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An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery #3
Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather
When exotic pet–sitter Belinda Blake starts pecking at the details of a suspicious accident in her sleepy hometown, she inadvertently digs up a murder case that won’t be solved without ruffling a few feathers . . .
The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for a deceased friend’s flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter after a local college student is mowed down in a malicious hit-and-run that has the whole town reeling.
At first, the gruesome demise of Jackson Hait appears to be a random tragedy. But Belinda quickly uncovers connections to a tight-knit group of friends and a similar death three years earlier . . . one that wasn't as accidental as it seemed. Now, Belinda must pluck the truth from a tangled nest of lies before a cruel killer takes wing.
The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for a deceased friend’s flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter after a local college student is mowed down in a malicious hit-and-run that has the whole town reeling.
At first, the gruesome demise of Jackson Hait appears to be a random tragedy. But Belinda quickly uncovers connections to a tight-knit group of friends and a similar death three years earlier . . . one that wasn't as accidental as it seemed. Now, Belinda must pluck the truth from a tangled nest of lies before a cruel killer takes wing.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2020
20 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Heather Day Gilbert
41 books868 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 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 24, 2020
Belinda Blake has an unusual career, actually two different jobs, but the most unusual is that she pet sits for exotic animals. She has sat for a ball python in the first book of the series and also worked with at a wolf preserve in the second book. She also reviews video games. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, where she lives in a coach house on an estate of the Carrington family. Stone Carrington the fifth is the younger Stone in the family and a friend of Belinda's. When her close friend and neighbor of her parents, Naomi, died, she left to head home for the service and give her support to Jonas, son of Naomi. Like, Stone, Jonas is a close friend. Soon after she arrived back on her parents' farm in upstate New York, a young college student was killed in a suspicious hit and run. Her short visit turns into a longer visit when she is pulled into helping her friend and reporter, Chloe, investigate what soon is believed to be a murder. The young man Jackson was part of a literature group and the second one to have died but won't be the last. Jonas also needs her help taking care of some white homing pigeons that were his mom's.
This is my favorite of the series because there is a great mystery to solve and Belinda is in the middle of the danger. The person responsible is quite a surprise. She also has some thinking to do about her relationships with Stone and with Jonas. However, the story ends with a little bit of a cliffhanger and what may have seemed settled, may not be there yet.
I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Press and Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
This is my favorite of the series because there is a great mystery to solve and Belinda is in the middle of the danger. The person responsible is quite a surprise. She also has some thinking to do about her relationships with Stone and with Jonas. However, the story ends with a little bit of a cliffhanger and what may have seemed settled, may not be there yet.
I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Press and Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
August 26, 2020
This book is so good! I stayed up way too late because I didn’t want to put it down! I read it all in one sitting! I love reading about Belinda’s adventures in pet-sitting and murder investigating. The reveal of the murderer completely shocked me! I really hope there will be more books!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from NetGalley, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from NetGalley, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
March 2, 2020
This was the third installment in the Belinda Blake Cozy Mystery series by Heather Day Gilbert. I loved Gilbert's writing and have read the previous books in this installment and I enjoyed this one just as much. I felt like Belinda and the other cast of characters were old friends and here I was visiting them again for the third time. Belinda goes back to her hometown this time, and the story is more personal. I loved that it also focused on Belinda's love life, and I did enjoy that very much! Overall, this was one of those series that should not be missed for any fans of cozy mysteries. I highly recommend this book and the entire series for an entertaining read. Heather Day Gilbert sure knows how to create lovable characters!!
January 27, 2020
Series: An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery – Book 3
Author: Heather Day Gilbert
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Pet
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Page Count: 168
From Lyrical Press comes book three in the “An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery” by Heather Day Gilbert, Belinda Blake And The Birds Of A Feather.
This animal-based cozy is highly entertaining and interesting for readers who enjoy mysteries that make you think. Most will not know who the killer is until closer to the end of the book, and it may give them cause to reflect on the evidence contained within the pages of this book.
Belinda isn’t your ordinary heroine. Here in the third book of the series, we learn that there is more to her than the reader may believe. She isn’t out to play video games or hang out with the rich and wealthy. She may love animals and enjoy the freedom that her life gives her, but she also loves her family and friends; she wants to be a part of their lives. Even though there aren’t any exotic animals this time around, they play a smaller role in the overall plot; it makes for a more intriguing read that shapes the characters far more than either of the other books have combined.
All of the repeating characters in this series are enjoyable, even when they are pushy and outspoken, or meek and private. The animals, in this case, mostly pigeons, are fun to images in the circumstances they are placed. The victim(s) are curious as we know little to nothing about them, but it's hard not to understand them and sympathize.
Readers will enjoy Belinda Blake And The Birds Of A Feather. If the reader is an animal lover, they will want the book to be a bit longer, and the animals more plentiful. Overall, it’s a quick read with a great plot and wonderful characters. However, I took issue with the ending of the book and feel it was a questionable way to end the story. It made me enjoy the book just a little less.
Author: Heather Day Gilbert
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Pet
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Page Count: 168
From Lyrical Press comes book three in the “An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery” by Heather Day Gilbert, Belinda Blake And The Birds Of A Feather.
