Exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake is nervous about her new job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve, but it turns out that the care and feeding of wild carnivores may be the least dangerous part of the gig . . . Pet-sitter Belinda Blake is no stranger to dealing with wild animals, but she’s wary when the owner of the Greenwich, Connecticut, preserve asks her to help out with her “fluffy darlings.” Her … her “fluffy darlings.” Her caution seems justified on her very first day, when she discovers a tour guide—dead, bloodied, and surrounded by wolves in the enclosure.
Was it death by predator or something more sinister? The body count rises, but something’s not adding up. As she gets to know the rescued wolves and wolf-dog hybrids better, Belinda realizes that her human colleagues are not above suspicion. With help from her own “pack”—her pregnant sister, Red the chauffeur/bodyguard, and hunky farmer Jonas—Belinda is hot on the killer’s tail, but if she doesn’t find him soon, he’ll do more than muzzle her to keep the truth from escaping.
Praise for Belinda Blake and The Snake in the Grass
“A humorous series debut with exotic pets and a zany cast of characters. Gilbert’s cozy will make you smile.”
—Amanda Flower, USA Today bestselling author of Premeditated Peppermint
“Cozy fans will root for pet-sitter Belinda Blake as she unravels this cleverly-crafted mystery in a delightfully-deadly new series by Heather Day Gilbert.”
—Elizabeth Spann Craig, author of the bestselling Myrtle Clover Mysteries
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Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Exotic Pet-Sitter, Book #2
Heather Day Gilbert
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake is nervous about her new job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve, but it turns out that the care and feeding of wild carnivores may be the least dangerous part of the gig . . .
Pet-sitter Belinda Blake is no stranger to dealing with wild animals, but she’s wary when the owner of the Greenwich, Connecticut, preserve asks her to help out with her “fluffy darlings.” Her caution seems justified on her very first day, when she discovers a tour guide—dead, bloodied, and surrounded by wolves in the enclosure.
Was it death by predator or something more sinister? The body count rises, but something’s not adding up. As she gets to know the rescued wolves and wolf-dog hybrids better, Belinda realizes that her human colleagues are not above suspicion. With help from her own “pack”—her pregnant sister, Red the chauffeur/bodyguard, and hunky farmer Jonas—Belinda is hot on the killer’s tail, but if she doesn’t find him soon, he’ll do more than muzzle her to keep the truth from escaping.
Praise for Belinda Blake and The Snake in the Grass
“A humorous series debut with exotic pets and a zany cast of characters. Gilbert’s cozy will make you smile.”
—Amanda Flower, USA Today bestselling author of Premeditated Peppermint
“Cozy fans will root for pet-sitter Belinda Blake as she unravels this cleverly-crafted mystery in a delightfully-deadly new series by Heather Day Gilbert.”
—Elizabeth Spann Craig, author of the bestselling Myrtle Clover Mysteries (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Belinda is smart, funny and and not afraid of very much. She has to be brave in her line of work because she never knows what animal she will have to deal with. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defined the characters by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, watching the wolves in their habitats. I liked the fact that I got to learn a little bit about wolves while enjoying a great read.
The mystery is well plotted and carried on well throughout the book. There were plenty of clues to sift through and suspects to consider, and although the culprit was one of suspects I contemplated, I was not completely sure until the reveal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you like animals then this is a must read. I cannot wait to read the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Wolf Sanctuary Murder Mystery
This was a fun book to read. This the second book in the series. I have read the first book and I would strongly recommend that to any reader. I believe that reading the series from the beginning will give the reader a much-needed background that is not given in the second book. Having said that, this book is quite the page-turner! The plot is tight. I really enjoyed the setting of the wolf sanctuary and the discussion of the animals and their behavior. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Belinda, although a pet sitter, does more than take care of cats and dogs. She also watches “exotic” pets. Because of that, she finds herself working with wolves at a sanctuary. Even though she is reassured the wolves are harmless, two dead bodies appear in the animal’s enclosures, as well as, a third person who is hurt, but alive. Are the wolves dangerous, or are they misunderstood, and falsely accused–or is something else at work? Belinda is often reminded the wolves are not pets, but wild animals, so anything can happen, but does it?
