Classic detective fiction took place in a time devoid of DNA tests and camera footage—a time that relied on logic and deduction. But there are some things in life that go beyond the tangible, like astrology, for example. Did you know that Virgos, Scorpios, Gemini, Sagittariuses, and Capricorns are most suited to investigative work? That doesn't mean, of course, that other signs can't crack the case. In fact, astrology gives you a pretty good insight into how each sign might be differently skilled in detective work.
Want to know which classic detective you would be based on your zodiac sign? Read on!
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Philip Marlowe
Philip Marlowe is the creation of Raymond Chandler, and first made an appearance on the page in 1939. Marlowe is the quintessential hard-boiled detective. He's a quick-witted, wise-cracking sleuth with a propensity for severity and gloominess.
The fire sign of Aries is a great fit for Marlowe. Represented by the Ram, this sign charges ahead into leadership roles—and isn't afraid to get their hands dirty. With all the grit of the hard-boiled genre, Aries tends to be equally aggressive and moody.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Sam Spade
Another paragon of hard-boiled detective fiction, Sam Spade came from the brilliant mind of Dashiell Hammett. Spade is the strong, silent type. He's overflowing with rugged masculinity while having no shortage of unsavory quirks. If anyone were to think they could pull one over on him, they should think again.
If you mess with the Bull, you get the horns—which is exactly why Sam Spade is a perfect example of a Taurus. This earth sign can be stubborn and uncompromising, two traits that Spade uses as an unflinching detective to get to the bottom of any case. This sign is truly a solid force, meaning they can always be counted on for help, but if they're standing in your way, it's best to choose a different path.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Lord Peter Wimsey
Lord Peter Wimsey was first brought to life by Dorothy L. Sayers in 1923. Opposed to the gritty private eyes and dedicated cops on this list, this dilettante takes on cases as a matter of amusement. After his time in the Great War, Wimsey is left feeling a little skittish about responsibility. He's a talkative man, with his words coming quicker the more nervous he is. But nonetheless, he wants nothing more than to use his privileged position in life to do something worthwhile.
Gemini is an air sign also known as the sign of the Twins. On one hand, they can be flighty and nervous. On the other, their big hearts, curiosity, and adaptability make them a true force to be reckoned with. And, like Wimsey himself, they tend to have more cultured interests.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Jules Maigret
Author Georges Simenon first brought commissaire Jules Maigret to the page in 1931. This French police detective solves cases not merely from a place of analytical investigation, but from an instinctual investigation, as well. He is one of the more compassionate detectives of classic fiction, finding empathy for victims and suspects alike.
Cancer is the sign of the Crab—a water sign known for a helping heart and a good grip on the range of human feeling. This sign is also known for their tenacity, which Maigret has in spades. Not to mention, there's no sign that loves a good meal more than Cancer, and Maigret would never turn down a delicious spread.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Hercule Poirot
Hercule Poirot sprang from the mind of the incredible Agatha Christie in 1920. This Belgian detective is as eccentric as he is self-assured, leading some to find him a bit insufferable. His attention to detail doesn't stop at his investigations but carries over into his prim and proper fashion sense. He likes things as he likes them, but Poirot will never leave a person in need.
Leos, represented by the Lion, are the kings and queens of the jungle. Fitting then, that this fire sign is paired with a heavy hitter like Poirot. This sign is passionate but often inflexible. They are used to coming out on top, and that gives them an air of arrogance. Like the maned creature they're symbolized by, don't be surprised if you catch them preening, either.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Miss Marple
Another Agatha Christie creation, Miss Marple first hit the page in 1927. On the surface, Miss Marple is a typical, endearing old woman. Traditional, practical, and frail. But if you take a closer look, she's an incredibly formidable detective, with a sharp memory and keen intellect. She has a softer touch, but that never prevents her from catching a criminal.