This animal-based cozy is highly entertaining and interesting for readers who enjoy mysteries that make you think. Most will not know who the killer is until closer to the end of the book, and it may give them cause to reflect on the evidence contained within the pages of this book.
Belinda isn’t your ordinary heroine. Here in the third book of the series, we learn that there is more to her than the reader may believe. She isn’t out to play video games or hang out with the rich and wealthy. She may love animals and enjoy the freedom that her life gives her, but she also loves her family and friends; she wants to be a part of their lives. Even though there aren’t any exotic animals this time around, they play a smaller role in the overall plot; it makes for a more intriguing read that shapes the characters far more than either of the other books have combined.
All of the repeating characters in this series are enjoyable, even when they are pushy and outspoken, or meek and private. The animals, in this case, mostly pigeons, are fun to images in the circumstances they are placed. The victim(s) are curious as we know little to nothing about them, but it's hard not to understand them and sympathize.
Readers will enjoy Belinda Blake And The Birds Of A Feather. If the reader is an animal lover, they will want the book to be a bit longer, and the animals more plentiful. Overall, it’s a quick read with a great plot and wonderful characters. However, I took issue with the ending of the book and feel it was a questionable way to end the story. It made me enjoy the book just a little less.
February 15, 2020
Belinda Blake is such a fun character. I've really enjoyed getting to know her over the course of these three stories, and it's been even more fun seeing her get to know herself. Though the mystery is stellar in this story - I actually wasn't sure about the culprit at all - this story dug deeper into her personal growth, as well as the relationships between the characters. I love that the setting is in Belinda's hometown, which allows the reader to get to know her parents and friends there a bit better.
As for the mystery, this one felt a bit darker and a bit more personal, because it was set in her hometown. I guess it adds an extra layer of gravity to the story, because these are people that she has known and that have connections to those that she loves. I also can't pretend that I wasn't thrilled that this focused on Belinda's romantic life as well. I personally was thrilled with her choice. However, the ending leaves things a bit unsettled as for Belinda's next step career wise; I'm looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. I'll be waiting eagerly for Belinda's next story. Thanks to her, I can say that I like cozy mysteries and will be seeking out more to read. I heartily recommend this series!
As for the mystery, this one felt a bit darker and a bit more personal, because it was set in her hometown. I guess it adds an extra layer of gravity to the story, because these are people that she has known and that have connections to those that she loves. I also can't pretend that I wasn't thrilled that this focused on Belinda's romantic life as well. I personally was thrilled with her choice. However, the ending leaves things a bit unsettled as for Belinda's next step career wise; I'm looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. I'll be waiting eagerly for Belinda's next story. Thanks to her, I can say that I like cozy mysteries and will be seeking out more to read. I heartily recommend this series!
December 18, 2019
'I couldn't help that I was skilled in sniffing out mysterious deaths.'
Heather Gilbert is back with the third offering in her Exotic Pet-Sitter cozy mystery series. And she has outdone herself with this one, let me tell you!
Belinda Blake lives in Greenwich and babysits exotic pets like boa constrictors, wolves, and the like. She also is quite a dab hand at solving murders. This time, Belinda spends much of her time upstate at her parents' home when, of course, there is a murder. And an unsolved murder from the past. And Belinda herself has some decisions to make in this book, which was part of the charm of the story. And let me tell you, I NEVER guessed the culprit! Never, ever would I have guessed that. This is my favorite of the series so far. I loved it so much! Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the Kensington Books/Lyrical Press for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are entirely my own.
Heather Gilbert is back with the third offering in her Exotic Pet-Sitter cozy mystery series. And she has outdone herself with this one, let me tell you!
Belinda Blake lives in Greenwich and babysits exotic pets like boa constrictors, wolves, and the like. She also is quite a dab hand at solving murders. This time, Belinda spends much of her time upstate at her parents' home when, of course, there is a murder. And an unsolved murder from the past. And Belinda herself has some decisions to make in this book, which was part of the charm of the story. And let me tell you, I NEVER guessed the culprit! Never, ever would I have guessed that. This is my favorite of the series so far. I loved it so much! Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the Kensington Books/Lyrical Press for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are entirely my own.
April 7, 2020
I have enjoyed the Exotic Pet-sitter cozy mysteries from the very first book, but this one was my favorite yet! At one point I thought three different people could have been the killer, but was wrong--the truth totally surprised me and yet it made sense. Belinda Blake is a great character, the kind of person you'd want to be good friends with, so seeing her again from book to book is like getting to spend time with someone you miss in between visits. The exotic pet aspects are always fun and interesting. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 4, 2020
This series quickly became one of my favorite cozy mystery series, and this novel my favorite so far. The characters are developed well, and there is just enough information from earlier books woven in so each can be read as standalones. One learns a little about the exotic pet focused on, in this case, white homing pigeons. The mystery is challenging; I was completely surprised at whodunit! Belinda Blake is sufficiently like the average woman in that she has self-doubts in certain areas of her life as well as confidence in her career.
Belinda rents the perfect guest house in Greenwich, CT. She is self-employed as a video game reviewer and an exotic pet sitter, a business she began when living in Manhattan. Stone Carrington the fifth, son of the estate owner, has been a friend to Belinda since she moved into the guest house.
