Both Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle explore the relationship between detective and criminal in their respective novels. Many crime novels use this opposition, but in "Sherlock Holmes: The Major Stories with Contemporary Critical Essays" and "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd", the authors, while dedicating the necessary time to this juxtaposition, add further elements by dedicating most of the their time time to investigate the idea of ​​justice. Justice is the central theme of both their respective novels because both Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot attempt to uncover the truth about their respective cases by any means necessary. Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot are the central detectives in their respective novels. Both men use the method of deduction, scientific investigation, and the idea of ​​logic to solve cases. In addition to employing their respective talents, both men must contend with their respective positions when it comes to investigations. Much of Sherlock Holmes' work is conducted outside the scope of the local police force. Faced with this fact, Hercule Poirot, although somewhat independent of the police, must struggle and assist primarily with the assistance of the police. The idea of ​​justice is explored when Poirot is invited to join the investigation into Ackroyd's murder. In a broad sense, justice is the pursuit of truth, by any means necessary. It appears that the police resisted assistance, any assistance at first; therefore, they reject justice. For example, in "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd", after Roger Ackroyd's body was discovered, the initial investigator was quite sour towards Roger Ackroyd's employed staff. Ackroyd's butler, in an attempt to ascertain the facts, declares: “I don't think so, sir, but I'... middle of paper......eflection: I liked Sherlock Holmes better than Hercules Poirot because I find Holmes more fun to read because I feel more involved in his adventures. The reason I feel more engaged is because his stories seem more creative and provide a more detailed picture of the experience that is happening. I am also more drawn to the stories written about Holmes, in “The Major Stories with Contemporary Critical Essays,” because each story was different and kept my curiosity alive. I felt the need and urgency to continue reading because it entertained my learning process and interest. Works Cited[i] Agatha Christie, “The Murder of RogerAckroyd,” 54.[ii] Christie, 78.[iii] Christie, 76.[iv] Arthur Conan Doyle, “Sherlock Holmes: The Major Stories withContemporary Critical Essays,” “The Speckled Band,” 152.[v] Christie, 270.[vi] Christie, 282.[vii] Doyle, 173.