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Review: A Scheming in Parliament - Of Cloaks and Daggers #2

A Scheming in Parliament book cover on blue background

I love the emphasis on ἔλεος as the name of the school that Philippa Cashel has founded as this series exemplifies the meaning of this Greek word, which are mercy and compassion.

A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch is the next book in the Of Cloaks and Daggers series, taking this meaning to the next level. Not only do the characters exhibit such selfless love and care for others, they ultimately point to how Jesus provided mercy and compassion to those He came across in His ministry and for us today.

Many thanks to Kregel Publications for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he’s quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club.

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Erica Vetsch is a master at Regency espionage, and her writing keeps you on your toes until the very end. In this continuation of the Of Cloaks and Daggers series, readers get to see Sir Bertrand Thorndike and Philippa Cashel take on some serious cases having to do with corruption and evil that are growing more and more insurmountable. Being an unlikely pair of agents, we can see various infiltrations at the political and human levels. In attempting to uncover a scheme in the House of Commons, Sir Thorndike is up against sinister secrets and masquerades while Miss Cashel is ministering to women who are caught in the same situation that she came out of herself. This interplay is utterly riveting as the story progresses, revealing just how many clues are intertwined with one another. 

This book covers heavier material, including the depravity of sin, while imparting strong doses of the Gospel to counteract the hopelessness that both characters face. It's a joy to read about the redemption that comes from Christ, knowing that so many men and women need to hear that message when caught in sin. The sermons and messages preached in this book are worth reading on their own and fit perfectly in place along this captivating story. Readers who are enthralled by the world of espionage will find A Scheming in Parliament to be top notch in its suspense and tender in its treatment of people enslaved by various forces.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

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