Belinda has been involved in a couple murder investigations. Her curiosity, sense of justice, ability to ask pertinent questions and consider different scenarios make her a huge help to law enforcement. The detective in Greenwich suggested she consider becoming a detective, and she has been considering it, but it is quite a commitment.
Belinda received a phone call from Jonas, her parents’ neighbor in upstate New York and a special friend. After several years of being primary caregiver for his mother since she’s had breast cancer, she passed away that evening. Naomi and Belinda had become good friends, and she is already grieving the loss of the delightful woman.
While she is in Larches Corner, Jonas asks her to help care for Naomi’s pigeons. He hopes to re-home them as he is so busy with the farm that it would be hard for him to fit one more thing into his day. They discuss a hit-and-run death that occurred in which a college senior, Jackson, died. Something about it doesn’t sound right to Jonas, especially since another student, Claire, had been run over by a train three years earlier. Her death was ruled an accident, but a determination has not yet been made in Jackson’s death.
Belinda talked with a high school friend, Chloe, who is now a local newspaper reporter. Jackson and Claire had known each other and belonged to the same literature club. Claire’s boyfriend is now getting engaged to another member of the club. Chloe will let Belinda join her as her “assistant” as she gets her story for the upcoming society wedding. Before the evening is over, one of the club members has been murdered, devastating another local family. Belinda is going to stay a few extra days to help Chloe with interviews for the paper while she helps care for the pigeons.
This cozy is the best! There are good suspects, plot twists and turns revealing many secrets, and even the possibility of romance for Belinda. I appreciate that it is a completely clean read with interesting animals to learn about and the differences between wealthy Greenwich and rural Larches Corner. I also like that I was stunned at the solution to each death! The ending was satisfactory in every way, one that I was really excited about. The only thing I didn’t like was the bit of a cliffhanger…but that’s just my preference and I’m looking forward to the next in series. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries, unique pets, interesting characters, and excellent resolutions.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of the eARC from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Belinda rents the perfect guest house in Greenwich, CT. She is self-employed as a video game reviewer and an exotic pet sitter, a business she began when living in Manhattan. Stone Carrington the fifth, son of the estate owner, has been a friend to Belinda since she moved into the guest house.
Belinda has been involved in a couple murder investigations. Her curiosity, sense of justice, ability to ask pertinent questions and consider different scenarios make her a huge help to law enforcement. The detective in Greenwich suggested she consider becoming a detective, and she has been considering it, but it is quite a commitment.
Belinda received a phone call from Jonas, her parents’ neighbor in upstate New York and a special friend. After several years of being primary caregiver for his mother since she’s had breast cancer, she passed away that evening. Naomi and Belinda had become good friends, and she is already grieving the loss of the delightful woman.
While she is in Larches Corner, Jonas asks her to help care for Naomi’s pigeons. He hopes to re-home them as he is so busy with the farm that it would be hard for him to fit one more thing into his day. They discuss a hit-and-run death that occurred in which a college senior, Jackson, died. Something about it doesn’t sound right to Jonas, especially since another student, Claire, had been run over by a train three years earlier. Her death was ruled an accident, but a determination has not yet been made in Jackson’s death.
Belinda talked with a high school friend, Chloe, who is now a local newspaper reporter. Jackson and Claire had known each other and belonged to the same literature club. Claire’s boyfriend is now getting engaged to another member of the club. Chloe will let Belinda join her as her “assistant” as she gets her story for the upcoming society wedding. Before the evening is over, one of the club members has been murdered, devastating another local family. Belinda is going to stay a few extra days to help Chloe with interviews for the paper while she helps care for the pigeons.
This cozy is the best! There are good suspects, plot twists and turns revealing many secrets, and even the possibility of romance for Belinda. I appreciate that it is a completely clean read with interesting animals to learn about and the differences between wealthy Greenwich and rural Larches Corner. I also like that I was stunned at the solution to each death! The ending was satisfactory in every way, one that I was really excited about. The only thing I didn’t like was the bit of a cliffhanger…but that’s just my preference and I’m looking forward to the next in series. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries, unique pets, interesting characters, and excellent resolutions.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of the eARC from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
February 8, 2020
Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather
Exotic Pet-Sitter, Book #3
Heather Day Gilbert
5 Stars
Synopsis:
When exotic pet–sitter Belinda Blake starts pecking at the details of a suspicious accident in her sleepy hometown, she inadvertently digs up a murder case that won’t be solved without ruffling a few feathers . . .
The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for a deceased friend’s flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter after a local college student is mowed down in a malicious hit-and-run that has the whole town reeling.
At first, the gruesome demise of Jackson Hait appears to be a random tragedy. But Belinda quickly uncovers connections to a tight-knit group of friends and a similar death three years earlier . . . one that wasn't as accidental as it seemed. Now, Belinda must pluck the truth from a tangled nest of lies before a cruel killer takes wing. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and those descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning and took me along a thrilling adventure.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really like the relationship between Belinda and her family, you can tell how much they love each other and how well they get along. I love Belinda’s occupation, that would be such a wild and exciting job to have.
