Harris, Charlaine-- Shakespeare's Landlord informal buddy read starts July 20, 2018

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

This thread is open to discuss Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris.



Synopsis
Welcome to Shakespeare, Arkansas. Lily Bard came to the small town of Shakespeare to escape her dark and violent past. Other than the day-to-day workings of her cleaning and errand-running service, she pays little attention to the town around her. So when she spots a dead body being dumped in the town green, she's inclined to stay well away. But she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and despite her best efforts, she's dragged into the murder case. Lily doesn't care who did it, but when the police and local community start pointing fingers in her direction, she realizes that proving her innocence will depend on finding the real killer in quiet, secretive Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's Landlord is the first book in Charlaine Harris's Lily Bard mysterious series.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

      ~ Buddy Style Reads ~
    Three Ways to Enjoy a Book!

At NRBC we use three styles of buddy reads. These will be indicated in the thread title as “Buddy Read”, “Relaxed Buddy Read” or “Informal Buddy Read”.

A “Buddy Read” has a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book. More information about these types of reads is below. An example is here, showing a reading schedule here.

A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers. An example is here.

An “Informal Buddy Read” doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book. An example is here.

A “Read and Watch Buddy Read” may be set up as any of the above, but we will also watch the movie or T.V. series - or even go to a play! - and make comparisons, discussing what has been left out or changed as well as the actors and actresses. There is a long debate of what one should do first: read the books or watch the movie? We usually read first, but it isn’t essential. Also, if you would like to join in, but don’t want to watch the movie, show, or play, but only read the books, that is fine, too. An example is here.


MORE UNDER SPOILER
(view spoiler)[

“Buddy Reads” (“BRs”) include:

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   You can do so at the end of the buddy read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
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   **************BEWARE! SPOILER FOR THE END OF THE BOOK**************

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• If you are looking for a reading buddy, post an inquiry in our Buddy read requests thread. Use that thread, if you want to have a repeat read of a BOM
    or buddy read, too.

• Have fun! We always do when more than one person joins in. And we look less silly
   if someone else discusses a book with us. (hide spoiler)]

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

res

[Deanna]

Checking in for Team Flitwick.

[Deanna]

Chapters 1 - 4

Lily - (view spoiler)[I'm intrigued by how she got the scars and what she is hiding. Otherwise, she seems efficient, logical, and discreet so hopefully a good amateur detective when she decides to start. (hide spoiler)]

Claude - (view spoiler)[I'm sure that he at least suspects Lily is his anonymous caller, but he is being extremely considerate about questioning her. (hide spoiler)]

The murder - (view spoiler)[I don't really have a good sense of who Pardon was yet. The only current motives I see are something related to one of his businesses or someone angry about him discovering a secret. (hide spoiler)]

[Keli]

Checking in for team Moaning Myrtle.

I'm looking forward to this. I've had it for so long.

[Keli]

Lily is intriguing. I, too, wondered about her scars and why she was so on edge. At first, I thought maybe she'd been committed when I got to the chapter on how she got them, wow Ms Harris can go dark.
I've no idea who could be the killer. But frankly, with the exception of Claude, it could honestly be anyone who has been introduced. My current thinking is (view spoiler)[ it's not Norvel, though I think he might be the creep who left the gift on the stairs for Lily. I think it's the preacher. It was the averageness passage. Pardon was nosy got something good on preacher boy, who only has his image, so can't stand to lose it, kills Pardon to keep his secret. He was probably sleeping with the chick in Pardon's apartment building. (hide spoiler)]

I'm not sure about Marshall, what do you think?

[Deanna]

Chapters 5 - 8

Lily - I agree the story behind the scars was darker than I expected. (view spoiler)[All things considered, I think she has adjusted extremely well since the only thing that bothered her with Marshall was feeling uncomfortable in a strange place. (hide spoiler)]

Marshall - (view spoiler)[He seems caring and patient enough to deal with her past. I hope the fact that he is in the middle of divorcing his wife doesn't cause trouble for Lily. (hide spoiler)]

The murderer - (view spoiler)[I'm honestly not sure. I agree no Norvel. The preacher seems a possibility, or someone else not introduced yet. (hide spoiler)]

[Keli]

Ok, so I finished tonight and I think this is my fave Charlaine Harris novel so far. I like Lily, Claude & Marshall. They're relatively normal and have sensible reactions. The ending had me wanting more. (view spoiler)[I hadn't really suspected the Yorks until she went back. I was still thinking we were about to find out that the good reverend had dipped his wick in Deadra & got caught by Pardon. I thought that the doll & cuffs thing was either Thea or the cop, John, in his lust for her. (hide spoiler)] All in, it was a pretty decent mystery. I'll add the next one to my tbr.
Have you read any other Harris books? What do you think of her style?

