A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch
Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers – Book 2
Publisher:  Kregel Publications
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Genre:  Regency Mystery Romance

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.

PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Kregel Publications
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

My Review and Reflections

Erica Vetsch is a tease. How dare she write this incredibly wonderful, fascinating, tense, and powerful book and then leave me hanging? Ugh!

This book picks up pretty much where Book 1 ended. Sir Bertrand Thorndike has been elected to a position in the House of Commons. Bertie (as he’s called) isn’t into politics, but he needs to investigate some odd things that are happening. People take notice of him because of how quickly he went from not having any sort of political interest to being elected, and also because his brother is a member of Parliament. This gets him inducted and installed into the Theban Club. Bertie finds the whole place distasteful; it’s this really weird Egyptian theme, so I get it.

Philippa Chashel is making an impact at the Eleos School, which is supported by Princess Charlotte. Philippa’s friend, who everyone calls Aunt Dolly, helps run the school. One day, Philippa accidentally opens a piece of mail that she didn’t realize was addressed to Aunt Dolly and finds out that she’s being blackmailed. Do the troubles ever end? Nope.

Bertie finds out that there are some vulnerable women he needs to rescue and who would be best at Eleos. That is the Elios mission after all. I must warn that if you are sensitive to abuse, this may not be the best book for you.

I can’t say enough good things about this book. I fell asleep reading it on a Saturday night because I’d hoped to stay up and finish. On Sunday, it was time to go to church, and I was telling my husband, “Noooo! I just got to a good spot!” But Philippa wouldn’t miss church, so neither should I. Sigh. Speaking of church, both Bertie and Philippa had situations that made them question whether it is ever right to do the wrong thing. There was a lot of discussion on praying about the issues and being patient to allow God to answer. Good, solid biblical advice. Another strong theme throughout is the forgiveness of self and others.

And let’s not forget the super slow-burning romance between Bertie and Philippa. Are they ever going to get there? Oh my goodness, I hope so. The unconscious clasping of hands, the constant seeking each other out, it’s all so much. And why does Philippa in particular keep questioning what it means that she now seeks Bertie out when she needs an opinion about anything? No, girlfriend, that is not just a working relationship! It is all so, so good.

Please note that this book is the second in a series. You will need to read Book One to understand what is happening fully and to get the most from this book. But if you enjoy historical romance filled with mystery, danger, and faith at its core, this series is one you don’t want to miss.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author.
All opinions are my own.

More In this Series

About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.