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. I liked the fact that the past and the present were involved in the mystery. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved. I was very surprised with the culprit, I did not expect that.
I would recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I really like this series and I am already looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Exotic Pet-Sitter, Book #3
Heather Day Gilbert
5 Stars
Synopsis:
When exotic pet–sitter Belinda Blake starts pecking at the details of a suspicious accident in her sleepy hometown, she inadvertently digs up a murder case that won’t be solved without ruffling a few feathers . . .
The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for a deceased friend’s flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter after a local college student is mowed down in a malicious hit-and-run that has the whole town reeling.
At first, the gruesome demise of Jackson Hait appears to be a random tragedy. But Belinda quickly uncovers connections to a tight-knit group of friends and a similar death three years earlier . . . one that wasn't as accidental as it seemed. Now, Belinda must pluck the truth from a tangled nest of lies before a cruel killer takes wing. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and those descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning and took me along a thrilling adventure.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really like the relationship between Belinda and her family, you can tell how much they love each other and how well they get along. I love Belinda’s occupation, that would be such a wild and exciting job to have.
The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. I liked the fact that the past and the present were involved in the mystery. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved. I was very surprised with the culprit, I did not expect that.
I would recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I really like this series and I am already looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
February 4, 2020
After facing down murderers twice during the course of her exotic pet sitting duties in Greenwich, Connecticut, Belinda Blake might expect a trip back to her quaint and quiet home in Upstate New York to be a reprieve from strange animals and violent crime...but she would be wrong. First, she agrees to feed homing pigeons for her parents’ hunky neighbor. Before the feathers have a chance to settle on that decision, she gets embroiled in an investigation into a mysterious string of deaths. Thanks to danger, scandal, and a love triangle, Belinda’s homing is anything but peaceful. In fact, it could turn out to be deadly!
Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather is the third and most multilayered book in the Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery series. The countless readers who fell in love with Belinda’s quirky charm in earlier books will be cooing over this story, as it develops and expands her personality even more, giving her journey a coming of age feel against the backdrop of her colorful family, friends, and love interests.
In addition, the escalating fatalities, unique suspects, classic misdirections, and savvy sleuth work will have fans of Christie style whodunnits feeling like they’ve come home to roost in the pages of this novel’s perplexing mystery.
If you like unforgettable characters and cozy mysteries with lots of twists, I highly recommend, not only this book, but the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not obligated to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather is the third and most multilayered book in the Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery series. The countless readers who fell in love with Belinda’s quirky charm in earlier books will be cooing over this story, as it develops and expands her personality even more, giving her journey a coming of age feel against the backdrop of her colorful family, friends, and love interests.
In addition, the escalating fatalities, unique suspects, classic misdirections, and savvy sleuth work will have fans of Christie style whodunnits feeling like they’ve come home to roost in the pages of this novel’s perplexing mystery.
If you like unforgettable characters and cozy mysteries with lots of twists, I highly recommend, not only this book, but the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not obligated to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
November 9, 2021
I have really enjoyed the Belinda Blake series overall but this has been my least favorite of the series. While the mystery itself was interesting and I loved the turn Belinda's romantic life takes, the wrap up of the mystery didn't sit well with me. Just not my cup of tea. I still hope for more Belinda mysteries though- I really like her and her cast of supporting characters!
February 7, 2020
The first I’ve read in the series – I’ll be honest: the draw for me to this title was the “exotic pet sitter” series and to see just how one could mix exotics, murder, mayhem and make it fun. And Gilbert did just that. Expecting a quiet break after two successive sets of ‘investigations” in the first books, Belinda has headed back to her parent’s house for some quiet time. It’s not long before she’s volunteered to feed pigeons, murders seem to be popping up and Belinda may be in danger, with or without actually investigating.
Twists, turns, a few surprises and even a love triangle come into play here, even as the bodies aren’t ‘cold’ yet – and Belinda is a wonderfully kind and quirky character, something that is highlighted when we are introduced to her colorful family and see some of the choices (romance wise, not to mention her fascination and facility with exotics) that keep readers engaged and me entertained. And the mystery was a twisty one, perfect for choosing and discarding suspects as the case is built and we all have our own ‘favorite’ culprit.
For a first read of a series that has two earlier installments, I didn’t find myself terribly lost or that there were too many unanswered questions. I am assuming that the development and growth in Belinda’s character fits with the earlier titles, and she was engaging and easy to get to know and empathize with. I think fans of this series will really enjoy this book – as for me – I’m now a fan.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Twists, turns, a few surprises and even a love triangle come into play here, even as the bodies aren’t ‘cold’ yet – and Belinda is a wonderfully kind and quirky character, something that is highlighted when we are introduced to her colorful family and see some of the choices (romance wise, not to mention her fascination and facility with exotics) that keep readers engaged and me entertained. And the mystery was a twisty one, perfect for choosing and discarding suspects as the case is built and we all have our own ‘favorite’ culprit.
