Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass by Heather Day Gilbert

This book is available for request till the 28th of June 2019

I am always game to try the first book in a cozy mystery but of late have not had much luck with them. This book might be the indicator of a change in that trend. It remains to be seen.

I need to say that the title does not accurately describe the story but is a play of words which all separately play a part in the narrative. This does not take anything away from the tale itself. Belinda Blake is completely aware of the alliteration that is her name and is in the job of pet-sitting for exotic pets as well as a reviewer for video games. This unique lifestyle lands her in a carriage house of a manor in Connecticut, USA.  On her first day there she finds a body and an investigation follows. Her role in this seems purely based on self-preservation due to the proximity to the murder site. She is roped in by the enigmatic young lord of the manor and the entire episode is packed tightly into a couple of weeks.

I guessed the culprit a little before the final reveal but given the breadcrumbs, we are given to follow, I think we are meant to. I enjoyed the narration and the characters. Belinda’s family is very supportive (although confused at her choices) and play the role of a sounding board when required. The cards were shown to us in a steady, believable fashion and the actual cops would have probably figured out the case given a couple of more days. The last bit is rare and improves the strength of the narrative. The dialogue delivery and conversations seemed natural and flowed (something which I am always on the lookout for). Since this is the start of the series, I look forward to the rest of it!

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience. The book released on 25th June.