It’s Eat Pray Love meets murder mystery in Lise McClendon’s deliciously cozy chronicles of sisterhood, international travel … and a soupçon of danger.
A dead husband with a secret life is always a winner (fictionally speaking, of course), but what about a secret past for a special treat? In fact, a past so secret even Harry the husband didn’t know about it. That’s the delicious underpinning of … know about it. That’s the delicious underpinning of this sprawling, exuberant, generous-spirited cozy mystery series with a yummy side of international adventure.
A little bit chick lit, a touch of cozy mystery, a whole lot of humor, romance, suspense—all in one box set!
BLACKBIRD FLY – Book One
A dead husband might be sadder except that once Harry dies, his widow, Merle Bennett realizes almost immediately it was no wonder she didn’t know anything about him. They’d pretty much been leading separate lives—several of them, as it turns out. 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 mixed up with something by Carolyn Hart, maybe, or M.C. Beaton. Because Malcouziac, Merle’s tiny Dordogne town, is the quintessential village—just perfect for a murder. And a rollicking good time.
THE GIRL IN THE EMPTY DRESS – Book Two
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. 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. Except she seems to be hiding something…
GIVE HIM THE OOH-LA-LA – Book Three
It’s Bridget Jones does Christmas in the Big Apple, and this year it promises to be especially festive, as all five Bennett sisters are in town for a very special occasion: Annie, the oldest Bennett, is engaged at the tender age of fifty-five. But while Bohemian Annie is securely and happily in love with a devoted fiancé, Merle-in-the-middle is navigating the roller coaster of her own love life: Pascal, her one-time French summer fling, has unexpectedly flown to New York for the holidays. But why? A relationship ultimatum? Or is there something more mysterious in the works? Because a festive family outing to a drag revue at Pascal’s request just begs more questions to be answered…and the unfolding of dangerous connections to Merle’s own family.
THE THINGS WE SAID TODAY – Book Four
Annie is finally getting hitched to Callum Logan in the picture-postcard idyllic Scottish Highlands. The mother of the groom has generously put up the Bennett family in her Kincardie House estate, a gorgeous hunting lodge that’s been in the Logan family for generations. But Annie has reservations. Meanwhile, Merle and Francie are navigating relationship crises of their own. And amidst the Highlands’ signature fog, rain, sheep, and heather—not to mention the festivities’ decadent five course meals and family drama—a rare rainstorm with hurricane-force winds is heading right for the wedding party. And Jinty Arbuckle, the high-strung estate housekeeper, struggles to keep the Kincardie House in order and its brash American guests happy, all the while guarding secrets of her own.
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Interesting characters and a good read. Good haracter development.
Great stories. Interesting characters. I really enjoyed them.
At first, I thought ugh how boring. But mid book I was hooked and finished the whole series. Waiting for more.
Really enjoyed reading this and it made me laugh a few times.
Fun to read and enjoyable characters.
I thoroughly enjoy the Bennett Sisters books.
Loved the idea of reinventing yourself in foreign country
My best friends, at least I felt that way while reading these books. Could not wait to get to the next one, now I am sad it is over.
It was a good series of books and kept you unsure of the outcome and each book was a different experience. If you like murder mysteries with some romance you will like these and this author.
Enjoyable, quick reads
Light and fun. The best parts are in France with the food and the wine.
Very light reading that is still interesting.
Exceptional story telling! 25 hours of excellent reading! Didn’t want to put it down or see the books end! An amazing read!
It was enjoyable to read stories from a different author. Characterization was excellent! Location was vivid and interesting! I’ll be watching for more from this author!
Great mystery set.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book set! Each book was different peppered with it’s own mystery. I liked the characters and story line. It piqued and held my interest from one book to the next at a comfortable pace.
I had somewhat of a hard time getting into the first one but SO glad I stuck with it. Love the characters, especially Merle and Pascal. Really happy I could continue on and have gone through the first four of the series and look forward to the remainder of them. Love the continuation of the story without a repeat of any of the books – they are all different but with a common thread. And surprised my high school French is still strong enough to understand the bit of French that is woven into the story. (Don’t worry – all understandable even if you don’t have the lingo!) Very enjoyable way to spend your time…
Love the Bennett sisters! Found this series after having to cancel a planned trip to France, so what could be better than escaping with Merle and son and her crazy sisters. Then, of course, there’s the dreamy Pascal, a French National undercover cop in the wine fraud division who melts the heart of our practical Merle. A fun and often intense romp starting in the NE US and on to the south of France, with side trips to Paris. This set contains the first 4 stories in the series and will get you hooked as you get to know the Bennett sisters through their many adventures. You’ll want to read them all – maybe like me, more than once!
Easy read, interesting scenarios.
Lies, deceit, murders for generations makes this series a must read. The characters are believable and entertaining. The books take the reader to New York, France, and Scotland. Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book. Happy reading!