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In this novel by Anna Katharine Green, a New York detective named Ebenezer Gryce investigates the mysterious murder of a wealthy man. Significance: Notable for its early use of the detective fiction genre to explore broader social and justice themes.

Arthur Conan Doyle introduces Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they solve their first case together involving a complex murder with connections to the Mormon community. Significance: Marks the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes, setting benchmarks for the detective genre.

Israel Zangwill penned one of the first locked-room mysteries, involving the investigation of a murder in a London room that seems impossible to have entered or left. Significance: Set a precedent for the subgenre of the locked-room mystery within detective fiction.

Wilkie Collins's novel about a stolen diamond is often considered the first true English detective novel. Significance: Introduced many key components of detective fiction, including red herrings and an incompetent police force.

Melbourne is rattled by a murder in a hansom cab in this mystery novel by Fergus Hume. Significance: One of the best-selling crime novels of the 19th century, it influenced the genre with its attention to realistic urban crime.

Dupin outsmarts a thief and retrieves a stolen letter of great importance in this classic example of a detective outwitting the criminal with observational skills. Significance: Set a template for many detective stories focusing on intellectual rather than physical challenge.

Émile Gaboriau's detective story introduces Monsieur Lecoq, a detective who is deciphering the clues of a murder and impersonation case. Significance: Gaboriau is seen as a founder of detective fiction, and Lecoq was one of the earliest recurring detective characters.

Whilst not a detective novel per se, Dickens introduces Inspector Bucket, who investigates a murder in this complex narrative. Significance: One of the first appearances of a professional detective in English literature.

A follow-up to 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue', based on a real-life case, with Dupin investigating the death of a shopgirl. Significance: Early example of a detective story incorporating real events.

Wilkie Collins’s novel tells the story of Walter Hartright's encounters with a mysterious woman in white and the unraveling of an identity conspiracy. Significance: A precursor to detective novels, it employs a use of multiple narrators and intricate plotting.

This collection of short stories by Conan Doyle showcases Sherlock Holmes solving a variety of mysteries using his now iconic deductive methods. Significance: Broadened the appeal and established the standard format of the detective story.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson crack a case involving a treasure, a secret pact, and a series of complex riddles. Significance: Expanded on the detective novel's potential for intricate plotting and character development, especially for Sherlock Holmes.

Often considered the first detective story, it features C. Auguste Dupin solving a gruesome double murder in Paris. Significance: Pioneer of detective fiction; introduction of the analytical detective archetype.

Arthur Conan Doyle's famous novel has Sherlock Holmes investigating the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, purportedly caused by a supernatural hound. Significance: One of Doyle's most popular works; melds mystery with gothic elements.