Created by Richard Barre It’s not all fun, fun, fun... Presenting the surfer dude as angst-ridden P.I., SoCal's WIL HARDESTY made an auspicious debut in 1995's The Innocents, scooping up a Shamus for Best First Novel, and praise from folks like Michael Collins, Stephen Greenleaf, James Crumley and Ross Thomas. Wil's a Vietnam vet still … Continue reading Wil Hardesty
Category: The Dick of the Day
Jasmine Frame
Created by P.R. Ellis Pseudonym of Peter/Peggy Ellis She used to be Jim Frame, a cop (a detective constable, in fact, for the Thames Valley Police), she used to be married, she used to be a man. Now she’s JASMINE FRAME, she’s single, she’s working freelance. And she’s on her way to becoming a woman. … Continue reading Jasmine Frame
Vivian Marlow
Created by Lori Armstrong Pseudonyms include Lorelei James In 2023, it may seem a little odd to come across a short story referring to private investigation as "No Place for a Dame,” since we’re not exactly bereft of female gumshoes these days, but since the story’s set in 1942, I guess we can cut it … Continue reading Vivian Marlow
Nate Ross
Created by J.R. Sanders It’s 1938, and if he had his druthers, Los Angeles-based gumshoe NATE ROSS would rather stay on his side of Vermont Avenue, and avoid Hollywood altogether. “As a rule, I avoided all dealings with movie studios. I preferred more reputable business, like pool halls and whorehouses." But a chance encounter with … Continue reading Nate Ross
Martin Wade
Created by Libby Cudmore “I drove home listening to Elvis Costello. It was a Brutal Youth kind of night." All rock stars end up in a plane crash of one kind or another. Sex. drugs. Rock’n’roll. Take your pick. Someone sad that once. Lennon, maybe? In MARTIN WADE’s case, the crash was definitely the drugs … Continue reading Martin Wade
Jack Bone
Created by Iain Blair Pseudonyms include Emma Blair (1942-2011) Glasgow's own JACK BONE is a hard-drinking, hard-smokin' kinda lad. He claims he isn't really a detective, that he just helps out folks if the price is right. As long as the job doesn't take him out of Scotland. As far as I know, he's only … Continue reading Jack Bone
Eddie Bianco (Love Walked In)
Created by Jose Pablo Feinmann (1943-2021) Nervous, weaselly private eye EDDIE BIANCO (The Practice's Michael Badalucco) teams up with his old buddy, mouthy piano man Jack Hanaway (Dennis Leary), a bitterly caustic would-be writer with a drinking problem, in this competent, straight-to-video B-flick. Kevin Thomas of the L.A. Times called it "intelligent and stylish but … Continue reading Eddie Bianco (Love Walked In)
The Lone Wolf (Michael Lanyard)
Created by Louis Joseph Vance (1879-1933) Louis Joseph Vance's MICHAEL LANYARD, better known as THE LONE WOLF, didn't start out as a private eye, but as a criminal. However, like Jack Boyle's Boston Blackie, thanks to his numerous reboots, reincarnations and re-imaginings in radio, film and television, The Lone Wolf is now remembered by many, … Continue reading The Lone Wolf (Michael Lanyard)
Katie Hassworth
Created by Dorothy Francis It’s a hell of a way to become a private eye. KATIE HASSWORTH was an English teacher in Miami who resigned after a school shooting (back when it wasn’t a regular occurrence), in which she was wounded a few years ago. Seems a student with some serious “issues” brought a gun … Continue reading Katie Hassworth
Archy McNally
Created by Lawrence Sanders (1920-98) The one-man publishing industry that was Lawrence Sanders (No, really! in the 70s and 80s, he was everywhere!), created more than one interesting private eye. Laidback bon vivant ARCHIBALD "ARCHY" MCNALLY was the last, but he was also probably the most fun. Droll, detached upper class twit Archy works as a … Continue reading Archy McNally