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An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery #1
Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass
When exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake moves into a carriage house in tony Greenwich, Connecticut, she’s hoping to find some new clients. Instead she discovers a corpse in the garden—and a knack for solving murders...
Belinda doesn’t rattle easily, but move-in day has been eventful, to say the least. The python in her care tried to slither to freedom—just as she met Stone Carrington the fifth, her landlords’ disarmingly handsome son. With the constrictor back in its cage, she heads out to the garden, only to discover a designer shoe poking out of the boxwood hedge—and it's attached to a woman’s dead body.
The victim was a Carrington family friend, and no one in their circle seems above suspicion. Between client trips to Manhattan and visits to her family in upstate New York, Belinda begins to put the pieces together. But even as she’s falling for Stone’s numerous charms, Belinda wonders if she’s cozying up to a killer. And soon, daily contact with a deadly reptile might be the least dangerous part of her life.
Belinda doesn’t rattle easily, but move-in day has been eventful, to say the least. The python in her care tried to slither to freedom—just as she met Stone Carrington the fifth, her landlords’ disarmingly handsome son. With the constrictor back in its cage, she heads out to the garden, only to discover a designer shoe poking out of the boxwood hedge—and it's attached to a woman’s dead body.
The victim was a Carrington family friend, and no one in their circle seems above suspicion. Between client trips to Manhattan and visits to her family in upstate New York, Belinda begins to put the pieces together. But even as she’s falling for Stone’s numerous charms, Belinda wonders if she’s cozying up to a killer. And soon, daily contact with a deadly reptile might be the least dangerous part of her life.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2019
168 people are currently reading
1231 people want to read
About the author
Heather Day Gilbert
40 books867 followersHeather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries/psychological thrillers and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.
Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.
Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 149 reviews
June 5, 2019
The first book in a new exotic pet sitter cozy mystery series.
Belinda Blake is a quirky, delightful character who works as an exotic pet sitter in Greenwich, Connecticut. She has just rented a carriage house next to a huge estate which is the home of the Carrington family. It won't be long until she meets Stone Carrington the Fifth, the adult son of the family. She immediately melts a little bit.
Belinda is pet sitting a ball python for the moment and this made for some fun encounters. There is a lot of humor, an eccentric cast of characters, and a murder mystery that Belinda is determined to solve ( after all, she did find the body in her garden).
Recommend to fans of cozy mystery stories. I thought it was very entertaining and will definitely want to grab the next in the series.
Thanks to NG and Kensington for my copy. Publishes on June 25,2019
Belinda Blake is a quirky, delightful character who works as an exotic pet sitter in Greenwich, Connecticut. She has just rented a carriage house next to a huge estate which is the home of the Carrington family. It won't be long until she meets Stone Carrington the Fifth, the adult son of the family. She immediately melts a little bit.
Belinda is pet sitting a ball python for the moment and this made for some fun encounters. There is a lot of humor, an eccentric cast of characters, and a murder mystery that Belinda is determined to solve ( after all, she did find the body in her garden).
Recommend to fans of cozy mystery stories. I thought it was very entertaining and will definitely want to grab the next in the series.
Thanks to NG and Kensington for my copy. Publishes on June 25,2019
June 30, 2019
Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass by Heather Day Gilbert is the first book in the new cozy Exotic Pet-Sitter mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries readers will get a fully solved mystery within each book with only a bit of character building carrying over to the next.
Belinda Blake has taken up a rather unusual job in pet sitting, but not only the average dog or cat, Belinda specializes in exotic pets so that she can expand her business. Along with her business Belinda has just rented a new home in Greenwich, Connecticut. The house is actually a carriage home on the estate owned by the Carringtons.
While Belinda is out of her home with her latest pet in her care, a python, the snake gives her a bit of trouble which leads to a run in with her new landlord’s son, Stone Carrington V. Belinda didn’t expect to find the man so sexy but she is quickly distracted from his good looks when she finds a body in the garden outside her new home.
Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass by Heather Day Gilbert is another opener to a cozy series that I think has a lot of potential but wasn’t quite all the way there yet. This one is fairly short so I would look forward to learning a lot more about Belinda and those around her as there wasn’t a ton of depth with also solving a mystery in such a short time.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Belinda Blake has taken up a rather unusual job in pet sitting, but not only the average dog or cat, Belinda specializes in exotic pets so that she can expand her business. Along with her business Belinda has just rented a new home in Greenwich, Connecticut. The house is actually a carriage home on the estate owned by the Carringtons.
While Belinda is out of her home with her latest pet in her care, a python, the snake gives her a bit of trouble which leads to a run in with her new landlord’s son, Stone Carrington V. Belinda didn’t expect to find the man so sexy but she is quickly distracted from his good looks when she finds a body in the garden outside her new home.
Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass by Heather Day Gilbert is another opener to a cozy series that I think has a lot of potential but wasn’t quite all the way there yet. This one is fairly short so I would look forward to learning a lot more about Belinda and those around her as there wasn’t a ton of depth with also solving a mystery in such a short time.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 14, 2020
I truly enjoyed this wonderful cozy mystery by Heather Day Gilbert. This is the first book in a new exotic pet sitter mystery series (Wolf in Sheeps’ Clothing available now and Birds of a Feather releasing in 2020). Belinda Blake is such lovable character - made we want her life. An adult who sits for exotic pets, who also plays and reviews video games for a living in Greenwich CT. While pet sitting a ball phyton, a murder or two complicates her peaceful existence living in a perfect carriage house on a huge estate no less.
The story is fast paced and every chapter brings a new twist and excitement. The story is unpredictable and kept me guessing until the end. Gilbert is a skilled writer that has crafted a story that will have you hooked from the start.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a good read, and a mystery fan cozy or not. I enjoyed this book so much that I plan to purchase and read every book Gilbert has ever written.
Thank you Ms Gilbert for a great series!
The story is fast paced and every chapter brings a new twist and excitement. The story is unpredictable and kept me guessing until the end. Gilbert is a skilled writer that has crafted a story that will have you hooked from the start.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a good read, and a mystery fan cozy or not. I enjoyed this book so much that I plan to purchase and read every book Gilbert has ever written.
Thank you Ms Gilbert for a great series!
May 14, 2019
I won this kindle e-book version in a Goodreads Giveaway. It is the first in a series by Heather Day Gilbert. Belinda Blake has two jobs. She is an exotic pet-sitter and a video game reviewer and has just arrived at her new rental; a carriage house on an estate in Connecticut. Before she is finished unpacking, she finds a dead body in a flowerbed at the back of her house. With this start, we are off and running.
The cozy mystery has quirky characters, humor, a ball python, murder, a little romance, attempted murder and lots of red herrings. Belinda plays amateur sleuth and encounters several interesting situations. Who should she trust? The story was well-written and captivating. The plot was engrossing and entertaining. There were some twists and turns and unique situations. Her interactions with the ball python, Rasputin, are definitely entertaining.
I recommend this one to anyone that loves cozy mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
The cozy mystery has quirky characters, humor, a ball python, murder, a little romance, attempted murder and lots of red herrings. Belinda plays amateur sleuth and encounters several interesting situations. Who should she trust? The story was well-written and captivating. The plot was engrossing and entertaining. There were some twists and turns and unique situations. Her interactions with the ball python, Rasputin, are definitely entertaining.
I recommend this one to anyone that loves cozy mysteries. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
July 4, 2020
Introverts Unite! Belinda Blake is (a mostly) self-assured Exotic-Pet sitter where dead bodies keep piling up in her backyard! This was a cute, cozy (pun-intended) mystery. I loved Belinda's blunt, fresh, and friendly personality. Her family is an important aspect of her life, and I liked how they supported her. All of the characters were well drawn out and that made for a great story. I will definitely read more of Belinda Blake!
April 1, 2020
I had so much fun reading this cozy mystery. I loved the no-fuss, introverted, snake pet-sitter character of Belinda Blake. For me, this cozy mystery had the perfect balance of humor and mysterious details and it kept me flipping the pages with sheer delight. I guess you could say that I am officially a huge fan of Belinda Blake and I can’t wait to read the following novels in this unique and endearing series.
Oh, I also want to mention that certain parts of the book felt “bookish” to me since reading, the mention of a few authors, and a few specific titles were mentioned throughout the story. There is even a section where a book club meeting takes place. 😋
July 23, 2019
Heather Day Gilbert is an author that I trust without reservation. I’m not a big reader of cozy mysteries by any stretch. Would I ever think, hey, let me look for a book that has an exotic pet sitter as the protagonist, no, but Belinda is one, and I am here for it as long as Gilbert keeps adding to the series. I’m not sure if excellent character development is a typical feature of cozy mysteries, but it is of a Gilbert novel. Belinda Blake is such a charming character; I’d love to be her friend in real life. I appreciate that Belinda is smart – not that she’s a genius sleuth or anything, but she doesn’t go barging into situations with little thought to her safety. She’s savvy, and bit quirky but still very genuine. I think what sealed the deal for me was when she referred to herself as “gloriously introverted,” because, bingo, that is totally me.
