Phryne Fischer is indeed such a fun series. I discovered that it's based on books too. Will ping you the name. But I think in this one instance, the TV series is >>>>
Vera Stanhope does have a sidekick in the best tradition of sidekicks - Joe Ashforth brings the necessary muscle, legwork and family drama. He usually has the same pieces of info as Vera but doesn't come up with the right answers (or, like Lewis c/o Morse, can be occasionally right without knowing it!) And while Vera can be quite sharp in dragging him to interviews and site visits, she looks out for him in a way that's quite similar to how Holmes treats Watson - mildly exasperated at the slowness of their ratiocination, loyally protective (physically for Holmes, emotionally for Vera), and 'tolerant' of their family demands.
That said, I do agree with your overall observation that female detectives often tend to have 'softer' or more maternal approaches with their sidekicks-slash-partners. In fact, in Harry Wild, Harriet's sidekick/protege eventually becomes her business partner in their detective business; the character arc has him deciphering more clues as he 'grows' older in the series.
I don't think any of the prima-male detectives have ever 'let' that happen!
I had to google 'ratiocination' :P but thank you for bringing in the nuances of the Vera-Joe relationship—as someone who's read the books in addition to watching the show, you know these better. Excellent point about Harry Wild too.
Next to Golf, I like Murder.. if it involves murder with a Golf Club, that's even better!
Then you might enjoy 'A Hole In One' by Catherine Aird, where a body is found buried in a bunker at a golf club. 🏌️♂️
https://amzn.in/d/cTSiL23
And 'Murder on the Links' by the queen of crime herself.
Phryne Fischer is indeed such a fun series. I discovered that it's based on books too. Will ping you the name. But I think in this one instance, the TV series is >>>>
Never read them but thoroughly enjoyed the show—and had a huge crush on the Inspector too. :D
That leading cast has so much chemistry!
Vera Stanhope does have a sidekick in the best tradition of sidekicks - Joe Ashforth brings the necessary muscle, legwork and family drama. He usually has the same pieces of info as Vera but doesn't come up with the right answers (or, like Lewis c/o Morse, can be occasionally right without knowing it!) And while Vera can be quite sharp in dragging him to interviews and site visits, she looks out for him in a way that's quite similar to how Holmes treats Watson - mildly exasperated at the slowness of their ratiocination, loyally protective (physically for Holmes, emotionally for Vera), and 'tolerant' of their family demands.
That said, I do agree with your overall observation that female detectives often tend to have 'softer' or more maternal approaches with their sidekicks-slash-partners. In fact, in Harry Wild, Harriet's sidekick/protege eventually becomes her business partner in their detective business; the character arc has him deciphering more clues as he 'grows' older in the series.
I don't think any of the prima-male detectives have ever 'let' that happen!
I had to google 'ratiocination' :P but thank you for bringing in the nuances of the Vera-Joe relationship—as someone who's read the books in addition to watching the show, you know these better. Excellent point about Harry Wild too.