Yes, I’m frazzled and can barely think straight again. You know what this means for you: a list!

1. I’ve been rather taken with the writing of Leander Watts lately. There’s no link there because the guy doesn’t have a website, nor does he have an entry in Wikipedia. But he should, as he’s the author of four swell young adult novels, the most recent being BEAUTIFUL CITY OF THE DEAD. STONECUTTER, which I finished today, was recently released in paperback. There’s also TEN THOUSAND CHARMS, which I read last week, and WILD RIDE TO HEAVEN, which I have not read, but will. BEAUTIFUL CITY is the only one that takes place in the present day, I believe; the others take place in early-to-mid 19th century upstate New York. Not quite New England, mind, but the spooky vibe of old-school Northeastern gothic is in full effect in all books, including BEAUTIFUL CITY. Which, incidentally, I will review for Endicott when I get a free second. Which is starting to feel like never.

Incidentally, “Leander Watts” is a pen name. I stumbled across his true identity entirely by accident, but I’m not going to give it away.

2. Actually, hrm. I do have a day off tomorrow, a comp day for the 180 hours over 15 days that I worked recently. I am conducting a Very Special Errand in the morning, then coming back here to finish up some freelance assignments and the next SCHEHERAZADE story.

3. Another notable YA book that I purchased recently but have not read: THE BLOOD CONFESSION by first-time novelist Alisa M. Libby. The main inspiration for the novel is the life of the infamous Hungarian “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory, who killed countless young women and bathed in their blood because she thought it would keep her young forever. I bought this novel because, well, frankly, attempting something like this takes some serious guts, in my opinion. I’m really looking forward to reading it.

4. Oh! And Chris Wooding has a new one, THE STORM THIEF, as does Francesca Lia Block, to which Terri gives a nod (though I can’t find the post right this second).

5. This week’s FROM THE LIBRARY, with Cherie Priest, is up now. Check it out.