In addition to meeting this endearing new character, and various others along the way, the plot kept my interest the whole time. I am usually pretty good at sniffing out a mystery well before the big reveal, but I admit I went back and forth several times in who all was involved, who was the mastermind, etc. I feel that things are revealed in a timely way, but not so prolonged that it feels unnecessarily drawn out. The bits of romance are a great addition without taking over as are the bits about Belinda’s family, especially her sister who “could go from zero to Scales of Justice vengeance machine in about three seconds flat.” That really cracked me up, and it was sweet how despite their differences, Belinda and Kat are close. Also, I am no fan of snakes, but the one in this story warmed me up just a bit.
This first book in the Belinda Blake series is whimsical, fun, and altogether entertaining, and I look forward to seeing what mysteries she solves next.
I received an advanced copy of this novel from NetGalley; this review is my honest opinion.
In addition to meeting this endearing new character, and various others along the way, the plot kept my interest the whole time. I am usually pretty good at sniffing out a mystery well before the big reveal, but I admit I went back and forth several times in who all was involved, who was the mastermind, etc. I feel that things are revealed in a timely way, but not so prolonged that it feels unnecessarily drawn out. The bits of romance are a great addition without taking over as are the bits about Belinda’s family, especially her sister who “could go from zero to Scales of Justice vengeance machine in about three seconds flat.” That really cracked me up, and it was sweet how despite their differences, Belinda and Kat are close. Also, I am no fan of snakes, but the one in this story warmed me up just a bit.
This first book in the Belinda Blake series is whimsical, fun, and altogether entertaining, and I look forward to seeing what mysteries she solves next.
I received an advanced copy of this novel from NetGalley; this review is my honest opinion.
June 26, 2019
This fast-paced, fun, and well-written cozy mystery was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved Belinda Blake, the book's original and endearing amateur sleuth, I liked the setting (Greenwich, Connecticut), and the identity of the killer came as a total surprise. All major pluses that make this a great mystery. Now I'm dying to read book 2 in the series!
May 13, 2019
Belinda Blake has an unusual career, one of pet sitting exotic pets and another one of writing reviews for video games. She wanted to move out of Manhattan and found the perfect spot in a carriage house on a family estate in Greenwich, Connecticut. Things start off bad when she discovers a body of a young woman in her back flower bed as she is moving in. It turns out to be that of a friend of the family. Margo was at a billiards party thrown by the son, Stone Carrington the fifth. In between taking care of a ball python and investigating the murder, Belinda is pretty busy. Since her father is a veterinarian in upstate New York, he can help with Belinda's questions concerning pet care. Her sister Katrina is a counselor and is helpful for bouncing ideas around..
This story is different from most mysteries with a snake for a character (seems like one, anyway) but it also has a cast of quirky, colorful characters and many not to be trusted. With lots of twists and turns, this will keep the pages turning and has a surprising ending that I really did not see coming. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Underground and Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
This story is different from most mysteries with a snake for a character (seems like one, anyway) but it also has a cast of quirky, colorful characters and many not to be trusted. With lots of twists and turns, this will keep the pages turning and has a surprising ending that I really did not see coming. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Underground and Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
June 1, 2019
Once again Heather Gilbert shows her readers that she is a dab hand at cozy mysteries. A pet sitter babysitting a huge snake doesn’t deter Belinda Blake one bit. She is living in a small apartment on the estate of a super rich family when she finds a dead body in her yard. From then on, Belinda is in a mission to discover the killer. Readers are as well and Gilbert leads us on a merry chase, for I was completely surprised at the identity of the culprit.
* My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
* My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
July 12, 2020
I think you need to really like snakes to feel totally comfortable reading this one. All of the details that Belinda goes into to take care of her pet sitting snakes were a bit much for me. It was a distraction and took the focus away from the murder mystery. If you have no aversion to snakes than you will most likely enjoy it.
March 31, 2020
The protagonist is an exotic pet sitter and a video game reviewer. I found the mystery to be good. I’m not a fan of snakes, however, I do like trying new cozy series.
July 2, 2019
Cosy mysteries have never been a go-to read for me. I much prefer the faster pace and thrilling edge to a suspense novel, but as I know Heather Day Gilbert's talent as a writer, I couldn't pass on the opportunity to try the first book in her Exotic Pet Sitter Mysteries. For starters the cover is super fun, the series title unique, and the premise holds lots of appeal, and having turned the last page, I'm delighted to say it has endeared me a little more to the cosy mystery genre. Gilbert's writing style is warm, witty, and layered, and the mystery remains a mystery until the closing stages of the story which, of course, is essential to all the armchair sleuths. Belinda is a fun character, charming yet not without backbone, determined to forge her independence with her two businesses - exotic pets and gaming reviews. Add in a cast of characters, all of whom could be complicit in the murder, some hints of attraction and romance, and you have a story - and series - worth investing in! Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass is sure to please cosy mystery lovers everywhere!
