I enjoyed this book. Heather Day Gilbert is a fantastic author and her book is well written. The characters are interesting and well developed.

Belinda Blake is an exotic pet-sitter. And a gamer. Not your average gamer either--a video game reviewer working on a Twitch stream. 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 animal knowledge. That said--this is her first gig with wolves.

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 and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended to faithful cozy readers seeking a unique setting. You'll enjoy this one!

My Thoughts: I read the first Belinda Blake mystery just last week and was treated to a unique new cozy mystery series. Wolf in Sheep's Clothing picks up in the life of Belinda, so we find out what she's been up to since the last book and where life is taking her now. If you read the books out of order, you'll catch a spoiler or two involving Belinda's personal life but the previous mystery wasn't ruined. 
Gilbert has a solid writing style. It's engaging. Not overdone, not underdone, but done just right. ;) 
The only struggle I had with Wolf in Sheep's Clothing was that it felt like it took too long to dig into the investigation portion of the story. But once things picked up, and we were focused and collecting clues, I found the mystery to be spot-on. The clues were there but the conclusion wasn't obvious. It ended on a great note for me!
The characters are as well-developed as the mystery. They came across as genuine people. There was just enough romance in the story to make me eager to see what will happen next. 
I typically read and review Christian fiction, so I do want to point out that this fell in the clean fiction category. There was not anything that would be offensive to a Christian reader, however, there was not any spiritual content. 
Rating and Recommendation: I'm giving this one 4.5 stars and recommending it to cozy mystery fans. 

~ I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review or required to give a favorable one.

BELINDA BLAKE AND THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING by Heather Day Gilbert
The Second Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery

Although used to dealing with all manner of exotic animals, Belinda Blake hesitates when offered a temporary position at the White Pines Wolf Preserve. With bills mounting, however, the decision becomes easier. After all, Belinda would just have to assist the primary feeder for eight days while the owner was out of town, what could be easier? But when a jovial young tour guide is found dead, bloodied and surrounded by wolves inside one of the enclosures, Belinda has second thoughts. When the wolves are accused of more violent acts, Belinda admits that things aren't adding up. Are the wolves truly to blame, or are they being framed?

Wolves tend to get a bad rap. Maligned by many, these majestic beasts are often misunderstood and vilified. Even Belinda Blake is wary about working with them. Yet, even when suspected of killing and maiming the people trying to care for them, the wolves at White Pines Wolf Preserve are shown to be friendly and loyal. At least readers are afforded the ability to see them in that unprejudiced way, some of the characters may have different opinions.

The second Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery looks at wolf sanctuaries and the sad ways many of its residents arrive. It also looks at family, loyalty, and bravery, traits associated with wolves as well as humans. I appreciate how Belinda keeps an open mind and is smart enough not to jump to conclusions...for the most part. The dynamics of the characters is riveting, both at the preserve and outside of it. We learn more about Red, and see Belinda face some important romantic decisions.

BELINDA BLAKE AND THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING is an engrossing mystery with many different angles. I, for one, would love to meet the wolves I read about in this story, especially Freya and Njord. The two most important themes running through this book are that love shows itself in many forms and people are not always what they seem. Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing.

What a wonderful followup book in this series.  I've really grown to like Belinda and her investigative skills, even if she ends up in the hot seat more than she expected.

The story is engaging and I like that Belinda seeks out petsitting for exotic pets.  The first book was a snake and in this book, it is helping at a wolf preserve.  All is going well until an employee turns up dead in what appears to be a wolf attack.  There are other unfortunate incidents at the preserve and there are multiple suspects to consider and motives.  I was surprised when the killer was revealed as I didn't really suspect this character as a killer.  Yes, something unusual was happening but we don't really know what.  There are several possibilities but no character stood out to me until the end when Belinda finds herself in the crosshairs of the killer.

Outside of the mystery, I really enjoy Belinda's character and her multiple talents.  Who else could review video games and be an exotic pet sitter at the same time?!  A potential career change is suggested to her at the end of the book and she is seriously considering the change.  I'm not going to tell you what, you'll have to read the book and find out.  Belinda also has some love interests...although I am perplexed at the potential relationship with Jonas because I thought in the first book he was in a relationship with someone else.  Perhaps he broke up with that woman and I just don't remember...that is very possible as many books as I read!

