Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert

BELINDA BLAKE AND THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING
SERIES: An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery #2
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
PUBLISHER: Lyrical Press
RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2019
PAGES: 195

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.

Other Books In This Series

This is such an enjoyable series! I read Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass ahead of reading Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing for this review & loved it as well. You can definitely read book 2 as a stand alone but it will just make you want to read book 1 so you might as well start from the beginning 😉

Belinda is just adorable. She’s sweet and sassy and relatable, despite the exotic animals she tends. I love that her best friends are her family, and I love the ‘guy next door’ even more, especially when his eyes give away his feelings for Belinda (even though she’s a little clueless lol). Jonas (said guy next door) is super swoony and steady at the same time. He truly cares for Belinda, and while their budding romance is moving slowly I can’t wait to see how the author continues to develop their friendship. Belinda’s pregnant sister is equally delightful, and I love her mama bear tendencies toward her little sis. Her occupation as a psychologist comes in handy, too, as she helps Belinda talk through the suspects. I love Red too – everyone needs a Red on their side!

Gilbert gives personality and heart to the wolf packs that Belinda is helping with at the preserve, while also keeping them true to their wild nature. I fell in love with Njord & Freya especially and, even though nearly all the humans at the preserve are a bit of a hot mess, I hope we get to see the wolves again. The double murder mystery takes several unexpected twists and turns and definitely keeps Belinda – and readers – on her toes. It’s well-plotted and nicely paced, smart and entertaining.

Bottom Line: Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing is everything I love about cozy mysteries – and more! Belinda is a delightful heroine, and her interactions with the exotic pets in her care have now made me love a snake & a couple of wolves too. The story is well-written with wit and heart, as well as more layers and depth than we usually see in cozies. Add in a wealth of potential suspects & some surprising twists and reveals … and a simmering romance with a swoony fella … and you’ve got another must-read from this author.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4.5 stars / love it!

KissingBook Level: 3 / may forget to breathe on occasion

Heather Day Gilbert, an ECPA Christy award finalist and Grace award winner, writes contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren’t afraid to protect those they love. Like Belinda Blake, Heather plays video games, although so far she hasn’t done any exotic pet-sitting or hunted any murderers.

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