The World of Playing Cards Logo

Detectives, Secret Agents and Spies

Detective

The rise of detective, spy, and secret agent stories was driven by a blend of historical and social developments, new technologies and literary trends that made these genres both timely and compelling. They provided a means to explore contemporary issues and anxieties while offering the reassurance that, at least in fiction, order could be restored.

Displaying 15 articles

Sort by: Publication Date Alphabetical Year of Production

Filter by Year of Production

Alibi

Alibi

“Alibi” the thrilling card game by Haytor, Tor Productions, 1930s.

Detektiv Fuk

Detektiv Fuk

‘Detektiv Fuk’ card game from Czechoslovakia.

Die Another Day 007

Die Another Day 007

“007 Die Another Day” James Bond themed playing cards, 2002.

Dylan Dog

Dylan Dog

Characters and objects from the Italian comic book series Dylan Dog, written by Tiziano Sciavi and drawn by Corrado Roi.

Guns & Gadgets 007

Guns & Gadgets 007

“007 Guns & Gadgets” themed playing cards printed by Carta Mundi, 2005.

I Commit

I Commit

“I Commit” crime club card game invented by Laurence Meynell, Pepys Games, 1948.

Inspector

Inspector

Inspector card game published by W F Jackson & Sons, 1940s.

Inspector Gadget

Inspector Gadget

The Adventures of Inspector Gadget quartet game published by Fournier in 1983.

Kojak bubble gum cards

Kojak bubble gum cards

Bubble gum cards featuring stills – mainly of Telly Savalas – from the cult TV series Kojak.

Pulp Pin-Up

Pulp Pin-Up

Classic 1940s Pulp Pin-Up covers on playing cards from China, c.2010.

Secret Seven

Secret Seven

Secret Seven card game illustrated by Bruno Kay and published by Pepys, 1955.

Sherlock Holmes illustrated playing cards

Sherlock Holmes illustrated playing cards

Sherlock Holmes playing cards with illustrations by Sidney Paget, United Kingdom

Sherlock Holmes Playing Cards

Sherlock Holmes Playing Cards

Three fine deck of playing cards inspired by the characters and stories of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Spy

Spy

Spy card game published by Valentine’s Games, c.1915.

Spyscape

Spyscape

Spyscape espionage, surveillance and cryptography themed playing cards, 2018.