Gumshoes, flatfoots, private eyes, bloodhounds, hawkshaws, sleuths… whatever you call them, detectives make great reading, and everyone loves detective stories.

From forensic medical examiners to little old lady spies, from amateur teen sleuths to the grittiest of private dicks, the list of beloved recurring characters in fiction dedicated to the art of solving crimes is a long one. We’ve put together a guide to some of the best snoops out there, to help give you a clue. Roderick Alleyn, Miss Marple, Lord Peter Wimsey, Mrs. Pollifax….tell us, what fictional literary detective did we miss?