The character starred in three mystery novels, all of which were filmed. His first appearance was in the 1939 novel "Who Murdered Mrs. Skrof?" ("Kuka murhasi Rouva Skrofin?"), which was awarded the Nordic Detective Prize. The second book, "Inspector Palmu's Mistake" ("Komisario Palmun erehdys"), was filmed first in 1960, while the second film, "Gas, Inspector Palmu!" ("Kaasua, Komisario Palmu"), is based on the first novel. The film's Swedish title is the same as that of the original story. A fourth film was made without Waltari's involvement. The script was written by Georg Korkman and Matti Kassila, who also directed all four films. In addition "The Stars Will Tell, Inspector Palmu" ("Tähdet kertovat, komisario Palmu") was written by Waltari knowingly so that it could be filmed.