April '09 discussion thread: Shakespeare's Landlord

[Caryl]

Here is our discussion thread for Shakespeare's Landlord, our April group read. As always, be cautious of reading the posts below if you haven't finished, as they may contain spoilers.

[Caryl]

I'm just over half-way through this mystery, and I'm looking forward to attempting to finish it tonight. I like Lily, and the plot has me wondering and looking forward to its resolution. I have no idea how it will turn out! A housecleaner is a great idea for a sleuth.

[Viketory]

I liked the book.

At first I found Lily to be too angry and harsh for my taste. Once she revealed her past she softened and I found her more likable and the story more enjoyable.

I like the set up with the two men, Marshall and Friedrich and the series has the potential to run long with the housekeeper setup.

[iherrera]

Originally Posted by Viketory

I liked the book.

At first I found Lily to be too angry and harsh for my taste. Once she revealed her past she softened and I found her more likable and the story more enjoyable.

I like the set up with the two men, Marshall and Friedrich and the series has the potential to run long with the housekeeper setup.

Lily didn't strike me as too harsh but again from reading the editorials, I expected that some kind of life altering event had happened so I was not surprised.

What I did find refreshing and affirming was the fact that she opened herself to a relationship.

I did request the second book -Shakespeare Champion- because I want to know how her new found love life progresses

[Caryl]

The Marshall/Claude thing reminds me a bit of Stephanie Plum's man dilemna (Ranger or Morelli?), and I'm worried it's going in this direction. I'd rather not have that going on with Lily, too. I figured out the mystery just as Lily did, and I think it's neat how Harris had us keep pace with Lily's mind. I'd read another Shakespeare mystery.

[SusanH]

I just finished this series this week and am a little sad that Harris won't be writing any more books about Lily Bard. I enjoyed the series overall and I liked that the character grew and changed as it progressed. Caryl, it was very unlike the Stephanie Plum books in that respect - it didn't do the "Which man will she choose?" storyline over and over and over again. The character learned and grew, unlike Stephanie Plum who is pretty much exactly the same in every book.

I will say that I wasn't that thrilled with the solution to the mystery in the final book, but I enjoyed the mysteries in all of the others.

[iherrera]

I am loving this series of books. I requested book #3 and will read it after I am done with Out of Captivity.

[Caryl]

Okay, you two talked me into it (easily): I just requested the second book from the library.

[iherrera]

Originally Posted by Caryl

Okay, you two talked me into it (easily): I just requested the second book from the library.

Book #2 was great, I hope you enjoy it.