Shakespeare's Champion is an excellent portrayal of a strong woman overcoming a violent kidnapping, assault, torture, and rape. Lily has started a new life in a small town in Arkansas. She has her own business cleaning house and doing odd jobs. In her free time Lily body builds and learns a form of martial arts. She hasn't made close relationships but has causal friends. This changes when she helps Jack, an undercover private detective. There are three murders in this small town and Lily gets caught up in the investigation. Racial tensions in this town are at an all-time high, resulting in a bombing of a black church. There is mystery, murder, and romance. I wouldn't want to spoil it for you. I have read and listened to this book many times. Charlaine Harris is an excellent writer, being the Champion of mystery, violence, and romance. She always keeps it real. She is not afraid to write about controversial topics, such as rape