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Bennett Sisters #3
Give Him The Ooh-la-la
One of the Bennett Sisters got engaged at the end of 'The Girl in the Empty Dress.' Now it’s Christmas and time for an engagement party. Merle’s French lover arrives just in time and sweeps her off her feet again. But is he really here for the engagement party and the holidays, or does he have a secret agenda — like he did in 'Blackbird Fly'?
When Pascal takes Merle to see a drag revue she is even more confused. What is he up to? Is he working with French consulate on wine fraud? How is the French drag queen involved in all this?
Festivities, fun, food, and fraud in the novella that answers some of the questions posed in 'Blackbird Fly.' Will Merle finally shed herself of the shame of her late husband's family? Does she have a future with Pascal? Read on!
When Pascal takes Merle to see a drag revue she is even more confused. What is he up to? Is he working with French consulate on wine fraud? How is the French drag queen involved in all this?
Festivities, fun, food, and fraud in the novella that answers some of the questions posed in 'Blackbird Fly.' Will Merle finally shed herself of the shame of her late husband's family? Does she have a future with Pascal? Read on!
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2014
199 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Lise McClendon
89 books225 followersLise McClendon is a fiction writer living in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. She has been a film reviewer, a film maker, a journalism professor, and a PR flack. Since her first novel, The Bluejay Shaman, in 1994, she has served on the national board of Mystery Writers of America and the International Association of Crime Writers/North America, as well as on faculty of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference where each year she critiques, speaks, and learns from writers new and old.
Check out the Lise McClendon Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiseMcClendon
Lise McClendon also writes as Rory Tate in the 2011 thriller, JUMP CUT. Her new novel by Rory Tate is PLAN X, available now. Read her latest novel, Château des Corbeaux, 17th in the Bennett Sisters mystery series that began with Blackbird Fly.
Check out the Lise McClendon Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiseMcClendon
Lise McClendon also writes as Rory Tate in the 2011 thriller, JUMP CUT. Her new novel by Rory Tate is PLAN X, available now. Read her latest novel, Château des Corbeaux, 17th in the Bennett Sisters mystery series that began with Blackbird Fly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 27, 2021
This book could have used a lot more Ooh and a lot less La-La. I was quite disappointed with this tale because I had enjoyed the earlier books in the series. This one has way to much romance and not enough mystery. It has to do with wine swap outs, that is people putting cheap wines in high priced bottles thus scamming the purchaser. An old wine expert told me the way to know if you had a good wine: if you liked the taste it was good, if you didn't it was not good, whether it cost $5 a bottle or $500 dollars a bottle. Not recommended.
March 16, 2019
Blackbird Fly #1 - This is my first read by this author and it was not what I expected. A good story filled with plenty of storylines that did keep my interest. Merle has so much happen to her with the death of her husband; her discoveries are many and varied. I like that the characters are real and do not follow the stupidity formula so commonplace today. There are several mysteries ongoing and while you know some of the endings, there is more depth than expected. I did find too much wordiness with quite a few unnecessary details, which proper editing would have reduced the page length and corrected the possessive vs. plural usage and other errors. There is infrequent vulgar language, which I did not find necessary. 4*
The Girl in the Empty Dress #2 - This book begins a year after Blackbird ends. I like the way the blog told parts of the story without the wordy descriptions that are too much in these stories. There's an increase in the vulgar language. Editing is needed for the misuse of words, for example: guano, the improper use of God and expressions with God, and the wordiness with unnecessary details. I was confused by the chauvinist label when a policeman told Merle to be careful with the kidnappers; that was not being a chauvinist, that was common sense. There is not much of a mystery, but the other storylines are still interesting, especially the relationship between Merle and Pascal. The regular characters are growing with each addition to the series and are still interesting. 3.5*
Give Him the Ooh-La-La #3 - This starts five months after Girl ends. I do not understand why someone is in love and yet distrusts or resorts to secrecy without good reason, instead of communicating their concerns to their beloved. Merle disappoints me with her avoidance and bad thoughts of Pascal, and the way she thought about the Christmas gift. She is definitely following the stupidity formula so common today; I am losing respect for her. There is not much of a mystery in this story. Needs the same type of editing as the previous books. 3*
The Things We Said Today #4 - This book starts six months after Give ends. The same as the last two, but this one is heavily against marriage - not modern, but the old traditional one of man is obeyed. Gee, the intolerance and prejudice by supposedly intelligent, older women who act so stupid about men and marriage. Merle does act better in this addition. There's not much mystery but a lot of worries and doubts by many of the characters. This is mainly about the lives of the sisters. Pascal still shines in his role. Needs editing; has the modern trend usage of God, which reeks of intolerance and prejudice. 3*
Blame it on Paris #7 - I read the first four books because I had them a while in my library and volunteering to review Blame made me clean out my library of these books; I do not find them worth keeping, not even the first and I liked it. But I promised to review this book; the others were purchases I never made time to read. This book starts since one year after Things ends. The emphasis is on Francie and her woes; sexual harassment charges at work from a younger man, which allows her three weeks in Paris to help an American in prison facing drug charges.