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June 11, 2019What a fun new cozy mystery from Heather Day Gilbert! Belinda Blake is the kind of heroine we all wish could be our friend. The story kept me guessing to the end. I'm ready to tag along for Belinda's next exotic pet-sitting/murder mystery adventure.
October 10, 2019
So good!
I was a little worried about reading this because of my fear of snakes, but I really enjoyed it! I really liked Belinda and can’t wait to read about her next adventure!
I was a little worried about reading this because of my fear of snakes, but I really enjoyed it! I really liked Belinda and can’t wait to read about her next adventure!
June 26, 2019
Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass is a lighthearted cozy mystery. Belinda Blake earns her living minding exotic animals (no dog or cats for her) while their owners are out of town and writing video game review articles. She wanted to expand her pet sitting business and thought Greenwich would be the perfect locale. Belinda was looking forward to a quieter life and getting her hands dirty in the gardens surrounding her cottage. While doing a little weeding, Belinda finds a body. She is suddenly dashing around town with the charming Stone Carrington V. Belinda is an introvert with a quirky wardrobe who likes to read Agatha Christie, play video games, and gardening. I like that Belinda actively investigates Margo’s murder by questioning various suspects and searching for clues. There are multiple suspects, pointed clues and a red herring or two. Might even be a twist to shock you. For those who have an aversion to slithery creatures, you might find the details regarding the Rasputin a little hard to read. There are details on Rasputin’s food, his daily habits, giving the creature a bath, transporting him to Manhattan and back, and taking him for a walk (gives me the shivers). There are a couple of romantic interests for Belinda including Stone V and a dairy farmer. I felt that information on Belinda was lacking (needed more details). It was nice to get to know her family while Belinda spent Thanksgiving at home. The family farm is charming, and I found the mother humorous (makes me wish the book was set in Larches Corner). I appreciated the wrap up at the end. There is a preview of the Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing. Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass is an upbeat cozy mystery with Louboutin heels, chauffeured cars, a debonair gentleman, a massive mansion, a quirky amateur sleuth, and a slithering serpent named Rasputin.
May 20, 2019
3.5 stars for this clean cozy mystery. I first discovered this author with her Murder in the Mountains series and expected a similar dynamic in this one. They are not at all the same (just in case anyone else goes in with the same expectation). This one, while a clean read, is not one I would classify as Christian Fiction. It also reads more like a young adult novel (though the main character is in her 20s).
Belinda Blake has finally found her wings and has moved in to the perfect little carriage house on Carrington estate in Greenwich Village. She's living her dream job as video game reviewer and exotic pet sitter. The book opens while she is taking her latest charge, a ball python named Rasputin, for a walk. As you might imagine from that tidbit, the book is infused with some humor. We are barely into the next chapter when Belinda finds a dead body in her flower bed. The rest of the book shows her adventures and shenanigans as she attempts to discover who the killer was before he strikes again!
All in all, this was a good book with a decent story-line and a clever whodunit. While I suspected the killer at one point and time, I also suspected every other character in the book (outside of Belinda since it's written in first person from her viewpoint), so it was a well-done mystery. I was not too keen on Belinda's flightiness and her introspection seemed a bit immature to me (which is I why I felt this to be more of a young adult novel), but the story was still good and the ending was satisfying. I'd recommend this one to those who enjoy a quick clean cozy mystery read.
I received an advanced e-copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Belinda Blake has finally found her wings and has moved in to the perfect little carriage house on Carrington estate in Greenwich Village. She's living her dream job as video game reviewer and exotic pet sitter. The book opens while she is taking her latest charge, a ball python named Rasputin, for a walk. As you might imagine from that tidbit, the book is infused with some humor. We are barely into the next chapter when Belinda finds a dead body in her flower bed. The rest of the book shows her adventures and shenanigans as she attempts to discover who the killer was before he strikes again!
All in all, this was a good book with a decent story-line and a clever whodunit. While I suspected the killer at one point and time, I also suspected every other character in the book (outside of Belinda since it's written in first person from her viewpoint), so it was a well-done mystery. I was not too keen on Belinda's flightiness and her introspection seemed a bit immature to me (which is I why I felt this to be more of a young adult novel), but the story was still good and the ending was satisfying. I'd recommend this one to those who enjoy a quick clean cozy mystery read.
I received an advanced e-copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
August 10, 2019
I hoped the title was a metaphor, but that hope was dashed with the very first line …
"The first time I saw Stone Carrington the fifth, I had a snake wrapped around my neck."
Yes, the snake is a major feature. But he (I assume it was a he) is also a great character who sets the tone of the novel and provides some much-needed comic relief.