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Gah! I just returned this book to the library on Thursday as I didn't see this :-(

I will have to go grab it out again as i hadn't yet read it

[Keli]

Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "Gah! I just returned this book to the library on Thursday as I didn't see this :-(

I will have to go grab it out again as i hadn't yet read it"

Do get it out again. It's the best first book of all her series I've read.

[Deanna]

Finished!

Claude and Lily - (view spoiler)[I liked that they both reasoned to the same hidden location for the body. I was a little surprised the sheriff didn't have enough for a warrant after realizing the Yorks' alibi was not valid. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Keli wrote: "Have you read any other Harris books? What do you think of her style? "

I'm almost finished with her Midnight series and have read the first couple Sookie books. I enjoyed this one even without the paranormal element. I'll definitely continue with the series as well.

[Amy the book-bat]

Deanna wrote: "Keli wrote: "Have you read any other Harris books? What do you think of her style? "

I'm almost finished with her Midnight series and have read the first couple Sookie books. I enjoyed this one ev..."

I loved the Midnight, Texas series. I am hoping the TV adaptation comes back.
I also enjoyed the Sookie Stackhouse series quite a bit. I watched True Blood for the first 3 and a half seasons and it just got too far away from the books for me.

I did read this book several years ago, so I am joining the BR as a refresher. I hope to read the Aurora Teagarden series at some point as well.

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Just picked up my copy. Starting this tonight

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Amy "the book-bat" wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Keli wrote: "Have you read any other Harris books? What do you think of her style? "

I'm almost finished with her Midnight series and have read the first couple Sookie books. I enjo..."

I finished the Aurora Teagarden series recently and really enjoyed it. I also then watched the tv adaptation of it which was a little changed but still enjoyable.

I, too, loved the midnight series and need to look up the tv adaptation.

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

So I kind of got distracted by Lake Silence this afternoon so will start on this one as soon as i am done :-P

[Keli]

Amy "the book-bat" wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Keli wrote: "Have you read any other Harris books? What do you think of her style? "

I'm almost finished with her Midnight series and have read the first couple Sookie books. I enjo..."

I read the first one (Living Dead in Dallas is still sitting on my tbr bookshelf gathering dust. I might need to do a BR) and was shocked to read that Tara WASN'T Sookie's bf and that Lafayette dies straightaway. He was one of my fave characters in the series.

[Keli]

Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "Amy "the book-bat" wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Keli wrote: "Have you read any other Harris books? What do you think of her style? "

I'm almost finished with her Midnight series and have read the first ..."

The Others series is so good. It's not surprising that you got sucked into reading it. I still have to finish Etched in Bone. Argh, there are too many books to read. Just starting The Sealwoman's Gift before my next BR starts.

[Lauri]

Hi everyone! Checking in from Team Hermoine Granger....
I finished Shakespeare's Landlord earlier this month & am about to read Shakespeare's Champion, #2 in the series. Let me start by saying that I am a huge Charlaine Harris fan!! I love Sookie Stackhouse. I was so sorry when the series ended. I intentionally did not watch TrueBlood until I had finished all the books. I'm only on season 4 now, and while I enjoy the show, it's totally different from the book.

That being said, I didn't know that there was a TV show involving Midnight Texas! I enjoyed it as well as the books, but we all know that the book is always better!!

Don't laugh, but I put off reading Shakespeare because I thought it would literally be about William Shakespeare! More of a period mystery. Was I ever surprised! Ms. Harris is the master of odd heroines, and Lily Bard does not disappoint.

I loved that Lily was a karate practioner and that she took her training so seriously. You get that she has a dark secret right away, but really have no clue as to what it may be...

[Lauri]

Lily Herself:
(view spoiler)[ I thought that Lily might have been a bit 'challenged' at first, what with her odd jobs and walks at night. Then I realized that she was deeply disturbed and didn't want her new little town finding out about her mysterious and troubling past. People just would not react well to it when they found out. She was smart to keep quiet about it. In a big city it probably wouldn't have been such a huge deal, but in Shakespeare they're quick to judge you... (hide spoiler)] She actually turned out to be one of my favorite heroines. Very smart & quick on the uptake!

