The Seriously Strikey Advent Adventure: A Holiday Re-read

 I've had a relatively relaxing Thanksgiving holiday so far, thanks mainly to our decision to go out for the big turkey dinner rather than spend the day cooking. My dauther, son-in-law and grand-dog Gibson arrived today, so we enjoyed a nice day-after Thanksgiving i We got a huge Christmas tree today and will spend much of tomorrow decorating and watching football; my family never misses the Iron Bowl. 

It will probably be a few morew days before I get my office tree up, since I am having a light fixture installed and don't want to risk t getting knocked over in the installation process. But, I am especially excited to share a new ornament that was gifted to me by reader "Chilly Hollow." It's a beautiful needlepoint Denmark Street office, complete with holiday lights. Note the tinsel tree someone (presumably Pat or Robin) set up in the office window, and the conspicuous lack of decor in Strike's attic flat windows.  I really appreciate this reader's kindness and can't wait to get the Strike tree set up. 

I've been debating when to start the detailed re-read of The Hallmarked Man, and finally decided on a plan, at least through year's end. I'm going to try biweekly posts for the month of December, each overing 5-7 chapters or roughly 50 pages. This will allow me to get through Parts 1-3 before Christmas, and end with the lovely unveiling of Strike's charm bracelet gift to Robin just a couple of days before Christmas. For those wanting to read along, here is the schedule:

Tuesday, December 2nd: Chapters 1-7

Saturday, December 6th: Chapters 8-14

Tuesday, December 9th: Chapters 15-19. 

Saturday. December 13th: Chapters 20-25

Tuesday, December 16th: Chapters 26 -30

Saturday, December 20th, Chapters 31-36. 

Tuesday, December 23rd:  Chapters 37-41

I'll decide later whether to keep up that pace or change it up a bit in the new year. 

I will be looking both for previously missed clues to the mystery and insights into the mental health of both our protagonists,  especially Robin. In addition, I'll be, as always, on the lookout for thematic connections to other Strike books and to the Harry Potter series, in hopes of clarifying which Structural model works best for this series,  I hope many Strike Fans will read along.  In addition, please tune into the Strike and Ellacott files podcast every other Thursday; those ladies always have fascinating insights. 

Tak care and happy holidays to all of you who make the Farting Sofa Faculty Lounge merry and bright.