Group: 21-11 group Content Introduction chapter about detective writers

Philip Marlowe

The fictional detective Philip Marlowe first featured in the novel "The Big Sleep" and also featured in "the Long Goodbye" written by Raymond Chandler. The fictional American private detective is also featured in a few short stories. He is depicted as a heavy drinker and a smoker. He takes on all sorts of cases but declines any that involve divorce. The 6 feet tall detective uses alcohol to get people to loosen up as shown in "The High Window". He is a lover of chess and is also quite witty.

Nancy Drew

Nancy is another famous detective in Literature. She first featured in 1930 with several books that were ghostwritten under the collection name Carolyn Keene. However, she was created by Edward Stratemeyer. The 18 year old American girl enjoys unraveling mysteries and sometimes helping her father, Attorney Carson Drew, with his cases. 2 television shows, 5 films and computer games feature Nancy Drew. Nancy is assisted by two of her closest friends George Fayne and Bess Marvin. Sometimes her boyfriend, Ned Nickerson, also chips in.

The Hardy Boys

The Hardy Boys, Joe and Frank Hardy -- the three very famous detectives first appeared in 1927 and have featured in several adventure books for both children and teenagers. These fictional American characters were created by Edward Stratemeyer. The two fictional detectives have appeared in book and television shows and computer games. A parody version of them is seen on South Park. The cases they have encountered include murder, international espionage as well as violence. The two boys go undercover when investigating cases, and sometimes they receive help from their friends.

Miss Marple

Miss Marple is a creation of Agatha Christie and was first featured in "The Tuesday Night Club" in 1926. Since then, she has appeared in 20 short stories and 12 crime novels. She is an elderly spinster who resides in St. Mary Mead where she spends her free time solving an assortment of mysteries. She is a refined and educated elderly woman who puts into practice her experience, keen wit, and knowledge to the challenges that arise when solving crime. Over the last 40 years, her character has evolved remarkably. She started as a nasty and shrill gossip to a mature dynamic lady. When solving a case, she relates it to an experience in her past and casually comments on key details of her present case.