It’s the night before Hogswatch and it’s too quiet. Where is the big jolly fat man? Why is Death creeping down chimneys and trying to say Ho Ho Ho? The darkest night of the year is getting a lot darker … Susan the gothic governess has got to sort it out by morning, otherwise there won’t be a morning. Ever again. A festive feast of darkness and Death (but with jolly robins and tinsel too). As they say: You’d better watch out …

For my last book of the year I’m rereading Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather, which I started on Christmas Eve. Actually, I’ve got about three books on the go at the moment but really wanted to fit in this bit of light “holiday reading”. I’m about 2/3 of the way through and this morning the part where the wizards are comparing Hogswatch (“Christmas”) stories had me in tears and howling with laughter.  Reminiscing about family arguments, sulks, stupid games & rows, paper hats, board game gambling and disappointing presents… 🙂

So that brings my 2008 book list to an end. Almost a book a week. You’ll see lots of Pratchett (now Sir Terry) on that list, most of them rereads, as he is the most delightful remedy I know for when you’re feeling low and in need of intelligent yet humourous distraction.  And I have just received Maskerade – an wonderful and unexpected early birthday present from Silverstar – which will get the 2009 list off to an excellent start.