Lecter writer Harris plans treat for Hannibal fans

Silence of the Lambs author Thomas Harris' new Hannibal Lecter novel - about the cannibal's early years - will hit bookstores this Christmas.

The book, Hannibal Rising, was originally slated to come out last year.

The book will be the fourth in Harris' Lecter bestselling series.

Harris has also been writing the screenplay for a film version of Hannibal Rising, which he's committed to finish by early 2007.