# Mr. Elmer Ludgrove — The Murders in Praed Street character guide > Mr. Elmer Ludgrove in The Murders in Praed Street by John Rhode. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Ludgrove, old Ludgrove, Ludgrove, Elmer Ludgrove **First appearance:** 0001-i-the-street ## Snapshot A wealthy, courteous old herbalist whose quiet Praed Street shop and unshakable calm make him the killer's most deliberate target. ## Who they are Ludgrove is a venerable Praed Street resident who reads the newspaper accounts of the murders with a cynic's eye for the police's familiar promises of a clue. When a numbered counter arrives as a warning, he refuses to alter his habits or show fear, telling Whyland he would as soon die violently as linger helplessly. His composure and standing make him both a natural focus for the investigation and a puzzle the reader wants to see resolved. ## In the story ### [II: The Herbalist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/ii-the-herbalist) The herbalist of Praed Street, tall and thin with white hair and beard, known for his wisdom and discretion. He listens to Mr. Copperdock's account of the Tovey murder. ### [III: The Inquest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/iii-the-inquest) Meets Mr. Copperdock for a chat about the inquest. He mentions a weekend trip to Suffolk for plant hunting but offers no new insights into the murder. ### [IV: The Poisoned Pipe-Stem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/iv-the-poisoned-pipe-stem) Returns from Suffolk with a collection of plants; listens to Copperdock's fears and advises him to go to the police. ### [V: Inspector Whyland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/v-inspector-whyland) Receives Inspector Whyland, explains Copperdock's behavior as romantic interest in Mrs. Tovey, and later reassures Copperdock. Travels to Penderworth for the weekend, where he discusses the case with locals. ### [VI: A Middle-Aged Poet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/vi-a-middle-aged-poet) Reads about Pargent's murder, discusses the case with Copperdock, and later speaks with Inspector Whyland, offering his theory that the murders may be the work of a maniac. ### [VII: The Black Sailor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/vii-the-black-sailor) Interviewed by Whyland; casts doubt on Copperdock's sighting of the black sailor; suggests a homicidal maniac may be responsible. ### [At No. 407, Praed Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/viii-at-no-407-praed-street) Listens to clients' stories and suspicions, but finds no real knowledge of the murderer; becomes convinced the criminal works alone or comes from outside the district. ### [IX: A Strange Affair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/ix-a-strange-affair) Provides an alibi and discusses the case with Whyland, expressing suspicion that the neighborhood is under scrutiny. ### [X: At Scotland Yard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/x-at-scotland-yard) Discusses the Goodwin case with Copperdock and later receives Copperdock's panicked visit after he finds counter VI. ### [XI: The Sixth Counter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/xi-the-sixth-counter) Provides shelter to the terrified Mr. Copperdock and examines the sixth counter under a magnifying glass, noting its similarity to previous ones. ### [XII: A Hypodermic Needle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/xii-a-hypodermic-needle) Discovers the body with the detective, assists Whyland in searching the house, and provides information about his own movements. ### [XIII: Enter Dr. Priestley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/xiii-enter-dr-priestley) A herbalist who received a numbered counter after Copperdock's death; described as a dignified, philosophical man. ### [XV: The Bone Counters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/xv-the-bone-counters) Receives Hanslet and Whyland, discusses the counters calmly, later reveals to Ted and Ivy that the envelopes and typewriter match those from Ted's office. ### [XVIII: The Avenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/xviii-the-avenger) Mentioned as having received a warning counter; the Black Sailor warns him to stay out of the affair. ### [XIX: A Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/xix-a-discovery) Participates in the trap by leaving London to gather herbs; returns safely. ### [Mr. Ludgrove's Invitation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/xx-mr-ludgrove-s-invitation) Writes to Priestley claiming new evidence; invites him to his house; leaves Priestley alone to fetch exhibits. ### [XXII: The Death Chamber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/xxii-the-death-chamber) Revealed to be the Black Sailor's alias; he transformed himself into the Black Sailor at Dr. Morlandson's cottage. ### [XXIII: The Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/chapters/xxiii-the-will) Revealed to be Dr. Morlandson, the Black Sailor, who confesses to his crimes and dies in the explosion. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/characters/mr_elmer_ludgrove - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_murders_in_praed_street_se/characters