Cover Image: Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

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Member Reviews

Another fun installment in the Belinda Blake cozy series. This read was much like the first where the villain was a surprise and the reason why was quite interesting. I really like the quirky Belinda and the other characters that round out these stories. This has been quite an enjoyable series to read and I am sad that there is only one more for me to read in this series. I'd read several more stories featuring Belinda and her friends!

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A quick cozy mystery that I finished in one day, that was for me at least was predictable. But that may be because I tend to read a lot of cozy mysteries. However for those new to the genre may enjoy this one more.

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Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert is such a fun read! If you love cozy mysteries, this author is the author for you! This series is a particularly fun series, with the exotic animals that are involved in each book. I really thought the wolf preserve in this book was interesting. The characters are quirky and will keep you reading to find out what happens next. Can't wait to read the next book in this series! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

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Another great cozy mystery by this author. I have throughly enjoyed her writing and how she Develops a story. I am always excited when I see a new book out by this author. Such a fun read.

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Exotic pet-sitter/game reviewer Belinda Blake has barely started her temporary job at a wolf preserve before the inevitable occurs. Murder.

Written in Belinda's distinct voice, an assortment of new characters are quickly introduced, many with both motive and opportunity. And, of course, the wolves are not above suspicion either, but that's what seems to happen when you are first on the scene.

This is an entertaining and well-written cozy mystery with good pacing. As with the first Exotic Pet-Sitter mystery, the story is lightened and lifted by Belinda's slightly off-kilter personality, her romantic prospects and by her family, particularly her psychiatrist sister Katrina.

Again, author Heather Day Gilbert has struck just the right notes of depth and heart. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, then this series just might tick a lot of boxes for you. I'm looking forward to reading the third Exotic Pet-Sitter book soon.

This review refers to a digital galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Belinda Blake does it again!
I'm really finding myself enjoying this series, more than I expected, considering that cozy mysteries are not really my preferred genre.
Heather Gilbert has the ability to write a short mystery that really packs a punch!
There are lots of strange and unusual characters to be found in this story, and I wasn't quite sure which one to suspect.
There are some surprising twists, and some unexpected elements, and it all combines to make a really fun mystery.
I especially liked getting to know Belinda a bit more. This is the second book in a series, and they can be read as stand-alones, but overall, I think the storyline will make more sense if you've read the first one before reading this one.
Now, I look forward to reading the third one!
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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In the second novel in this delightful cozy mystery series, Belinda allows herself to be talked into caring for wolves in a preserve. On her first day, she discovers one of the employees dead in an enclosure, enhancing her fears and doubts about the assignment. As the bodies fall, suspicions shift, and Belinda finds herself endangered by her own species. Gilbert deftly works into the mystery a little flirting, a little romantic possibility, a little sibling repartee, and humor galore. I received this fun story from the publisher Lyrical Press through NetGalley.

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This was a quick, light read. It checked off most of the boxes I look for in a book and I would read more by this author.

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4.5 stars

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

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

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

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

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

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Love this series!! And I really loved this particular mystery! It was just as good as the first and kept me guessing until the end. I’ve been surprised by so many of Gilbert’s mysteries that I kept second guessing myself almost the whole book, determined to try and figure it out.

I also love Belinda Blake! She is such a fun character and I love reading about her adventures. Her quirky group of friends and family add to the story’s appeal and are just as enjoyable as the mystery. I love that whenever I pick up one of Heather Day Gilbert’s mysteries I’m guaranteed not only a great mystery, but wonderful characters as well.

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Belinda does it again!
The second installment of the Exotic Pet-Sitter series did not disappoint! Again, the author was able to create a wonderful world and this time it was set in a wolf preserve. You read that correctly, this time Belinda is pet sitting wolves. There's mystery, sabotage, a little framing (as in setting someone up) and maybe just a little bit of romance.
I am loving this series and can not wait to read the next installment!
Thanks to #netgalley for an advanced copy of the book!

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I enjoyed reading this cozy mystery. Belinda has been hired to help at a local Wolf Preserve. When the an employee is found dead in the wolves' enclosure many are ready to place the blame on the wolves. When a second body is found Belinda is not so sure that the wolves are to blame. Instead the killer is more likely a two legged animal. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. The wolves were characters you cared about and I was glad that no animals were harmed in the story. The mystery was good and there were enough suspects to be interesting. The solution made sense. The story moved along quickly and the book was easy to read. I read this one without reading Book 1 and I did not feel lost. Enjoy this quick fun cozy.

