fundamentally decent man who seeks justice, even if it means getting his hands dirty along the way.

Answer: Rex Stout

Nero Wolfe, created by American author Rex Stout, is a unique and memorable figure in the world of detective fiction. He first appeared in "Fer-de-Lance" in 1934 and went on to feature in 33 novels and numerous short stories. Wolfe stands out among literary detectives for his eccentricities, remarkable intellect, and unconventional approach to solving crimes. Unlike detectives such as Sherlock Holmes or Philip Marlowe, Wolfe is a decidedly sedentary figure who rarely leaves his luxurious New York City brownstone, preferring to delegate the legwork to his assistant, Archie Goodwin.

Physically, Wolfe is famously obese, a characteristic that Stout uses to emphasize his sedentary lifestyle and self-imposed isolation. He spends much of his time tending to his beloved orchids, indulging in gourmet meals, and maintaining a rigid daily routine. Despite his reclusiveness, Wolfe possesses an extraordinary mind, solving complex mysteries with his sharp intellect and unparalleled deductive skills. He is a master of observation and deduction, and, similar to Sherlock Holmes, he often arrives at solutions through keen observation and the application of logic and reason.

Answer: Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is one of the most iconic and enduring characters in literary history. First appearing in the 1887 novel "A Study in Scarlet", Holmes quickly became synonymous with brilliant deductive reasoning, keen observation, and forensic science. One might say that his was the 19th-century precursor to today's "CSI". In total, Holmes starred in four novels and 56 short stories, making him a significant figure in detective fiction and one of the best-known. Holmes is often accompanied by his loyal friend and biographer, Dr. John Watson, who narrates most of the stories and serves as a foil to Holmes's remarkable intellect.

Holmes' method is famously based on deduction and the application of logic to solve crimes. He can infer detailed conclusions from seemingly trivial clues, such as a speck of dirt, a type of tobacco ash, or the wear on a person's clothing. His analytical mind allows him to piece together complex puzzles and solve cases that baffle Scotland Yard and other investigators. One of Holmes' central tenets is that when you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.