| POIROT | Fastidious detective whose exploits are narrated by his companion Hastings |
| GILGAMESH | (GKN) Sumerian king whose exploits are chronicled in the world's oldest epic poem, dating from around 2100 BC (9) |
| CIPHER | It's hard to work this out as small film reviewed by his companion (6) |
| AGRICOLA | Roman governor of Britannia whose life and exploits are described in a biography by his son-in-law Tacitus (8) |
| POMPOUS | "Your exploits are so fascinating, ___" |
| GUNN | '50s-'60s title detective whose show's theme was composed by Mancini |
| NEROWOLFE | Fictional detective whose first recorded words are "Where's the beer?" |
| ARTHUR | Legendary king whose exploits were developed in writings by Geoffrey of Monmouth, Sir Thomas Malory and Chretien de Troyes (6) |
| DONQUIXOTE | Classic character whose exploits inspired the phrase in this puzzle's circles |
| SINBAD | Hero whose exploits included killing the Old Man of the Sea (6) |
| LEESON | Nick ___, former broker whose exploits were dramatised in 1999 film Rogue Trader (6) |
| ACEVENTURA | Movie detective whose dog helps him crack a case |
| INSPECTORMORSE | Fictional detective whose first name is Endeavour |
| MIKEHAMMER | Detective whose first book was "I, the Jury" |
| CALDER | Dee Valley detective whose daughter Freya has been seriously injured in Hollyoaks (4,6) |
| LEXI | Dee Valley detective whose daughter Freya has been seriously injured in Hollyoaks (4,6) |
| MRMOTO | Detective whose first name is Kentaro |
| STARSKY | Old detective whose partner was in smaller residence than 27? (7) |
| GENE | "Arrested Development" detective whose disguises make Lucille shriek with glee |
| KOJAK | 1970s TV detective whose catchphrase was “Who loves ya, baby?” |
