The Mystery of a Hansom Cab · Character

Mr. Gorby

A plodding Melbourne detective who works the Whyte murder from the ground up, questioning landladies and cool aristocrats alike.

supporting

Also known as Gorby, VI Mr. Gorby, IX Mr. Gorby

First appearance: The Mystery of a Hansom Cab

As a supporting figure in The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, Mr. Gorby is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Detective assigned to investigate the murder.

In the storyThe Mystery of a Hansom CabOpen this moment free

Gorby arrives at Mrs. Hableton's lodging house with patient, methodical questions, taking the measure of the insolent Moreland and the tearful landlady without missing a detail. He is the story's first pair of official eyes on the case, gathering the fragments — the coat, the chloroform, the cab — that others will later fight over. He matters because he sets the investigative machinery in motion before the lawyers and the secrets take over.

See Mr. Gorby in The Mystery of a Hansom Cab Book page

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Character Web

16 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Core mystery participants
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it resolves the central mystery—the revelation that the murdered m…

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In the story

Mr. Gorby appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Mystery of a Hansom Cab
Detective assigned to investigate the murder.
II: The Evidence at the Inquest
Present at the inquest, taking notes throughout the testimony.
Mr. Gorby Makes a Start
The detective begins his investigation, shaving and conversing with his mirror as he puzzles over the case. He examines the victim's clothes, discovers the secret pocket, and deduces the motive. He then finds the advertisement for Oliver Whyte and decides to visit Possum Villa.
Mrs. Hableton Unbosoms Herself
The detective who visits Mrs. Hableton to investigate Oliver Whyte's murder and extracts key details about Whyte's habits and associates.
VI: Mr. Gorby Makes Further Discoveries
Investigates Whyte's room and interviews Moreland; forms suspicion that Fitzgerald is the murderer.
Brian Takes a Walk and a Drive
Gorby secretly follows Brian through Melbourne, observes his actions at the Frettlby mansion, and plans to question Brian's landlady about his alibi.
Mr. Gorby Is Satisfied at Last
Detective investigating the murder; poses as an insurance agent to question Mrs. Sampson; deduces that Brian's return time fits the murder timeline.
X: In the Queen's Name
Detective who arrests Brian Fitzgerald for the murder of Oliver Whyte.
XIV: Another Richmond in the Field
Gorby is Kilsip's rival; he arrested Fitzgerald and is confident in his guilt.
Sal Rawlins Tells All She Knows
Mentioned by Kilsip as being in a rage over Fitzgerald's impending acquittal.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Gorby in The Mystery of a Hansom Cab