The Great Detectives

Season 1

A four-part series in which author Nigel Williams profiles different world-famous fictional sleuths and their creators.

The Mysterious Affair of Sherlock Holmes and the Visionary Doctor
E1
The Mysterious Affair of Sherlock Holmes and the Visionary DoctorInvestigates why, more than a century since his first appearance, Sherlock Holmes remains so popular. And what provided the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous creation?
Hercule Poirot and the Disappearing Novelist
E2
Hercule Poirot and the Disappearing NovelistAgatha Christie 's famous detective Hercule Poirot , explains the enduring appeal of the eccentric Belgian and examines the author's sensational ten-day disappearance.
The Simple Art of Philip Marlowe
E3
The Simple Art of Philip MarloweNigel Williams travels to California to explain the career of Raymond Chandler, the creator of the greatest hard-boiled detective, Philip Marlowe and his relationship with another famous detective fiction author, Dashiell Hammett and his creation, Sam Spade
Maigret and the Belgian Author
E4
Maigret and the Belgian AuthorAuthor Inspector Jules Maigret and Georges Simenon provided the world of fiction with its first great policeman detective. Using Maigret's methodology, Williams delves into Simenon's darker side - family tragedy, collaboration with the Nazis and self-made claims of sexual relations with 10,000 women. Williams talks to friends that Simenon made in occupied France, his youngest son John, and biographer Pierre Assouline to find the truth about the man, his writings, beliefs and the role his creation played in his life.