Thom Metzger (born September 2, 1956) is an American writer, musician, and historian. The author of both fiction and non-fiction, he is best known for his exploration of the esoteric and little known history of the Burned Over District of western New York State. As Leander Watts, he has published five YA novels. Metzger was born and raised in Rochester, NY, son of Robert G. and Lois M. (née Mercel) Metzger. He attended Gates-Chili High School before earning a BA (1978) and MLS (1979) at the Stat…