With her involvement with the American there is finally an involved mystery, which the other books just attempted as a sideline. Unfortunately, the culprits were easy to figure out in both the harassment and the drug charges. Merle and Pascal are still a good part of the storylines, which I was happy to see them involved so much with Francie. Francie was not an interesting character for me, but M and P were my favorite characters throughout this series. I still have a problem with the lack of basic editing: God; proper names lowercased; etc. I found this book on Booksprout; the others are purchased. 3.5*
Bennett Sisters French Cookbook #8 - This cookbook consists of basically 25 well known French recipes and depending on where you live some ingredients will be difficult to find. There are histories behind the recipes; the books in which they appear; and some excerpts from those stories.
Those already knowledgeable about the recipes and Bennett Sisters books will not find this book a good addition to the series or cookbook collection. Many of the recipes are better written from other sources; Julia Child is the go to for these recipes, but they are available everywhere. For those who are absolutely in love with this series and do not care that the author has her personal opinions infused in the recipes and/or may never try a recipe, this book is for you. Gee, you can boil potatoes in cold, salted water? Silly me, I always used fresh water brought to a boil; all that Swiss chef school training wasted on me. Be careful, there were mistakes. 4*
The Girl in the Empty Dress #2 - This book begins a year after Blackbird ends. I like the way the blog told parts of the story without the wordy descriptions that are too much in these stories. There's an increase in the vulgar language. Editing is needed for the misuse of words, for example: guano, the improper use of God and expressions with God, and the wordiness with unnecessary details. I was confused by the chauvinist label when a policeman told Merle to be careful with the kidnappers; that was not being a chauvinist, that was common sense. There is not much of a mystery, but the other storylines are still interesting, especially the relationship between Merle and Pascal. The regular characters are growing with each addition to the series and are still interesting. 3.5*
Give Him the Ooh-La-La #3 - This starts five months after Girl ends. I do not understand why someone is in love and yet distrusts or resorts to secrecy without good reason, instead of communicating their concerns to their beloved. Merle disappoints me with her avoidance and bad thoughts of Pascal, and the way she thought about the Christmas gift. She is definitely following the stupidity formula so common today; I am losing respect for her. There is not much of a mystery in this story. Needs the same type of editing as the previous books. 3*
The Things We Said Today #4 - This book starts six months after Give ends. The same as the last two, but this one is heavily against marriage - not modern, but the old traditional one of man is obeyed. Gee, the intolerance and prejudice by supposedly intelligent, older women who act so stupid about men and marriage. Merle does act better in this addition. There's not much mystery but a lot of worries and doubts by many of the characters. This is mainly about the lives of the sisters. Pascal still shines in his role. Needs editing; has the modern trend usage of God, which reeks of intolerance and prejudice. 3*
Blame it on Paris #7 - I read the first four books because I had them a while in my library and volunteering to review Blame made me clean out my library of these books; I do not find them worth keeping, not even the first and I liked it. But I promised to review this book; the others were purchases I never made time to read. This book starts since one year after Things ends. The emphasis is on Francie and her woes; sexual harassment charges at work from a younger man, which allows her three weeks in Paris to help an American in prison facing drug charges.
With her involvement with the American there is finally an involved mystery, which the other books just attempted as a sideline. Unfortunately, the culprits were easy to figure out in both the harassment and the drug charges. Merle and Pascal are still a good part of the storylines, which I was happy to see them involved so much with Francie. Francie was not an interesting character for me, but M and P were my favorite characters throughout this series. I still have a problem with the lack of basic editing: God; proper names lowercased; etc. I found this book on Booksprout; the others are purchased. 3.5*
Bennett Sisters French Cookbook #8 - This cookbook consists of basically 25 well known French recipes and depending on where you live some ingredients will be difficult to find. There are histories behind the recipes; the books in which they appear; and some excerpts from those stories.
Those already knowledgeable about the recipes and Bennett Sisters books will not find this book a good addition to the series or cookbook collection. Many of the recipes are better written from other sources; Julia Child is the go to for these recipes, but they are available everywhere. For those who are absolutely in love with this series and do not care that the author has her personal opinions infused in the recipes and/or may never try a recipe, this book is for you. Gee, you can boil potatoes in cold, salted water? Silly me, I always used fresh water brought to a boil; all that Swiss chef school training wasted on me. Be careful, there were mistakes. 4*
November 24, 2020
Merle Bennett is home on the western side of the Atlantic. She and her son Tristan are living in the cold, dark house in Connecticut. It's coming up on Christmas and New York is cold, damp and slightly snowy. Merle gets a call from Aunt Amanda, the sister of her deceased husband's also deceased father. Now we are all confused, right? Amanda stepped in when Harry's parents died when Harry was only 4 years old and raised him to adulthood, when Merle married him and he died unexpectedly. Gaston has also arrived in New York, invited by Merle to attend Annie's engagement party. Annie's fiance has directions to a club called the Black Dog, and late at night after the party, the four of them try to find it. The block is completely dark, but the club seems to be in the basement. When they get it, they find it is a club where the entertainment is a transvestite! A delightfully convoluted plot. I really liked it.
