by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it.
The Bennett Sisters are Here!
First published in 2009, Lise McClendon introduced her Bennett Sisters series with Annie, Francie, Merle, Stacia, and Elise as a delightful sisterhood quintet. Although they collaborate on a variety of mysteries often perilous to one or all, each sister gets to take center stage. With the south of France a great place to set several of the mysteries and Scotland as a change of pace, the suspense is entertaining and the humor reminiscent of so many real sister dynamics.
Blackbird Fly (2009)
The Girl in the Empty Dress (2014)
Give Him the Ooh-la-la (2014)
The Things We Said Today (2016)
The Frenchman (2017)
Blame It On Paris (2018)
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Blame it on Paris earns 5/5 Croissants, Espresso…Engaging Fun!
Francine Bennett, one of five Bennett sisters and a twenty-year veteran lawyer with Ward and Bailey, Esq., has been dealing with frustrating office politics, sudden illness of a named partner, and a disturbing “he said/she said” accusation that has facilitated a leave of absence. She has also been approached by a friend of Reese Pugh who is incarcerated in a Paris jail without any friendly lawyer to stand for his defense against drug charges. Pugh’s parentage, personal letters, and inconsistent support from his parents have led to her decision to make a trip to Paris and deal with things in person. Ahhh, croissants, espresso, and the French legal system…mais oui!
Image Source Lise McClendon |
The word “Paris” may have made me eager to join the Bennett sisters, but it is Lise McClendon’s well-written story, well-developed characters, and engaging banter that kept me turning the pages. I was totally engaged in the entire story detailing personnel issues at Ward and Bailey, Esq., navigating the French legal system and language, insights into the delightful sisterhood, and the clever ranting channeling “Lawyrr Grrl” on her blog. Although there is a lot to unpack in this story, it is easy to follow along, and references to past events are not intrusive or a spoiler for those who are newbies wanting to go back and enjoy the series untainted. McClendon’s third-person narrative is informative including excellent descriptions to illustrate setting, cuisine, physical demeanor, and personalities, however, she doesn't rely just on the narrative style. She pens delightful banter that also depicts tone and emotion. I enjoy the “sisterhood,” and am very taken with Francie. She may have regrets in her life, but she tries to support her sisters, colleagues, and clients to the best of her skill. “Oui!” I highly recommend this book. I was engrossed in all the stories that went beyond just a kid enmeshed in the drug community, and very pleased with the ultimate conclusions, pay backs, and Karma!
Be a Big Fan of Lise McClendon!
Lise McClendon is a midwesterner having attended schools in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she worked on a double major in broadcast journalism and sociology and earned a master’s degree in communications. She took up fiction writing, working on stories since 1983 with fifteen novels plus short stories and articles published. She also was the film reviewer for the Bakersfield Californian newspaper showcasing her love of movies. She has served on the national boards of directors for Mystery Writers of America and International Association of Crime Writers/North America. Every summer she joins the faculty for the Jackson Hole Writers Conference, critiquing, workshopping, and talking writing with writers of all stripes.
The Bennett Sisters Mystery series is often set in France, so this past October, where best to find Lise. “I went to France with my friend Helen who lived in Paris…she was a French teacher in Montana for years. We spent a couple of days madly seeing Paris, before heading out into the countryside… [Where in the World is Lise McClendon?] It’s a restaurant where Merle and Pascal eat in The Girl in the Empty Dress, in Périgueux, called Hercule Poireau. How could I resist? Love the play on the Agatha Christie character’s name. Poireau in French is ‘leek.’ ”
Lise McClendon |
Lise is very interested in connecting with her fans who also enjoy her Alix Thorssen Mystery series that follows gallery owner and art forgery expert in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Dorie Lennox Mysteries, a new private investigator in Kansas, Missouri. “I love hearing from readers. I find my books often have a bit of philosophy in them, about how life affects you in different stages. And crime, always a bit of bloody crime, except for All Your Pretty Dreams. That’s my “new adult” novel. You can order my books from any bookstore, or find them online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iTunes, and Smashwords. Stop by my Facebook page and give us a ‘Like’ — love to hear from you!”
Facebook - Lise McClendon
Website- Lise McClendon
To enter to win an ebook copy of Blame It On Paris, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "blame,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen November 3, 2018. If entering via comment please include your email address. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast!
You can use this link to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:
'Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.
This sounds delightful--ty for the giveaway. legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of sister sleuths.
ReplyDeleteDonah42 at aol dot com
Sounds like an interesting series. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review.
ReplyDeletekckendler at gmail dot com
Paris is on my bucket list and when I see a book with Paris in the title I can't wait to
ReplyDeleteread it. Thanks for sharing the information on your blog.
robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
New author to me. Sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
We have a winner!
ReplyDelete