The first book in the Of Cloaks and Daggers Series does not disappoint. With elegant descriptions that thicken the setting and captivating dialogue adding layers to every scene, author Erica Vetsch pulls her readers into the story from the opening chapter in A Thieving at Carlton House.

The story unfolds slowly but picks up pace once you are invested in the main characters Philippa and Sir Bertrand. With surprising subtlety, Vetsch peels back the secret depths of wounded souls leaving you to care as much about the characters as the mystery. Plenty of spiritual threads are woven into the fabric of the narrative, bringing themes like forgiveness and truth to light amidst the shadows of mystery.

Like a storm brewing on the horizon, the suspense in the narrative lingers until it is unleashed in a passionate way that keeps you turning pages the way someone would run for cover in an unexpected downpour.

With a pool of suspects as large as an ocean who could have committed the crime? What was the thief’s motivation? Questions like this are only the tip of the iceberg as Vetsch keeps you toggling between required sympathy for the victim and the notion that he had it coming.

Theft. Mystery. Intrigue. Redemption. Suspense. A hint of romance. A variety of thematic elements sparkle like jewels on every page adding dimensions that enhance the excitement of reading this story. What really happened at Carlton house and more importantly why? The answer can only be uncovered in the story. This book is truly worth the time to read.

I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author but was not required to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.