Finished audio 11-19-11, rating 3.5/5 , mystery, pub. 1996
Unabridged audio. 6.75 hours. Read by Julia Gibson.
Book 1 in the Lily Bard mystery series
Lily has cleaned houses for four years in Shakespeare, Arkansas. She knows things no one else does, but is careful to guard her own scarred past. She has no friends, but is somewhat obsessed with her self-defense classes. When she sees someone dumping a body in the middle of the night she investigates, only to find her ex-landlord dead in a plastic bag. Not wanting to get involved she makes an anonymous tip to the police chief.
Lily was distant at first, not wanting the reader to know her own past secrets, but as she opened herself up to a few people in Shakespeare we saw a Lily that could have friends and could have a normal life. She remained feisty and no-nonsense and easy to like. A few months after Gage was born, after I realized that I might never have time to really clean the house again, we hired someone to come twice a month and give the floors, bathrooms and kitchen a good cleaning. I’ve always wondered what she thinks of us based on our dirt. Reading about Lily gave me some idea!
There were a lot of characters and that means many potential suspects. The mystery was good and it was told nicely with Lily’s personal life and back story. I thought Harris did an excellent job of creating a unique character and a plausible murder mystery.
That being said I am not sure it was memorable enough for me to continue on with the series. I’m already so behind in so many series that I love that one book with Lily will probably be enough.
I checked this audio book out of the library.
Stacy's Books 
I think the book sounds okay but I wonder at the choice of title. It leads one to expect something entirely different and I was disappointed just by reading the blurb, without even getting to the book.
I did read the series, and while I didn’t *love* them, I do like Charlaine Harris and find her books good entertainment. I think the rest of the series is a little better than the first.
It was a great book to listen to in the car, so I can’t say for sure I won’t listen to more. Just won’t be seeking them out. I look forward to reading the Sookie series (read the first one last month).
After reading your review, all I could think was, gee, I wish I had someone come in twice a month to do some cleaning.
LOL! It actually took some convincing because it was so out of my reality and I finally caved because, well, even if I couldn’t keep up, Jason deserved a clean house. I told him we could do it til Gage turned 1 and then I’d have everything under control. Sigh. Now we’ve both gotten a little spoiled and she’s become a friend.
I’m sorry to see it wasn’t captivating enough for you to want to continue the series. I was thinking It might be one I’d enjoy.
Charlaine can tell a good story!
So many book bloggers rave about Charlaine Harris’ writing. I had the impression they were all paranormal. This one definitely appeals to me. I’m going to see if my library has it.
I still haven’t finished the Sookie series so I doubt very much that I’ll be getting to this one anytime soon 😦 Enjoyed your review Stacy
Hold on to that cleaning help for as long as you can. It was a sad day at our house when we no longer needed the help. ;o) I agree, it has to be an exceptional first book for me to continue with the series.
I picked up a few of these from a library sale so I won’t feel too bad if I don’t enjoy them enough to continue.
I’m behind on all of my series too although I do have a thing for Shakespeare. I haven’t heard of this one before so thanks for introducing me to it!
I haven’t read any of her books yet but I plan to!
I’m still with the Sookie series and haven’t got to the last few books. Thank you for introducing this one!
I didn’t know that Charlaine Harris wrote non-vampire novels also. Good to know about the series, but like you, I have a lot of cozies to read!