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The Etty and Tris Victorian Mysteries #2
What's a Little Duelling Between Friends: A Victorian Mystery of Duels and Deception
Two men met at dawn. Only one walked away. Is he a murderer or the next man marked for death?
England, 1868. Etty Redgrave will bend rules, reputations, and polite society itself to protect the innocent. This time, justice demands she stand beside the last man she ever wanted to defend.
Her childhood nemesis is accused of killing a man on the duelling field, an illegal and dishonourable act shielded by aristocratic privilege. The evidence is damning. The scandal inevitable. Yet something about the death refuses to sit neatly in its box.
Tristan Bankes-Fernsby, Duke of Rockingham, is tasked with finding the killer before the affair erupts into public disgrace. When his investigation leads him to Etty’s door, the case takes a dangerous turn. The man who died may not have been an innocent gentleman after all, and the duel may have been meant to silence him.
Forced into an uneasy alliance, Etty and Tristan investigate the men who gathered at dawn. Their investments. Their debts. Their secrets. Their ties to Whitehall. Each answer reveals another layer of deception and another reason to kill.
As whispers spread through drawing rooms and government offices alike, the stakes turn lethal. In a world where honour is currency and scandal is a weapon, some secrets are worth more than a man’s life.
And if Etty and Tristan fail to uncover the truth in time, the next body may belong to one of them.
England, 1868. Etty Redgrave will bend rules, reputations, and polite society itself to protect the innocent. This time, justice demands she stand beside the last man she ever wanted to defend.
Her childhood nemesis is accused of killing a man on the duelling field, an illegal and dishonourable act shielded by aristocratic privilege. The evidence is damning. The scandal inevitable. Yet something about the death refuses to sit neatly in its box.
Tristan Bankes-Fernsby, Duke of Rockingham, is tasked with finding the killer before the affair erupts into public disgrace. When his investigation leads him to Etty’s door, the case takes a dangerous turn. The man who died may not have been an innocent gentleman after all, and the duel may have been meant to silence him.
Forced into an uneasy alliance, Etty and Tristan investigate the men who gathered at dawn. Their investments. Their debts. Their secrets. Their ties to Whitehall. Each answer reveals another layer of deception and another reason to kill.
As whispers spread through drawing rooms and government offices alike, the stakes turn lethal. In a world where honour is currency and scandal is a weapon, some secrets are worth more than a man’s life.
And if Etty and Tristan fail to uncover the truth in time, the next body may belong to one of them.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
About the author
Lynn Morrison
68 books269 followersLynn 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 2, 2026
Like the first, this one got better as it went. I love dual POV, but not when it is first person. It took some time to find the flow of the voices here. Mystery was good. Investigation realistic. Chemistry setting in…wish I didn’t have to wait for the next. The ending is kind of a cliffhanger, but expected in this genre.
April 29, 2026
Two men stand at dawn only one is left but no one is bereft it seems and the last man standing is the innocent party though he’s still standing Hale if not hearty. Well he’s in no mood to party. He wasn’t the one to end this life,but now he’s looking at maybe getting life? Behind bars in sentencing that is…
Etty Redgrave is here,she’ll save the day,though her nemesis Lord William is standing right there wanting representation by her..England 1868 and justice is demanding a commanding position she’s in though it’s the last situation she’d want to be in ,with him. But give her,her dues even though she can’t pick and choose.. There’s something amiss and she is charged to get to the bottom of this.
Joining Tristan Bankes-Fernsby as this is no ordinary death by duelling and he doesn’t know why someone is out to fooling them. Was the deceased the innocent party in all this or silenced before revealing something more sinister and shocking. Perhaps the whole city he’d have been rocking had he lived. Is Lord William done up like a kipper or will Tris and Etty have it sewn up by supper?
