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Bennett Sisters #1-2
Bennett Sisters Mysteries Volume 1 & 2
It’s Eat Pray Love meets murder mystery in Lise McClendon’s deliciously cozy chronicles of sisterhood, international travel … and a soupçon of danger. 5 ★ "This is a charming series of the adventures of 5 sisters. Merle the middle sister is the predominant focus of the books and one falls in love with her! Then we meet the rest of the clan. It is impossible to put the books down (my kind of books)! Merle's adventures alone and with her sisters are simply wonderful. There is just enough intrigue to keep one interested and to move on to the next book. I hope you find the books to be as grand as I did." "Enjoyed getting to know the Bennet sisters and their relationships. It was nice reading about some women who have a variety of life experiences. These characters are beyond the age of 30. I think any woman would enjoy reading this but the narrator is in her 50's and I enjoyed her perspective." A 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 Merle’s little sister Francie has decided to bring along a sixth a work colleague named Gillian Sargent, whose utter aloofness wouldn’t be so bad. Except she seems to be hiding something…
650 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2017
1006 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Lise McClendon
90 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 43 reviews
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February 5, 2018
Enjoy a an adventure in France
Fast moving stories with strong, modern sisters driving the plot. One cannot help but fall in love with several characters and the French cheeses.
Fast moving stories with strong, modern sisters driving the plot. One cannot help but fall in love with several characters and the French cheeses.
January 10, 2018
Fun read!
Nice to have a middle aged heroine save the day. Lise McClendon writes with style and gives each of her characters believable personalities. Totally enjoyed reading these books and trying to solve the mystery! Great writing. Now I think I’ll have a glass of wine.
Nice to have a middle aged heroine save the day. Lise McClendon writes with style and gives each of her characters believable personalities. Totally enjoyed reading these books and trying to solve the mystery! Great writing. Now I think I’ll have a glass of wine.
January 15, 2018
Great stories
Enjoyed this book. Characters are well developed. Many things going on but not too much to get characters and plot confusing. One of those books you didn't want to end.
Enjoyed this book. Characters are well developed. Many things going on but not too much to get characters and plot confusing. One of those books you didn't want to end.
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*
February 22, 2018
This is a fun series, more novel than mystery, but with a strong feeling of character development.l The descriptions of France, the wine country, types of wine, the Bennett sisters, etc are fun. I really enjoyed reading about the 5 Bennett sisters, a lost truffle hunting dog, a priest who gets punched in the nose, an unwanted suitor, 2 bad characters looking for easy money, and a town filled with poor choices for mayor, lawyer, and police. There was a feeling you got while reading that you were really involved with the story and characters.
March 20, 2022
Bad language
When I see a warning that a book contains bad language, I automatically do not consider reading it. In this case I did not see a warning in the reviews before purchasing the combined volumes 1 & 2.
These women have many “hang ups” in their lives and are constantly looking for fulfillment and happiness. There is a little mystery, the reason I chose the books. The process of getting to the mystery and the solving of the mystery were not worth having to go through all the drama.
When I see a warning that a book contains bad language, I automatically do not consider reading it. In this case I did not see a warning in the reviews before purchasing the combined volumes 1 & 2.
These women have many “hang ups” in their lives and are constantly looking for fulfillment and happiness. There is a little mystery, the reason I chose the books. The process of getting to the mystery and the solving of the mystery were not worth having to go through all the drama.
November 3, 2022
Entertaining and fast pace whodunnit
Entertaining and fast pace whodunnit. These two stories center around the middle sister, Merle, in a family with five daughters are all attorneys. Merle faces the death of her spouse, surprises both good and bad and then the journey to France with a murder charge. In story two all the sisters come together in France and then the story gets complicated by a rescued and then kidnapped dog, a sister kidnapped all the while Merle is investigating
Entertaining and fast pace whodunnit. These two stories center around the middle sister, Merle, in a family with five daughters are all attorneys. Merle faces the death of her spouse, surprises both good and bad and then the journey to France with a murder charge. In story two all the sisters come together in France and then the story gets complicated by a rescued and then kidnapped dog, a sister kidnapped all the while Merle is investigating
January 22, 2018
Ever a Dull Moment!
This is not the type of book I would normally read since it is set entirely in France, has unusual characters, very unusual mysteries to solve and most unusual situations. That being said, the two book set was a very pleasant read, and most enjoyable stories. The author has a knack for putting you in the middle of the action and bringing the characters to life.
This is not the type of book I would normally read since it is set entirely in France, has unusual characters, very unusual mysteries to solve and most unusual situations. That being said, the two book set was a very pleasant read, and most enjoyable stories. The author has a knack for putting you in the middle of the action and bringing the characters to life.
January 26, 2018
Great read.
Nothing too heavy. A nice easy read. Little bit of everything. Mystery, romance, enough to keep you reading. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. These are good curl up in front of the fire or lay in the sun and read type of books. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Nothing too heavy. A nice easy read. Little bit of everything. Mystery, romance, enough to keep you reading. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. These are good curl up in front of the fire or lay in the sun and read type of books. Thoroughly enjoyable.
March 24, 2018
Have read both these books seperately. This is a series of Merle Bennett a widow, who discovers she now owns a 'family home' in France now that her husband left it for her in his will. Merle and her sisters, are all lawyers, and have some adventures to say the least over in France. A good series that doesn't take everything too seriously. Very enjoyable.
May 17, 2018
A time in the French country side.
As always Lisa McClendon delivers. These two books are well written, leaves you with the feeling that you've been right there with the characters in the book. The descriptions of the heat and tastes of French food and the garden leave you feeling like you took part in the story. Give these books a read. You'll enjoy it and want more.
