I am so delighted today to provide a review for you at my blog stop for Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. Scroll down to enter your chance to win the Giveaway!
Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Lyrical Press (October 1, 2019)
Number of Pages ~195
Digital ASIN: B07M75GGX4
Exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake is nervous about her new job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve, but it turns out that the care and feeding of wild carnivores may be the least dangerous part of the gig . . .
Pet-sitter Belinda Blake is no stranger to dealing with wild animals, but she’s wary when the owner of the Greenwich, Connecticut, preserve asks her to help out with her “fluffy darlings.” Her caution seems justified on her very first day, when she discovers a tour guide—dead, bloodied, and surrounded by wolves in the enclosure.
Was it death by predator or something more sinister? The body count rises, but something’s not adding up. As she gets to know the rescued wolves and wolf-dog hybrids better, Belinda realizes that her human colleagues are not above suspicion. With help from her own “pack”—her pregnant sister, Red the chauffeur/bodyguard, and hunky farmer Jonas—Belinda is hot on the killer’s tail, but if she doesn’t find him soon, he’ll do more than muzzle her to keep the truth from escaping.
Again (my reoccurring theme, huh?), a new author and series for me and I’m quite happy to be introduced to this unusual and quirky cozy.
Belinda Blake is an exotic pet-sitter. And a gamer. Not your average gamer either–a video game reviewer working on a Twitch stream. (Yes, I googled it–it’s a live streaming platform for gamers worldwide.) Although off page, she’s had extensive experience caring for unusual pets (Book 1 involved a snake), her father is a vet and she got the best kind of first hand knowledge. That said–this is her first gig with wolves.
Wolves are such a controversial subject and certainly divides groups of people pro and con. They can be undeniably mysterious, beautiful, and dangerous. Wolves are not dogs and everything I’ve ever heard about them is that they really cannot be domesticated. They are wild. Period. But then again, maybe not?
So of course you know I’ll happily read and review a book about wolves. But then, this is a cozy. There is bound to be a victim or two and it isn’t long before Belinda on her new contract at the White Pine Wolf Preserve will confront a badly mauled (now deceased) human–formerly a tour guide. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there.
There is an amazing cast of employees at this preserve, well-developed enough you get the picture. Belinda herself seems to be independent and unusually spirited (obviously sufficient to tackle exotic pets). She has an amazingly supportive family and yes, not one, but two possible love interests–the über rich one and the thoughtful and sexy farmer.
It would seem there might be more than one who would qualify as a suspect and red herrings abound. Belinda continues to fulfill her contract, while investigating and gaining new perspective on possible motive until she ferrets out the one you may not have considered at all.
The conclusion was rather lengthy, tying off all loose ends in explanation until it just completely winds down. A slightly unusual finale; one that left doors open to Book 3.
I was given this digital download by the publisher through NetGalley for this book tour and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended to faithful cozy readers seeking a unique setting. You’ll enjoy this one.
Sign up for your chance to win one (1) Prize Package from Heather Day Gilbert (US Only) in this Rafflecopter giveaway
Heather Day Gilbert, an ECPA Christy award finalist and Grace award winner, writes contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren’t afraid to protect those they love. Like Belinda Blake, Heather plays video games, although so far she hasn’t done any exotic pet-sitting or hunted any murderers.
Author Links
Website: http://heatherdaygilbert.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Q6w6X
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/heatherdaygilbert
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherdaygilbert/
Twitter: @heatherdgilbert
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heatherdgilbert/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7232683.Heather_Day_Gilbert
Purchase Links
Kindle Nook Kobo AppleBooks Google Play
Thank you for visiting my stop on the tour and please visit the other stops listed below!
Tour Participants:
October 1 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT – Sapphyria’s Books
October 1 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 1 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
October 2 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
October 2 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT
October 2 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 3 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT (may not post)
October 3 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
October 3 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW
October 3 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 4 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST
October 4 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 5 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
October 5 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
October 6 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW
October 6 – Diary of a Book Fiend – REVIEW
October 7 – Carole’s Book Corner – REVIEW
October 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 8 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW
October 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
October 8 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, GUEST POST 
Thanks to Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this cozy mystery!
©2019 V Williams 
Rosepoint Publishing 
Nice review Virginia. I like the idea that she works on a preserve with wolves. They get such a bad rap. I keep saying I want to read this series as I have both books. Your review makes it sound like I need to start while there are only two books so far.
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Thank you Carla. I did enjoy the book and since it seemed to be left open ended, was sure there would be another.
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