The fictional Black detective in American Literature and film is an important topic as it pertains to representation of a group of people and inclusion in this highly popular genre. I write this article strictly from a fan’s point of view, I am by no means an expert on the topic. I am in my learning stages and I suppose in a way I am taking you on my journey of discovery with me.

According to an article that I read posted in the Los Angeles Review of Books written by Gary Phillips one of the earliest books of fiction about a black detective was published in 1932 and written by author Dr. Rudolph Fisher titled The Conjure-Man Dies: A Mystery Tale of Dark Harlem which features a Sherlock Holmes–like Dr. John Archer and police detective Perry Dart — two black investigators out to solve a murder mystery. Now it so happens that this is one of the titles that I have read or should I say attempted to read. It was in my opinion very wordy and drawn out I failed to complete the entire book, I wi...