What's A Little Blackmail Between Friends

The Etty and Tris Victorian Mysteries #1

by Lynn Morrison

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 readers 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

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Cozy Mystery

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2026

About the author

Lynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England and Venice, Italy with her husband, two daughters and three cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.

You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad to have come across this book (and only have to wait a week for the second book to come out - at the same time, a whole week for only one book). Anyone who loves historical mysteries will love this one!

[Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

This didn't really ring true as a regency; it felt too modern. But, I enjoyed it.

[Helen Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in London in 1866, the first book in this new series, What's a Little Blackmail Between Friends, introduces us to a feisty Viscount's daughter, Etty Redgrave, who bends the rules until they almost snap!

Etty's best friend, Princess Louise, is in a bit of a pickle and asks Etty to help her recover some potentially damaging sketches, but what neither of them know is that the princesses' family also has someone on the case, Tristan Bankes-Fernsby, Duke of Rockingham, and he's about to cross paths with Etty.

I really enjoyed this fast-paced mystery as Etty and Tristan butt heads while attempting to find a missing man who can give them the answers they seek. The setting feels very authentic, and I found Etty very likeable. If you love clever heroines who won't be bested by a man, then you'll love this new series. I know I did!

[Kellye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts a series of the adventures of a beloved character from another of Ms. Morrison's book series which I have enjoyed reading. It is a light detective story as well as a romance in the very slow buildup. Edith (Etty) is a debutante of an unusual mold. She doesn't want to live the life her mother imagines and pushes against the boundaries of convention by using her ingenuity and creativity. She is friends with the Princess Louise who she met at art classes for noble young ladies at the Art Institute. When Princess Louise finds herself in a spot of vulnerability to blackmail, she turns to her friend Etty to help her discretely solve the problem. Meanwhile, the crown has also become aware of the potential problem (which Louise thought she had hid from them quite well) and the Duke of Rockingham has been asked to also solve this problem. As you can imagine, they quickly bump into each other and end up joining forces.

The mystery is realistic for the time period and the resolution is also realistic for the time period. Having already come to love the main character in her later life from the other book series, I am pre-disposed to like the characters. This is a light read that leaves you feeling happy. It doesn't dive deep into anything that requires a great deal of thought or energy, which is just how I like my reading to progress after a long day at work!

While the story developed a little slowly in the beginning, it picked up some speed as they decided to work together instead of against one another to solve the mystery at hand. I am trying hard not to provide spoilers here, so let me just indicate that I finished the book intrigued to read of their next mystery adventure together and learn more about how the characters develop their relationship while solving some Victorian era problems amongst the ton. I will happily read the next story when it is released.

You do not need to have read Ms. Morrison's other stories to enjoy and understand this one. It is a stand alone story. You might want to search out her Dora and Rex series after reading this and I do recommend it.

I received an advance copy from the author in return for a review of the book. I received no other benefits or compensation than receiving the book in advance of publication.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so many pairings of a female amateur sleuth and a Duke, it would have been so redundant to read more of the same. But I have to give it to these authors, ALL (i.e.~ those I chose to read, of course) of them managed to entertain and titillate an ordinary average mystery reader like me.

This involves a Baron's daughter (Edith "Etty" Redgrave) and her friendship with Princess Louise. They met at an art class where the Princess was quite a good student and Etty was an abysmal one. What they have in common was their rebellious streak, given that all their material needs were instantly met within reason, yet their Freedom were still restricted~limited. Given Louise's love for painting and the excellent results of her efforts, an Art Tutor was contracted to give her further instructions. In time, unfortunately art lessons were not the only subject tackled and Instructor and Royal Pupil eventually progressed to more intimate relations. To the extent that they both made nudes of each other and Arden had both copies with him... then he broke off their relationship and disappeared. Louise wanted back the nude Arden made of her... and so, reckless and affectionate Etty promised to get them for her. Enter the Duke of Rockingham, Tristan Bankes~Fernsby, Queen Victoria's "fixer." While on the trail of Mikhail Arden, both the Duke and Etty, kept bumping into each other and so they both decided to join forces in investigating the whereabouts of the missing Art Tutor. Aside from their elusive quarry, both single aristocrats put their reputations at stake and sooner or later the Gossips would notice their unusual connection. A truly FUN read.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Edith Redgrave and Tristan, the Duke of Rockingham, is one I never realised I needed, until my tablet was firmly gripped in my hands and only put down with utmost reluctance.