Honour is currency and scandal a weapon . I love this tagline and the scenes of deception it evokes. There’s deep rooted secrets and lies under London’s skies and the whole world seeming to despise . A far reaching breach of the norm and darkness ever on the roam. Tris has to admit that Etty is never wrong when her instincts are involved and the case they’re working swiftly solved. She’s proved time and again that she’s an asset to have at close quarters. Even Tris is of a mind that this case won’t thwart us.
The cogs were turning and I was soon in the thick and immersed quick into the compelling story set out before me . A page-turner as ever by Lynn Morrisons hands than weave her quill to deceive at will. She’s so clever at the mastery and slight misdirection we don’t see coming . Are Etty and Tris becoming chums? Well they have good outcomes when they work together so who knows down the line. Just gotta say it’s an awesome storyline. Just divine ,but now I’m anxiously awaiting June to arrive so I can imbibe some more. All that remains to say is encore!
Etty Redgrave is here,she’ll save the day,though her nemesis Lord William is standing right there wanting representation by her..England 1868 and justice is demanding a commanding position she’s in though it’s the last situation she’d want to be in ,with him. But give her,her dues even though she can’t pick and choose.. There’s something amiss and she is charged to get to the bottom of this.
Joining Tristan Bankes-Fernsby as this is no ordinary death by duelling and he doesn’t know why someone is out to fooling them. Was the deceased the innocent party in all this or silenced before revealing something more sinister and shocking. Perhaps the whole city he’d have been rocking had he lived. Is Lord William done up like a kipper or will Tris and Etty have it sewn up by supper?
Honour is currency and scandal a weapon . I love this tagline and the scenes of deception it evokes. There’s deep rooted secrets and lies under London’s skies and the whole world seeming to despise . A far reaching breach of the norm and darkness ever on the roam. Tris has to admit that Etty is never wrong when her instincts are involved and the case they’re working swiftly solved. She’s proved time and again that she’s an asset to have at close quarters. Even Tris is of a mind that this case won’t thwart us.
The cogs were turning and I was soon in the thick and immersed quick into the compelling story set out before me . A page-turner as ever by Lynn Morrisons hands than weave her quill to deceive at will. She’s so clever at the mastery and slight misdirection we don’t see coming . Are Etty and Tris becoming chums? Well they have good outcomes when they work together so who knows down the line. Just gotta say it’s an awesome storyline. Just divine ,but now I’m anxiously awaiting June to arrive so I can imbibe some more. All that remains to say is encore!
April 29, 2026
Another delightful adventure with Etty and Tris; and while It may be trite to say this book was even better than the first, it is true. In the first book ("What's A Little Blackmail Between Friends"), I focused on getting to know the young Etty who I originally met as the formidable but lovable dowager duchess and Rex's grandmother in the Dora & Rex series. In this book, I was able to enjoy the character and relationship development, as well as the intriguing plot and story.
Etty has seemingly shed any reticence to call on the Duke of Rockingham when the circumstances call for it, thankfully acknowledging that she cannot do everything by herself. Certainly a duel involving her childhood nemesis (Lord William), harboring a criminal, and trying to catch a very wily murderer constitute such circumstances. Similarly, the good Duke is learning to trust Etty's instincts, while beginning to acknowledge his feelings where she is concerned.
Watching these changes evolve was greatly facilitated by the dual POVs. I am not always a fan of multiple points of view, but it worked beautifully for Etty and Tris.
While some character development is expected in the main characters in any series, the discerning author does not ignore the recurring side/supporting characters, and I was pleased at the unexpected development in Etty's mother and father, as well as Tris' brother, during this adventure. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Lord William.
I finished this book with a groan. I wasn't ready to leave this world or these characters. It is unlikely that the next book I read will satisfy me because I will continue to ponder the fate of these characters, wanting the next chapter in their stories. At some point that will fade enough to allow me to appreciate other books, but that "hangover" is the sign of a great read.
Tip: Fortunately, the next book in this series is due to release in July. I will be [im]patiently waiting.
