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The First Private Eye

Crime writer Val McDermid looks into Allan Pinkerton, the Glasgow-born man who gave the world the term "private eye". From 2002.

Crime writer Val McDermid launches her own private investigation into the life of Allan Pinkerton

He was the Glasgow-born man who gave the world the term "private eye".

He also brought his own particular brand of justice to the Wild West.

‘Queen of Crime’ Val McDermid is the creator of 'Karen Pirie' and 'Wire in the Blood'.

Producer: Lynsey Moyes

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.

20 hours left to listen

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 13 May 2026 00:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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