For a first read of a series that has two earlier installments, I didn’t find myself terribly lost or that there were too many unanswered questions. I am assuming that the development and growth in Belinda’s character fits with the earlier titles, and she was engaging and easy to get to know and empathize with. I think fans of this series will really enjoy this book – as for me – I’m now a fan.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
February 4, 2020
This series keeps getting better and it started out great. For a change of pace, Belinda has returned to her home town due to the death of a close family friend. Little does she know that her talent for solving murders will be taking a front seat. The son of the deceased woman asks Belinda to care for his late mother's homing pigeons and, of course, she says yes. If that wasn't enough, her high school friend, Chloe, is a local reporter and is on the trail of a story which soon involves them in deaths that seem to be connected, spanning several years. The victims were all members of a literature group.
As all of this is going on, Belinda is also trying to decide which of her romantic relationships is The One - Jonas, a farmer or Stone, a millionaire. I hope that, by the next book, she will have figured it out. As for the mystery - well, I'll just say I read it in one sitting, staying up into the early hours to find out who dunnit. Boy, that was a surprise. A very satisfying mystery and I will, without any hesitation, get my hands on book #4 as soon as it's published.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
As all of this is going on, Belinda is also trying to decide which of her romantic relationships is The One - Jonas, a farmer or Stone, a millionaire. I hope that, by the next book, she will have figured it out. As for the mystery - well, I'll just say I read it in one sitting, staying up into the early hours to find out who dunnit. Boy, that was a surprise. A very satisfying mystery and I will, without any hesitation, get my hands on book #4 as soon as it's published.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 3, 2020
Third in the Exotic Pet-Sitter series, Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather by Heather Day Gilbert is a great cozy mystery. 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 (I never saw the identity of the murderer coming!)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 the tension depicted when there are two potential boyfriends for Belinda. A little humor, dead bodies piling up, pseudo-reporter interrogation missions, a sweet 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.
February 9, 2020
Ahh....an old-school mystery! A pleasing, very entertaining whodunit. I love Belinda Blake's uniqueness from her fondness for video games to her eclectic wardrobe and her affection for exotic pets. Homing pigeons, no less! Add a handsome hunk or two and the reader will cast a fun bet on which one will fly away with her heart. Of course, as with any Belinda Blake book, there's always a dead body or two--sometimes more!---to contend with. The whodunit in this curious caper will surely ruffle your feathers. Didn't see it coming! Add this one to your fine feathered nest of great reads!
February 16, 2020
Belinda Blake and Birds of a Feather is a great new release in the An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery series; I have read the other books in the series and was hoping that the third would live up to that reputation. It certainly did! I love that this novel has so many elements of a great cozy mystery series for me – a strong female lead, a plentiful supply of humour, a perplexing mystery, some twists, and an easy to read, yet interesting plot. Belinda Blake and Birds of a Feather ticked all these boxes and was a fabulously entertaining read! This could easily be enjoyed as a stand alone novel, but reading them in order would, of course, enable more understanding about Belinda as a character, and her past. Belinda has been involved in a couple murder investigations. Her curiosity, sense of justice, ability to ask pertinent questions and consider different scenarios make her a huge help to law enforcement.
I really enjoyed the savvy sleuthing in the story. The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for deceased friend, Naomi's flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter when a young college student is killed in a suspicious hit and run. She is persuaded to help her friend and reporter, Chloe, investigate what is soon believed to be a murder. The young man, Jackson, was part of a literature group and the second one to have died.
The escalating fatalities, unique suspects, and classic misdirections all help to make this a truly brilliant read, in what is definitely a favourite cozy mystery series of mine!
I confidently recommend Belinda Blake and Birds of a Feather.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
I really enjoyed the savvy sleuthing in the story. The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for deceased friend, Naomi's flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter when a young college student is killed in a suspicious hit and run. She is persuaded to help her friend and reporter, Chloe, investigate what is soon believed to be a murder. The young man, Jackson, was part of a literature group and the second one to have died.
The escalating fatalities, unique suspects, and classic misdirections all help to make this a truly brilliant read, in what is definitely a favourite cozy mystery series of mine!
I confidently recommend Belinda Blake and Birds of a Feather.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 29, 2020
Belinda, our intrepid pet sitter and video game reviewer, heads home to Larches Corner when Naomi, a close family friend dies. Naomi's son Jonas recruits her to take care of his mom's homing pigeons, something she hadn't planned on doing but ok. AND then, Jackson, a student is murdered in a hit and run. Ordinarily, Belinda would mind her business (not!) but Chloe, her friend and a newspaper reporter ropes her in because the murder looks a lot like one which happens several years before. Chloe's great, the other characters are fun, and, as always, the animals are terrific (although pigeons are a less exotic than her previous charges). It's a smartly written and nicely twisty mystery that kept me guessing. I'm a fan of the series but this would be fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one!
February 7, 2020
Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather by Heather Day Gilbert is the 3rd book in the Exotic Pet-sitter mystery series. I really liked the first two books in the series, Snake in the Grass, and Wolf in Sheep's Clothing and this book is equally as good. Belinda Blake lives in a carriage house in Greenwich, Connecticut, but she returns home to Larches Corner in upstate New York after a family friend dies. Belinda agrees to take care for the women's homing pigeons, until a new home can be found for them. Belinda plans to return to Greenwich, until a college student is killed in a hit and run, and she wants the truth. I enjoyed this fun book, with it's crazy laugh-out-loud moments, but it is also a wonderful mystery. I can not wait for Belinda's next adventure. I highly recommend this book, if you enjoy unique cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 24, 2020
My first read by Heather Day Gilbert and this being the third book within this series, the Exotic Pet-Sitter), I really enjoyed it!
