The Girl in the Empty Dress

Written by Lise McClendon

Narrated by Denice Stradling

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thalia Press
• Release date: Jul 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798822609136

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