Pre-Hallmarked re-read of Troubled Blood starts July 21.

As I mentioned earlier, I am taking a break from blogging, then will resume with my final re-read before The Hallmarked Man:  the book that probably gets the most votes for people's favorite of the series, that cold case marvel, Troubled Blood.

As regular readers know, per the Double Wedding Band model (see here and here) I hypothesize that the 10-book Strike Series is written in two overlapping 7 part rings, with, in addition to the usual "leapfrog" pattern (even-numbered books connecting to evens; odds to odds) I am predicting thematic connections between the corresponding books on the ring. Thus, we saw lots of connections between Cuckoo's Calling (#1 on first ring) and Lethal White (#1 on second ring); between The Silkworm and Troubled Blood, between Career of Evil and The Ink Black Heart  and between Lethal White and The Running Grave.  Now, we are looking for connections between Troubled Blood and The Hallmarked Man. Even from the hints and previews I have identified two:  (Spoiler warning):The central mystery will involve the disappearance of parent with a young infant, and Christmas music (specifically, Silver Bells) will be featured. 

I hope you will join me in this last re-read!  Here is the schedule: 

• July 21: Chapters 1-8
• July 24: Chapters 9-14
• July 28: Chapters 15-20
• July 31: Chapters 31-27
• Aug. 4: Chapters 28-33
• Aug. 7: Chapters 34-38
• Aug. 11: Chapters 39-45
• Aug. 14: Chapters 46-50
• Aug. 18: Chapters 51-56
• Aug. 21: Chapters 57-62
• Aug. 25: Chapters 63-67
• Aug. 29: Chapters 68-73

See you in a few weeks!