This question is ambiguous and can be interpreted in several ways. Here are some possible interpretations:
1. The Mother of a Specific Detective
If you are referring to a specific detective, the answer depends on the detective's identity. For example:
- Sherlock Holmes's mother was Mary Morstan, who died when he was young.
- Hercule Poirot's mother is unknown, as his backstory is not fully explored in the books.
To answer this question definitively, you would need to specify the detective you are asking about.
2. The Mother of Detectives as a Profession
In this interpretation, the question asks about the origin of detective work. While there is no single "mother" of the profession, many historical figures and events contributed to its development.
- The earliest detectives were often private investigators hired by individuals to solve crimes.
- The first official detective force was established in Paris in 1811, called the Sûreté Nationale.
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's creation of Sherlock Holmes popularized the image of the brilliant detective, inspiring countless others to enter the field.
Therefore, the "mother" of detectives is a complex concept, with many influences shaping the profession over time.