Belinda Blake is an exotic pet sitter and videogame reviewer who’s just moved into the carriage house on the Carrington estate. She’s settling in well … until she finds a dead woman in the garden. As she says:
"I didn't know the ... protocol ... for finding a dead body outside my rental house."
Well, who does? Belinda starts investigating but soon finds that someone or someones don’t want her sticking her nose in. That—and encouragement from Stone Carrington the fifth—only strengthens her desire to find out what happened and why. And before something happens to her …
This is Heather Day Gilbert’s first Belinda Blake novel, and her first novel for the general market.
I’ve previously read her historical fiction and contemporary Christian mysteries, but I think this is her best yet. The plot is tight, the characters are well portrayed, and the writing is top notch. Most of all, Belinda Blake is a clever and witty heroine (albeit one with strange taste in pets). She’s everything I look for in a contemporary mystery heroine.
Recommended for fans of mystery and romantic comedy who like strong heroines and novels written in first person point of view.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
"The first time I saw Stone Carrington the fifth, I had a snake wrapped around my neck."
Yes, the snake is a major feature. But he (I assume it was a he) is also a great character who sets the tone of the novel and provides some much-needed comic relief.
Belinda Blake is an exotic pet sitter and videogame reviewer who’s just moved into the carriage house on the Carrington estate. She’s settling in well … until she finds a dead woman in the garden. As she says:
"I didn't know the ... protocol ... for finding a dead body outside my rental house."
Well, who does? Belinda starts investigating but soon finds that someone or someones don’t want her sticking her nose in. That—and encouragement from Stone Carrington the fifth—only strengthens her desire to find out what happened and why. And before something happens to her …
This is Heather Day Gilbert’s first Belinda Blake novel, and her first novel for the general market.
I’ve previously read her historical fiction and contemporary Christian mysteries, but I think this is her best yet. The plot is tight, the characters are well portrayed, and the writing is top notch. Most of all, Belinda Blake is a clever and witty heroine (albeit one with strange taste in pets). She’s everything I look for in a contemporary mystery heroine.
Recommended for fans of mystery and romantic comedy who like strong heroines and novels written in first person point of view.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
April 5, 2019
Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass is the first book in Heather Day Gilbert's new series, An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery and I can not wait to read book #2. Having read several of this author's books before I knew I could expect a good book and I wasn't disappointed. Gilbert is a skilled storyteller and she has crafted a story that moves quickly with several unpredictable twists and interesting situations, drawing the reader in right from the start. The characters are great--colorful and a tad quirky, likable and realistic. I enjoyed the relationship of Belinda with her family and let's not forget her interactions with Rasputin, the ball python Belinda was pet-sitting. A little humor, a couple murders, covert interrogation missions, a little romance and an ending that says there is more to come with Belinda Blake...what more could a reader who loves cozy mysteries want!
I read a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
I read a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
June 1, 2019
Snake in the Grass is the first book in the Exotic Pet Sitter Cozy Mystery Series.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
In this book we meet Belinda Blake who has two jobs, she is an exotic pet-sitter and a video game reviewer. Yes I said EXOTIC PET SITTER! I love this unique job for the protaganist. Belinda has just gotten to her new rental house in Connecticut and next thing you know, she disocvers a body.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Did I mention the ball python? I will let you discover that one for yourself. The characters are really interesting and well developed. The story was so well written and held my attention. The mystery had some unexpected turns and I was surprised by the ending.
I look forward to the next book in this series to see what Belinda is up to next!
This is the first book I have read by this author.
In this book we meet Belinda Blake who has two jobs, she is an exotic pet-sitter and a video game reviewer. Yes I said EXOTIC PET SITTER! I love this unique job for the protaganist. Belinda has just gotten to her new rental house in Connecticut and next thing you know, she disocvers a body.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Did I mention the ball python? I will let you discover that one for yourself. The characters are really interesting and well developed. The story was so well written and held my attention. The mystery had some unexpected turns and I was surprised by the ending.
I look forward to the next book in this series to see what Belinda is up to next!
June 20, 2019
A very good start for a new series.
The cast of characters is well written and likable, Belinda has unusual works for a cozy mystery heroine, the plot is full of twists and turns and keeps you hooked till the last page.
The mystery was good, no plot hole, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I appreciated the style of writing and the humour.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The cast of characters is well written and likable, Belinda has unusual works for a cozy mystery heroine, the plot is full of twists and turns and keeps you hooked till the last page.
The mystery was good, no plot hole, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I appreciated the style of writing and the humour.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
October 7, 2020
This takes place around Thanksgiving in New York and Connecticut. The main character is pet sitting a snake while trying to solve a murder. There is murder, a secret relationship, counseling, family, friendship, and homesteading. The mystery didn't end the way I thought it would, which I liked. There is the possibility of romance in the future, but I hope it doesn't turn into a love triangle.