As always Lisa McClendon delivers. These two books are well written, leaves you with the feeling that you've been right there with the characters in the book. The descriptions of the heat and tastes of French food and the garden leave you feeling like you took part in the story. Give these books a read. You'll enjoy it and want more.
July 5, 2018
Enjoyed these mysteries
I really enjoyed these two mysteries. I thought it was exciting and interesting and different. Loved the romance between Merle and Pascal. The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 4 is because it needed some better editing. Words were either missing or doubled.
I really enjoyed these two mysteries. I thought it was exciting and interesting and different. Loved the romance between Merle and Pascal. The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 4 is because it needed some better editing. Words were either missing or doubled.
August 5, 2020
A French countryside mystery
The story was great and a very fun read. The middle of the book got too smutty for me, or else I would have, given it 5 stars. A covey of sisters, all lawyers explored the French countryside with a French central police captain. Lots of thrills and close calls for all of them.
The story was great and a very fun read. The middle of the book got too smutty for me, or else I would have, given it 5 stars. A covey of sisters, all lawyers explored the French countryside with a French central police captain. Lots of thrills and close calls for all of them.
January 12, 2018
Hat fun and excitement!
I really enjoyed both of these books! Great characters and a wonderful location!! And I got to brush up on my French!! A fun read and I highly recommend these books!
I really enjoyed both of these books! Great characters and a wonderful location!! And I got to brush up on my French!! A fun read and I highly recommend these books!
January 20, 2018
Bennett Sisters Mysteries Volume 1&2
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about the lives and adventures of five sisters. Relaxing reading that tends to give the reader that warm fuzzy feeling.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about the lives and adventures of five sisters. Relaxing reading that tends to give the reader that warm fuzzy feeling.
February 27, 2018
You will find yourself in France and the surrounding area following a book filled mystery. You just love or hate the characters that offer new mysteries. It is a great read and the descriptions of the places and situations put you right there at the same time.
April 3, 2018
A bit spoty
Quite liked these books. Though why they would be mysteries i dont know. A group of siblings, that are lawyers who dont seem to do any of this is a mystery to me. A bit of suspense, a bit of romance even some comedy. Light hearted holiday reading
Quite liked these books. Though why they would be mysteries i dont know. A group of siblings, that are lawyers who dont seem to do any of this is a mystery to me. A bit of suspense, a bit of romance even some comedy. Light hearted holiday reading
April 12, 2018
I found myself getting frustrated with length and I thought the characters not interesting. I like a book to move along purposefully and I thought this I e stalled a few times, I skipped pages several times.
May 27, 2018
Bennett sisters in France.
A connected pair of interesting, with fresh twists, stories. I found them well written. They are ok as stand alone. I would have given a 4 star if the proofing was as well done. May be just me, but too many typos really bug me.
A connected pair of interesting, with fresh twists, stories. I found them well written. They are ok as stand alone. I would have given a 4 star if the proofing was as well done. May be just me, but too many typos really bug me.
May 5, 2020
Surprises all along the way.
This story was captivating, engaging and uplifting. I loved it and didn't want to out it down. Mystery, intrigue, crime, adventure, and of course, relationships. Very fun!
This story was captivating, engaging and uplifting. I loved it and didn't want to out it down. Mystery, intrigue, crime, adventure, and of course, relationships. Very fun!
October 22, 2022
Great story
I enjoyed the entire book. Full of suspense, intrigue, drama and deceit throughout the series. It was a little slow for me in the beginning but once the flash backs were over it moved right along.
I enjoyed the entire book. Full of suspense, intrigue, drama and deceit throughout the series. It was a little slow for me in the beginning but once the flash backs were over it moved right along.
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July 8, 2025Good
Reading these books in order is best but this being number 2 is not bad if not in order. You need to pay attention to the story. Good characters, good story lines, good descriptions making it feel like you are in the story.
Reading these books in order is best but this being number 2 is not bad if not in order. You need to pay attention to the story. Good characters, good story lines, good descriptions making it feel like you are in the story.
January 8, 2018
Brilliant
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading more about the Bennet sisters. Please never stop writing wonderful books like this one
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading more about the Bennet sisters. Please never stop writing wonderful books like this one
January 19, 2018
Good read
Thoroughly enjoyed Volume 1 and 2. I would definitely recommend it for a good read. The Bennett sisters would be a fun group to get to
know!
Thoroughly enjoyed Volume 1 and 2. I would definitely recommend it for a good read. The Bennett sisters would be a fun group to get to
know!
January 31, 2018
Entertaining, but slow on action.
Slow to start and hard to get into. Lots of family interaction and haven't I keep up with relations and friends. Ok, but slow.
Slow to start and hard to get into. Lots of family interaction and haven't I keep up with relations and friends. Ok, but slow.
February 6, 2018
Entertaining
I did enjoy the book. But I didn’t enjoy the proofreading misses.
I would probably read more about the Bennett sisters.
I did enjoy the book. But I didn’t enjoy the proofreading misses.
I would probably read more about the Bennett sisters.
February 15, 2018
Relaxing and fun
Crazy, quite unrealistic, but so much fun. Great way to pass time in a waiting room or a rainy afternoon.
Crazy, quite unrealistic, but so much fun. Great way to pass time in a waiting room or a rainy afternoon.
February 26, 2018
Enjoyed the book and would recommend it, however, I would have enjoyed more without the few “f” bombs.
March 7, 2018
A goodie!
Oooh la la! Love those sisters. Enjoyed the interjection of the blog in the second story. Interesting new characters and villains to boo!
Oooh la la! Love those sisters. Enjoyed the interjection of the blog in the second story. Interesting new characters and villains to boo!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews