If it wins the voting the whole tex murphy series will be on sale for 9 bucks tomorrow. They are excellent adventures,, pretty much the best detective adventures around. You should probably start with playing under a killing moon.

Post Mortem is also quite good. Still Life 1+2 are a spin-off of Post Mortem ( the original Still Life it is better, indeed ).

A less known series, based on the James Patterson's books:

Women's Murder Club:

1: Death in Scarlett
2: A Darker Shade of Grey
3: Twice in a Blue Moon
4: Little Black Lies.

http://www.gamehouse.com/womens-murder-club

They do have some puzzle elements, being targeted to a more casual audience, but Jane Jensen was behind at least three of them. Personally, I've enjoyed them.

Unfortunately, the realism that you seek, no adventure game has it ( exception being L.A. Noire, which has also action elements in it ).

L.A. Noire also needs a powerful PC, so if you intend to grab it, make sure that your PC can handle it. Also make sure that you buy the Complete Edition, as it adds five or so extra cases ( which are adding a good chunk of extra-content - good money value, i'd say )

http://store.steampowered.com/sub/12072/?snr=1_7_15__13

oh la noire slipped my mind. You probably want that solzariv. Although its a very easy game.. but its still an entertaining detective sim.

P.s: Elysium = Moon Child

Someone will understand. ;)

Police Quest series here on gOg