What are some of the best private investigator novels?

One of the best private investigator stories is about a PI who was hired to find a missing heir. The heir had disappeared years ago, and the family needed to find them to claim a large inheritance. The PI started by interviewing the remaining family members, but they were uncooperative at first. However, through persistent digging and following up on old leads, the PI discovered that the heir had changed their identity and was living in a small town. The PI managed to make contact and reunite the heir with their family. It was a great success story for the investigator.

One popular one is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the iconic private investigator Philip Marlowe and is full of complex mysteries and sharp dialogue.

Sure. 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith is a great start. It's set in Botswana and features Precious Ramotswe, a charming and intelligent female private investigator. The stories are often light - hearted and give a great introduction to the genre.

One common trait is being observant. They need to notice small details that others might miss. Another is being tenacious. They don't give up easily on a case.

Often, they have strong - willed protagonists. For example, in Patricia Cornwell's novels, Kay Scarpetta is a determined and intelligent character. The settings are usually detailed, whether it's the urban landscapes or the more rural areas of Virginia. This helps to create an immersive atmosphere for the mystery.

One of the most well - known is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It features the hard - boiled detective Sam Spade. Another is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, with his iconic detective Philip Marlowe.

One great private investigator book in fiction is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the iconic detective Philip Marlowe. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which has a complex plot with elements of mystery and investigation. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is also a popular choice, with its engaging story and a unique female investigator.

A private investigator had a very interesting case of a missing person. A college student had vanished without a trace. The PI started by looking at the student's social media, talking to friends and professors. They found out that the student had joined an off - campus club that had some shady activities. The PI infiltrated the club and discovered that the student had been held against their will for some illegal activities. The PI managed to rescue the student and expose the club's wrongdoings.

In private investigator books in fiction, one common characteristic is the presence of a complex mystery. The investigator has to piece together clues that are often scattered and misleading. For example, in 'The Big Sleep', Marlowe has to deal with multiple murders and a web of lies. Another characteristic is the unique personality of the investigator. They are often cynical, like Sam Spade in 'The Maltese Falcon', yet have a strong sense of justice.

Well, without knowing specifically which fictional private investigator in these 19 novels, it's hard to be very detailed. But generally, a fictional private investigator often has a sharp mind, great detective skills. They might be dealing with various mysteries like murders, disappearances, or thefts in the stories.