best private investigator novels

Another great one is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. Sam Spade, the private eye in this novel, is tough and resourceful. The hunt for the valuable Maltese Falcon statuette is full of double - crosses and unexpected twists. It's a classic that has influenced many detective stories.

One of the best private investigator stories is about a PI who was hired to find a missing heir. The heir had disappeared years ago, and the family needed to find them to claim a large inheritance. The PI started by interviewing the remaining family members, but they were uncooperative at first. However, through persistent digging and following up on old leads, the PI discovered that the heir had changed their identity and was living in a small town. The PI managed to make contact and reunite the heir with their family. It was a great success story for the investigator.

Sure. 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith is a great start. It's set in Botswana and features Precious Ramotswe, a charming and intelligent female private investigator. The stories are often light - hearted and give a great introduction to the genre.

The main character, the private investigator, is often a loner with a strong sense of justice. Like in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson, Lisbeth Salander is a unique investigator with her own moral code. These characters usually have to navigate a seedy underworld filled with dangerous characters and hidden motives.

A private investigator had a very interesting case of a missing person. A college student had vanished without a trace. The PI started by looking at the student's social media, talking to friends and professors. They found out that the student had joined an off - campus club that had some shady activities. The PI infiltrated the club and discovered that the student had been held against their will for some illegal activities. The PI managed to rescue the student and expose the club's wrongdoings.

One characteristic is complex characters. In modern private investigator novels, the investigators often have a troubled past or some personal demons that add depth to their personalities. For example, they might be a former cop who left the force under a cloud, which gives them an edge and a certain cynicism. Another aspect is the use of modern technology. These days, private eyes use all kinds of high - tech gadgets like surveillance drones, advanced computer hacking tools (in the story world), and GPS trackers to solve cases. Also, the settings in modern private investigator novels are often gritty urban landscapes, full of seedy bars, abandoned warehouses, and high - rise office buildings that hide all kinds of secrets.

Often, they have strong - willed protagonists. For example, in Patricia Cornwell's novels, Kay Scarpetta is a determined and intelligent character. The settings are usually detailed, whether it's the urban landscapes or the more rural areas of Virginia. This helps to create an immersive atmosphere for the mystery.

One popular one is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the iconic private investigator Philip Marlowe and is full of complex mysteries and sharp dialogue.

Well, without knowing specifically which fictional private investigator in these 19 novels, it's hard to be very detailed. But generally, a fictional private investigator often has a sharp mind, great detective skills. They might be dealing with various mysteries like murders, disappearances, or thefts in the stories.

One common theme is the connection to the land. American Indian cultures have a deep bond with the land, and in these novels, the investigation often involves places that are significant to the tribe. For example, in many stories, a crime might be related to a sacred site, and the investigator has to navigate the cultural and spiritual importance of that place while solving the mystery.