July 10, 2019
This story leaves France and continues the Bennett sisters Mysteries in the USA. Merle and her son have returned to the USA. Merle is working as an attorney gathering money form donors for a needy organization. It is Christmas and her French man friend is coming to the USA to spend the holidays with her. Pascal as you will learn in the first book is a wine detective. On this trip to the USA he combines his visit with Merle and a chance to connect with a some people who are selling wine at out outrageous prices. Pascal and Merle join forces to bring down the gang of thieves. The wine story is connected to people in Merle's past with her first husband. It's a holiday story with lots of action.
February 13, 2018
Happy to pay for this 3rd installment 2.99 after enjoying the first 2.
It definitely was worth it! Fun book about the Bennett sisters, set in New York where Merle and Pascal had flown to celebrate Christmas and Annie's engagement. Pascal is also there in an official capacity to investigate wine fraud that may have occurred more than 50 years ago (the French don't seem to have a statute of limitations when it comes to wine!). A romping good mystery, a novella really but one that filled in many details of the 5 Bennett sisters' lives. I hope the last 2 in the series return to France.
It definitely was worth it! Fun book about the Bennett sisters, set in New York where Merle and Pascal had flown to celebrate Christmas and Annie's engagement. Pascal is also there in an official capacity to investigate wine fraud that may have occurred more than 50 years ago (the French don't seem to have a statute of limitations when it comes to wine!). A romping good mystery, a novella really but one that filled in many details of the 5 Bennett sisters' lives. I hope the last 2 in the series return to France.
March 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book the best out of the ones I have read. There is so much going on in it that it is hilarious at times, then sometimes is hits close to Merle Bennett's deceased husband's family. Not everything is wonderful during this New Year's Eve celebration, and not everyone is who they appear to be. A great story! I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.
August 2, 2017
Book #3 in the Bennett Sisters sisters Mystery Series was a good read. Although I felt it lacked some of the mystery and intrigue of previous novels which were set in France, this one certainly had an appeal of its own. I highly recommend this series to anyone. I have thoroughly enjoyed Ms. McLendon's writing and look forward to reading her future books.
November 22, 2017
Once again I have enjoyed another offering from Lise about the Bennett sisters. Lise never fails to deliver an intriguing, suspenseful romantic mystery. I have found myself identifying with the characters and either liking them or disliking them intensely...there is no middle ground. The story is well developed and moves at an agreeable pace. I cannot wait to read the next one!
June 23, 2018
The Frenchman but no France
I read this book because I loved its predecessors but this one is set in New York, not rural France. The Bennett Sisters are close and lots of family fun (a bit exhausting) but the delightful scenery, architecture, flowers, and weather of France are missing. New York, even at Christmas simply can’t compete!
I read this book because I loved its predecessors but this one is set in New York, not rural France. The Bennett Sisters are close and lots of family fun (a bit exhausting) but the delightful scenery, architecture, flowers, and weather of France are missing. New York, even at Christmas simply can’t compete!
October 10, 2018
Magnifique!
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but Merle and company seem to have more going on than just shopping and celebrating. Another wonderful book and I love getting to know more and more about Merle and her sisters. I sure hope that Merle and Pascal will have more adventures that bring them together....maybe permanently? Can’t wait to read the next book!
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but Merle and company seem to have more going on than just shopping and celebrating. Another wonderful book and I love getting to know more and more about Merle and her sisters. I sure hope that Merle and Pascal will have more adventures that bring them together....maybe permanently? Can’t wait to read the next book!
November 3, 2018
A mystery to be solved by a French policeman and his lawyer girlfriend involved an old winery and expensive vintages.
The story was a bit slow at the start, but picked up speed and stayed steady til the end. Lots of mystery, a bit of mayhem, and you'll never guess "who dun it" til the end.
The story was a bit slow at the start, but picked up speed and stayed steady til the end. Lots of mystery, a bit of mayhem, and you'll never guess "who dun it" til the end.
September 30, 2020
Romance, suspense, and intrigue are all here...
Pascal arrives to be with Merle over Christmas. He should have told no one where he was going for his holiday. When they found he was going to The States, the French Police used him to find information regarding his specialty, wine fraud.