Overall we give this book 5 paws up and await the next book in this series.

Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert is a fantastic mystery with an excellent cast of characters.

Why would the wolves kill the humans?

Our sleuth, Belinda Blake
Belinda is a unique character; she is our sleuth, a pet sitter, video game reviewer, friend, sister, and daughter. There are many aspects to her; most of them are good. I enjoyed getting to know Belinda. She has two gentlemen interested in her, and throughout the book, she is trying to decide which one she wants.

The Mystery
The mystery revolves around why would the wolves kill someone, and if they didn't, then who would have the motive to frame them. The suspects are pretty much everyone that works at the wolf preserve. The owner isn't involved even though she tells everyone that she is an integral piece that holds everything together. She doesn't have any idea what is going on her preserve. Although I saw the clues, I didn't realize they were them.

The Wolves
The wolves were my favorite part. I fell for Freya; she seemed to be such a beautiful soul. Njord is strong and wants love. They all have such personalities.

4 Stars Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert is wonderfully written, and I was lost in the story ignoring the real world. So, my rating is four stars. I like the exotic pet-sitting aspect of the story. I recommend this one to all cozy readers out there.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert.

Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

I’ve not read anything by Ms. Gilbert that I didn’t absolutely love! And Belinda Blake is no exception. So intrepid, so enterprising, so ingenious. So quirky.
The Belinda Blake series is so original, such a creative story line. Twists and unexpected turns on nearly every page. Suspects left and right. And Belinda always a step ahead.
A delightful tale—well, as delightful as murder and betrayal and [SPOILER] can be…
I found myself more than a little bit envious of Belinda—minus the murders—caring for the wolves, showing them love and earning their love in return. I tagged along with her as she got acquainted with them, as she learned to care for them, and when she stumbled on the first victim. I followed her lead as she pondered and questioned, in her mind and aloud, and investigated. I cautioned her and I cheered and applauded her. I laughed and I cried and I gasped, I cautioned and I warned. And still, I was caught unaware to learn the killer’s identity!

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, Heather Day Gilbert

Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Exotic Pet-Sitter, Book #2
Heather Day Gilbert
5 Stars

Synopsis:

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.

Praise for Belinda Blake and The Snake in the Grass

“A humorous series debut with exotic pets and a zany cast of characters. Gilbert’s cozy will make you smile.”
—Amanda Flower, USA Today bestselling author of Premeditated Peppermint

“Cozy fans will root for pet-sitter Belinda Blake as she unravels this cleverly-crafted mystery in a delightfully-deadly new series by Heather Day Gilbert.”
—Elizabeth Spann Craig, author of the bestselling Myrtle Clover Mysteries (Goodreads)


Review:

The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Belinda is smart, funny and and not afraid of very much. She has to be brave in her line of work because she never knows what animal she will have to deal with. The secondary characters added a lot to the story.

The writing style flows smoothly and it defined the characters by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, watching the wolves in their habitats. I liked the fact that I got to learn a little bit about wolves while enjoying a great read.

The mystery is well plotted and carried on well throughout the book. There were plenty of clues to sift through and suspects to consider, and although the culprit was one of suspects I contemplated, I was not completely sure until the reveal.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you like animals then this is a must read. I cannot wait to read the next one.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

A really fun read! I love this very enjoyable series! Belinda is an exotic pet sitter. She gets an urgent call and cannot refuse.Lots of humor throughout this book. Lots of twists and turns.What has Belinda gotten herself into this time?! I received an ARC complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions which are solely my own.

Somebody is framing the wolves for murder and Belinda investigates an interesting list of human suspects. She is an exotic pet sitter and money is short so she accepts a short gig at the White Pine Wolf sanctuary. It's only for eight days. In those eight days the bodies pile up, the cops are looking in the wrong direction and Belinda steps up to clear the wolves and catch a killer. Jonas, a long time friend, lends a hand.

This is another five star mystery which can stand alone but reading Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass first will explain the romantic triangle Belinda is dealing with. (My vote goes to Jonas) It also explains more of her connection to animals. But, really, both books are so good, treat yourself and binge read them. The puzzles are very well presented with fair clues and enough twists, turns and red herrings to point me in the wrong direction. The writing flows well and there is a nice touch of romance. I already have the next mystery in the series on my to be read list - coming out on February 4, 2020 Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather.

Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Heather Day Gilbert is the 2nd book in the Exotic Pet-sitter mystery series. I really liked the 1st book in the series, Snake in the Grass, but this book was even better. Belinda Blake lives a carriage house in Greenwich, Connecticut and is hoping to find new pets to watch. When she gets an opportunity to work at White Pine Wolf Preserve, shes nervous, but needs the money, so she takes the job. When a staff member is found dead, eaten by the wolves, the story turns into a great mystery. I enjoyed this fun book, with it's crazy laugh-out-loud moments. Belinda has no idea who to trust, and who not to trust. I can not wait for Belinda's next adventure. I highly recommend this book, if you enjoy fun cozy mysteries.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

I was quickly immersed in this read, and it held me to the end, but was left with questions as to who will win Belinda’s heart!
All the while I was reading and trying to guess what is going on, and hoping that the beautiful animals would not be put down. As we search for answers the clues seem to point to the wolves, I wanted to go and rub their bellies with Belinda.
Answers come and there are a lot of surprises here, and it quickly became a page turner for me.

I received this book through Net Galley and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

A. very enjoyable read about an exotic pet-sitter helping at a wolf preserve. I really like the characters and humor in this book. It was a wonderful cozy mystery. The story was very well written and was difficult to predict just who was responsible for the murders. I am loving this new series and look forward to the next book. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Normally I don’t read cozy mysteries but because one of my favorite authors wrote this, I thought I would read this one. What a great and pleasant surprise and now I am waiting for book three……. Belinda is a modern pet sitter and trying to build up her business as such, she takes most anything offered. So when offered a job at a wolf preserve, she feels she needs to accept it, even though she knows nothing about wolves. Plus the fact she rather has a fear of them. She is assured she will only have to feed them and someone will be with her all the time. Not long after she arrives she finds out things are not as they appear with the owner, her son and some of the other workers. Then shortly there are two murders to take place on the preserve. Of course Belinda is an amateur sleuth and determined to help unravel these mysterious deaths. There are many twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages to see “who dunnit.” Gilbert is a fascinating writer and I loved her Viking books, therefore I was hesitant to read her cozy mystery, but she has certainly written a winner in this one. I was given a book by the publisher and this review is my own opinion.

A fast paced, gripping and entertaining cozy mystery. It's the second I read in this series and I think it's my favorite so far.
I was happy to meet again Belinda and the cast of characters, they're well written and likeable as they were in the first book.
The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Belinda Blake is a pet sitter for the 21st century! Belinda is a brave animal lover and a brilliant video game reviewer and amateur sleuth. The characters in this second of a new series are delightful, the setting gorgeous, and the solution hard to unmask. We get to know Belinda, who I really like, better, even as she learns more about herself through the mirror of long-time friend, Jonas.

Belinda lives in a guest house in Greenwich, CT and has been expanding her exotic pet sitting business here as well as going into Manhattan for repeat clients. The guest house is on the Carrington estate, where she recently helped solve murders of friends of Stone Carrington Fifth, adult son of the owners.

Belinda gets an urgent call requesting her services, so she can’t turn it down…even if it is at a wolf preserve. Dahlia is the owner of White Pine Wolf Preserve. She is going to visit a preserve in Arizona. Belinda will help the primary feeder with chores for the wolves and hobby farm animals. She has the pleasure of meeting Evie, Dahlia’s personal assistant, and Shaun, the best tour guide; he recognizes her from her gaming reviews in a popular publication. Despite the hold harmless disclaimer in the contract, there haven’t been injuries there in the past, so Belinda signs for the eight days.

On the first day, Belinda meets Rich, the man who feeds the wolves. Rich has known the wolves since the facility opened. One wolf, Njord, was born in captivity, and Rich was present at his birth. Rich feeds the wolves by hand and will continue to do so. Belinda will fill their water troughs. At the first of two pack enclosures, she meets Freya, who had been badly abused before being taken into the preserve. Freya wants to become friends at first sight, rolling over onto her back for a good belly rub. Rich and Belinda meet a grisly sight when approaching the second enclosure. Njord has a dark red stain on his beautiful fur. Lying inside the entry is a staff member wearing one of the bright-green vests, dead.

