Some people have nothing better to do...

I'm currently reading THE MISCHIEF OF THE MISTLETOE by Lauren Willig. This is 7th of 7 in series featuring Eloise Kelly, a Harvard grad student writing her Ph.D. dissertation on spies of the late 18th and early 19th century, in the Pink Carnation romantic thriller series. Only this time Eloise isn't in it (and I'm with with that). Here is a description:

Arabella Dempsey's dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls' school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies... Reginald "Turnip"Fitzhugh-often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation- has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, "Meet me at Farley Castle," the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens'modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate twelve-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? Is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella's and Turnip's hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?

It was just published and has 352 pages. Usually the format of this series is going back and forth between present day and the Regency period of English versus French spies as Napoleon is making his moves. This book so far is sticking with just the historical time period (and I prefer it). This is heavily in the "romantic" side of the historical mystery genre but again, I don't mind.

Even though "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!" is on tonight, I don't think I'll take the time to watch it this time around. Otherwise, nothing is on tv for me so I may just read.

I've still got the flu or whatever but I think I've figured out the dizziness is from being dehydrated so I'm drinking a lot of water. If I'm not better after the weekend, I'll go to the clinic on Monday. What a bother.

Tomorrow at work they're having a costume contest for Halloween. I'm not dressing up but was somewhat tempted by coming as a "book worm" and digging up a sleeping bag and bringing a pile o' books. Ah well, not for me.

All right, off you go.

Much love,
PK the Bookeemonster