Marshall:
(view spoiler)[ I had some reservations about Marshall. He was undoubtably attractive to Lily especially because he was her instructor & therefore in a dominant role. Also he's very physically fit! I was just a bit sad that he was a married man. No matter how bat shit crazy the Mrs. may be.... He did seem to be very caring towards Lily, though. (hide spoiler)]

The rest of the townfolk:
Once again Ms. Harris has created a Southern town filled with eccentric characters! Some are lovely, others not quite as likeable... there are lots of secrets around!

[Deanna]

Lauri wrote: "Lily Herself:
[spoilers removed] She actually turned out to be one of my favorite heroines. Very smart & quick on the uptake!

Marshall:
[spoilers removed]

The rest of the townfolk:
Once again Ms...."

I agree about Lily. It was so nice to have an amateur detective who can think logically and make rational decision.

The town is definitely intriguing. I'm looking forward to learning more about the other characters as the series continues.

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Started this this morning on audio. About to start chapter 4. (view spoiler)[ very curious about Lily’s past. (hide spoiler)]

[Linda C]

From Team Newt
Picking this up tomorrow morning

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

So I am on page 164 and (view spoiler)[ a suddenly certain that the York's killed Pardon Albee and hid him briefly in their camper probably while Lily was putting the shopping away in their apartment.

I am thinking for whatever reason they left later than expected and maybe forgot to give their rent to Pardon like they forgot to pay Lily due to being so distraught over their granddaughter. For whatever reason, Pardon saw them leaving in the camper and demanded his rent, probably knew where they were going and made some comment about Sally deserving it or other comment and Alvee york lost it at him and hit and accidentally killed him. They then put him in the camper or maybe in their partment while drove to the trial sentencing but had to go back to move him for when Lily returned with their shopping so they put him back up in his aprtment then TL moved him in LILy's cart once he was sure everyone else was asleep. I am thinking the reason Alvee didn't want Lily to clean the camper is it hold some evidence that the Yorks killed Pardon. It would explain while Alvee is still so frail as she has the death on her conscience as well as what happened to her granddaughter. Now to read on and see if i am right :-P (hide spoiler)]

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Finished and (view spoiler)[ was cheered to know that I wasvery nearly correct in my theory :-) I did end up liking this more than i expected to when I first started it and it was definitely a good mystery to listen to. I will definitely be reading book number 2 :-)

It will be interesting to see in book 2 whether she starts a romance with Claude in book 2 or if she and Marshall (who i keep wanting to call Neil LOL) will get back to together (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "Finished..."

Claude and Marshall - (view spoiler)[I can't decide which one I would like to see her with. I like both. I'm definitely going to continue with the series as well. (hide spoiler)]

Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "So I am on page 164 ..."

Excellent theory and very close.

[Linda C]

read ch 1-5

Really liking Lily. (view spoiler)[I figured she was a rape victim that then got the blame, as often happens. But the crime was much worse than expected. I don't know what I would do in the same situation. I admire Lily for learning self defense and finding a way to protect her mental self; even though she has isolated herself to a degree. (hide spoiler)]

Marshall (view spoiler)[breaks through Lily's reserve to hear her story, but is still married and just separating from wife. Bad place to put Lily. Not sure if I like that. (hide spoiler)]

Claude (view spoiler)[ hints that he knows about Lily, but I don't have a sense that he will use it against her. I think he thinks she was the caller and wants her to talk to him. I think he is likely to end up as a friend by the end (hide spoiler)]
murder (view spoiler)[ Pardon knew something about everyone and had plenty of potential enemies, although most of them don't seem like killers. Norvel is creepiest, but probably a red herring (hide spoiler)]

[Linda C]

finished ch 6-9

Lily is strong and intelligent, such a welcome heroine for a cozy. Lots of baggage but different from the typical reason she moves to town and starts a new life. (view spoiler)[nice to see a heroine who doesn't do stupid stuff and who looks at a puzzle logically, going through each apartment owner. (hide spoiler)]

murder (view spoiler)[ I'm sure it's the Yorks and that it was a spontaneous reaction to something. I remember Lily's near miss of their trailer when it shouldn't have been there yet. It will come to her soon. (hide spoiler)]

[Keli]

Deanna wrote: "Lauri wrote: "Lily Herself:
[spoilers removed] She actually turned out to be one of my favorite heroines. Very smart & quick on the uptake!

Marshall:
[spoilers removed]

The rest of the townfolk:
..."

