Blackbird Fly: Number 1 in the Bennett Sisters Mystery series

Written by Lise McClendon

Narrated by Denice Stradling

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thalia Press
• Release date: Mar 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781662281273

Lise McClendon

Lise McClendon is the author of eleven novels. Her latest is THE GIRL IN THE EMPTY DRESS, the sequel to BLACKBIRD FLY (2009.) PLAN X, a thriller, was written as Rory Tate. Her novel, "Blackbird Fly," is a suspense novel set in southwest France called "a heartbreakingly beautiful story of love, loss, sisterhood, and the ties that bind us together." She is the author of two mystery series set in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and early Kansas City, Missouri, including "Blue Wolf" and "Sweet and Lowdown." She lives in Montana. Rory Tate is a pseudonym of Lise McClendon