The Lazy Detective · Character

Malone

A detective sergeant whose wasted journey to Goodwood frustrates Labar, he is the reliable colleague who chases down rumours across the marsh.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Malone, Bill Malone, Bill, Detective Sergeant Malone, friend Malone

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in The Lazy Detective, Malone is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Detective Sergeant; reports the Streetly House jewel robbery to Labar and suspects Larry Hughes's involvement.

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Malone works the case alongside Labar, and his fruitless trip to Goodwood with the bank cashier costs the inspector an expected identification of Mrs. Gertstein. Steady rather than brilliant, he is the man Labar trusts to investigate a story of two men lurking at a farm outside Rye, taking a dozen men roped in from Mope's Bottom. His absence from the house when the others arrive leaves the pursuit in motion and keeps the hunt for Larry Hughes alive.

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The fuller portrait of Malone sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Malone in I

Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Malone sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Central and minor characters
Servant and minor figures
Protagonist

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the narrative climax because Penelope reaches her emotional and psychological nadir, where her hope of…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Harry Labar
professional · ambivalent
Harry and Malone have a professional relationship, possibly as colleagues or as detective… How this plays out →
Harry Labar
professional · ambivalent
Harry and Malone have a professional relationship, possibly as colleagues or as detective… How this plays out →
Harry Labar
professional · ambivalent
Harry and Malone have a professional relationship, possibly as colleagues or as detective… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Malone in I

In the story

Malone appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
Detective Sergeant; reports the Streetly House jewel robbery to Labar and suspects Larry Hughes's involvement.
Chapter II
Detective who observes the lack of fingerprints and suggests Larry Hughes as the culprit.
IV
Labar's aide; tracks down the bank manager and brings back the forged cheque for examination.
VI
Reports to Labar about the bank cashier's statement and announces Penelope Noelson's arrival.
Chapter VIII
Swearing out a search warrant for Larry's Hampstead house.
XI
Detective sergeant at Goodwood, observes Adèle in connection with a forged cheque.
XII
Accompanies Labar to Maid's Retreat and stands guard during the interview.
XIV
Mentioned as having been tied up and hidden in an outhouse by Larry's men.
XVI
Malone is Labar's loyal assistant, who was knocked unconscious and tied up during the raid. He recovers and joins Labar in the pursuit.
XVIII
Present during the interrogation, taking down Stebbins's statement in longhand.
XXI
Malone is seen by Labar in a decrepit Ford car near Rye, also searching for Larry, but no recognition passes between them.
XXIV
Sergeant Malone meets Labar in the street, listens to the plan, and accompanies him to the police station. He later waits for reinforcements while Labar scouts ahead.
XXVII
Part of the police team, guards a prisoner and helps navigate the tunnel.
XXVIII
Accompanies Labar to search the tunnel at Mope's Bottom.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Malone unlock in the free preview.

See Malone in I