The Top Teacher Sleuths
In cozy mysteries, it’s often an amateur sleuth who solves the case, and the day job of a teacher or professor uniquely prepares these characters to collect the clues and analyze the data. Some of the most astute amateur sleuths can be found within the hallowed halls of academia. These captivating characters aren't just masters of their subjects but adept at unraveling perplexing mysteries that unfold in their classrooms, campuses, or cozy college towns.
These are some of our favorite teacher and professor sleuths—those who teach by day and solve crimes by night. From sharp-witted scholars to inquisitive instructors, these educator investigators bring their unique brand of wisdom and wit to the world of amateur sleuthing.
Professor Amy Winslow from Mystery 101
English Professor Amy Winslow, played by the talented Jill Wagner, specializes in mystery and crime fiction at Elmstead College in the small town of Garrison, Washington. Brilliant, inquisitive, and caring, Amy is equally passionate about encouraging her students and solving mysteries when they appear before her. With the aid of her best-selling crime author father, Graham Winslow, she assists the “big city” Detective Travis Burke on his cases who grudgingly accepts her help. Amy's dynamic and often humorous interactions with him provide a delightful blend of mystery and romance.
With her infectious curiosity and unwavering determination (and her penchant for quoting obscure literary references at just the right moment), Amy brings a unique charm to the world of amateur sleuths.
Professor Amy Winslow topped our list of “Best “Hallmark Movies & Mysteries” Sleuths and Investigators” last year, and we had some strong opinions on how the series ended.
Available on Prime
2. Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote
Jessica Fletcher, as portrayed by the incomparable Angela Lansbury in "Murder, She Wrote," is the epitome of an iconic amateur sleuth. With her sharp intellect, unwavering curiosity, and indomitable spirit, Jessica is a literary luminary turned crime-solving sensation. Jessica was a retired high school English teacher before her novel writing career took off at the beginning of the series, and in later episodes she teaches college classes in New York City that focus on Criminology and Creative Writing.
Her warm and unassuming demeanor belies a tenacious dedication to justice, as she fearlessly untangles the most perplexing mysteries that seem to follow her wherever she goes. Jessica Fletcher is not just a brilliant detective; she's a beacon of wisdom, grace, and integrity, inspiring generations of viewers with her remarkable ability to solve crimes and her unwavering belief in the power of truth and compassion.
Looking for recommendations of which episodes to watch? Check out our themed “Murder, She Wrote” episode lists to help you decide!
Available on Peacock
3. Professor Harry Wild from Harry Wild
Harry Wild, brought to life by the incomparable Jane Seymour in the Acorn TV show "Harry Wild," is a character who embodies both feistiness and intellectual prowess. A retired college professor, she's far from your stereotypical retiree, with a sharp mind that's as quick as her wit. Feisty and unapologetically unconventional, Harry approaches life and her newfound career as an amateur sleuth with a fearless determination that knows no bounds. Her vibrant spirit and brilliant insights keep both friends and foes on their toes, and her past as an academic adds depth to her character, revealing that there's far more to her than meets the eye. Working with student Fergus Reid on academics and crime-solving, Harry Wild is a captivating blend of intellect and audacious spirit, making her an unforgettable figure.
Available on Acorn
4. Professor John Maxwell from Murder 101
Criminology professor Doctor John Maxwell, brilliantly portrayed by the esteemed Dick Van Dyke, takes center stage in the "Murder 101" series. With his magnetic blend of erudition and charisma, he captivates both students and viewers alike. As an academic luminary, Maxwell's intellect shines brilliantly, but it's his uncanny knack for stumbling upon perplexing mysteries that truly sets him apart. With a sharp eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of truth, he dives headfirst into each enigma that crosses his path. This professor focuses on analyzing crimes while his private investigator friend Mike Bryant, played by his real-life son Barry Van Dyke, is the muscle. Whether unraveling academic conundrums or real-life mysteries, John Maxwell radiates an undeniable charm and a thirst for uncovering the hidden truths of the world around him.
Available on UP Faith and Family via Prime
5. Professor Analise Keating from How to Get Away with Murder
Annalise Keating, brought to life by the formidable Viola Davis, is a legal powerhouse whose complex character dominates the enthralling world of "How to Get Away With Murder." As a brilliant and charismatic law professor, she's known for her unwavering determination to impart the art of criminal defense to her students, taking them on a rollercoaster ride through the intricacies of the legal world.
Beneath her formidable exterior lies a multifaceted personality, riddled with secrets, vulnerabilities, and an unyielding commitment to justice. Annalise's fierce intelligence and unapologetic strength make her an indomitable force both in the courtroom and in the compelling mysteries that unfold around her, creating a character whose depth and complexity leave an indelible mark on the series. With a moral compass that often dances in the gray areas, she challenges conventional notions of right and wrong, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her character in this mysterious and dark legal thriller.
Available on Netflix
6. Emma Fielding from Emma Fielding Mysteries
Emma Fielding, portrayed with charm and tenacity by Courtney Thorne-Smith, is a dedicated archaeologist and educator, effortlessly balancing her passion for unearthing ancient secrets with teaching students on a dig. Her love for mysteries in evident in how she approaches archeological sites and crime scenes. Emma Fielding brings her unique blend of archaeological expertise, wisdom, and wit to every intriguing case she encounters.
Available on Hallmark Movies Now
7. Professor Jasper Tempest from Professor T
Professor Jasper Tempest, brilliantly portrayed by Ben Miller, is an exceptional criminologist who possesses an extraordinary intellect that dissects criminal puzzles with a razor-sharp precision. Yet, behind the facade of his intellectual prowess lies a complex character with a multitude of quirks and idiosyncrasies, from his unyielding obsession with cleanliness to his reluctance to form personal connections. Professor T's unique approach to crime-solving, guided by his unorthodox methods and his troubled past, sets him apart as a captivating and unconventional figure in the world of academia and crime investigation. His complex persona adds layers of intrigue to every dark and enigmatic case he encounters.
Available on PBS Passport