This was a fun and fast read for me, I loved taking a few moments during the day to tear thru a few chapters and then end a busy day by winding down with this cozy read.
I found the characters and the plot to be enjoyable and I think everyone who picks up a copy will find they have a great new series to dig into! I am actually going to go and purchase the first two in the series, I enjoyed it that much!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this one and to share my thoughts. Loved it and can’t wait for #4!
This was a fun and fast read for me, I loved taking a few moments during the day to tear thru a few chapters and then end a busy day by winding down with this cozy read.
I found the characters and the plot to be enjoyable and I think everyone who picks up a copy will find they have a great new series to dig into! I am actually going to go and purchase the first two in the series, I enjoyed it that much!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this one and to share my thoughts. Loved it and can’t wait for #4!
March 2, 2020
We’ll start with the one thing I’m not happy about with Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather: This is the last book in the Belinda Blake series 🙁
Yes, it’s another great instalment in Belinda’s life as an exotic petsitter, and it wraps up well, but I’d like more.
For those who have been following the series, we do get an answer to Belinda’s little romance problem. For those who haven’t been following the series … this is the third in the series, and while it’s an excellent standalone novel, there is a little backstory that you might appreciate more if you read Snake in the Grass and Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing first
Belinda returns to her hometown after her best friend’s mother dies. While she’s there, she gets pulled into caring for the lady’s homing pigeons … and investigating a suspicious death in the neighbourhood. As you do.
Belinda is a great character—fun, intelligent, and slightly weird. She has two jobs: she’s a video game reviewer who probably understands more of what my teenage son says than I do, and she babysits exotic pets: snakes, wolves, and pigeons, among others. The novel is written in first person, and her quirky voice works well as a narrator.
As with the other books in the series, this is a fun mystery with no on-the-page violence but plenty of humour, witty dialogue, and great characters. I’ve enjoyed this series, and I’m sorry to see it end (although I am hoping that hint towards the end was prepping us for more Belinda Blake books—hint, hint).
Recommended for cozy mystery fans.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Yes, it’s another great instalment in Belinda’s life as an exotic petsitter, and it wraps up well, but I’d like more.
For those who have been following the series, we do get an answer to Belinda’s little romance problem. For those who haven’t been following the series … this is the third in the series, and while it’s an excellent standalone novel, there is a little backstory that you might appreciate more if you read Snake in the Grass and Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing first
Belinda returns to her hometown after her best friend’s mother dies. While she’s there, she gets pulled into caring for the lady’s homing pigeons … and investigating a suspicious death in the neighbourhood. As you do.
Belinda is a great character—fun, intelligent, and slightly weird. She has two jobs: she’s a video game reviewer who probably understands more of what my teenage son says than I do, and she babysits exotic pets: snakes, wolves, and pigeons, among others. The novel is written in first person, and her quirky voice works well as a narrator.
As with the other books in the series, this is a fun mystery with no on-the-page violence but plenty of humour, witty dialogue, and great characters. I’ve enjoyed this series, and I’m sorry to see it end (although I am hoping that hint towards the end was prepping us for more Belinda Blake books—hint, hint).
Recommended for cozy mystery fans.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
January 19, 2020
Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather is the third book in the Exotic Pet-Sitter mystery series.
Belinda is heading home to Upstate New York after the death of a close family friend.
When a college student is killed , she ends up getting involved.
The mystery was well written with wonderful characters. I was a tad disappointed that we did not see as much of the animals as in the first two books in the series.
I hope the love triangle doesn't continue too much longer too because well *sigh*
Looking forward to the next book in the series and hopefully more animals!
Belinda is heading home to Upstate New York after the death of a close family friend.
When a college student is killed , she ends up getting involved.
The mystery was well written with wonderful characters. I was a tad disappointed that we did not see as much of the animals as in the first two books in the series.
I hope the love triangle doesn't continue too much longer too because well *sigh*
Looking forward to the next book in the series and hopefully more animals!
January 26, 2021
Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather by Heather Day Gilbert is such a delightful book. It’s book 3 and they are all solid reads. If you are looking for a clean cozy mystery, look no further. Ms Gilbert is a master at this genre, creating believable characters and a community in which unbelievable tragedy occurs and justice must prevail. And the exotic pets— so much fun! This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
January 1, 2020
Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather is the third installment in the Exotic Pet-Sitter mystery series featuring video game reviewer/pet sitter Belinda Blake. When a close family friend passes away Belinda is called home to Larches Corner in Upstate New York and soon finds herself entangled in a murder mystery spanning several years.
Thinking her visit home will be quick, Belinda is happy when she's asked to take over the temporary care of the deceased's flock of homing pigeons but when a local college student is killed by a hit and run driver under suspicious circumstances she can't quite help but get involved. Belinda discovers that the victim was part of a close knit literature club and another of the members had also been killed several years earlier. When a third member of the group is found drowned in a pool, Belinda teams up with local reporter and high school friend Chloe Vail to track down a killer.
