Oh, my. Heather Day Gilbert has a winner with her new series starring Belinda Blake. I love this character! And the story kept me turning pages way into the night. But first the opening sentence then the back cover copy:
“The first time I saw Stone Carrington the fifth, I had a snake wrapped around my neck.”
When exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake moves into a carriage house in tony Greenwich, Connecticut, she’s hoping to find some new clients. Instead, she discovers a corpse in the garden—and a knack for solving murders . . .
Pet-sitter Belinda Blake doesn’t rattle easily, but move-in day has been eventful, to say the least. The python in her care tried to slither to freedom—just as she met Stone Carrington V, her landlords’ disarmingly handsome son. With the constrictor back in its cage, she heads out to the garden, only to discover a designer shoe poking out of the boxwood hedge—attached to a woman’s dead body.
The victim, Margo Fenton, was a Carrington family friend, and no one in their circle seems above suspicion. Between client trips to Manhattan and visits to her family in upstate New York, Belinda begins to put the pieces together. But though she’s falling for Stone’s numerous charms, Belinda wonders if she’s cozying up to a killer. And soon, daily contact with a deadly reptile might be the least dangerous part of her life . . .
My take:
Stories like Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass are the reason I love cozy mysteries. This one hits all the right notes. There’s a quirky character and then Belinda has a quirky job as an exotic pet sitter, and in this story, she learns she has a gift for solving mysteries. The setting of Greenwich is neat even though it isn’t a small town, but by putting the story at the place where she lives–a carriage house on the grounds of a mansion–the reader still has that cozy feeling.
I found it so easy to identify with Belinda (except the snake thingy, lol). Gilbert does a great job fleshing out her characters–they were so real and she even made me like the snake. I didn’t figure out who the villain was until near the end, so she did a great job there. Loved her family and the dynamics there. And I hope the boyfriend back home comes back for the next book in the series – Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing! I’ve already pre-ordered it.
You can purchase Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass at:
I was a little hesitant to read the book because of the snake, but I’m so glad I did. How about you–would you be hesitant to read a book that featured a snake? Leave your answer in the comments and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library. Or, if you’re interested I can loan you this book from my Kindle!
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Comments 37
It might make me a little hesitate to read the book. I don’t like snakes at all in person and have to worry all the time about running across a copperhead where we live. They have been on front porch before, YIKES. I’m not awfully afraid of the large boas but probably just because I’ve never ran on to one unexpected and on my own. I’m afraid the book would make me dream of snakes though
Author
It did make me hesitate, Charlotte, but I’m glad I read it. It kept me turning pages to the end!
Well, that opening sentence would either grab me tight or make me drop the book and run. Seriously, stranded in LAX in the middle of the night once, I did meet an exotic snake breeder and handler who bought one of my books as we tried to get our missed plane dilemma solved. From what I heard and saw then, her life might parallel this story.
Author
That must have been an interesting trip, Delores! I’m glad I didn’t let the title deter me from reading.
I would be very hesitant. I don’t even like to think about snakes. Horribly afraid. It would depend on how much talk there is about snakes in the book as to whether I could actually read it.
Author
Not that much, Nicole, actually a tiny percent. It’s more about the character and crime. 🙂
I’m no fan of snakes, either, so a book featuring a snake wouldn’t make me feel too cozy. So far, I’m 0/2 on the cozy books. I just can’t get through them. I’m not sure if another book I actually did read would be considered cozy. It was about a female cop and told from her perspective and her dog’s. It was somewhat humorous. It’s a part of a series, and I’ve not bought another in that series. I can’t think of the book name or author off hand.
The book title I couldn’t remember is “Paw Enforcement” by Diane Kelly.
Author
That certainly sounds like a cozy, Tim, even with a cop as the protagonist. 🙂
Author
No, it probably wasn’t a cozy, Tim. A cozy isn’t supposed to have a cop as the protagonist. I really enjoyed this story.
I don’t think I would mind reading about snakes. I certainly wouldn’t want to have one as a pet, however. We see the occasional snake around here – mainly garter snakes or bull snakes. Some of these bull snakes can be rather large. They look like rattlesnakes but will actually take them on. Therefore, they are good to have around if you have a rattlesnake problem which we don’t, thank goodness! 🙂
I’ll have to put this one on my reading list.
Author
I think you’ll really enjoy it, Maureen. It’s an intriguing story.
No, I don’t really like snakes, but it wouldn’t keep me from reading the book.
Author
I don’t like snakes, either, Lisa. Not.At.All. But I did enjoy the story. 🙂
I’ve never used the loan feature of Kindle books. I would be interested in borrowing it. I don’t like snakes at all, but I do love cozy mysteries!
Author
I haven’t either, Jeanna. I’ll see if I can figure it out.
I have read this book and did hesitate because of the snake. I wasn’t fond of feeding time but the book has a very good mystery that I, like you, didn’t figure out until the end. I am looking forward to the next one too.
Author
Me, too, Gloria and I’m hoping the snake has been returned home. lol
No problem! I lived in S. E. Asia where we had tons of snakes. Never liked them but got used to them! Thanks for the chance to win!
Author
I think if you’re around snakes a lot, you would probably get used to them. For me, it’s the coming up on one unexpectedly. Like the time one got in my commode…
I’d have to think long and hard about the snake thing(shudder)
Author
The story is very good, Phyllis. And the snake part is very small. 😉
I despise snakes! I wouldn’t hesitate to read a book in which one is featured though.
Author
I’m with you, Caryl! And I really enjoyed the book.
This book sounds like a real good page turner mystery! I don’t think a snake in a book would keep me from reading it, I’m just glad it is in the book! 🙂 I will be adding this book to my TBR list, it sounds like a good one. Thanks. Have a Great weekend. God Bless you all.
Author
I’m so glad you adding this book to your TBR list, Alicia! It has a great story and mystery!
Well….yes, I would be reluctant to pick up a book featuring a snake…(I’m grimacing as I type this!)
Author
But, it’s a really good book, MS Barb. 🙂 I don’t think the next book features a snake.
I would read it but be sqimished about the snake
Author
Don’t tell anyone, Shelia, but I kinda skimmed the snake parts. lol
Definitely would have a problem with a book featuring a snake. I’m one of those who believes “the only good snake is a dead snake.” I can’t say I am terrified of them but I have had occasions when seeing a snake during the day has caused me to have nightmares about snakes.
Author
I need to tell you my snake story, Edward…but then you really would have nightmares. lol. I think you would enjoy this story.
Feel free to share. Truthfully, I don’t think reading about them or seeing them on TV have ever had any negative effect. The reaction has only happened when seeing a live one, and that doesn’t happen every time.
I don’t mind snakes at all and wouldn’t hesitate to read a book with one in it. Though I don’t often indulge in a cozy mystery, I have read some great reviews on this one lately. Might have to check it out for myself I love the cover !
Author
This is a great story, Trixi! Thanks for stopping by.
Wow! I just found this post–thanks so much for reading, Patricia! And if it’s any comfort to those who are hesitant, I’m not a snake fan myself. I’ve killed several in my time. However, after researching ball pythons (they’re smaller!) a lot for this book, I wouldn’t be afraid to touch a ball python now. Plus, Rasputin the snake was kind of a character in and of himself in this one. 🙂 Those who don’t like snakes will probably enjoy the next one, which features a wolf preserve–Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, now up for preorder. Thanks so VERY much for reviewing!!! I’m thrilled!
Author
Hey, Heather! So glad you stopped by. I loved this book and have already preordered the next one! And I got to where I actually liked Rasputin! lol