Belinda’s personal life is peppered with a mixed bag of people. She is living on the property belonging to an ultra-rich friend who is off in India finding himself. There is also a friend who has an unusual connection with animals that may be plucking at her heart strings. Belinda herself dabbles with a lot of interests and careers. This is a clean story, with a bit of humor, and a dash of quirky thrown in that stands on its own. There are red herrings, twists and turns—with everything wrapped up neatly with a surprise culprit in the end. This 5-star book will be enjoyed by those who like light mysteries. The author provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy for the purpose of review.
‘I know this sounds impossible, but I think someone’s framing the wolves.’
Belinda Blake, sitter of exotic pets, is back on the trail of a murderer once again in the second offering of Heather Day Gilbert’s ‘Exotic Pet Sitter’ cozy mystery series. This time Belinda is tasked with helping out at a wolf preserve for 8 days. True to form, though, Belinda isn’t there long at all before a dead body turns up. And another. That’s all the clues you’ll get from me.
Belinda has a natural bent for solving crimes, but can she get another one solved before she herself turns up at one of the victims? There are more than a few suspects; if only Belinda has time to cross them off the list before it’s her turn!
Heather Day Gilbert is a nab hand at a cozy mystery and I never, ever figure out the culprit! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the wolves and meeting them in the book. Read this one in a day, folks. It’s that good. Recommended.
*My thanks to Kensington Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
I loved the first book in this series and this one is every bit as good. The main character is willing to take on challenging assignments, which working for a wolf rehabilitation center certainly would be. The characters are interesting and well-depicted as are the wolves. I will definitely read more in this series.
Love Belinda Blake’s adventures. To my mind the situations she gets herself in are believable. Great, easy, amusing read if you have to be stuck at home due to a virus, or anytime you just want a light book to carry you along in the story.
Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing was another fun addition to the series. It was a quick and fast paced read that flew by.
Belinda’s nervous about her new pet-sitting job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve. She has a bad feeling about the whole thing, but she doesn’t feel like she can turn it down. She needs the work. She hopes her fears are unfounded. But when she stumbles across a dead body in one of the wolf enclosures, she questions her decision to take the job and stay with it. Did the wolves kill the man or could it have been murder? Belinda’s on the hunt to find out the truth.
The mystery was great. There were plenty of viable suspects with strong motives and suspicious attitudes. I had a pretty strong feeling about who the culprit was and was excited when I was correct in my assumptions. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend checking out this series. I’m excited for the next one.
Belinda does it again!
The second installment of the Exotic Pet-Sitter series did not disappoint! Again, the author was able to create a wonderful world and this time it was set in a wolf preserve. You read that correctly, this time Belinda is pet sitting wolves. There’s mystery, sabotage, a little framing (as in setting someone up) and maybe just a little bit of romance.
I am loving this series and can not wait to read the next installment!
Thanks to #netgalley for an advanced copy of the book!
I enjoyed reading this cozy mystery. Belinda has been hired to help at a local Wolf Preserve. When the an employee is found dead in the wolves’ enclosure many are ready to place the blame on the wolves. When a second body is found Belinda is not so sure that the wolves are to blame. Instead the killer is more likely a two legged animal. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. The wolves were characters you cared about and I was glad that no animals were harmed in the story. The mystery was good and there were enough suspects to be interesting. The solution made sense. The story moved along quickly and the book was easy to read. I read this one without reading Book 1 and I did not feel lost. Enjoy this quick fun cozy.
I loved the whole concept—a wolf preserve. It was intriguing learning about wolves and their surroundings. The whodunit was a surprise to me. Heather Gilbert always adds layers to her characters so the reader gets a sense of who they are. Belinda Blake is a likable protagonist with her vent toward petsitting some strange pets—(i.e. SNAKES!) I have enjoyed the whole series immensely. If you’re looking for lighthearted reading with a mystery thrown in for good measure, Belinda Blake is your girl.
Belinda Blake needs a new pet sitting gig. When she is contacted by the owner of a local wolf preserve who’s looking for temporary help, she’s reluctant but really needs the money.
