29. Can't See The Christmas For The Trees

The Case of the Determined Decemberist

Hello, friend! Hope you’ve had a great week!

I put my Christmas tree up this week … BUT it’s ok, as it’s currently just brightly lit foliage - so Santa shouldn’t unexpectedly visit until we put the baubles on it. I mean, if someone wanted to put presents under there already, I wouldn’t be mad about it - but at the moment we’re just laying the ground work.

Do you have a tradition / set time when you put up all your Christmas decorations? When is an appropriate time to release the Kristmas Kraken?

Fishbird Catch of the Week

We post twice a week on Fishbird Central. This week’s catch included:

• Haunted Housemates!

  • In this post we read and review 3 books featuring questionable housemates! Is the house the problem - or are the people just a little … off? In Cherie Priest’s The Family Plot, a salvage crew unearths more than just dusty antiques. Pick up Gareth Rubin’s The Turnglass, and behold a labyrinthine tale of dual mysteries unfolding in a Victorian manor! Marcus Kliewer’s We Used to Live Here, tells a bone-chilling tale that blurs memory and terror! Each story will leave you questioning whether you’re ever truly alone at home ...

Check out the latest post here - Haunted Housemates!

• CWA Dagger Debut Award Nominees!

  • In this post we read and review 3 books that were shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger Awards! Bridget Walsh’s The Tumbling Girl (Shortlisted 2024) blends Victorian intrigue with a dash of theatre noir, Patricia Wolf’s Outback (Shortlisted 2023) delivers a gritty murder mystery set in the unforgiving Australian wilderness, and Alan Gillespie’s The Mash House (Shortlisted 2022) paints a vivid picture of rural Scotland hiding dark secrets. Some great reads to add to your Christmas stocking!

Check out the latest post here - CWA Dagger Debut Award Nominees!

Bucket List Brainstorming

Over the next week, I’m going to brainstorm a ‘December Bucket List’!

I’m determined that this year, I’m not going to let December - my birthday month! - whirl by in some kind of stress-tornado. It’s easy to get caught up in all the end-of-year preparations, and miss out on what is supposed to be a time of reflection, relaxation and rechargeamundo (definitely a word).

Now, this list won’t contain things you might be expecting - like “Go skydiving off the tallest bridge” or “Hire a submersible and visit Megalodon”. Instead, I’m thinking to add things like “Read a book by the water” or “Chase down an ice-cream van and get a soft-serve”.

But I might still go and see Megalodon if he’s free …

What would you add to your December Bucket List, that would prompt you to get the most out of the final month of the year?

Quick Fire Wrap Up

Currently Reading: ‘Two For Texas’ by James Lee Burke - Son Holland arrived in a Louisiana penal camp determined not to spend the rest of his days suffering in a chain gang - but he didn't imagine for one minute that in order to escape he would need to kill a man. Terrified for his life, he flees the state across the river to Texas, taking with him a beautiful Indian squaw and a fellow prisoner. As they make their way towards General Houston's infamous Texas Rangers they find themselves in the midst of the final tragic battle for the Alamo.

Currently Watching: I’m half-way through Season One of ‘The Penguin’ on Binge, and think Colin Farrell is doing an awesome job. If you’re looking for a gritty underworld show to watch, this might be up your street.

Currently Wondering: If you eat fish and chips by the ocean, can the fish sense that you’re nibbling on one of their own?

Wishes for the Week

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead, friend!

Just quietly, you’re one of the coolest people I know. For real. You’re out there in the world, living a life, cracking jokes, taking care of your loved ones and navigating social engagements like a pro. You should totally write a book. Or release a podcast. Or just buy yourself a muffin and a coffee and give yourself a pat on the back. Whatever feels right.

Take a second today and recognise what a great job you’re doing! x

Stay cool, punks.

‘Everyone wants a book for Christmas. Everyone.’ - Paddington Bear (probably)