Belinda Blake first appeared in Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass and one of the best ways to learn about a person is by asking her friend, Chloe to tell us a little bit about Belinda.

Have you met my friend Belinda Blake yet? She’s one of my favorite people, and I’m so thrilled she’s back in town, staying with her parents for a few days. . .although it’s for the sad occasion of a funeral.

I’m telling you, Larches Corner was one of the best places to grow up. It’s in very rural Upstate New York, where farms are dotted all over the place and the townspeople know you by name. I work at the local newspaper—yes, people do still read those!

Although Belinda was quiet in high school, once she got out and went to China with the Peace Corps, she came back completely fearless. She loves living on the edge, taking risks. . .in fact, she’s built a business in exotic pet-sitting, of all things! She also test drives video games and reviews them. That girl is one of a kind, from her naturally blonde, curly hair to her down-home smarts and her huge heart for others.

Though Belinda will have to go back to Greenwich, Connecticut soon to pick up her pet-sitting duties, she’s been investigating a recent hit-and-run death of a local college student. I have to admit, things don’t seem to be adding up. Belinda’s turned up some links to another death that happened a few years ago. She’s talked me into letting her pretend to be my assistant as I follow up on leads. People seem to be dropping like flies, so I’m actually thankful to have someone at my side.

Of course, not far from Belinda’s side you’ll always find that hunk of a farmer, Jonas Hawthorne. In his quiet way, he seems to be in love with Belinda, but she’s still a little oblivious to it. When a man like that falls for someone, he’s never turning back, so I hope she wakes up soon. I just found a guy who seems to be the total package, and I’ve definitely let him know it!

If you come to Larches Corner, you should definitely visit at the Blakes’ home for a while. Mr. Blake is one of the best veterinarians around. Belinda’s mom is. . .well, Leanne Blake is a back-to-nature, composting, alpaca-farming mom. Not to mention she’s a total Mama Bear, which I think is great, because my mom’s nothing like that.

Oh, and Belinda’s sister Katrina is a huge part of her life, although she lives in Albany with her husband and newborn. Katrina is a psychologist, so I’ve always felt like she can see into my brain somehow. I’d never admit it to Belinda, but her sister makes me a little nervous since she’s so intense. Not to mention she’s incredibly protective of Belinda—who has no inclination to let anyone protect her in the first place.

You can stop by and meet Belinda any time—just pick up Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather, which is Book 3 in the Exotic Pet-Sitter cozy mystery series. I think you’ll make friends with her quickly. But if you don’t mind, please do me a favor and help me watch her back.

-as told by Chloe Vail, reporter for the Larches Tribune

Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a digital (Kindle or Nook) copy of Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather. Giveaway ends March 22, 2020. Good luck everyone!

Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather is the third book in the “Exotic Pet-Sitter” cozy mystery series, released February 4, 2020.

When exotic pet–sitter Belinda Blake starts pecking at the details of a suspicious accident in her sleepy hometown, she inadvertently digs up a murder case that won’t be solved without ruffling a few feathers . . .

The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for a deceased friend’s flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter after a local college student is mowed down in a malicious hit-and-run that has the whole town reeling.

At first, the gruesome demise of Jackson Hait appears to be a random tragedy. But Belinda quickly uncovers connections to a tight-knit group of friends and a similar death three years earlier . . . one that wasn’t as accidental as it seemed. Now, Belinda must pluck the truth from a tangled nest of lies before a cruel killer takes wing.

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About the author
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. Find out more HeatherDayGilbert.com.

All comments are welcomed.