"But it was not her weakness that had caused her death; it was one of her strengths that had killed her."Many readers have been turned off by the disparaging inner thoughts from the main character, Lily, about victim's lifestyles and "slut shaming." I've seen from reviews that some wouldn't even continue the series. Now, I wouldn't stop the series over something such as that since I know many books start with a character that needs to grow more into realization and knowledge. This book highlights the annoyances so many hold about Lily, not apologizing and actually enhancing the prejudice.Shakespeare's trollop is even named after the 'town trollop' that Lily mentally disses in each book. I'm not a fan of slut shaming either, but Harris did make it clear the victim has always been ridiculous undiscriminating with who she sleeps with, how often, the toys, the tapes. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel, however, as Lily closes her eyes on the last page, thinking deeper about Deedra and her life.There was a scene that especially irked me. Lily felt violated and angry about Deedra's death eventually, and in one scene was angry while using her anger against the punching bag. She was trying to reassure herself by saying, "She was nothing," "She was nothing," while punching. That's a low blow. Deedra may have been slutty by Lily's terms, but a nothing because of that? For shame, Lily. For shame, Harris.There's not a high mystery this time around either. Lily ponders here and there but does not do actual snooping. Things just kind of fall into place as she encounters a situation after another. There is a development with Jack, of course, that's big for Lily. I'm not feeling realism in their relationship or spark from him. Claude and Carrie are sweet and that development was quick. The villains turned out very surprising, as the person's been around for awhile and this kind of came out of nowhere. That said, it wasn't unrealistic because of that....but it was impossible for a mystery reader to ever guess. It was more of a thriller/suspense book shock ending, not a reasonable conclusion a detective could solve until one of the last page clues.
Shakespeare's Trollop4 StarsWhen Lily stumbles across the dead body of Deedra Dean, Shakespeare’s most promiscuous resident, everyone assumes that her lifestyle has finally caught up with her and the suspects pile up. However, a series of seemingly unrelated incidents soon reveal that there is more to Deedra’s death than meets the eye. To begin with, it should be noted that the strongest criticism of this installment in the Lily Bard series is that Harris appears to be engaging in “slut shaming” and “victim blaming”. While I can certainly see why this is the case considering Deedra’s characterization, once cannot escape the fact that Harris is presenting a phenomenon that is, unfortunately, common in our society not because she condones it herself, but because she seeks to expose it for the misogynistic rubbish that it is. As with the 2nd book in the series, denying that something distasteful exists will not make it go away!Personally, Lily Bard and the colorful residents of Shakespeare, Arkansas, have been one of the highlights of my reading year. The characters, the town and the mysteries have made the series come to life for me and I’m sad that there is only one more book to go. It is great to see the growth and development in Lily’s character. While she remains brusque and anti-social, she is slowly opening herself to friendships and to the emotional connection that she is forming with Jack. Even though they have to deal with one or two obstacles in their relationship, Lily and Jack emerge stronger than ever and it looks like they are moving in the right direction. The who-dun-it has some interesting twists and turns although it is easy to guess the culprit once the clues start making sense. The climax and resolution are as exciting as ever and I particularly enjoyed (view spoiler)[the fight at the end (hide spoiler)]
What do You think about Shakespeare's Trollop (2004)?
Never judge a book by it's cover. Lily Bard finds another murdered victim. This time it is Deedra, her promiscuous neighborhood and client. I was a bit upset that Lily kind of blamed Deedra for her murder. While Deedra was definitely a lady who enjoyed the company of men that was not why she was murdered. Turns out Becca, the new owner of the apts was the murderer. Deedra found out that Becca is not really Becca. She is a career criminal who along with her boyfriend and crime partner David murde
—Nikinnia Smith garcia
Also posted to Jen in BooklandShakespeare's Trollop is the fourth book in the Lily Bard Mystery series. I thought the first book was okay, the second and third I really liked, but this one was a little disappointing. I pretty much knew who did it right from the start and even though I didn't put everything together for why, I got the gist of it. Lily is out one day and finds a car in the woods with Deedra dead in it. Deedra sleeps around and Lily is quite critical of her for that. There was a lot of talk of how she was just asking for it by sleeping with so many men. I really didn't like that. It was just....it bothered me. The other issue with this book? Not enough Jack! When he is in it it is awesome, but he is gone on a case for most of the book. I do love Lily and Jack. They are so cute together and I am glad they are going to keep being together. I would have been so sad had they broken up. They both have their pasts, and they are just so cute! I love them. As for the rest of the story it was just okay. As I said I knew who did it pretty much right away, though I didn't quite figure out why exactly they killed Deedra. It was an alright story, but just not as good as the last two.
—Jennifer
3.5 stars ... because, well, just because. I actually love this series. It's an easy read, doesn't require much emotional investment. If you haven't read one of the previous books, I would suggest reading Shakespear's Landlord first (at least). Otherwise, Lily and her actions/reactions aren't going to make very much sense.I was unsatisfied with the ending. It all wrapped up in a nice, neat little bow, but it just wasn't enough for me. There was no specific reason, it just wasn't. Decent writing, decent plot, just not above and beyond for me.
—Candice
