Flawed police detectives are popular in fiction because readers like heroes they can relate to. These detectives follow their instincts even when it gets them into trouble. Some drink too much. While others have anger issues. But all these little flaws are what keep the reader interested. That and a good mystery to solve.
Here Are a Few of My Old Favorites
Detective Harry Bosch
Micheal Connelly’s Harry Bosch is a maverick and never gives up on a case. Bosch’s dark past began when his prostitute mother was murdered forcing him to be raised in Foster Care. Her case remained unsolved for years. His motto: Every life matters or no life matters. Harry’s main flaw: he acts impulsively with unmoving stubbornness.
Detective Harry Hole
Bosche is an angel compared to Joe Nesbo’s Harry Hole. This Harry is also a maverick. And a recovering alcoholic who often falls off the wagon. It’s at those times he makes terrible choices. Hole has many flaws but the one that stands out is his lack of order. With that in mind he is still the best man to solve the hardest cases. And he never gives up on a case which usually gets people he cares about killed.
Marshall Lucas Davenport
Author John Sanford created the dapper Lucas Davenport in his Prey series. Lucas resigned from the Minnesota Police Department in order to avoid excessive force charges. The time off gave Lucas an opportunity to become rich through his software company. He enjoys expensive clothes but more than that, Lucas enjoys the hunt. That’s why he’s good at it. Now Lucas is a US Marshall. His main flaw: Lucas uses unconventional tactics to investigate a crime.
Another John Sanford detective is Virgil Flowers. Click here to read my review of Virgil ‘F-in’ Flowers.
BCA Agent Virgil Flowers
The one thing all these law enforcement characters have in common is their persistence to get the bad guy. And that’s what readers want, too.
My New Favorite
Detective Sean Duffy
Author Adrian McKinty‘s flawed detective is Sean Duffy who works in the RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary) in Ireland. The year is 1981 during the height of ‘The Troubles’, also known as the Protestant and Catholic conflicts in Northern Ireland. Even though Sean is a Catholic he chose to work on the side of the British/Protestant government.
Besides the engaging crime in the stories there are also historical elements. Sean must check under his car for a bomb each morning before driving to work. As a Catholic Peeler, Irish nickname for the British Police, he might as well wear a bullseye on his back.
The Best of Detective Duffy
Sean is the go-to guy for murders of which there are many. College educated in psychology, Sean’s not easily fooled. Although he’s good at fooling others. And he has a cynical sense of humor that often gets him in trouble.
Sean is an encyclopedia of musical scores, artists and composers of all genres. And, as he narrates his tales, shares many artistic views. Such as when looking at the Belfast skyline, he sees “spotlights finding one another like lovers in the Afterlife”.
Duffy’s Flaws
The crimes become difficult puzzles for Sean and the reader to work out. The humor is frequent. And the alcohol flow is steady. Sean’s main flaw: He can’t and won’t let something go. Not until he’s seen it through. That and the fact that he can’t resist a pretty face.
If you like a good detective novel and you’re interested in learning more about ‘The Irish Troubles’, give Detective Sean Duffy a read. Let me know what you think and please share if you have a favorite flawed detective.
Stay cool and keep reading.
P.S. These authors have written each of their novels as stand alone. So you don’t have to read them in order. But it is kind of fun to do it that way.
Note: This blog is sponsored by me, Karen J Adams. Any recommendations or suggestions are purely my own opinion without the exchange of money.
Unpublished work © 2025 Karen J Adams