Edith ‘Etty’ Redgrave is a remarkable young woman, which, honestly, is not a surprise if you’ve read the Dora and Rex series by this author, (Seriously? Why not? Get to it - you won’t be disappointed and FOMO is a terrible thing) as we had the chance to meet her in her more senior years, as Rex’s grandmother. Etty is a strong and determined young lady, who is loyal to a fault, when it comes to her friend, Princess Louise. It’s clear that Etty has a quick mind, strong intellect and wants more from life than what is allowed for a young Victorian lady of the upper classes.

As Etty sets off on a daring mission to save Princess Louise’s reputation, she butts heads with Tristan Banks-Fearnsby, the Duke of Rockingham, who is also on the case, at Her Majesty the Queen’s request. They both want the same thing and they both have plenty to offer, in tracking down both missing items and person, so can they work together? Well a forced partnership between the two leads to a very enjoyable read, as they work to solve the mystery and save the day. There are sparks between them, as they learn to trust each other and recognise the wit and intelligence of their partner.

I throughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to getting to know both Etty and Tristan better, as I’m sure they have their share of adventures to come.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute delight to be able to get to know Edith in her younger years! You could tell that she was obviously a strong woman and character from her appearances in the Dora and Rex books (highly recommend that series btw, if you’ve not read it, set in the 1920’s 😁), but we knew her then as the dowager Duchess Lady Rockingham, Rex’s grandmother. (Which, as a random aside, makes me feel strangely sad for future rereads that Tristan isn’t around in those books 🤷🏼‍♀️). And we can now understand why Etty was taken with Dora from the get go, peas from similar albeit different era pods!
I liked that this theme/storyline of this start to the series differed from the espionage theme of the Dora and Rex books and the emotional intensity of Charity and Perry’s series (another good one to read, set in the same time/era as Dora’s series), with Edith being best friends with the queens daughter, princess Louise and the theme being of a more personal, less global level. Although saying that, there’s still drama and intrigue abound and the potential of harm to the crowns reputation! Plus Etty meeting Tristan, ahh, if only they knew what us readers of the Dora and Rex series know! I’m going to enjoy seeing how their relationship and future romance pans out 😁
As always, Lynn combines the history of the time with her fictional story beautifully. What more can I say? Other than how much I’m looking forward to book 2 of course!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

What a fun start to a new series for me! This is the second book from Ms. Morrison that I've read (the first being from the Dora & Rex 1920s series), and while I wasn't bowled over with the beginning to the 1920s series, I enjoyed this one and am happily anticipating more to come.

The characters here were such fun to follow...lots of fun banter, keen intelligence (especially from the heroine), and an indomitable spirit of independence and chafing against the societal mores of the time (also from the heroine).

Etty is an original and a loyal friend who will stop at nothing to rescue her friend (Princess Louise no less!) from a sticky personal situation. Tristan, the Duke of Rockingham (known as a "Fixer" for all things aristocratic...especially when those things involve royal aristocrats), is also on the case at the behest of the queen. The two reluctantly decide to work together to solve the problem, and their methods mesh surprisingly well. There's a twist toward the ending involving the dastardly fiend, but the punishment is well met and leaves Etty and Tristan with one leftover piece of business (orchestrated originally by Etty but perpetuated by her meddling mother) that will ensure further contact between the two.

Fun, fast-paced and cheer worthy characters left me entertained and pretty much sold on the series going forward based on this first outing.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in London in the late 1860s, "What's a Little Blackmail Between Friends," the first book in Lynn Morrison's planned new Etty and Tris series, begins the backstory of the Duchess of Rockingham, one of the significant supporting characters in author's WWI and following eight-book Dora and Rex series (now concluded or suspended).

Etty is Edith Redgrave, daughter of a viscount, the future duchess and grandmother of Rex (Lord Reginald Bankes-Fernsby). Tris is Tristan Bankes-Fernsby, the Duke of Rockingham. Beginning separately, but soon learning to work together, despite early and ongoing differences, they address and resolve a problem resulting from an indiscretion by Etty's good friend Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria.

From the beginning this book seemed different from what I expected and from other books by the same author. In many ways it is lighter. There's no murder to be solved, no real violence, some humor. What seems even more important than the plot, interesting as it may be, is the development of the main character. Because this is Etty's back story, we know, at least in general terms, what is going to happen to her in the future.

This is a fascinating beginning to the tale of how Etty became Rex's formidable duchess grandmother. It was hard to put down. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is based on an ARC the author kindly sent me.

