The obvious first choice, Holmes is the most iconic fictional detective ever created and one of the most interesting. His genius is legendary and he has become such a part of western culture that some people are tricked into thinking he really existed.

Casual fans may call foul, thinking he's a superhero but Batman has no super powers and originally appeared in Detective Comics. Above all else, Batman is a crime fighter, using detective skills to hunt down and apprehend criminals. Batman attained success largely due to his brilliant mind and is considered the greatest detective in the DC Universe.

An Agatha Christie creation, Poirot is a Belgian detective who works in England. Known for his meticulous mustache, dandified dressing habits, and obsession with order and neatness he is one of the most easily recognizable fictional detectives.

A fictional detective from television, Monk is unique as the only obsessive compulsive detective. His brilliant detective work and genius level ability is tempered by his numerous psychological problems, making him a very interesting character.

In addition to her knack for finding the true culprit, this not-so-helpless old lady has a habit of confronting the culprit alone and unarmed.

He operated under the handicap that he never left his New York Brownstone.

HE CAN SOLVE ANY MYSERTY

As a teenage girl, she apprenticed with her father who was a former sheriff and current private detective and honed her skills in such cases as finding her best friend's killer and her own rapist.

Kinsey is the creation of Sue Grafton. she meets all the time honored critera. she is good with the laconic come back. Her character is interesting. With titles ranging from A is for alibi to T is for Tresspass there is plenty to read.