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Gumshoes: A Dictionary of Fictional Detectives
by Mitzi M. Brusndale, 2006, 0313333319

Each entry in this A-Z guide of fictional detectives provides character name, their profession, living situation, geographic locale, time period, associates, nemesis, significant relationship and concerns (topics like motherhood, women, serial killers, dogs, justice, prayer, to name a few). This is followed by the series aim, a profile of the detective, crime solving procedure, a chronological list of titles in the series, the author's other series, stand alone works, autobiographical works if relevant, author website, if available, and awards. In addition each entry includes "See Also" References which refer to similar series by other authors.
The author had to set some criteria as to which characters and authors to include but this does not detract from the comprehensiveness of the book. Detectives needed to appear in at least two books in a major work after 1970. Most have received major awards and the detectives have some distinguishable characteristic which makes them unique. Five appendices arrange the 150 entries into authors and their sleuths, geographical area, time period and detective's employment, and lastly, awards. There is a bibliography of general critical and historical sources, on line references, and index.
That's 455 pages, jammed packed with information and a great addition to your Readers' Advisory shelf.