Etty has seemingly shed any reticence to call on the Duke of Rockingham when the circumstances call for it, thankfully acknowledging that she cannot do everything by herself. Certainly a duel involving her childhood nemesis (Lord William), harboring a criminal, and trying to catch a very wily murderer constitute such circumstances. Similarly, the good Duke is learning to trust Etty's instincts, while beginning to acknowledge his feelings where she is concerned.
Watching these changes evolve was greatly facilitated by the dual POVs. I am not always a fan of multiple points of view, but it worked beautifully for Etty and Tris.
While some character development is expected in the main characters in any series, the discerning author does not ignore the recurring side/supporting characters, and I was pleased at the unexpected development in Etty's mother and father, as well as Tris' brother, during this adventure. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Lord William.
I finished this book with a groan. I wasn't ready to leave this world or these characters. It is unlikely that the next book I read will satisfy me because I will continue to ponder the fate of these characters, wanting the next chapter in their stories. At some point that will fade enough to allow me to appreciate other books, but that "hangover" is the sign of a great read.
Tip: Fortunately, the next book in this series is due to release in July. I will be [im]patiently waiting.
May 4, 2026
This review is based on an ARC the author kindly sent me (although I'm getting my review up slightly late because of health issues).
I enjoyed this second book in the Etty and Tris Mysteries series even more than Book 1. Partly that's because Etty feels less... young? certainly less innocent... than she was in Book 1. She's learned something from her experiences in Book 1, and is less determined to charge headlong into danger without thinking about it, which I found made for an FMC I enjoyed hanging out with far more. It also made her feel like much more of a fleshed out character than she did in Book 1. Perhaps ironically, the fact that she seems to have a far better relationship with her parents in this instalment than she did in Book 1 also makes her seem older.
And Tristan, too, seems a little more rounded as a character than he did in Book 1 - although that might just be the fact that in this instalment, we get chapters from his POV, which makes a huge difference. Instead of knowing academically that he's probably in his mid-to-late 20s, but feeling as though he reads like someone in his late-3os-slash-early-40s, we get some of what's going on in his mind as he has to act far older than his age. That reduces that false sense of an age gap romance - something I'm only rarely a fan of - that I had from Book 1 as well. And the hints of previous tragedy in his family that will hopefully be revealed in Book 3 didn't hurt either.
Plus, we get more of a sense of the political landscape that provides the story's context - something I always enjoy in Ms Morrison's historical books - than we did in Book 1.
All in all, while "What's a Little Blackmail" was a high-3-star/low-4-star read for me, this instalment was a solid high 4 stars. And it gives me hope that Book 3 may well make it into 5-star territory. I guess we'll need to see when it comes out :-)
I enjoyed this second book in the Etty and Tris Mysteries series even more than Book 1. Partly that's because Etty feels less... young? certainly less innocent... than she was in Book 1. She's learned something from her experiences in Book 1, and is less determined to charge headlong into danger without thinking about it, which I found made for an FMC I enjoyed hanging out with far more. It also made her feel like much more of a fleshed out character than she did in Book 1. Perhaps ironically, the fact that she seems to have a far better relationship with her parents in this instalment than she did in Book 1 also makes her seem older.
And Tristan, too, seems a little more rounded as a character than he did in Book 1 - although that might just be the fact that in this instalment, we get chapters from his POV, which makes a huge difference. Instead of knowing academically that he's probably in his mid-to-late 20s, but feeling as though he reads like someone in his late-3os-slash-early-40s, we get some of what's going on in his mind as he has to act far older than his age. That reduces that false sense of an age gap romance - something I'm only rarely a fan of - that I had from Book 1 as well. And the hints of previous tragedy in his family that will hopefully be revealed in Book 3 didn't hurt either.
Plus, we get more of a sense of the political landscape that provides the story's context - something I always enjoy in Ms Morrison's historical books - than we did in Book 1.