April 10, 2019
Interesting story. I have never read a story that included a snake. The author kept me turning the page with details of the mystery and the relationships. I will read more by this author.
December 25, 2019
review to come...
November 7, 2021
A solid and enjoyable start to a new cozy series. I really like Belinda as a main character and there are a nice set of supporting characters to round out the story. The mystery was very well written with an ending I did not see coming! Very well done.
June 25, 2019
As a fan of the author’s mysteries, I couldn’t miss her first cozy. It is even better than I anticipated! Heather Day Gilbert begins with a young woman who many readers can identify with and moves her to Greenwich, CT, where she rents a carriage house. Include the mixed blessing of petsitting a ball python and a murder just outside the carriage house, and the elements are in line for a perfect read.
Belinda has taken her time finding what she enjoys doing for a living. After being in remote, interesting locations with the Peace Corp, she is growing her exotic pet-sitting business that began in Manhattan. She is a video gamer who works as a reviewer. A self-accepted introvert, she appreciates time alone and reading mysteries. She is sitting a ball python between the owner’s Manhattan home and her carriage house. I’d enjoy being a pet-sitter – but not to reptiles!
When arriving at the carriage house with Rasputin, she took him out for a “walk”. She met Stone Carrington V, son of the homeowners, for the first time. As they talked, the python slithered into her clothing and started wrapping himself a little too closely around her for comfort. She was rescued by Jacques, the gardener, who snuck up on the snake and loosened its grip on her.
Belinda likes working in gardens. She doesn’t have to do anything in the Carrington’s gardens, but she decided to pull a few weeds. She found more than weeds outside the carriage house, however; first she saw the designer shoe…then the body of the young woman still wearing it.
The young woman was Margo Fenton, a friend of Stone V and his friends. Margo had been at the estate the night before for a Monday night billiards game. Stone V invited Belinda to dinner and to go with him to meet one of the Monday night guys that Margo had once seriously dated. He wanted to know if Dietrich, an artist, remembered Margo having any plans after the game that night but he shared nothing helpful. Stone and Belinda talked with other friends of Margo. Belinda learned things about Stone V that he neglected to tell her, such as he had dated Margo briefly after she broke up with Dietrich. Margo’s best friend, Frannie, knew Margo was seeing someone but she wouldn’t share who, even with Frannie. The police focus on Stone V, but there are at least a couple other potentials. Belinda receives an anonymous threat, and another young woman is murdered.
I am impressed at the author’s use of characters her father created when she was a child. He made up stories about Belinda and her sister Katrina for long car trips. What a delightfully creative mind both Heather Day Gilbert and her father have! This is very well written, and the characters defined so well I felt a kinship with Belinda by the end of the novel. I even have reasons to kind of like Rasputin! The mystery is unique, and a challenge to solve. I chased a couple red herrings, then was completely stumped. I considered the real whodunit, but simply wasn’t sure…so I had surprises at the end. The setting of Thanksgiving and Christmas are appealing, especially during this desert summer! Overall, I very much enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to those who appreciate well-written cozies, unusual pets, and a protagonist who is an introvert. It is a great start to this new series.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Belinda has taken her time finding what she enjoys doing for a living. After being in remote, interesting locations with the Peace Corp, she is growing her exotic pet-sitting business that began in Manhattan. She is a video gamer who works as a reviewer. A self-accepted introvert, she appreciates time alone and reading mysteries. She is sitting a ball python between the owner’s Manhattan home and her carriage house. I’d enjoy being a pet-sitter – but not to reptiles!
When arriving at the carriage house with Rasputin, she took him out for a “walk”. She met Stone Carrington V, son of the homeowners, for the first time. As they talked, the python slithered into her clothing and started wrapping himself a little too closely around her for comfort. She was rescued by Jacques, the gardener, who snuck up on the snake and loosened its grip on her.
Belinda likes working in gardens. She doesn’t have to do anything in the Carrington’s gardens, but she decided to pull a few weeds. She found more than weeds outside the carriage house, however; first she saw the designer shoe…then the body of the young woman still wearing it.
The young woman was Margo Fenton, a friend of Stone V and his friends. Margo had been at the estate the night before for a Monday night billiards game. Stone V invited Belinda to dinner and to go with him to meet one of the Monday night guys that Margo had once seriously dated. He wanted to know if Dietrich, an artist, remembered Margo having any plans after the game that night but he shared nothing helpful. Stone and Belinda talked with other friends of Margo. Belinda learned things about Stone V that he neglected to tell her, such as he had dated Margo briefly after she broke up with Dietrich. Margo’s best friend, Frannie, knew Margo was seeing someone but she wouldn’t share who, even with Frannie. The police focus on Stone V, but there are at least a couple other potentials. Belinda receives an anonymous threat, and another young woman is murdered.