Words can’t express how strongly I felt Belinda’s reaction! It is hard to imagine that the wolf, handled by humans since birth, would turn, at least until the other two wolves in that pack are seen with similar stains on their fur. The police sergeant, Jacob Hardy, doesn’t disguise his feelings about the death of the staff member. I am surprised he didn’t demand that they be taken into quarantine.

This is an intense and challenging mystery! I appreciate the research the author has done on wolves and incorporates into the story, and how Veronica, one of the tour guides, is using what she learns at the preserve for her master’s thesis. I also enjoy seeing Belinda spend time with Jonas, as they were such close friends when growing up. Of the two guys in her life, he would be my choice, but time will tell what Belinda chooses. Discovering the source of the staff member’s death, and other situations that arise far too quickly, was a challenge. While I did get to the first step before Belinda, I got to the rest of the staircase at the same time. I would be scared to death to get into some of the situations Belinda does! I highly recommend this novel to fans of the author and those who appreciate well-executed cozy mysteries, very likable characters, and unique pet sitting opportunities.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of the ebook from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing is the second installment in the Exotic Pet-Sitter series set in the well to do community of Greenwich, CT and featuring exotic pet sitter Belinda Blake. After her recent job sitting a ball python, Belinda is looking forward to working at her second job of reviewing video games and waiting for the next pet sitting gig to come her way. She isn't prepared for the call from the owner of the White Pine Wolf Preserve, asking if she'd be willing to come and take care of wolves for a few weeks.

Making her way to the preserve Belinda learns that she'll be responsible for helping with the daily feeding of the six canines along with tending to the peacocks, chickens and goats. Already feeling a little shaky about going into the cages loaded down with raw meat, her first day goes quickly down hill when she discovers one of the preserve guides dead and being chewed up by the wolves.

Things don't feel right about the death and Belinda begins to wonder why the guide was even in the cage and more importantly why the gates were padlocked shut from the outside. Despite the warnings from her family and friends not to return to the job, Belinda goes back only to find another employee dead in one of the cages. Now it's up to her to find out if she's going to be part of the White Pine pack or become prey to a killer.

A fast paced, page turning plot from beginning to end. The author does a fantastic job of drawing the reader into the lives of Belinda, her family and friends and the exotic creatures she watches. A fantastic addition in a not to be missed series!

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground, a division of Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

The second story in the Exotic Pet-Sitter Series, Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing does not disappoint. In this book we pick up shortly after where Belinda leaves off in Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass. I enjoyed revisiting some of the characters from the first story, although I believe you could read this as a stand-alone and not be confused at all.

Belinda is an exotic pet-sitter who has a knack for coming across murders. In this story, a man is found in the wolves enclosure at a rescue preserve and it looks as though they've attacked and killed an employee. But when the second attack occurs and there's not a single bite on the victim, they begin to question the guilt of the wolves. But figuring out the guilty party may prove to be a difficult endeavor.

Belinda is a super likeable character! She's quirky and kind and has a unique set of interests that makes her fun to follow. And follow her I shall! I'm very much looking forward to the next book in Heather Day Gilbert's Exotic Pet-Sitter Series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

After falling in love with the quirky Belinda Blake in the first book, I was eagerly waiting to read this one. It does not disappoint. When she stubbles onto another murder, she sets out to figure out if the wolves really did it. This cozy mystery is a quick read and well plotted. With a few surprises and plenty of twists it took me a bit to figure out the who in the whodunit. An excellent follow up novel in this series.

Belinda Blake is an exotic pet sitter. Do wolves in a public wolf preserve really count as pets? Her bank account is anemic enough to push Belinda into taking on the job... but then the bodies start piling up.

Just how dangerous are the wolves? Are the people around them more dangerous than the canines?

Belinda is smart and funny, with depth of character enough to keep her interesting. The continuing characters in this installment of the series are becoming more interesting, even if the new people seem to be more bundles of oddities than real people.

Still, it's an interesting premise with plenty of intriguing details. The mild romantic subplot is pleasant, and you have to root for Belinda. I look forward to reading more of her adventures.