It was a little disappointing that animals didn't play as big of a factor in this addition to the series but the mystery was well written and the killer was a surprise. The author does a fantastic job of weaving the Greenwich, CT characters in with the Larches Corner characters and the reader is able to catch up with all of the recurring people in the series. While I had high hopes that the despised love triangle between Belinda, Stone and Jonas was finally coming to a close the plot twist in the final pages leaves the door open for it to continue...sigh.
I received an advanced copy of Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Thinking her visit home will be quick, Belinda is happy when she's asked to take over the temporary care of the deceased's flock of homing pigeons but when a local college student is killed by a hit and run driver under suspicious circumstances she can't quite help but get involved. Belinda discovers that the victim was part of a close knit literature club and another of the members had also been killed several years earlier. When a third member of the group is found drowned in a pool, Belinda teams up with local reporter and high school friend Chloe Vail to track down a killer.
It was a little disappointing that animals didn't play as big of a factor in this addition to the series but the mystery was well written and the killer was a surprise. The author does a fantastic job of weaving the Greenwich, CT characters in with the Larches Corner characters and the reader is able to catch up with all of the recurring people in the series. While I had high hopes that the despised love triangle between Belinda, Stone and Jonas was finally coming to a close the plot twist in the final pages leaves the door open for it to continue...sigh.
I received an advanced copy of Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
July 7, 2020
A thrilling 3rd book in a wonderfully fun new series. This one takes place in Belinda's hometown, where past mysteries don't care to be dug up. An exciting read that leaves you guessing to the very last second.
April 29, 2020
I did not get a chance to read the second, but I did read the first: Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass and enjoyed it.
Belinda Blake is happy with her new life in the Carriage house, but things back home are a little rocky. Her ‘friend’ Jonas’ mother is terminally ill and passes away in the very beginning. There is a continuation of conversational ease here which makes even the sad scenes very realistic. The only thing I did not buy in this instalment was the need that Belinda fell to entangle herself in the local death(s) which eventually does not turn out to be too good for her. Once she does, she keeps the regular updates of her thought process very clear. This is a shorter book than others of its ilk but packs a lot into it. We have a local boy who was run over, and some found the situation and the event very suspicious. Belinda finds out that an old friend of hers is the reporter handling the story. That is how she finds herself questioning people and building a case. It just so happens she does not get it right at all. This absurd scenario culminates in a hostage situation, although Belinda survives.
I would recommend it to readers of the genre because it is an easy read and there is as much stunned incomprehension and discussion about the killer’s identity after its revelation as any reader would have shown. I think it can even be read as a standalone thanks to all the background information provided. It does have a lot more personal drama than the first instalment.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience and my prior reading of the first book of the series.
https://superfluousreading.wordpress....
Belinda Blake is happy with her new life in the Carriage house, but things back home are a little rocky. Her ‘friend’ Jonas’ mother is terminally ill and passes away in the very beginning. There is a continuation of conversational ease here which makes even the sad scenes very realistic. The only thing I did not buy in this instalment was the need that Belinda fell to entangle herself in the local death(s) which eventually does not turn out to be too good for her. Once she does, she keeps the regular updates of her thought process very clear. This is a shorter book than others of its ilk but packs a lot into it. We have a local boy who was run over, and some found the situation and the event very suspicious. Belinda finds out that an old friend of hers is the reporter handling the story. That is how she finds herself questioning people and building a case. It just so happens she does not get it right at all. This absurd scenario culminates in a hostage situation, although Belinda survives.
I would recommend it to readers of the genre because it is an easy read and there is as much stunned incomprehension and discussion about the killer’s identity after its revelation as any reader would have shown. I think it can even be read as a standalone thanks to all the background information provided. It does have a lot more personal drama than the first instalment.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience and my prior reading of the first book of the series.
https://superfluousreading.wordpress....
April 17, 2020
BELINDA BLAKE AND THE BIRDS OF A FEATHER
By Heather Day Gilbert
The Third Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery
When Jonas calls to tell her his mother just died, Belinda Blake doesn't hesitate to return to Larches Corner. Belinda agrees to care for the woman's homing pigeons, not only to ease some of Jonas's burden, but to spend time with the enigmatic farmer and perhaps determine his feelings for her. But thoughts of Jonas aren't the only thing keeping her in town. A recent hit and run has ties to a death three years prior. Hoping to quench her curiosity, Belinda decides to help an old friend who's now a reporter. As she investigates she also considers her feelings for both Jonas and Stone, and wonders if either of them see her as more than a friend and neighbor. But as she continues to question people in Larches Corner, more than her heart may be in danger. Is she getting too close to a killer?
I absolutely loved this book! While I enjoyed the first two books in the Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery series, this third outing knocked it out of the park. There's an old tragedy sparking modern murder, relationship quandary and development, and more than a touch of suspense and excitement. There's also more than one shocking twist! The mystery had me guessing, the romance had me hoping, and the ending opens up whole new possibilities.