Things start going wrong almost immediately, and when folks start dying, Belinda decides to help the owner by looking into things for her. But there are dangerous people behind the troubles, and Belinda just might be in over her head.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. There’s lots of mystery and danger, and it kept me guessing until the end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias.
BELINDA BLAKE AND THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING by Heather Day Gilbert
The Second Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery
Although used to dealing with all manner of exotic animals, Belinda Blake hesitates when offered a temporary position at the White Pines Wolf Preserve. With bills mounting, however, the decision becomes easier. After all, Belinda would just have to assist the primary feeder for eight days while the owner was out of town, what could be easier? But when a jovial young tour guide is found dead, bloodied and surrounded by wolves inside one of the enclosures, Belinda has second thoughts. When the wolves are accused of more violent acts, Belinda admits that things aren’t adding up. Are the wolves truly to blame, or are they being framed?
Wolves tend to get a bad rap. Maligned by many, these majestic beasts are often misunderstood and vilified. Even Belinda Blake is wary about working with them. Yet, even when suspected of killing and maiming the people trying to care for them, the wolves at White Pines Wolf Preserve are shown to be friendly and loyal. At least readers are afforded the ability to see them in that unprejudiced way, some of the characters may have different opinions.
The second Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery looks at wolf sanctuaries and the sad ways many of its residents arrive. It also looks at family, loyalty, and bravery, traits associated with wolves as well as humans. I appreciate how Belinda keeps an open mind and is smart enough not to jump to conclusions…for the most part. The dynamics of the characters is riveting, both at the preserve and outside of it. We learn more about Red, and see Belinda face some important romantic decisions.
BELINDA BLAKE AND THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING is an engrossing mystery with many different angles. I, for one, would love to meet the wolves I read about in this story, especially Freya and Njord. The two most important themes running through this book are that love shows itself in many forms and people are not always what they seem. Beware the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
What a wonderful followup book in this series. I’ve really grown to like Belinda and her investigative skills, even if she ends up in the hot seat more than she expected.
The story is engaging and I like that Belinda seeks out petsitting for exotic pets. The first book was a snake and in this book, it is helping at a wolf preserve. All is going well until an employee turns up dead in what appears to be a wolf attack. There are other unfortunate incidents at the preserve and there are multiple suspects to consider and motives. I was surprised when the killer was revealed as I didn’t really suspect this character as a killer. Yes, something unusual was happening but we don’t really know what. There are several possibilities but no character stood out to me until the end when Belinda finds herself in the crosshairs of the killer.
Outside of the mystery, I really enjoy Belinda’s character and her multiple talents. Who else could review video games and be an exotic pet sitter at the same time?! A potential career change is suggested to her at the end of the book and she is seriously considering the change. I’m not going to tell you what, you’ll have to read the book and find out. Belinda also has some love interests…although I am perplexed at the potential relationship with Jonas because I thought in the first book he was in a relationship with someone else. Perhaps he broke up with that woman and I just don’t remember…that is very possible as many books as I read!
Overall we give this book 5 paws up and await the next book in this series.
Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert is a fantastic mystery with an excellent cast of characters.
Why would the wolves kill the humans?
Our sleuth, Belinda Blake
Belinda is a unique character; she is our sleuth, a pet sitter, video game reviewer, friend, sister, and daughter. There are many aspects to her; most of them are good. I enjoyed getting to know Belinda. She has two gentlemen interested in her, and throughout the book, she is trying to decide which one she wants.
The Mystery
The mystery revolves around why would the wolves kill someone, and if they didn’t, then who would have the motive to frame them. The suspects are pretty much everyone that works at the wolf preserve. The owner isn’t involved even though she tells everyone that she is an integral piece that holds everything together. She doesn’t have any idea what is going on her preserve. Although I saw the clues, I didn’t realize they were them.
The Wolves
The wolves were my favorite part. I fell for Freya; she seemed to be such a beautiful soul. Njord is strong and wants love. They all have such personalities.
4 Stars Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert is wonderfully written, and I was lost in the story ignoring the real world. So, my rating is four stars. I like the exotic pet-sitting aspect of the story. I recommend this one to all cozy readers out there.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert.
Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
I’ve not read anything by Ms. Gilbert that I didn’t absolutely love! And Belinda Blake is no exception. So intrepid, so enterprising, so ingenious. So quirky.
The Belinda Blake series is so original, such a creative story line. Twists and unexpected turns on nearly every page. Suspects left and right. And Belinda always a step ahead.
A delightful tale—well, as delightful as murder and betrayal and [SPOILER] can be…
I found myself more than a little bit envious of Belinda—minus the murders—caring for the wolves, showing them love and earning their love in return. I tagged along with her as she got acquainted with them, as she learned to care for them, and when she stumbled on the first victim. I followed her lead as she pondered and questioned, in her mind and aloud, and investigated. I cautioned her and I cheered and applauded her. I laughed and I cried and I gasped, I cautioned and I warned. And still, I was caught unaware to learn the killer’s identity!
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, Heather Day Gilbert
A really fun read! I love this very enjoyable series! Belinda is an exotic pet sitter. She gets an urgent call and cannot refuse.Lots of humor throughout this book. Lots of twists and turns.What has Belinda gotten herself into this time?!
3.5 stars
“Was this whole thing some kind of elaborate mind game?”
What on earth had she gotten herself into? Exotic pet sitter Belinda Blake expected “off the beaten path”; it was the nature of her occupation, but when her first day on the job at the White Pine Wolfe Preserve brings here face to face with a mangled body, she is second guessing her decision to sign on the dotted line. . . . no matter how much she needed the income.
Staying the course, Belinda determines to remain on the job. But nothing is adding up and it seems that everyone around the preserve is being less than forthcoming. And then, again; the unthinkable happens.
Enjoy this author’s ability to pen picture-perfect-perplexity; she makes quirky totally acceptable and normal totally questionable. Thank goodness Belinda has sweet, solid Jonas in her life . . . . or is it the handsome, hedge fund whiz kid that should be garnering the most attention?
Somebody is framing the wolves for murder and Belinda investigates an interesting list of human suspects. She is an exotic pet sitter and money is short so she accepts a short gig at the White Pine Wolf sanctuary. It’s only for eight days. In those eight days the bodies pile up, the cops are looking in the wrong direction and Belinda steps up to clear the wolves and catch a killer. Jonas, a long time friend, lends a hand.
This is another five star mystery which can stand alone but reading Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass first will explain the romantic triangle Belinda is dealing with. (My vote goes to Jonas) It also explains more of her connection to animals. But, really, both books are so good, treat yourself and binge read them. The puzzles are very well presented with fair clues and enough twists, turns and red herrings to point me in the wrong direction. The writing flows well and there is a nice touch of romance. I already have the next mystery in the series on my to be read list – coming out on February 4, 2020 Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather.
I was quickly immersed in this read, and it held me to the end, but was left with questions as to who will win Belinda’s heart!
All the while I was reading and trying to guess what is going on, and hoping that the beautiful animals would not be put down. As we search for answers the clues seem to point to the wolves, I wanted to go and rub their bellies with Belinda.
Answers come and there are a lot of surprises here, and it quickly became a page turner for me.
I received this book through Net Galley and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Normally I don’t read cozy mysteries but because one of my favorite authors wrote this, I thought I would read this one. What a great and pleasant surprise and now I am waiting for book three……. Belinda is a modern pet sitter and trying to build up her business as such, she takes most anything offered. So when offered a job at a wolf preserve, she feels she needs to accept it, even though she knows nothing about wolves. Plus the fact she rather has a fear of them. She is assured she will only have to feed them and someone will be with her all the time. Not long after she arrives she finds out things are not as they appear with the owner, her son and some of the other workers. Then shortly there are two murders to take place on the preserve. Of course Belinda is an amateur sleuth and determined to help unravel these mysterious deaths. There are many twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages to see “who dunnit.” Gilbert is a fascinating writer and I loved her Viking books, therefore I was hesitant to read her cozy mystery, but she has certainly written a winner in this one. I was given a book by the publisher and this review is my own opinion.