Meny

Sample of literary figures

  • C.W. Sughrue

    Male

    C.W. stands for Chauncey Wayne, but not many people know that. He is a private detective in Meriweather i Montana – where also author James Crumley’s other private detective, Milo Milodragovitch, is found. C.W. is a shabby war veteran and drug-abuser, always ready to resort to violence and he admits himself that he is “a mean son of a bitch”. He solves cases in his own way, is heavy-handed but effective.

    Further reading

  • Beate Stein

    Female

    A young police detective in Dortmund, blond and with green eyes, and tough enough (or more than so) to survive and thrive in a male-dominated workplace. Beate Stein is a heterosexual feminist who prefers to put men behind bars rather than women, but she never cheats in her work. Through the books by Sabine Deitmer, she has become something of a figurehead for what is known as <i>Frauen-Krimis</i>.

    Further reading

  • Harry Hole

    Male

    Harry Hole is Jo Nesbø’s creation. Hole is immensely popular among readers even outside Nesbø’s native Norway. He is a police officer with a serious drinking problem and countless scars acquired in the line of duty. His methods are unconventional, he is headstrong and he is unpopular with both his superiors and his colleagues. The stories about him are more like hardboiled American thrillers than traditional detective stories.

    Further reading

  • Derek Strange

    Male

    Former police officer who has made a career change and become a private detective in a suite of novels by George P. Pelecanos. He is well-built, with grey hair and beard, and loves music. He has a sporadic relationship with his assistant Janine Baker, and is a ‘reserve dad’ for her son, Lionel. Derek Strange lives alone with his dog, Greco, a boxer. He is sometimes greatly helped by another former police officer, Terry Quinn.

    Further reading