All in all, while "What's a Little Blackmail" was a high-3-star/low-4-star read for me, this instalment was a solid high 4 stars. And it gives me hope that Book 3 may well make it into 5-star territory. I guess we'll need to see when it comes out :-)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was champing at the bit to read this book and, oh my goodness, what a fast paced, addictive, dazzling read it proved to be!
Etty is definitely ahead of her time, with her intelligence and quick wit desperate to be used. Even those who do not fully appreciate her, can see she is smart enough to help dig them out of a hole of their own making. Etty is able to sit back and observe, noticing things others might miss. In this book, she seems a little more considered in her actions and a little less lightly to throw herself headlong into potentially dangerous situations. Could this be the influence of the Duke of Rockingham?
For his part, Tristan is a capable as always, sharp of wits and keen of eye. He sees quickly to the matter of things and the wider viewpoint of how events may affect others. He is very keen to protect Etty from harm to herself, or her reputation. He goes out of his way to include her at all points of his investigations, having recognised her worth, and values her insights. He also allows her to get to know him a little better. Could he also be influenced by Etty?
The events of this book are fast moving and you are kept guessing as to who is responsible for events and their motives. When all comes to light, that is still not the conclusion, as another shock leaves you reeling and begging for more.
Etty is definitely ahead of her time, with her intelligence and quick wit desperate to be used. Even those who do not fully appreciate her, can see she is smart enough to help dig them out of a hole of their own making. Etty is able to sit back and observe, noticing things others might miss. In this book, she seems a little more considered in her actions and a little less lightly to throw herself headlong into potentially dangerous situations. Could this be the influence of the Duke of Rockingham?
For his part, Tristan is a capable as always, sharp of wits and keen of eye. He sees quickly to the matter of things and the wider viewpoint of how events may affect others. He is very keen to protect Etty from harm to herself, or her reputation. He goes out of his way to include her at all points of his investigations, having recognised her worth, and values her insights. He also allows her to get to know him a little better. Could he also be influenced by Etty?
The events of this book are fast moving and you are kept guessing as to who is responsible for events and their motives. When all comes to light, that is still not the conclusion, as another shock leaves you reeling and begging for more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set in London in the late 1860s, "What's a Little Duelling Between Friends," the second book in Lynn Morrison's new Etty and Tris series, continues 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. Tris is Tristan Bankes-Fernsby, the Duke of Rockingham. In the first book, despite their different rankings in England's class structure, they had worked together to resolve a problem resulting from an indiscretion by Etty's good friend Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. Along the way they invented a seemingly improbable faux courtship.
In this book, a tragicomic series of events, beginning with a near farcical visit to a gambling room with Princess Louise, followed by a planned duel between two of her friends, leads to a murder investigation. While Etty and Tristan work together to solve the murder Tristan works to protect Etty's reputation from possible scandal related to the gambling and duel.
Entertaining, with an intriguing mystery, including a helpful list of the significant characters, and could be read as a standalone, but would be enjoyed more if read after "What's a Little Blackmail Between Friends,"
Etty is Edith Redgrave, daughter of a viscount, the future duchess. Tris is Tristan Bankes-Fernsby, the Duke of Rockingham. In the first book, despite their different rankings in England's class structure, they had worked together to resolve a problem resulting from an indiscretion by Etty's good friend Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. Along the way they invented a seemingly improbable faux courtship.
In this book, a tragicomic series of events, beginning with a near farcical visit to a gambling room with Princess Louise, followed by a planned duel between two of her friends, leads to a murder investigation. While Etty and Tristan work together to solve the murder Tristan works to protect Etty's reputation from possible scandal related to the gambling and duel.
