Traditional cop shows like “Law & Order”: Traditional cop shows like “SVU” and “Broadchurch” offer a glimpse into the process of case solving. Trained detectives gain expert insight into the crime and determine what led to the victim's death. But there is something gratifying about watching ordinary people try to solve a case on their own. To see someone not so different from us find clues and solve mysteries.

There are amateur detectives for every personality, whether they are Nancy Drew types, Veronica Mars types, or mystery novelists like Rick Castle. We have listed some of the best detective shows featuring our favorite amateur sleuths. Should you find yourself on one of these, you can envision the day you solve your own mystery.

“Castle” ran for eight seasons, so if you're itching for a detective show to get you through the summer, there are plenty of episodes to watch. The show stars mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion), who teams up with NYPD detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) to solve cases that mimic his novels. Initially, Kate hates working with the writer, but eventually a romance develops between the two as they solve cases together. There is also a subplot in which Castle tries to solve the mystery of his mother's murder many years earlier.

Once you get into the show, you will understand why it was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards and won several other awards. It's a wonderful blend of romance, comedy, and action without being overdone.

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There is much to love and appreciate in the “Veronica Mars” series. Popular teen Veronica (Kristen Bell) is the main character, and she seems to have it all. She is even dating the most popular guy in school, Duncan. However, everything changes when Duncan's sister Lily (Amanda Seyfried) is murdered. When Veronica's father, Detective Keith Mars (Enrico Colantoni), accuses Lily Kane's real father of the crime, the community turns against him, and eventually Veronica becomes obsessed with him.

After Keith is removed as sheriff, he starts a detective agency and with Veronica by his side (along with a few new friends) helps him solve cases. Whether or not you belong to the show's audience, if you like amateur detective shows, you're bound to enjoy it.

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“Psycho” focuses on two best friends, Sean Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez) and Burton “Gus” Guster (Dulé Hill). As it soon turns out, Sean is not psychic, but has keen powers of observation inherited from his father. His best friend Gus runs a “psychic” business and keeps his friend's secrets.

The long-running show ran for eight seasons and three movies were made. The chemistry between the two friends, Sean and Gus, is top-notch and you will experience many laughs in this series. Maggie Lawson as Detective Juliet O'Hara and Timothy Omundson as the always suspicious Detective Carlton Lassiter also complement their buddy comedy.

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Anyone who grew up reading Nancy Drew will be pleased to know that the book has become yet another TV series. There have been several television series based on Nancy Drew, but the CW version has a supernatural twist. The show focuses on Nancy (Kennedy McMann), a high school graduate who takes a year off to work before going to college. She works at Bayside Claw while she grieves the loss of her mother.

But things get complicated when she gets involved in a local mystery. She is even accused of being the perpetrator of a crime. Of course, it is up to Nancy to get to the bottom of the case. Although many of the scenes are more mature than one would expect from Nancy Drew, it is still a fun detective series.

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“The Hardy Boys” is another amateur teen detective show based on the classic book of the same name. The Hardy brothers, Frank (Rohan Campbell) and Joe (Alexander Elliott), investigate mysteries that occur in their town of Bridgeport. What makes the series unique, however, is that the central crime they attempt to solve continues throughout the season.

Avid fans of the original series will notice that the series does not follow the books exactly; like the 2019 “Nancy Drew” series, this one has a supernatural mystery element. Plus, being set in the 80s, it has a “Stranger Things” feel to it. With so many elements to enjoy, this film is sure to captivate from the start.

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