I am impressed at the author’s use of characters her father created when she was a child. He made up stories about Belinda and her sister Katrina for long car trips. What a delightfully creative mind both Heather Day Gilbert and her father have! This is very well written, and the characters defined so well I felt a kinship with Belinda by the end of the novel. I even have reasons to kind of like Rasputin! The mystery is unique, and a challenge to solve. I chased a couple red herrings, then was completely stumped. I considered the real whodunit, but simply wasn’t sure…so I had surprises at the end. The setting of Thanksgiving and Christmas are appealing, especially during this desert summer! Overall, I very much enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to those who appreciate well-written cozies, unusual pets, and a protagonist who is an introvert. It is a great start to this new series.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
June 25, 2019
I love cozies. Cozies that meet the original definition as near as I can tell can be hard to come by, but Heather Gilbert’s newest had me smiling. Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass by Gilbert is a new favorite in this category. I don’t know that Greenwich is considered a “small town,” but the setting of a carriage house on the grounds of a mansion worked. The main character is an exotic pet-sitter. So no kittens or dogs. In this case, the snake Belinda is caring for plays an important role. Quirky characters? At least one, and Belinda is a little out-of-the- ordinary herself. Her other job is to review video games. How can she then hold Stone accountable for having a real job?
But what I especially liked was the fact there was no bad language nor scenes I was ashamed to read. Sure, there is hanky-panky somewhere behind the scenes. But if there were not, would there be any enemies or deaths?
This was just a fun(when not scary) cozy. The action really started to snowball faster than I had expected, and a great tension ensues as Belinda searches for the killer before the killer finds her. I was surprised at the outcome. Also, forbidden romances add romantic tension and puzzle to the novel as well. I truly enjoyed this offering and I can’t wait to see what Belinda is up to in the next book, A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.
Fave quotes:
“My mom would tell me to embrace myself and stop trying to be someone I’m not...’Why fit in when you can stand out?’ she’d say.”
“I extended my foot and gave his leg a little nudge with the toe of my Doc Martins, a reminder that we’d come for more than just drinks and lies.”
“When money’s your god, everything else is a poor substitute.”
“...there were so many mixed signals coming from Stone, he could be a drunk referee.”
“Sometimes one forgot things when one was flying by the seat of one’s pants.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions for which I am solely responsible.
But what I especially liked was the fact there was no bad language nor scenes I was ashamed to read. Sure, there is hanky-panky somewhere behind the scenes. But if there were not, would there be any enemies or deaths?
This was just a fun(when not scary) cozy. The action really started to snowball faster than I had expected, and a great tension ensues as Belinda searches for the killer before the killer finds her. I was surprised at the outcome. Also, forbidden romances add romantic tension and puzzle to the novel as well. I truly enjoyed this offering and I can’t wait to see what Belinda is up to in the next book, A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.
Fave quotes:
“My mom would tell me to embrace myself and stop trying to be someone I’m not...’Why fit in when you can stand out?’ she’d say.”
“I extended my foot and gave his leg a little nudge with the toe of my Doc Martins, a reminder that we’d come for more than just drinks and lies.”
“When money’s your god, everything else is a poor substitute.”
“...there were so many mixed signals coming from Stone, he could be a drunk referee.”
“Sometimes one forgot things when one was flying by the seat of one’s pants.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions for which I am solely responsible.
June 26, 2019
What a way to start a new series - red herrings galore, hidden killers, and mysterious motives. All of these lead to an unexpected ending.
Exotic pet sitter - someone has to do it and Belinda is up to the task. While we learn a little bit about her past, she seems quite happy not being stuck in a traditional type job and is building up a pet sitting business for those pets that traditional pet sitters may not want to take on, like a ball python snake. I can't even imagine taking care of snake, but I suppose it helps that Belinda's father is a veterinarian and she probably grew up around various types of animals.
Belinda has just moved into a cottage on a larger estate in Greenwich and she is barely there a day when she discovers a dead body. Most people would probably move out faster than the Energizer Bunny, but she takes it all in stride and starts to investigate alongside Stone the Fifth, the son of the manor. I was surprised at how quickly Stone and Belinda seemed to connect to start investigating the murder, it seemed like that part of the story was rushed. That said, Stone and Belinda make a great team and play well off of each other around potential suspects and witnesses.