Entertaining, with an intriguing mystery, including a helpful list of the significant characters, and could be read as a standalone, but would be enjoyed more if read after "What's a Little Blackmail Between Friends,"
May 2, 2026
At the end of Etty and Tris’s first book Lynn gave us a bonus scene with Tris’s pov, which was a treat and i loved it. I’m really pleased that this second adventure is dual pov, so we get to ‘hear’ Tristan throughout the book too! For me this gives more depth to the tale and enriches the already fab storytelling 😁 so this was already a winner in my eyes. I love how Tris looks out for Etty, whilst having also come around to realising and appreciating what an amazing young woman she is - but I do have to say, he did turn into a bit of a plonker at the end of the book! I was rolling my eyes and giving him a talking to 😂 hopefully he heard me and will take my advise for book 3 😆
The plot was intriguing and it was most enjoyable watching Etty and Tris unravel the secrets and work out the reasons behind the duel and the killing of Lord Samuel, despite Lord William being initially unhelpful and an annoying idiot throughout.
As always Lynn’s writing is superb, with attention to detail in both the history of the time and the descriptions of the people and places.
And the ending 😱 now I really need to find out what’s going on in that tangled mess of what on Earth-ness! Umm, is book 3 out yet . . . ? 😁
The plot was intriguing and it was most enjoyable watching Etty and Tris unravel the secrets and work out the reasons behind the duel and the killing of Lord Samuel, despite Lord William being initially unhelpful and an annoying idiot throughout.
As always Lynn’s writing is superb, with attention to detail in both the history of the time and the descriptions of the people and places.
And the ending 😱 now I really need to find out what’s going on in that tangled mess of what on Earth-ness! Umm, is book 3 out yet . . . ? 😁
May 6, 2026
4.25/5 stars
So, so happy to have discovered this series! Set in 1868 England, this book focuses on more of the developing/deepening relationship between Etty and Tris as they work together to solve two murders (and not by the conventional rules/procedures of a duel of honor). The apparent villain (who happens to be Etty's nemesis since childhood) pleads for her help, and she enlists Tris to assist as well.
I'm enjoying pretty much everything about this series so far...the plots are engaging and well-developed, the characters (especially Etty and Tris) becoming more and more "real" with each page. I'm loving Etty's originality and independent thinking and Tris' strict code of honor and justice. I'm especially loving how in getting to know each other, they are evolving and becoming more attuned to both themselves and the world around them. There's humor, romantic tension, and in this case, a real twist of a cliffhanger that left me looking forward to seeing how that situation plays out.
So, so happy to have discovered this series! Set in 1868 England, this book focuses on more of the developing/deepening relationship between Etty and Tris as they work together to solve two murders (and not by the conventional rules/procedures of a duel of honor). The apparent villain (who happens to be Etty's nemesis since childhood) pleads for her help, and she enlists Tris to assist as well.
I'm enjoying pretty much everything about this series so far...the plots are engaging and well-developed, the characters (especially Etty and Tris) becoming more and more "real" with each page. I'm loving Etty's originality and independent thinking and Tris' strict code of honor and justice. I'm especially loving how in getting to know each other, they are evolving and becoming more attuned to both themselves and the world around them. There's humor, romantic tension, and in this case, a real twist of a cliffhanger that left me looking forward to seeing how that situation plays out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When one irresponsible Lord challenges another to a duel, the consequences proceed at a fast pace. Not only is Etty’s reputation at risk, but a murder follows. Etty goes to Tristian, the Duke of Rockingham and the Queen’s fixer. Again, they meet challenges together. As they do, they become more aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the other. I love Victorian England and the characters Lynn Morrison has created. Due to the twist at the end, I anxiously await What’s a Little Poaching Among Friends.
April 29, 2026
Love this series and the strong main charachters who are the best of sleuthing duos.
The romantic tension between the Duke and Etty intensifies their interactions and subsequently the plot. The reasons behind the duel are revealed and the mystery of who the murderer was and why are finally brought to a conclusion. However, and I won't give spoilers ....the ending was like a bombshell dropped in my lap! I could only yell NO! I need the next volume in the series ASAP‼️‼️‼️ Literary craftsmanship at its finest weaves its way through the plot!
