10 Most Important Private Detectives in the USA

Private Detectives in the USA

The "10 most important" private detectives in the USA is tricky because "importance" can be measured in different ways: fame, impact on the profession, longevity, case notoriety, etc. Also, a lot of the work of private investigators is, by nature, private!

to ready also:

• Ten Notable Unsolved Crime Cases in the United States
• 10 murder cases that happened in New York City in the last 50 years

However, I can give you a list of 10 influential and well-known private detectives, both real and fictional, who have significantly contributed to the public perception and understanding of the profession:

Here's a list blending real-life and fictional characters, keeping in mind their impact:

Real-Life Influential Private Detectives:

Allan Pinkerton (1819-1884): A true pioneer, Pinkerton was a Scottish-born American detective and spy. He founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, one of the first of its kind in the US. He is known for his work on railroad security and his famous "Pinkerton men." He had a major impact on the development of investigative methods and private security in the United States.

Kate Warne (1833-1868): Working for Pinkerton, Warne was one of the first female detectives in the US. Her success in going undercover and her ability to gain trust made her an important figure in the early history of the profession. She was famously involved with foiling an assassination attempt on Abraham Lincoln.

Robert L. Jones (1934-2022): A very prolific PI who opened his firm in 1964, he was known for his work that included helping exonerate individuals wrongly convicted of murder or other serious crimes. He received numerous awards for his investigations.

Thomas F. McGoey (1936-2018): Worked in the private sector after leaving the FBI. He was the president and CEO of The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Fictional Characters Who Influenced the Image of Private Detectives:

Sherlock Holmes (Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle): While technically British, Holmes' impact on the detective genre is undeniable. His methods of observation and deduction, along with his focus on evidence and reason, heavily influenced the portrayal of detectives in American fiction. He set the bar, and many private eyes are inspired by his work and methods.

Sam Spade (Created by Dashiell Hammett): This hard-boiled detective, introduced in The Maltese Falcon, epitomizes the cynical, morally ambiguous private investigator of the hard-boiled school. Spade is a major influence in the genre.

Philip Marlowe (Created by Raymond Chandler): Marlowe, the quintessential "knight errant" of the mean streets, popularized the idea of the detective as a lonely, principled figure in a corrupt world. He's known for his cynical wit and moral code.

Mike Hammer (Created by Mickey Spillane): A more violent and vengeful detective, Hammer represents a different, more action-oriented type of private eye. He was extremely popular in the post-WWII years.

Veronica Mars (Created by Rob Thomas): While more modern in her character, Veronica Mars represents the younger generation of private investigators, showing that not all detectives are grizzled, old men. She blends smarts, tech skills, and a compelling backstory.

Nancy Drew (Created by Edward Stratemeyer): Although a young amateur detective rather than a professional, Nancy Drew has inspired many women to pursue investigative work and shaped the perception of female detectives as intelligent and resourceful. Her popularity has been vast, and continues to this day.

Why these characters are important?

They helped shape the public's perception of private investigators, both positively and negatively.

They popularized different styles of detective work, from logical deduction to hard-boiled action.

They influenced countless other characters in literature, film, and television.

Some, like Pinkerton and Warne, had a real impact on the early development of the profession.

Important Note: This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other important private detectives, both real and fictional, who have contributed to the history and image of the profession. It's a fascinating field with a rich history!