This was a delightful... I guess you'd call it a 'romp' where we get to meet the Duchess of Rockingham - Rex's grandmother - as a young woman in Victorian London. While I enjoyed the Diamond of the Ton series more overall, in my current state of mind, it was nice to have something a little lighter and less angsty.

Etty gives me strong Enola Holmes vibes - not so much in her detective skills, but certainly in her attitude. I'm not sure how old she's meant to be in this book: I know she's been "out" for a couple of seasons, but she reads as in her late teens to me. Tristan, by contrast, gives much older vibes: I suspect he's in his early twenties, but all that responsibility and duty means he reads as at least in his thirties, and maybe older. All of which is to say that this *feels* like a slow-burn age-gap romance, even though I'm pretty sure it's not meant to be (age gap, I mean: we know it's a slow-burn romance because we know Etty becomes the Duchess of Rockingham at some point before the Dora and Rex series)

Speaking of which: I think one of the things I love most about Ms Morrison's intertwined historical/cozy paranormal (starting with the Oxford Key series, set in modern times, where you meet Dora and Rex as ghosts, then moving to the Dora and Rex series in the 1920s, going further back in time to the Crown Jewels and Diamond of the Ton series in the Regency period, and then finally exploring Victorian London in this one) is picking up on the subtle references to things that have happened in other series, or are going to happen in other series, depending on which series you're in.

So while this may not have the depth and twistiness of the Diamond of the Ton set, it's still a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I'm very much looking forward to the next instalment.

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to sum this book up in 2 words, it would be "Intriguing Fun." I already loved Etty as Rex's feisty grandmother (and Lady of the Realm) in Lynn Morrison's 1920s Dora and Rex series, but now I get to know her as a young woman in Victorian England where she flaunts all the rules of Victorian society to help a friend, the Princess Louise, no less. Okay, let's be honest. Etty regularly flaunts societal rules, much to her mother's chagrin, but this time she pulls out all the stops. As Etty finds herself in one tight place after another, she refuses to give up on her promise to save the princess' reputation, even at the cost of her own; and all the while leading the Duke of Rockingham (Queen Victoria's "fixer") on a merry chase. I found myself on the edge of my seat and then laughing out loud more than once. Etty and the Duke are great characters, with so much promise of more to come; and they are supported by equally likeable characters in Anna, Johnny, and even Princess Louise. This series is off to a wonderful start, and I cannot wait to read Book 2 that is scheduled to release April 29, 2026.

[Ella Goldmacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wondered why Rex's Grandmother welcomed Dora with open arms and took such an integral part in their shenanigans wonder no more.
Meet Ettie Redgrave, in her 3rd year in London and very much not interested in getting married. When her best friend Princess Louise finds herself in dire need of help Ettie volunteers to save her friend's reputation while putting her own on the line. Enter Tristan Bankes-Fernsby, Duke of Rockingham, known for being the Queen's right hand man in putting out the crown fires. They form an unlikely alliance to save Princess Louise from an unknown predator.
Of course if you loved Dora and Rex, and the Crown Jewel series, this is a must read. You won't be disappointed in meeting Rex's Grandmother as an adventurous young woman!
Many thanks to Lynn Morrison for letting me read and review this jewel of a book.

[Mimi3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Etty to the rescue!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2026
Format: Kindle
A fantastic new series from Lynn Morrison! I love Etty and Tristan! Etta is a loyal friend and since her best friend has made a mistake by getting involved with a very unsavory character and is being blackmailed she feels she could rectify the situation but because her BFF is of Royalty, Princess Louise, it must be kept secret. Arriving on the scene is the Duke of Rockingham, Lord Tristan-Banks Fernsby and he becomes involved with keeping Etty out of trouble and rescuing Princess Louise.
Love Etty, she is a very modern young lady for that time period and thinks outside the box. Can’t wait to see what Etty and Tristan get up to on the next book, What’s A Little Duelling Between Friends!
This is an ARC copy and am leaving this voluntary review.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynn Morrison has done it again! This is the first of a new series, where the main character, Etty, is a close friend of Princess Louise/Louisa, daughter of Queen Victoria. Dates in the story are not specified, but this book is set somewhere between Prince Albert's death in 1861, and Princess Louise's engagement in 1870. Etty is tasked with saving the princess from a scandal, in a society where any hint of this task would ruin both of their reputations. How Etty struggles to accomplish this task is the theme of this story, and Ms. Morrison portrays it beautifully. I can't wait to read the next book(s) in the series, and to learn more about the characters, both real and fictional. Highly recommended!

