Lestrade

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Greg G. Lestrade 1
Alias(es)	Inspector Lestrade; Detective Lestrade 1 16
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Scotland Yard; Criminal Investigation Department (CID) 1
Occupation/Role	Detective investigating criminal and mysterious cases 1
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Lestrade serves in Scotland Yard's CID, an ostensibly ordinary detective division that in practice tracks cases involving the mysterious. He is noted for an excellent shorthand memory, patience, and a refusal to accept unproven evidence as fact. 1

He interrogated Ye Yan, then known as Ewan Dalmans, over the murder of Philip Dalmans and related horse-belly serial killings. Although Ye had motive and opportunity, Lestrade recognized that the evidence did not prove capability or guilt. Ye's faith that Lestrade would catch the real murderer rekindled the detective's passion for his work. 1

When Ye collapsed from the influx of residual memories, Lestrade caught him before he hit the floor and urgently called for medical help. He later brought news that a neighbor's testimony had cleared Ye's suspicion. 2 After Scotland Yard established that Philip's body had been moved into Apartment 222, Lestrade apologized for treating Ye as a criminal and provided information on Ye's missing uncle, Jules Dalmans. 3

During the Sunset Church case, Lestrade investigated the corpse-dumping sites, worked with Holmes to seal London Bridge, and provided armed support during the raid on Red Lion Street. He was among those trapped by the Abomination until Ye used the Shell-Opening Blade to intervene. 12 13 14 15

Following the operation, Lestrade helped Ye establish the adult identity of Newman Easton and promised to resolve problems if Ye's true identity was exposed. He implied that a promotion was imminent. 16

Appearance

Lestrade is a man with sharp gray eyes and a low voice. He wears a beret while on duty; in tense moments, he is prone to tugging at his tie. 1 13 27

• Sharp gray eyes visible inside his carriage 1
• Wears white gloves while examining crime scenes 12 27
• Removes his beret while reflecting at London Bridge, leaving his hair damp and disheveled in the fog 13

Personality

Lestrade is conscientious, patient, and strongly committed to evidentiary procedure. He does not rush to judgment despite pressure from patrol officers and public scrutiny, and he apologizes when Scotland Yard's treatment of a suspect proves unjustified. 1 3

He is emotionally affected by failures connected to victims, particularly the long-unsolved disappearance of “Blue Eyes” and Daphne's death. His guilt over once stopping short of Southwark becomes motivation to confront its criminal underworld himself. 13 29 32

Although he can act decisively in dangerous situations, Lestrade rejects Smith's brutal interrogation methods and insists that the process of pursuing justice matters, not merely the result. 28 29

Abilities & Skills

Investigation and Crime-Scene Analysis

Lestrade conducts detailed scene examinations, interrogates witnesses, and evaluates physical evidence before reaching conclusions.

• Determined that Arthur Mills's apparent suicide was inconsistent with the victim's terrified expression and blood-spatter pattern. 27
• Examined footprints, victim reports, and witness accounts at St. Katharine Docks during the horse-belly murders. 12
• Recognized the legal need for an authorized arcane review before using supernatural evidence in the Mills case. 27

Firearms and Field Response

Lestrade carries a firearm and takes part in armed police operations.

• Held a fleeing suspect at gunpoint and handcuffed him during the Black Raven Alley raid. 28
• Shot a hidden Rotting Corpse that was preparing to attack Holmes during the Red Lion Street operation. 14
• Led or participated in operations against Scarface, Arthur Mills's associates, and Cyril Butler. 25 28 30

Knowledge of Supernatural Law

Lestrade understands the restrictions placed on ability use and evidence under the Supernatural Management Act.

• Explains that evidence gained through unauthorized abilities is inadmissible under Article 12. 27
• Recognizes that his CID is responsible for investigating mysterious cases, not only mundane crimes. 1

Relationships

• Ye Yan / Newman Easton — Initially interrogated him as a murder suspect, then cleared his name, apologized, and became a trusted collaborator. Lestrade later helped create Newman's legal identity and pledged protection. 1 3 16
• Sherlock Holmes — Professional rival and eventual collaborator. Lestrade initially resists Holmes's criticisms of Scotland Yard's methods, but works with him during the Sunset Church investigation. 3 12 13
• Daphne — Personally connected to the “Blue Eyes” disappearance case. Seeing Daphne's spirit in court overwhelms him with memories of their past. 29 32
• James Smith — Temporary investigative partner whose interrogation methods Lestrade openly challenges. 27 29
• Jules Dalmans — Investigated as a possible connection to the Corpse Mover case and provided Ye with Jules's photograph and information. 3 5

Story Role / Major Arcs

Philip Dalmans Murder and Horse-Belly Serial Killings

Lestrade interrogates Ye over Philip Dalmans's death and the linked serial killings. He clears Ye after corroborating an alibi, investigates the anonymous informant, and coordinates with Holmes as the case escalates into a Sunset Church ritual. 1 2 3 12

Operation Broken Bridge

Lestrade helps seal London Bridge to prevent the cult's ritual from spreading, despite the disruption caused by closing a major transport hub. During the assault on Red Lion Street, he remains behind to support Holmes and becomes trapped in the Abomination crisis. 13 14 15

Blue Eyes Investigation

Twenty years after the original disappearance, Lestrade investigates the Blue Eyes case with Ye. The trail leads through Southwark's criminal networks, the Butler Family, and Cyril Butler's collection of victims' eyes. 20 25 26 27 28 29 30

Unicorn Court

At Cyril Butler's trial, Lestrade is reunited with Daphne when her spirit manifests in court. After Daphne later entrusts Ye with a pearl that can summon her, Lestrade helps Ye escape the crowd seeking to contact their own dead relatives. 32 35

Notable Quotes

“After all, the detective will catch the real killer, won't he?” — Ye Yan's question that deeply affects Lestrade 1

“Do not be afraid; I will find a way to resolve it for you.” 16