I'm Hugh Bonneville and welcome to Sherlock Holmes short stories,

the series where we delve into the files of fiction's most brilliant detective,

following his keen mind and unerring instincts from the first subtle clue to the final dramatic revelation.

This time, we come face to face with one of Sherlock's greatest foes, Charles Augustus Milverton.

This ruthlessly efficient blackmailer has slithered out of the law's grasp for decades,

his prey preferring to remain silent rather than have their secrets aired to the public.

Over two thrilling installments, we'll follow Holmes and Watson into the world of Victorian High Society,

where reputation is everything and secrets are worth killing for.

And witness Holmes unravel a case that will test not just his detective skills, but his

very morality.

From the Noyser podcast network, this is The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton, part one.

Thank you. Justice Milverton, Part One.

Who is he? I asked.

The worst man in London, Holmes answered, as he sat down and stretched his long legs before the fire.

"'Is anything on the back of the cart?' I turned it over.

"'We'll call at 6.30, C.A. M,' I read.

"'Hum. He's about due. Do you feel a creeping, shrinking sensation, Watson, when you stand before the serpents in the zoo

and see the slithery, gliding, venomous creatures with their deadly eyes and wicked, flattened faces?

Well, that's how Milverton impresses me. I have had to do with fifty murderers in my career,

but the worst of them never gave me the repulsion

which I have for this fellow. And yet I can't get out of doing business with him. Indeed,

he is here at my invitation. But who is he? I'll tell you, Watson, he is the king of all the blackmailers.

...