Inspector John Appleby is a fictional detective created by British author Michael Innes. He first appeared in the 1936 novel Death at the President’s Lodging and went on to feature in many more novels and short stories.

Appleby is an intelligent and insightful detective with a keen eye for detail. He is well-educated and well-read, with a background in classics and a talent for languages. He is known for his dry wit and his ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.

Over the course of his many investigations, Appleby encounters a wide variety of criminal activity, from murder and theft to espionage and sabotage. He often finds himself drawn into the world of the wealthy and powerful, investigating crimes committed in high society and in academic circles.

In addition to his detective work, Appleby is also a family man, with a wife and children who occasionally get caught up in his investigations. He is a complex and multi-dimensional character, with a range of interests and experiences that make him a compelling figure in the world of detective fiction.

Innes’ Inspector John Appleby series is widely regarded as one of the most significant and enduring contributions to the “Golden Age” of detective fiction, and it remains popular among readers today.

Michael Innes’ creation, Inspector John Appleby, had a significant impact on the development of detective fiction. Appleby was a highly intelligent and perceptive detective, with a wit and charm that set him apart from other detectives of the time. His approach to solving crimes was analytical and logical, and he was not afraid to challenge convention or to think outside the box.

Innes was a master of plot and characterization, and his stories were known for their intricate and complex plotlines. The Appleby novels often featured a closed-circle of suspects, each with a motive for the crime, and it was up to Appleby to untangle the web of clues and red herrings to uncover the truth.

Innes’ writing was also notable for its sophisticated use of language and its attention to detail. The settings and characters in the Appleby novels were described with great care, creating a rich and immersive world for readers to explore.

The influence of the Inspector John Appleby series can be seen in the work of many later detective novelists. His analytical approach to crime-solving and his ability to see beyond the obvious set the stage for the development of the “thinking detective” archetype, which would be popularized by authors such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.

Overall, Michael Innes’ Inspector John Appleby series had a significant impact on the genre of detective fiction, and his legacy can still be felt in the work of contemporary authors.