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Lise McClendon

Merle Bennett realizes almost immediately after her husband suddenly dies that it was no wonder she didn't know anything about him. Still, the will’s quite a shock. And so is an intriguing surprise—Harry left her a family home in a tiny French village. Or maybe a family home. Because who was Harry’s family? Finding out is half the fun.

Merle sets out to claim her inheritance, adolescent son in tow, and thus begins a sojourn reminiscent of A Year in Provence, or perhaps Under The Tuscan Sun. Malcouziac, Merle’s tiny Dordogne town, is the quintessential village—just perfect for a murder. And a rollicking good time.

Once Merle gets there, she finds…well, France! An unexpected romance. Mystery galore. Murder-- and not just murder, but the unnerving experience of being a suspect. Once her passport is confiscated, what can she do but stay and restore her ancient battered house? While enjoying the tender attention of the unusually well-educated, handsome and…yes, quite mysterious roofer she’s hired.

Particularly recommended for those who love France or have plans to visit there. Mystery lovers, chick lit fans, and cozy fanatics will all find it très chouette— more prosaically, simply awesome and formidable!

From the author:

A novel has a distinct setting but it's the people who drive the action. My research led me to seek out a picturesque bastide village, the stone walls crumbling a bit, the hilltop location surrounded by vineyards and lush, tree-tangled ravines, narrow pedestrian streets and half-renovated houses. Without the setting the story wouldn't have come alive in my imagination. Whether you look out your real window, or the window in your mind, I hope Blackbird Fly brings it all to life for you. Pour a glass of wine and enjoy.

Denice Stradling

Thalia Press

Bennett Sisters Mysteries

Blackbird Fly: Number 1 in the Bennett Sisters Mystery series

FRANCE, ROMANCE, TRUFFLE DOGS…AND A SOUPÇON OF DANGER!
A bit like Eat Pray Love meets murder mystery, Lise McClendon’s second Bennett Sisters mystery chronicles the traditional hunt for priceless European truffles, the unexpected thrill of romance overseas, the ups and downs of sisterly bonding rituals, and murderous intrigue in the heart of France.

Law practice is in the Bennett sisters' blood—along with designer suits and stilettos. But they've decided to ditch the more predictable Caribbean cruise or spa weekend at a five star hotel to celebrate Merle Bennett's 50th birthday hiking the French countryside of Dordogne. Merle, for her part, could use the break from her boyfriend James back in New York City. Plus there’s the endless horizon of roses and vineyards, the scent of lavender, the delicate karma of sisterhood—resplendent with its bickering and gossip—and, oh yes, the wine.

There’s just one catch: Merle’s little sister Francie has decided to bring along a sixth wheel: a work colleague named Gillian Sargent, whose utter aloofness wouldn’t be so bad were it not peppered by constant singing, an unwanted accompaniment to the idyllic French landscape. It’s not just that Gillian throws off the finely tuned five-spoke Bennett sister spin: truth be told, Merle can’t seem to find a single redeeming quality about her.

Somewhere along the walking trail, Gillian stumbles upon an injured dog— possibly a missing truffle hunter--and after several days of puzzling behavior, she and the pooch disappear without a trace. As if this weren’t drama enough, Merle’s boyfriend shows up unannounced—as does her French lover. Zut alors! And yet…Vive la France!

The Girl in the Empty Dress is a delicate mix of sisterly laughs and international intrigue, sure to delight cozy mystery fans and armchair travelers alike.

The Girl in the Empty Dress

Mystery, romance, adventure, and more are in store for the youngest of five sisters, lawyers all, when she signs up to work at a lavender farm in Provence in Lost in Lavender, a Bennett Sisters Mystery.

Facing a crossroads-- both career and personal-- the youngest of the five Bennett Sisters, Elise, does what she does best: she runs away to think. This time she runs to a farm in Provence that produces heaven-scented lavender for oils. The area is famous for the beautiful purple flower, the symbol of this southern region of France. Her sisters are stumped. Elise never seemed like the farming type, or even gardening, for that matter. But she's signed up for a farm stay vacation, an idea she got from an unlikely source, the trophy wife of one of her law partners. 

When she arrives, courtesy her older sister Merle who drives her to the Luberon from the Dordogne, she discovers she is the only guest at the picturesque family farm who is not a college student. The rest are all doing a French language exchange program and are 20 years younger than Elise, leaving her feeling like an outsider and wondering about her life choices. Not only is her judgment in men and careers awful, but she can't even plan a decent vacation.

Meanwhile in the Dordogne, Merle's niece, Willow, arrives for some R&R before she starts law school. But she brings a few surprises with her, a boyfriend plus Elise's fiancé. Or is it ex-fiancé? It will take several sisters-- and of course Pascal-- to unravel the facts as all descend on southern France for July in the heat and lavender. 

Suspense, romance, intrigue, and humor-- another delicious adventure in international travel and cozy mystery as the Bennett Sisters fight their way to truth, justice, and a perhaps a summer fling, deep in the French countryside. A summer fling in France never hurt anyone, now did it?

Lost in Lavender: A Bennett Sisters Mystery

A wintry Welsh evening. A house full of relatives, hangers-on, and malcontents. A British/French family hosts Elise Bennett, and gets the extra benefit of two of her sisters. Will Twelfth Night ever arrive for these revelers? A holiday to remember… and forget.

When Elise Bennett, youngest of the five sisters, is invited to spend the long holiday break with her new boyfriend, Conor (from 'Lost in Lavender') she is thrilled. Who wouldn't be? A remote Welsh manor house, a chance to mix with the clan, cozy evenings with her beau, long walks on the snowy hillsides-- but things are not so simple in the countryside.

Conor's brother, Duncan, misbehaves toward Elise, causing two of her sisters to rush in with emotional reinforcements. Then an undesirable French relative arrives, with an entourage. A house that already feels crowded is now bursting with intrigue, day-drinking, bird shoots, and so much cooking. When a mysterious death breaks the monotony in the kitchen, no one is relieved.

Because at this point, they are all suspects.

Bennett Sisters Mysteries

Bennett Sisters Mysteries

Books in order

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