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series by one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Edith will do anything to avoid high society norms and is also a very loyal friend. This leads her to help a troubled princess out of a predicament. One that she can't do by herself as a woman in Victorian society. Luckily, she finds help from an unexpected and unwanted source. I loved the characters of this novel and the twists and turns as Edith and Tristan work together to solve the mystery of a missing artist and sketches. An unexpected conclusion brought the story together brilliantly. I am looking forward to more adventures of these two in future books in this series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional read! Loved it❣️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Series is off to an excellent start ...... interesting characters who are new yet somehow old familiar friends! The mystery has many facets and truly keeps the reader involved. There's so much potential for the characters to develop in subsequent adventures. The interaction between Etty and the Duke range from sweet to hilarious and I'm so looking forward to their next time together! The historical notes section is a worthwhile read as well. Also read the bonus epilogue offered by the author!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Etty, Princess Louise and the Duke! A combination bound for trouble in staid 1868 England. Etty jumps in to find what Princess Louise needs recovered. She butts heads with the Duke who only knows he is protecting the Crown – not what he needs to find. Lynn Morrison has created another interesting glimpse into Victorian England. Great characters and a setting which puts you right in the time period and on location. I look forward to the next Etty and Tris Victorian Mystery.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's A Little Blackmail Between Friends was such a fun read! If you loved the Rex and Dora series, you will absolutely love getting to know Etty and Tris. The story was filled with an unlikely heroine whose fierce loyalty leads her on an awesome adventure. There were plenty of unexpected turns, the setting and clothes are beautifully described, and I can't wait to get to know the characters even more.

[DonnaK. Handley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynn Morrison is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. It's the early 1800s with all its rules about behavior for young ladies. Etty pushes these boundaries. Princess Louise is Etty's best friend. The Duke of Rockingham is Queen Victoria's fixer. Love Lynn's characters. She has done her historical research and stays with the history of the era she is writing in. That's not true of some authors. I highly recommend this book and looking forward to the second book in series.

[Mlshevlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

always a surprise

I can’t say enough about this particular book. Needless to say once I started reading I was immediately caught up in the world of Etty. Then of course Tristan shows up and I’m in love. There’s such a surprise when they go investigate that a gasped out loud and scared my dog. 😅😅😅😅 I had to finish do I read through the night and now am very tired but happy to say to you all, it’s a cannot put down story

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! A pleasure meeting the Dowager Duchess as a young woman and the beginning of her romance with the Duke. A nice, light mystery involving a royal princess’ scandalous relationship with an artist. Looking forward to the next entry in the series, and seeing the relationship progress. Interesting side characters as well.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy slow burn, clean romances with a bit of mystery and a convention-bucking protagonist, you’ll love this book! Etty is determined to help her friend by retrieving an item from an ex beau before it can be used against the friend. Tris is also trying to protect the friend. Will they get in each others’ way or learn to trust each other and work together?

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Missing Person/An Art Instructor/A Duke..

Etty is trying her best to help her friend,
The Princess, discretely. But unknown to her, the Duke has been asked to help by the Queen. After running into each other & saving Etty from more injuries, the agrees to work together. All inquiries lead to dead ends except one..
A Great Read!

[Skater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, Good Fun

Set in Victorian England, an intelligent, independent women is called upon to save a friend’s reputation. In doing so she meets the Queens “fixer”. The pair team up and we, the reader, are presented with a fast fun, easy, romp of a mystery Etta, our heroine, is strong, intelligent, and resourceful, and a joy to spend time with.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Etty is a strong young women. I loved her adventure in this book. I am looking forward to reading more about her. I am also looking forward to more from the Duke of Rockingham, her reluctant partner in solving Princess Louise's problem. Highly recommend.

[Beryl J Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Etty & Tris Winning Combination

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I started reading it and didn’t put it down until I was done. The characters are memorable and their interactions made the story come alive. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's a Little Blackmail Between Friends: A Victorian mystery of clever schemes and quietdefiance

This is a great read with a young lady refusing suitors just to be married and not for love Loved Miss Red grave spirit and devious behavior.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy these historical books that Lynn Morrison crafts! Having read her other series, this is another exciting, (and perplexing for Etty!) mystery. Well written, well researched, delight to read. Looking forward to more from this duo.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first book in Lynn Morrison’s new series! Etty is plucky, observant, and a loyal friend. I enjoyed the adventure and the developing respect/romance between her and Tris. I struggled a bit with the narrator and I think in future I might read instead of listen.

[Julie Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun start to a new series, I love the characters and can't wait to see the next dilemma they get themselves involved in.