Me too. I like Lily too. And definitely like Claude. I also like that Ms Harris's protagonists are a good range in ages, that they're not all 20 something. If you want to do a BR for the next in the series I can start Aug 1.

[Keli]

Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "So I am on page 164 and a suddenly certain that the York's killed Pardon Albee and hid him briefly in their camper probably while Lily was putting the shopping away in their apartment.

I am think..."

Dang, Nikk how did you get it so fast?! If there is ever a Scooby -Doo or Agatha Christie Tower Teams, I'm going to beg to be on your team.

[Keli]

Linda C wrote: "read ch 1-5

Really liking Lily. [spoilers removed]

Marshall [spoilers removed]

Claude [spoilers removed] Pardon knew something about everyone and had plenty of potential enemies, although most o..."

I think when a relationship ends it's fair & reasonable to move on. Marshall stated his intention to his wife & moved out. And it wasn't until all that that he finally asked Lily out. Divorces are messy and can, sometime take awhile, I don't see a point in waiting before seizing one's chances.

Also, I can't believe you too are a super- sleuth like Nikk! How you two got it so quickly, I don't know.

[Linda C]

Keli wrote: "Linda C wrote: "read ch 1-5

Really liking Lily. [spoilers removed]

Marshall [spoilers removed]

Claude [spoilers removed] Pardon knew something about everyone and had plenty of potential enemies,..."

I sometimes take a good look at the characters that they dismiss right off the bat. Often the alibi is not all it seems and there is something that was seen in passing that tips you off.
When there is nothing to tip you off (even when you go back after reading the ending) then I think the author has fallen down on the job. After all the police have to have evidence to convict. So the reader should be able to find it also. That's the fun of the puzzle.

[Linda C]

ch 10-finish

Ah, as I expected. (view spoiler)[ I like the fact that the murder was a believable happening for someone who was not a typically violent man (hide spoiler)]

Really looking forward to following this series.

[Linda C]

Keli wrote: "If you want to do a BR for the next in the series I can start Aug 1. "

I'd be interested in that. I have the 2nd volume on my TBR shelf.

[Amy the book-bat]

Keli wrote: "Amy "the book-bat" wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Keli wrote: "Have you read any other Harris books? What do you think of her style? "

I'm almost finished with her Midnight series and have read the first ..."
I loved Lafayette. It sucked when he was killed so early in the books. I'm glad he lasted a lot longer in the show.

[Amy the book-bat]

Lily is a great character. Finding out her backstory was a shock the first time I read this. It was the one thing I could still remember about the book.

I'm wondering if I was in her situation and moving to a new town, would I have kept my name like she did or would I have changed it and become someone new.

She is a very intriguing character.

[Amy the book-bat]

Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "Amy "the book-bat" wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Keli wrote: "Have you read any other Harris books? What do you think of her style? "

I'm almost finished with her Midnight series and have read the first ..."

The first season of Midnight, Texas was last summer. I keep hoping it will be back but haven't heard anything yet. It was on NBC. I'm not sure if it has come out on DVD yet.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

I started this one today, later than I meant to - been meaning to all month - before the cut off

I read it years back but forgot everything about this first book.

I have read the series and did enjoy it pretty well, but again it's been a few years.

Charlaine Harris is a good writer overall.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

I'm really enjoying this re-read, almost done. It almost makes me want to re-read the series. I've been in a mystery mood.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Amy "the book-bat" wrote: "Lily is a great character. Finding out her backstory was a shock the first time I read this. It was the one thing I could still remember about the book. "

Her backstory was incredibly brutal.

I will admit I'm not crazy about Lily as a character - mainly due to her in other books, I think she acts a bit holier than thou at times - but I like how the author made a tough character shaped by a brutal past and is a strong woman.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Keli wrote: "Dang, Nikk how did you get it so fast?! If there is ever a Scooby -Doo or Agatha Christie Tower Teams, I'm going to beg to be on your team. "

That actually sounds like a fun Tower challenge in the future. We could have the Poes, Sherlocks, Scooby, Nancy Drew, Agathas, etc.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "I finished the Aurora Teagarden series recently and really enjoyed it. I also then watched the tv adaptation of it which was a little changed but still enjoyable...."

I had no idea they had a Teagarden series, will try it out.

I didn't like the Midnight series, but I used to watch True Blood. The Sookie books was excellent until around the last three, it was clear to me the author was forcing herself to keep writing them with renewed contracts and popularity but I dont think her heart was in it anymore.