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This is a really good cozy mystery. The story is so unique and fun. The characters are interesting and their storyline was well thought out. I enjoyed the plot and found the mystery satisfying. I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more in the series.

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If you enjoy your cozy crime featuring animals, and especially, wolves, then you are going to love this!

Not everyone would take on a job looking after wild wolves, but when Dahlia, the owner of the White Pine Wolf Preserve calls and asks her for help, then Belinda just can't afford to turn down this unusual pet-sitting job.

When one of the workers is found dead in the wolves enclosures it looks like they've killed him but Belinda is not so sure and she's determined to find out what happened and why?

I enjoyed this mystery, it had a unique setting in a Wolf Preserve, the author has obviously researched wolf packs and wolf behaviour and has skilfully managed to make them feel real and endearing. I liked Belinda, she's a clever and caring protagonist who is quite an adept video game reviewer!

Belinda brings all her skills of reading people and especially her nosiness to try and discover who is trying to frame the wolves ...... with no shortage of suspects, some who have secrets, for her to check out.

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My copy had some problems and although I was really looking forward to this book, I did not get a chance to read it. I emailed the publishers hoping to get a chance with another copy. Since that did not happen, I will not be able to post a proper review for this book (although, once again I should say I was really, really excited for it)

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Belinda Blake needs a new pet sitting gig. When she is contacted by the owner of a local wolf preserve who's looking for temporary help, she's reluctant but really needs the money.

Things start going wrong almost immediately, and when folks start dying, Belinda decides to help the owner by looking into things for her. But there are dangerous people behind the troubles, and Belinda just might be in over her head.

I really enjoyed this second book in the series. There's lots of mystery and danger, and it kept me guessing until the end.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias.

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This was a fabulous continuation of a brilliant series!

Belinda Blake, an exotic pet-sitter, is nervous about her new job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve. Having recently relocated to Greenwich, Connecticut to develop her business looking after peoples’ exotic pets in their absence, the reserve owner asks her to help out with her wolves. On her first day she discovers a bloodied corpse - the body of a tour guide - in the enclosure. Can Belinda and the detective on the case find the killer before the murderer strikes again?

I loved this fascinating mystery! Heather Day Gilbert’s descriptions of the setting were impressive and the pacing was spot on. There was always plenty going on and there was certainly never a dull moment!

The author’s characterisation was wonderful. I loved the feisty and fearless Belinda, caring, hunky hometown neighbour, Jonas and charming, suave and handsome Stone Carrington the fifth, who was Belinda's love interest in book one. All of the characters had a great part to play, whether or not they were likeable and all had plenty of audacity and spirit.

The plot was brilliantly executed and I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next. The combination of description and dialogue was great and I had plenty of opportunities to play armchair detective as the story progressed, although, like Belinda, I didn’t figure out who the murderer was until the exciting reveal. The ending definitely took me by surprise.

I highly recommend Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing and I am already looking forward to reading the next instalment in this remarkable series. A well deserved five stars!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Kensington Books via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my unbiased opinion.

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Cozy mysteries can sometimes seem repetitious. Not this series! A woman who is a video game expert and makes her living caring for (semi) wild animals with experience from her veterinarian father, is definitely not your everyday, run of the mill, heroine. Heather Gilbert has developed the characters and their back stories so that readers feel they could be neighbors...well, maybe not my neighbors...and keeps us guessing as to who could be blaming their crimes on her wolves. A perfect cozy mystery for a rainy day read.

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I liked this book as it touches upon the important aspect of wolf conservation and one gets a bit of info on wolf behaviour. The characters are well developed and I liked that Belinda also was a gamer, but I wish there were a few more red herrings and such in the mystery part of the novel.

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This is the 2nd in series and a fascinating read. I loved this story of unique charcters, great animals and a well crafted sleuth. I had not read the first in series but was easily able to follow along with the background provided by the author. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher. My opinion is my own.

This is a very unique cozy mystery series. Belinda gets a job at the White Pines Wolf reserve and she is very nervous about working with wolves and not sure she wants the job due to the danger. The information here about wolves and their behavior is fascinating When murder occurs she decides to investigate and the story really takes off with a multi layered sleuth. . I loved the multiple aspects of Belinda and her talents as a sleuth. I really enjoyed this unusual cozy and look forward to the next in series.

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