The romantic tension between the Duke and Etty intensifies their interactions and subsequently the plot. The reasons behind the duel are revealed and the mystery of who the murderer was and why are finally brought to a conclusion. However, and I won't give spoilers ....the ending was like a bombshell dropped in my lap! I could only yell NO! I need the next volume in the series ASAP‼️‼️‼️ Literary craftsmanship at its finest weaves its way through the plot!
May 2, 2026
Let's be honest: I love everything Lynn Morrison (and her sometimes cowriter Ann Radcliffe) writes. This series is sort of a spinoff of her Dora & Rex series, since Etty would eventually become Rex's grandmother, but it's fabulous by itself, whether you've read the Dora & Rex mysteries or not. This book is the second of a planned trilogy, but I would love to see more Etty & Tris mysteries in the future. It's definitely worth reading, and the character development and the portrayal of 1860's Victorian life are excellently done. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book. I had to stay up late and finish it. Both Etty and Tris are getting their own chapters to tell the story in their voices. I really enjoyed their different perspectives. Lynn Morrison really makes the Victorian period come alive. I really appreciate all the research that goes into making her novels realistic. Many great characters and plot surprises await the reader. I highly recommend it.
April 30, 2026
The characters are standard faire for the genre but I find them particularly charming. The story flows along and is easy to read even though they aren’t in as much imminent danger as in the first book. WARNING! Don’t read this book unless you want to get hooked on the series. This is a standalone story but the extra, surprise ending is a cliffhanger that will leave you yearning for the next installment. Enjoy!
May 2, 2026
An enjoyable historical cozy with Etty and Tris working together to solve a mystery when most women would stay far away from such delicate matters. The POV of the main characters helped move the story forward. As they sort through the clues, there are more deaths and they have to find the culprit before it is too late. This can be enjoyed as a standalone since enough of the friction between Etty and Tris is explained throughout the book.
May 1, 2026
Loved even more than first book. Tristan has learned that Etty is an asset to his investigations and their personal relation is building. This time they aren't working for princess Louise or Queen Victoria. It is personal this time. There are multiple murders that involve four friends and Etty finds herself in... I am not spoil for it for you by completing that sentence. Just buy the book.
May 7, 2026
An excellent second outing for the irrepressible Etty and trusty Tris.
I could hardly bear to put it down and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.
It is wonderful to see a beloved character from Lynn's previous Dora & Rex series in her younger days.
I could hardly bear to put it down and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.
It is wonderful to see a beloved character from Lynn's previous Dora & Rex series in her younger days.
May 6, 2026
Such fun . I do like Etty and Tris. What a surprise at the end, now I can't wait for the next one.
May 23, 2026
I'm really enjoying this series
This is a great mystery romance series, a slow burn but the characters and storylines are great. Looking forward to Book 3.
This is a great mystery romance series, a slow burn but the characters and storylines are great. Looking forward to Book 3.
May 30, 2026
3.5,,Enjoyable
May 31, 2026
That was a great read. This author totally nailed it again with a perfect story. I love a good cliffhanger, but that ending was just unfair.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another fantastic Etty and Tris story. Poor Etty is once again pulled into dangerous shenanigans not of her making. She's learned her lesson though and this time, goes directly to the Duke of Rockingham for help. An illegal duel at dawn has gone horribly wrong and Etty and Tris must figure out what really happened before anyone else gets hurt. People are keeping secrets and bodies are piling up. I loved this twisted tale of irresponsible, obnoxious lords, runaway horses, financial skulduggery and love. Where a lady's reputation can be wiped out at the drop of a hat through no fault of her own. Underlying all this is Etty and Tris's undeniable attraction to each other and there's a fantastic twist at the end, which I did NOT see coming, although knowing Lynn's characters, perhaps I should. This story made me laugh and want to throw things in equal parts.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews