Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once put it, “Crime is common, logic is rare.” Murder has existed ever since Cain killed Abel countless years ago. The art of solving crime, compared to that long timeline, is still in its adolescence. As long as man has existed, we just keep trying to kill each other. The world is full of greed, selfishness, and tragedy, but it’s up to the rare, extraordinary people who know how to look at this cesspool of discord and turn it around for good. Who are these extraordinary people? How do we overcome life’s difficulties and see through the deceptions? It’s in that line where history and fiction blur where we can learn so much about the world, and maybe just something about ourselves. Here are some lessons from writers and characters alike for how to solve a good mystery.
Anthony Horowitz–It’s About Character
Novelist and screenwriter, Anthony Horowitz is the beloved author of many mystery and thriller works such as Moriarty, and House of Silk. When diving into his work, he knew the root of how he would craft his stories for the genre.
In an interview with Masterpiece, Horowitz said, “I think that I would say to anybody who is writing a murder mystery, it all starts with the motive. Murder mystery is not about murder and it’s not even really about mystery—it’s about character, it’s about people and it’s about emotions. And particularly heightened emotions: fear, hatred, anger. Those are the three strongest emotions.”
To solve a crime or write about one, you must understand people. Detectives interview witnesses, interrogate suspects, though it’s true there is a lot of technical, forensic work at play, at the root of every crime is a soul.
Lieutenant Columbo–Stay Humble
In 1968, Peter Falk breathed life into a funny little man named Lieutenant Columbo, who is more of a mystery than any of the episodes in the show. Is Frank his first name? Are any of his little stories true? Does he even have a wife? Despite being the titular character, we find out more about every newly introduced killer than we do our detective, and that’s the way Columbo likes it. Despite solving countless crimes, every time he is introduced, the killer scoffs at his accent, his wrinkled trench coat, and every other idiosyncrasy. Just another bumbling police detective. Yet, Columbo doesn’t let the expectations of others weigh him down. Instead, he uses it to his advantage. He interrupts their train of thought with a funny story about a cousin, he apologizes for taking up too much of their time for such a simple case, and yet there’s always…one more thing. Columbo doesn’t fight for his reputation, he lets the work speak for itself. He allows the killer to relax in their pride then watches as they slowly go insane when they start to realize our Lieutenant is so much more than meets the eye.
J Warner Wallace–Keep an Open Mind
James Warner Wallace is an author, apologist, and yes, a real-life detective. Featured on numerous programs on NBC, truTV or Court TV, and Fox 11 Los Angeles, Wallace is a celebrated homicide detective who has written books on faith, philosophy, and how real investigators solve a mystery. In books such as Person of Interest, Forensic Faith, and more, he explains one of the most key elements to being a detective is keeping an open mind. If you approach a crime scene with a preconceived idea for how a crime should have played out, you’ll be so consumed with this vision, you may just miss some important evidence that would help solve the case.
In the early days of police investigation, if a crime was committed, they’d round up the usual suspects and find a way to blame a previously convicted criminal for a case that they may have had nothing to do with! Take in all the facts of this new situation and wait until the end to make your final judgments.
Hercule Poirot–Stay Resilient
Written by the iconic Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot is a Belgian detective featured in classics such as the Mysterious Affair at Styles, Death on the Nile, and more. Characterized by his attention to details, his silly accent, and maybe most importantly–his resilience.
Referencing back to Horowitz, while a murderer is defined by their heightened emotions, it can be expanded, a detective is defined by their ability to keep a cool head under pressure. Poirot knew who he was, and he knew how to hold onto the pertinent clues to eliminate from the noise surrounding him. In Murder on the Orient Express, there was so much going on. The red kimono, the backstory of the victim, all these people surrounding him, if the train would be up and running for them to get home. Yet Poirot knew how to hone his senses, center himself, and focus on the important facts that lead to solving the murder.
Sherlock Holmes–Observation is Everything
The mystery genre began at a slow crawl in the Victorian era, with suspenseful stories like Collins’ The Woman in White or Poe’s Murders in the Rue Morgue. It wasn’t until A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle released that detective fiction boomed into popularity. Even today, many iconic fictional characters such as Shawn Spencer in Psych, Adrien Monk, and House MD, are all love letters to the great detective.
With four novels and fifty-six short stories, Sherlock spent many years teaching his readers how to be a detective, but the core of his lessons is this: to be observant. An art dwindling in the era of distraction and technology, what helped Sherlock rise above everyone around him was his mastering the simple ability to be grounded in the moment. Take in every detail, use all five senses, focus only on what is relevant to the case. Sherlock knew what to block out and ignore, and when it was time to be in the present.
What do you think are the most important tools a detective can have? Who are your favorite fictional investigators?
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