Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass is the debut of the Exotic Pet-Sitter series set in Greenwich, CT and featuring video game reviewer and exotic pet sitter, Belinda Blake. Having left Manhattan for a cozy carriage house on the grounds of the Carrington mansion in Greenwich, Belinda finds herself pet sitting Rasputin, a massive ball python whose owner is insistent that he be given regular baths and taken for walks. It's during one of their walks with Belinda dealing with the slithery snake wrapping himself around her neck that she stumbles into Stone Carrington the fifth, the heir to the family fortune. It's quickly apparent that Stone isn't going to be able to extricate Belinda from the snake's grasp and in fact they both are in danger of being bitten - fortunately the groundskeeper, Jacques steps up and uses his childhood experience handling snakes to rescue the pair.
Deciding that she needs to relax after her near fatal walk, Belinda sets out to weed her flower beds only to discover a stylish Louboutin in the boxwood hedge, unfortunately it's still attached to a woman's body. Margo Fenton was a family friend and rumored to be Stone's girlfriend, and now after a night of billiards she'd somehow ended up strangled in the bushes.
Even though she didn't know Margo, Belinda finds herself drawn into the hunt for her killer. Detective Hugh Watson has named several suspects include Stone, the alcoholic Stone the fourth, the various Carrington employees and Stone's eccentric artist friend, Dietrich Myers who had a somewhat creepy obsession with the young woman.
A fast paced plot that takes the reader from Greenwich to Manhattan and to Belinda's family home in upstate New York. If you are like me, a very vocal snake hater, Belinda's interactions with Rasputin might make you a little squeamish, but the snake's role in capturing the killer left me cheering for him (just a little). I'll be looking forward to the next installment in the series with fingers crossed that Belinda's next charge won't be slimy or slithery and that the author doesn't pursue the dreaded love triangle that she seems to be staging.
Deciding that she needs to relax after her near fatal walk, Belinda sets out to weed her flower beds only to discover a stylish Louboutin in the boxwood hedge, unfortunately it's still attached to a woman's body. Margo Fenton was a family friend and rumored to be Stone's girlfriend, and now after a night of billiards she'd somehow ended up strangled in the bushes.
Even though she didn't know Margo, Belinda finds herself drawn into the hunt for her killer. Detective Hugh Watson has named several suspects include Stone, the alcoholic Stone the fourth, the various Carrington employees and Stone's eccentric artist friend, Dietrich Myers who had a somewhat creepy obsession with the young woman.
A fast paced plot that takes the reader from Greenwich to Manhattan and to Belinda's family home in upstate New York. If you are like me, a very vocal snake hater, Belinda's interactions with Rasputin might make you a little squeamish, but the snake's role in capturing the killer left me cheering for him (just a little). I'll be looking forward to the next installment in the series with fingers crossed that Belinda's next charge won't be slimy or slithery and that the author doesn't pursue the dreaded love triangle that she seems to be staging.
Kristina A. reviewed Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass (An Exotic Pet-Sitter Mystery) on + 1528 more book reviews
Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass is a lighthearted cozy mystery. Belinda Blake earns her living minding exotic animals (no dog or cats for her) while their owners are out of town and writing video game review articles. She wanted to expand her pet sitting business and thought Greenwich would be the perfect locale. Belinda was looking forward to a quieter life and getting her hands dirty in the gardens surrounding her cottage. While doing a little weeding, Belinda finds a body. She is suddenly dashing around town with the charming Stone Carrington V. Belinda is an introvert with a quirky wardrobe who likes to read Agatha Christie, play video games, and gardening. I like that Belinda actively investigates Margo's murder by questioning various suspects and searching for clues. There are multiple suspects, pointed clues and a red herring or two. Might even be a twist to shock you. For those who have an aversion to slithery creatures, you might find the details regarding the Rasputin a little hard to read. There are details on Rasputin's food, his daily habits, giving the creature a bath, transporting him to Manhattan and back, and taking him for a walk (gives me the shivers). There are a couple of romantic interests for Belinda including Stone V and a dairy farmer. I felt that information on Belinda was lacking (needed more details). It was nice to get to know her family while Belinda spent Thanksgiving at home. The family farm is charming, and I found the mother humorous (makes me wish the book was set in Larches Corner). I appreciated the wrap up at the end. There is a preview of the Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass is an upbeat cozy mystery with Louboutin heels, chauffeured cars, a debonair gentleman, a massive mansion, a quirky amateur sleuth, and a slithering serpent named Rasputin.