The romance was almost spoiled but the tables turned and he and Merle teamed up to solve the case together.
Pascal arrives to be with Merle over Christmas. He should have told no one where he was going for his holiday. When they found he was going to The States, the French Police used him to find information regarding his specialty, wine fraud.
The romance was almost spoiled but the tables turned and he and Merle teamed up to solve the case together.
August 4, 2021
This is the third book in the Bennett Sisters Mysteries. I didn’t think this one was as good as the first two. I found myself feeling that the main characters needed to communicate between themselves better. This one takes place in NYC and I missed to French setting of the first two books. But it was ok and I finished it. I’m reading the 4th book in the series now.
June 4, 2017
A Very Good Read!
I have read the previous Bennet Sisters series and this one develops the characters more and focuses on family relationships. Some really good twists I wasn't expecting.
I have read the previous Bennet Sisters series and this one develops the characters more and focuses on family relationships. Some really good twists I wasn't expecting.
November 8, 2018
Third in the series. All of the sisters are together in New York for an engagement party.
Pascal has arrived from France, and another wine-related mystery ensues.
In these books, we see less and less of Merle's son.
Pascal has arrived from France, and another wine-related mystery ensues.
In these books, we see less and less of Merle's son.
February 27, 2019
you won't want to put this book down
Lise McClendon has done it again. She keeps you wanting more. You fall in love (& hate) with the characters in her books. The twists & turns are fresh & new & keep you in suspense. I never expect the ending to be as it is.
Lise McClendon has done it again. She keeps you wanting more. You fall in love (& hate) with the characters in her books. The twists & turns are fresh & new & keep you in suspense. I never expect the ending to be as it is.
May 25, 2019
Christmas time has arrived and with it an engagement party for the eldest Bennett sister. Merle's lover Pascal has arrived from France but is he in New York just for her or is he on a wine fraud investigation.
A well-written enjoyable mystery, another in the series
A well-written enjoyable mystery, another in the series
November 23, 2020
Give Him The Ooh-la-la
Good read. Sisters all meet for their older sister who is getting married. At 55 and never married before. To start with one of the sisters boyfriend was to told to go to a club, which was not what he thought. Lots to read about, you definitely must read
Good read. Sisters all meet for their older sister who is getting married. At 55 and never married before. To start with one of the sisters boyfriend was to told to go to a club, which was not what he thought. Lots to read about, you definitely must read
February 7, 2021
French wine and the holidays
I enjoyed this book but it seemed a bit rushed. I do hope Merle and Pascal get together, but she should learn to trust him! $8,000 for a bottle of wine? Ooh-la-la!
I enjoyed this book but it seemed a bit rushed. I do hope Merle and Pascal get together, but she should learn to trust him! $8,000 for a bottle of wine? Ooh-la-la!
April 2, 2025
Give Him the Ooh la la
Give Him the Ooh la la was a funny but still mysterious book. It was fun to read, reintroducing the Bennett Sisters plus an aunt Amanda. I really enjoy a light, cozy mystery.
Give Him the Ooh la la was a funny but still mysterious book. It was fun to read, reintroducing the Bennett Sisters plus an aunt Amanda. I really enjoy a light, cozy mystery.
March 5, 2018
It seems that even in her hometown trouble seems to follow Merle where she goes bringing her french boyfriend to her. The wine mystery is back with a little twist of death! Makes you wonder...
November 22, 2018
Another good mystery with the Bennett sisters! Kindle freebie.
April 14, 2019
Cute story
I’ve read three of these books back to back. They are great stories, quick reads, and so easy to read. Great read for a rainy weekend.
I’ve read three of these books back to back. They are great stories, quick reads, and so easy to read. Great read for a rainy weekend.
June 7, 2019
A delightful novella about tracking down French wine fraud...or was it real and stolen!!
Read
February 10, 2020Wonderful series.
This one was less complicated than the earlier books in the series. It was a good mystery and enjoyable to read.
This one was less complicated than the earlier books in the series. It was a good mystery and enjoyable to read.
July 23, 2020
Good read
A lovely story about family tensions, ties, love and secrets. Wrapped up in an intriguing mystery. Well worth five stars.
A lovely story about family tensions, ties, love and secrets. Wrapped up in an intriguing mystery. Well worth five stars.
July 25, 2020
Very enjoyable read.
September 13, 2021
Wedding plans amid wine fraud investigation
Anne is getting married and its Christmas. Surprise is the French policeman arriving to celebrate with the sisters. Another great read
Anne is getting married and its Christmas. Surprise is the French policeman arriving to celebrate with the sisters. Another great read
July 28, 2022
An enjoyable mystery surrounding stolen wine, with murder thrown in.
October 30, 2022
This installment happens entirely on the USA side of the pond. Mystery less odd and I still have my same attachment to the Bennett sisters and to Merle and Pascal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews