The Descendants of Holmes and Watson: 11 Literary Partners-in-Crime

Posted: 06/16/2014 - HuffPost Books - Johnny Shaw 

It all started with Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. While other literary detectives preceded the duo, there is really little question that Arthur Conan Doyle's creations, Holmes and Watson, represent an early archetype for the crime-fighting duo. It's still easy to see Doyle's influence in books, film, and television today, both literally and in spirit.

Some might see Watson merely as a sidekick, but that would be both inaccurate and unjust to the complexity and importance of his character. The sidekick's role is akin to that of the straight man in comedy. Underappreciated, yet essential. Watson might not have Holmes's powers of deduction, but he brings a strength and humanity to the team as an equal partner. The stories just aren't the same without him.

From their first appearance in "A Study in Scarlet," the literary investigative team was born. A tradition that continues to evolve with partner dynamics and more complex pairings finding their way into the mystery genre.

In my Jimmy Veeder Fiascoes series, I make my attempt to bring a fresh approach to the genre. In their most recent adventure, Plaster City, Jimmy Veeder and his best friend Bobby Maves tear through the desert towns of southern California in search of Bobby's missing teenage daughter. Loyalty drives the team, pushing them past their own limitations and testing their friendship, all while trying to fend off the dangers of the Calexico/Mexicali border.

Below is really the beginning of a list, some of the more interesting entries in the genre, but by no means exhaustive. Rather, I tried to pick relationships with unique dynamics. To be perfectly honest, it feels incomplete without Batman and Robin, but Robin really hasn't been a part of that story for some time.
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