It is revealed that Ladislaus is part of the gang conducting large-scale robberies, which uses Bertram's Hotel as a front.Įlvira was in love with Ladislaus, and she knew that she would have a better change of marrying him with the money she inherited from her father. He later says that he and Bess Sedgwick are lovers, and that he had only suggested that he was engaged to Elvira because that sounded 'very English and proper'. When Chief Inspector Davy tells him that the shots were meant for Elvira, Ladislaus questions why he would want to shoot the girl he is going to marry. He owns an automatic pistol, which he keeps in the pocket of his car, and a revolver, which he keeps in a drawer in his flat.Īfter the death of Micky Gorman, Chief Inspector Davy questions Ladislaus, because his car had been seen near Bertram's Hotel on the night in question, and his automatic pistol had been used to shoot Gorman. He is also known to frequently travel between England and the European continent. Ladislaus is known to spend money freely, both in England and abroad, although his source of income is doubtful.

Ladislaus similarly has a 'bad reputation where women are concerned', according to Chief Inspector Davy. Ladislaus reminds Miss Marple of Harry Russell, who was never up to any good, and never did any woman who had anything to do with him any good either. Miss Marple observes a 'predatory toughness' and 'strong, virile attraction' about him. He is described as having a 'lean hawklike face'. By the time of the events of the novel, he has recovered, and is believed to be driving again.ĭuring the events of the novel, Ladislaus drives a white Mercedes-Otto racing model. One year before the events of the novel, he had a bad crash, and broke a lot of bones.

Ladislaus had been world champion for two years running.

In the novel At Bertram's Hotel, Ladislaus Malinowski is a race car driver in his 30s who works with Lady Sedgwick and with whom her daughter Elvira has fallen in love.

At bertram's hotel