Speaking of suspects....I think I briefly suspected the killer but not long enough for this character to stay in the "guilty box". In fact, I strongly suspected another character and was taken by surprise when the ending came about and the killer was revealed. The author does a great job of throwing multiple characters under the bus as suspects and hiding the true one.
There is a little bit of potential romance between Belinda and Stone, but there is also another character, Jonas, that might come into play as well. However, Jonas lives by her parents in upstate New York so not sure how that might work out considering the distance...but guess we will find out in the next book!
Overall we enjoyed this book and look forward to the second in this series. We give this 4 paws up.
Exotic pet sitter - someone has to do it and Belinda is up to the task. While we learn a little bit about her past, she seems quite happy not being stuck in a traditional type job and is building up a pet sitting business for those pets that traditional pet sitters may not want to take on, like a ball python snake. I can't even imagine taking care of snake, but I suppose it helps that Belinda's father is a veterinarian and she probably grew up around various types of animals.
Belinda has just moved into a cottage on a larger estate in Greenwich and she is barely there a day when she discovers a dead body. Most people would probably move out faster than the Energizer Bunny, but she takes it all in stride and starts to investigate alongside Stone the Fifth, the son of the manor. I was surprised at how quickly Stone and Belinda seemed to connect to start investigating the murder, it seemed like that part of the story was rushed. That said, Stone and Belinda make a great team and play well off of each other around potential suspects and witnesses.
Speaking of suspects....I think I briefly suspected the killer but not long enough for this character to stay in the "guilty box". In fact, I strongly suspected another character and was taken by surprise when the ending came about and the killer was revealed. The author does a great job of throwing multiple characters under the bus as suspects and hiding the true one.
There is a little bit of potential romance between Belinda and Stone, but there is also another character, Jonas, that might come into play as well. However, Jonas lives by her parents in upstate New York so not sure how that might work out considering the distance...but guess we will find out in the next book!
Overall we enjoyed this book and look forward to the second in this series. We give this 4 paws up.
June 21, 2019
BELINDA BLAKE AND THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS by Heather Day Gilbert
The First Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery
Belinda Blake has moved from NYC to a carriage house apartment in tony Greenwich, Connecticut hoping to garner some new clients for her exotic pet-sitting business. With her current charge, a ball python named Rasputin, Belinda meets the hunky son living in the mansion next door. Her next encounter isn't nearly as pleasant, as she discovers the dead body of a young woman in her flowerbed! Now Stone Carrington the fifth is bringing Belinda with him as he tries to find more details as to what happened to the woman. Is Stone trustworthy, or is he more of a snake than Rasputin?
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Belinda and the quirky characters of BELINDA BLAKE AND THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS. From a homesteading mama, to a New York City artist, the blue bloods of Connecticut, and a book club running dairy farmer, Belinda Blake deals with them all. A snake is Belinda's steady companion in her first adventure. Although I think snakes' food make better pets, I really liked Rasputin, the ball python. Although quiet, he's steadfast, funny, and ultimately heroic.
The first Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery has a lot to do with growing up, including the growing pains that come along with it. Belinda Blake is determined to prove herself and be on her own while still having the loving support of her family. In many ways she reads even younger than her late twenties, but she remains reliable, responsible, and smart. I look forward to watching her grow as the series continues. And as the plot develops we see that Belinda's not the only character who is forced to grow.
BELINDA BLAKE AND THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS is a uniquely themed mystery that proves a great start to a new series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The First Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery
Belinda Blake has moved from NYC to a carriage house apartment in tony Greenwich, Connecticut hoping to garner some new clients for her exotic pet-sitting business. With her current charge, a ball python named Rasputin, Belinda meets the hunky son living in the mansion next door. Her next encounter isn't nearly as pleasant, as she discovers the dead body of a young woman in her flowerbed! Now Stone Carrington the fifth is bringing Belinda with him as he tries to find more details as to what happened to the woman. Is Stone trustworthy, or is he more of a snake than Rasputin?
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Belinda and the quirky characters of BELINDA BLAKE AND THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS. From a homesteading mama, to a New York City artist, the blue bloods of Connecticut, and a book club running dairy farmer, Belinda Blake deals with them all. A snake is Belinda's steady companion in her first adventure. Although I think snakes' food make better pets, I really liked Rasputin, the ball python. Although quiet, he's steadfast, funny, and ultimately heroic.
The first Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery has a lot to do with growing up, including the growing pains that come along with it. Belinda Blake is determined to prove herself and be on her own while still having the loving support of her family. In many ways she reads even younger than her late twenties, but she remains reliable, responsible, and smart. I look forward to watching her grow as the series continues. And as the plot develops we see that Belinda's not the only character who is forced to grow.
BELINDA BLAKE AND THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS is a uniquely themed mystery that proves a great start to a new series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
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