# Solly Gertstein — The Lazy Detective character guide

> Solly Gertstein in The Lazy Detective by George Dilnot.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Solly Gertstein, Mr. Gertstein, Gertstein, Mr. S. Gertstein

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

Adèle's devoted millionaire husband, Solly Gertstein, is the man everyone — police, blackmailers, and his own wife — is quietly manoeuvring to keep in the dark.

## Who they are

Solly calls Maid's Retreat twice a day to wail about the Streetly House robbery and frets over Penelope's disappearance, fond and anxious and entirely unaware of what his wife is hiding. Labar and Superintendent Marlow recognise that if Gertstein learns how a scandal might reach him, he could deliberately gum up the investigation to hush it. He never appears on the page directly, but his money, his devotion, and his potential interference shape every move the police make.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/i)

Victim of the Streetly House robbery; described as 'foaming at the mouth' over the loss of a quarter of a million pounds in jewels and curios.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/ii)

Wealthy victim of the robbery; agitated and threatening to use his influence against the police.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/iii)

Mentioned as Mr. Gertstein, husband of Adèle, and owner of the robbed house.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/iv)

Millionaire who trusts Penelope Noelson and dismisses Labar's suspicions; Labar nearly likes him for his loyalty.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/ix)

Gertstein is critical of Labar's methods, blaming him for Penelope's disappearance and threatening to seek outside help.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/xi)

Mentioned as Adèle's husband, who she fears might learn of her financial troubles.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/xii)

Mentioned as the husband who might refuse to prosecute if his wife is implicated.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/xiii)

Mentioned as Adèle's husband, whose chequebook she forged.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/xvi)

Solly is mentioned as the husband of Adèle; Labar plans to see him upon returning to town to discuss his wife's crimes.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/xvii)

Coldly receives news of his wife's betrayal, attempts to bribe Labar, and suggests suicide as a solution to avoid scandal.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/xx)

Mentioned as Adèle's husband, who Larry believes has been told a story by Labar.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/characters/solly_gertstein
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/characters