In the A-Z section are write-ups on around 450 fictional 'tecs, from the earliest to current favourites, on page, stage, TV and screen - a far more detailed guide than you will find elsewhere, not only of the famous names (Sherlock Homes, John Rebus, Inspector Morse) but also of many equally fascinating but less well-known detectives. Wrapped around this encyclopedic centre are articles and listings of top books, TV shows, genres and fascinating facts.

Fascinating? Well, how many detectives can you name? Can you name the book with the first woman detective, the first nurse detective, a blind detective, two Edwardian cycling detectives, the first transsexual sleuth and the dog that accompanied Valerie Drew? Do you remember Z-Cars on TV? Here in these pages you'll find not only the best-known TV detectives of today and yesterday but old favourites you thought you had forgotten. Older readers will remember Superintendent Lockhart - but what was the name of the programme? Anyone who watches TV today will know Morse and Rebus, but who were the starring actors in Life on Mars and Mind to Kill?

It's all here. The A to Z section lists well over 400 detectives, some of whom have only a line or two while the more interesting sleuths have several pages each. You'll also find quotes from books, lots of pictures and a wealth of inside information about detectives and crime fiction.