“Shakespeare’s Trollop,” by Charlaine Harris

FM's ratings:

          1. Premise 9
          2. Prose 10
          3. Plot 9
          4. Characters 9
          5. Overall 9

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This is the fourth of a five-book series and they are all superb.  This series doesn’t feature the humor that Harris’ most popular series, the Sookie Stackhouse novels contains.  The writing here is actually darker, despite the absence of vampires and other supernatural horrors.  This is in keeping with the protagonist’s – Lily Bard’s – darker outlook on life due to experiences that have left her both physically and mentally scarred.  The first-person narrative is brilliantly done, and the small-town atmosphere is perfect throughout the book.  The pace is perfect as well, never eliciting a sigh for the author to get on with the story.  I can’t say enough good things about Charlaine Harris’ works.  Once again, she comes out on top as my favorite female writer.