A good mystery can be made or unmade by the point of view character that guides us through the story. A great main character sets the stage for how we can expect a story to unfold. I've grabbed three different flavors of detectives in our collection that all tell stories unique to their perspective and talents.

"The bizarre adventures of eccentric 'holistic' detective Dirk Gently and his reluctant assistant Todd." - From catalog description

One of the best examples of a mystery box show that starts and finishes its' mystery in one season. (Luckily, we got two seasons for this show!) Dirk is a holistic detective that solves cases by just following vibes before we started saying vibes so casually. He's the type of character that will follow someone who just seems like they know where they are going. There are many wild and timey-wimey (IYKYK) moments in the pilot and great humor. It is impressive how well the show ties itself together through so many disparate pieces.

"Our lady sleuth sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of late 1920's Melbourne, fighting injustice with her pearl-handled pistol and her dagger sharp wit.- - From catalog description

Phyrne Fisher is the female detective you can't help but love even if you envy how easy she makes it all look.

Tragic backstory? Check. 

A wicked bob? Check. 

Charisma strong enough to slowly corrupt (in a mostly good way) everyone around her? Check check check.

She is sex appeal. She is morally upstanding with an interesting perspective and surrounded by the coolest ensemble cast that not only complements her, but can stand apart on their own with compelling lives and plot points that barely overlap with her.

"Twenty years after the events of the novel The Maltese Falcon, Sam Spade has retired in the small town of Bozouls in the South of France. It's 1963, the war has ended, and in a very short time, so, too, will Spade's tranquility." -From Kanopy Description

Sam Spade has relocated to France. He's smart, confident, no nonsense and mature. When I think of a traditional detective, I think of Sam. The thing that sets him apart from the default vanilla model is a lack of hunger. This Sam is one who has already loved someone and buried them. He doesn't suffer fools even if they are children. And he doesn't move quickly, but he does move deliberately. The writing for him and this world is really something special. The world is purposeful and rich.  

Check it out on Kanopy here!

Do you have any favorite tv detectives that inspire you to look closer at the world around you?

If you love a good mystery, we have a few book clubs and events you can check out to discuss with other fans!

Killer Thrillers meets @ Main on the first Thursday of each month. This month's book is Coded Justice by Stacey Abrams and will meet Thursday August, 6th from 12-1pm.

@ Goodletsville on August 6th, from 5-7:30pm they will be meeting for a 1980's Murder Mystery

It’s 1985, and shooting is about to begin on the latest blockbuster movie from Mr. Honcho L. Stree: Blastdance: the Explosive Teen Musical. Suddenly, there’s an explosion from the next soundstage, and Mr. Stree has been murdered! It's up to you to find out who.

Registration closes 1 week before event and is required. Adults only. Character names and profiles emailed after signup.

Awards for best detective, best costume, best performer, most likely to commit a crime, and best liar.

As the Page Turns meets the 3rd Wednesday @ Inglewood from 6:30-7:30. August 19th the book selection is Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose