What's a Little Blackmail Between Friends

A Victorian Mystery of Clever Schemes and Quiet Defiance (The Etty and Tris Victorian Mysteries, Book 1)

By: Lynn Morrison

Narrated by: Gill Mills

She refuses to play by the rules when royal secrets are at stake.

London, 1868: Edith 'Etty' Redgrave has spent two years perfecting the art of quiet rebellion. But when her best friend, Princess Louise, begs her to retrieve a scandalous sketch before it destroys the royal family, Etty's carefully curated independence shatters.

Enter Tristan Bankes-Fernsby, Duke of Rockingham. Cold, controlled, and the Queen's personal fixer, he has been sent to contain the same problem and has no patience for interference. Especially from a determined woman who refuses to stay in her place.

The trouble is, Etty will not step aside. Every lead she uncovers collides inconveniently with the duke's investigation. Whether he likes it or not, they are chasing the same truth. If he wants to keep her safe, they will have to work together.

As Etty and Tristan follow the trail through drawing rooms, studios, and the margins of polite society, the price of failure becomes clear. What began as a single compromised sketch unravels into blackmail, misdirection, and a danger that reaches far beyond one reputation.

If Etty and Tristan cannot outthink the people trading secrets for power, Princess Louise's future will not be the only thing at risk. Can a rebellious debutante and an infuriatingly upright duke solve a royal scandal without creating one of their own?

Perfect for listeners who love:

• Loyal Friends
• Opposites Attract
• Forced Partnership
• Royal Scandal meets The Queen's Fixer
• Political Intrigue & Blackmail
• Secrets Hidden in the Art World
• Glamour & Grit in Victorian London

©2026 Lynn Morrison (P)2026 Lynn Morrison

Lively series opener

A welcome new listen for Victorian mystery fans. Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise comes to life in this story of heartbreak, potential scandal, and tests of friendship. Etty Redgrave is a true friend to Princess and a convincing risk-taker. Etty forms a reluctant alliance with Tristan Bankes-Fernsby, Duke of Rockingham (the Queen's fixer) to protect both the Princess and the Crown. It will be fun to read where this reluctant partnership takes Etty and The Duke on their next adventure.