Blackbird Fly (Bennett Sisters Mysteries)

When grief reveals secrets, sometimes the only way forward is to start over—in France. After her husband's sudden death, lawyer Merle Bennett discovers a shocking secret in his will: a mysterious cottage in France she knew nothing about. Reeling from betrayal and determined to secure her son's future, she does what any overwhelmed widow would do—she flies to the Dordogne to deal with it herself. What she finds is a crumbling stone cottage, an illegal squatter, hostile locals, and a suspicious death that no one wants to discuss. Armed with her legal training and manic list-making skills, Merle tackles renovations, village politics, and her own unraveling grief. Enter Pascal, the local roofer who's as infuriating as he is charming. He thinks she's naive. She thinks he's presumptuous. But as the cottage transforms and Merle digs deeper into her late husband's secrets, she realizes this catastrophe might be her second chance—if she's brave enough to let go of the life she thought she wanted. A story about rebuilding after betrayal, finding strength in the ruins, and discovering that home isn't always where you started. Perfect for readers who love: Widow starting over abroad Escape to France Heroine discovers husband's secrets Fixer-upper as metaphor for life Enemies-to-lovers slow burn Small-town mystery and suspense Woman finding herself after loss “An intriguing story, a mystery with heart.” “The characters were real and completely developed. All loose ends were tied up very nicely. This book climbed inside the main characters, flaws and all.” “A very well written story, with characters that are interesting, likeable, and you care about them. There are dead bodies, suspense, and mystery. It's just a great story!” From the Author A novel has a distinct setting but it's the people who drive the action. I wanted to write about a part of France many Americans have never visited. Through the internet Americans living in France provided answers to my questions, sent me photos, became pen-pals and then friends. Generous and friendly, one new pen-pal lived in Bergerac at the time. Later she moved to Cahors then Puy-l'Évêque, and sent me missives describing her adventures. One delightful consequence of writing this novel was almost life-imitates-art when I finally met Sharon in France. My research led me to seek out a picturesque bastide village. I used Monpazier as a home base. The village in the book, the fictional Malcouziac, is pretty but it is definitely not Monpazier. The only similarity is the structure of the bastide, the stone walls crumbling, the hilltop location surrounded by vineyards and lush, tree-tangled ravines, the narrow pedestrian streets and half-renovated houses. Without the setting the story wouldn't have come alive in my imagination. When Merle Bennett dreams of France, she remembers the light: golden, warm, nourishing. And she can't stay away, even if it makes no practical sense to use her last nickel to go there. The village should be idyllic: sunshine, vineyards, and walls of yellow stone. Merle gets an off-the-books job as a tour guide at a local winery and evicts a squatter. But the townspeople are more than merely unfriendly. As the past unravels, colliding with modern tensions and the filthy trials of renovation, the summer takes on a dark cast, full of secrets best left buried. Whether you look out your real window, or the one in your mind I hope Blackbird Fly brings it all to life for you. Pour a glass of wine and enjoy.
ASIN: 0981944272
VSKU: PKV.0981944272.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:McClendon, Lise
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: It's been through some chapters of life! Expect visible wear—creases, notes, highlights, maybe even a splash of water here and there. Perfect for readers who love a book with history.