Virgo is an earth sign represented by The Maiden. This sign carries with it a motherly energy, linking it to traits like gentleness and softness. But there's a harder, colder edge to this sign as well. Those born under Virgo are deeply analytical, putting facts above all else and throwing themselves into problem-solving.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Roderick Alleyn
Roderick Alleyn was created by underrated Queen of Crime Ngaio Marsh in 1934. Though Alleyn comes from a background of privilege and education, he insisted on working his way up through the Police Department on his own merit, with no preferential treatment. He comes equipped with impeccable manners, general courtesy, and admirable bravery. Among his many notable virtues is a strong sense of empathy.
Alleyn is almost too good to be true, so how could he be anything but a Libra? Represented by the Scales, this air sign is all about keeping the peace. They are diplomatic and cooperative individuals who move through life graciously. They believe in keeping things fair, and devote themselves to harmony and stopping injustice.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Mike Hammer
Mickey Spillane first brought Mike Hammer to life in 1947. While Hammer is another detective of the hard-boiled genre, he pushes the envelope beyond merely cynical. A truly violent character, he brutally lashes out against crime in a rage. While he respects police officers, he finds the legal system itself to be an obstacle in the way of justice, and often takes matters into his own hands. Hammer is a self-described misanthrope, through and through.
The sign of Scorpio is a complicated one, which perhaps makes it all the more fitting for Mike Hammer. This water sign is represented by the Scorpion, meaning they've got quite the sting if you irritate them. Scorpios are incredibly powerful individuals, as much of a force of nature due to their resourcefulness as they are because of their propensity for violence.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Miss Silver
Miss Maud Silver came to life in 1928 at the hands of Patricia Wentworth. This spinster is a former schoolteacher and governess who has shifted to the business of private investigation. And make no mistake, it is a business, not a hobby. Focusing primarily on thefts and forgeries, Miss Silver is a no nonsense woman who takes her work very seriously. A lover of poetry and the Bible, she lives by a noble code: “Love God, honour the Queen, keep the law, be kind, be good, think of others before you think of yourself, serve Justice, speak the truth.”
Sagittarius is a fire sign represented by the Archer. Those born under Sagittarius are incredibly generous and idealistic individuals. They can, however, be impatient, and can be a bit undiplomatic as they charge ahead toward their single-minded goals.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes—perhaps the most iconic detective of all time—was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887. Holmes approaches cases with a thorough, scientific mindset. He's adept at not only deductive reasoning and keen observation, but actual forensic science, as well. His excitement for a good case doesn't typically extend to social interaction, giving him an air of coldness. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn't describe him as arrogant.
Capricorn, also referred to as the sign of the Sea Goat, is an earth sign. Capricorns are highly disciplined individuals with a sharp intellect. They tend to be know-it-alls, which unfortunately make many feel as though they are condescending. While they are lovers of music, they have a distaste for almost everything else at one point or another.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Nero Wolfe
Rex Stout created Nero Wolfe in 1934. Wolfe is as self-indulgent as he is eccentric. He often charges outrageous fees to take on cases, but there are occasions where honor supersedes his need for money. Wolf is a cynic who refuses to leave his home for any reason. He spends his time (and money) on consuming gourmet meals and enjoying his greenhouse of thousands of orchids, letting his hedonism fill the space inside of him his emotions would be.
Those born under the sign of Aquarius are represented by the Water Bearer. This air sign is wholly unique, but in their individuality, they can be temperamental and uncompromising. They come from a place of intellect, preferring to avoid any opportunity for emotional expression. However, their humanitarian streak will shine through now and again.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Father Brown
Father Brown was first fleshed out on paper in 1910 by G.K. Chesterton. Father Brown is a seemingly unremarkable Catholic priest. His appearance and profession allow him to blend into the background, giving him time to use his real talent: intuition. Rather than relying on logic, Brown wields imaginative empathy, putting himself in the shoes of suspects to determine who had the clearest motive in a crime.
Pisces is a water sign represented by the Fish. Above all else, this sign is known for their gentle compassion. They are almost supernaturally intuitive and equally wise. Because of their soft nature, they may be overly trusting. They also tend to be martyrs...