BELINDA BLAKE AND THE BIRDS OF A FEATHER looks at love, loyalty, and vengeance. Relationships, both romantic and familial, color this complex mystery making it a riveting read.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
By Heather Day Gilbert
The Third Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery
When Jonas calls to tell her his mother just died, Belinda Blake doesn't hesitate to return to Larches Corner. Belinda agrees to care for the woman's homing pigeons, not only to ease some of Jonas's burden, but to spend time with the enigmatic farmer and perhaps determine his feelings for her. But thoughts of Jonas aren't the only thing keeping her in town. A recent hit and run has ties to a death three years prior. Hoping to quench her curiosity, Belinda decides to help an old friend who's now a reporter. As she investigates she also considers her feelings for both Jonas and Stone, and wonders if either of them see her as more than a friend and neighbor. But as she continues to question people in Larches Corner, more than her heart may be in danger. Is she getting too close to a killer?
I absolutely loved this book! While I enjoyed the first two books in the Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery series, this third outing knocked it out of the park. There's an old tragedy sparking modern murder, relationship quandary and development, and more than a touch of suspense and excitement. There's also more than one shocking twist! The mystery had me guessing, the romance had me hoping, and the ending opens up whole new possibilities.
BELINDA BLAKE AND THE BIRDS OF A FEATHER looks at love, loyalty, and vengeance. Relationships, both romantic and familial, color this complex mystery making it a riveting read.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
January 20, 2025
" . . . .I couldn't shake the feelling that their deaths were somehow connected. The question was why."
Belinda Blake takes a break from her life as an exotic pet sitter in Greenwich to visit her family in upstate New York in response to the death of her best friend's dear mother; Jonas Hawthorne's mom had been special. While there, a suspicious death in Larches Corner draws her attention, especially because the young decedent shared membership in a local college literature club with another young woman who died under mysterious circumstances. Sticking around town longer than expected, while caring for Jonas' mother's pigeons, Belinda takes every opportunity to "snoop" under the guise of assisting a local reporter. Connecting the dots in a murder case turned out to be more difficult than she expected, considering the fact that all her theories flew out the window the moment the real killer pointed a revolver in her face.
Enjoy this delightful cozy mystery, which ended up solving more than Belinda originally counted on, for her heart had been following some awfully strong clues of its own.
Belinda Blake takes a break from her life as an exotic pet sitter in Greenwich to visit her family in upstate New York in response to the death of her best friend's dear mother; Jonas Hawthorne's mom had been special. While there, a suspicious death in Larches Corner draws her attention, especially because the young decedent shared membership in a local college literature club with another young woman who died under mysterious circumstances. Sticking around town longer than expected, while caring for Jonas' mother's pigeons, Belinda takes every opportunity to "snoop" under the guise of assisting a local reporter. Connecting the dots in a murder case turned out to be more difficult than she expected, considering the fact that all her theories flew out the window the moment the real killer pointed a revolver in her face.
Enjoy this delightful cozy mystery, which ended up solving more than Belinda originally counted on, for her heart had been following some awfully strong clues of its own.
February 27, 2020
When Belinda goes home to help her friend Jonas take care of his mom's pigeons (after she passed away), she doesn't expect to get involved in murder. Can she stay safe while investigating?
Great Cozy Mystery with an interesting twist at the end. I'm really enjoying this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
Great Cozy Mystery with an interesting twist at the end. I'm really enjoying this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
March 10, 2020
My Thoughts: I always appreciate a good mystery that can keep me guessing, and that's certainly what I had here with Birds of a Feather. I loved that the clues were all there and yet the ending was a surprise until mere seconds before the character found out.
The series works as a continuation but you can easily understand it if you read the books out of order. Personally, I really enjoyed reconnecting with her friends in Greenwich ... a little more than her hometown crew. It did take a little while for the story to heat up for me, but once it did, I was treated to a memorable mystery.
Rating and Recommendation: I'm giving it 4 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy cozy mysteries. This is a clean fiction novel, which means there wasn't a spiritual message but it was a very clean story without anything offensive ... aside from murder. ;)
~ I received a copy from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review or required to give a favorable one.
The series works as a continuation but you can easily understand it if you read the books out of order. Personally, I really enjoyed reconnecting with her friends in Greenwich ... a little more than her hometown crew. It did take a little while for the story to heat up for me, but once it did, I was treated to a memorable mystery.
Rating and Recommendation: I'm giving it 4 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy cozy mysteries. This is a clean fiction novel, which means there wasn't a spiritual message but it was a very clean story without anything offensive ... aside from murder. ;)
~ I received a copy from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review or required to give a favorable one.
June 26, 2020
This concludes the story of Belinda Blake.
I found this book to be just as good, if not better, than the other two.
I love Belinda, and I love reading about all her adventures, especially when it comes to her pet sitting. There's not as much of that in this book. She's too busy trying to solve some murders.
And then, by poking her nose in where it doesn't belong, she almost gets herself killed.
Full of action, a bit of danger, and a lot of cozy mystery, this book is an enjoyable read.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I found this book to be just as good, if not better, than the other two.
I love Belinda, and I love reading about all her adventures, especially when it comes to her pet sitting. There's not as much of that in this book. She's too busy trying to solve some murders.
And then, by poking her nose in where it doesn't belong, she almost gets herself killed.
Full of action, a bit of danger, and a lot of cozy mystery, this book is an enjoyable read.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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