Edgar Allan Poe's "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841) is widely regarded as the first modern detective story, introducing the iconic character of C. Auguste Dupin.

Wilkie Collins' "The Moonstone" (1868) is considered a seminal work in the locked-room mystery genre, setting the stage for future authors to explore this intriguing storytelling device.

Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, is renowned for his exceptional deductive skills and his reliance on scientific methods to solve crimes.

Miss Marple, an elderly spinster sleuth created by Agatha Christie, is known for her sharp wit, keen observation, and ability to solve crimes based on her understanding of human nature.

Agatha Christie is widely considered one of the leading figures of the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction," which spanned the 1920s and 1930s.

Dashiell Hammett is often credited with pioneering the hardboiled detective novel, a subgenre characterized by its gritty realism and focus on crime and corruption.

Patricia Highsmith is renowned for her psychological thrillers, which delve into the dark recesses of the human mind and explore complex moral dilemmas.

Philip Marlowe, created by Raymond Chandler, is a quintessential hardboiled detective known for his tough exterior, sharp wit, and unwavering dedication to justice.

Stieg Larsson is widely credited with popularizing the "Nordic Noir" genre with his "Millennium" trilogy, featuring the character Lisbeth Salander.

Harry Hole, created by Jo Nesbø, is a complex and troubled detective whose personal struggles often intertwine with his professional pursuits.

C.J. Sansom is renowned for his historical mysteries set in Tudor England, which combine meticulous research with compelling storytelling.

Brother Cadfael, created by Ellis Peters, is a beloved medieval detective known for his herbal healing skills and his ability to solve mysteries in a turbulent historical period.

Thomas Harris is renowned for his psychological thrillers, particularly his Hannibal Lecter series, which explores the dark recesses of the human psyche.

L.A. Confidential is a crime novel by James Ellroy, featuring a group of LAPD detectives who uncover a web of corruption and conspiracy in 1950s Los Angeles.

Louise Penny is renowned for her mysteries set in the fictional village of Three Pines, Quebec, which explore the complexities of human relationships and the darker aspects of small-town life.