About The Author

Len Handeland is a multi-award-winning writer of vampire, paranormal, and murder crime drama novels. Len has had a passion for writing since middle school. Significant milestones mark Len’s literary journey. His debut book, a recipient of 5-star reviews from readers and professional book reviewers, was a finalist in the American Bookfest contest in 2021. The following year, his novel "The Darkest Gift" clinched the top spot in the Bookfest 2022 awards in the category of Fiction/Horror. His book and author interview were also showcased in the fall literature issue of "DeMode" magazine, with his book earning a spot in the "10 must-read books of 2021."

The author’s other books include "Requiem for Miriam," a paranormal murder crime drama winner of the global award and the Literary Titan awards in 2022, and "Transplanted Evil," a psychological thriller winner of the Literary Titan award. Len’s fifth book, "The Darkest Passages," which is the sequel to "The Darkest Gift," was released in the spring of 2024, and recently won first place in the International Impact Book awards. With the completion of Len’s sixth book, "The Haunting of Wellsley Manor," which recently won an award from the International Review of Books, he started writing his seventh book, "Daywalker, half vampire, half human," which he hopes to release in the summer of 2025. In 2024, the author received the editor’s choice award from the prestigious London-based magazine, Readers’ House, in recognition of exceptional contributions to the world of literature and unwavering dedication to the craft of writing.

Additionally, Len is collaborating with a renowned screenwriter, Alan Roth, who is currently writing the screenplay for "The Haunting of Wellsley Manor," and will market it to various live-streaming networks and Hollywood studios.

My Books

The Darkest Gift

The Darkest Gift is an enthralling tale of love, betrayal, jealousy, revenge, and hate, set in Paris during the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as in Haiti and New Orleans in the 1980s. It features three vampires: Fabien Lévesque, Laurent Richelieu, and Stefan, Baron of Vitré, along with a human named Jack Devereaux, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Fabien, who is destroyed by his vampire maker and lover, Stefan, in a jealous fit of rage. The story is profoundly romantic and intertwined with historical fiction, vampirism, paranormal activity, death, destruction, and rebirth. Each moment is chilling and drenched in blood.

Requiem for Miriam

Requiem for Miriam is an international crime thriller set in 1980s Manhattan and Mexico, featuring paranormal elements. It tells the story of a highly successful man, Sidney Friedlander, who is trapped in a loveless marriage with his wife, Miriam, while engaged in a passionate affair with New York's top model, Tori Kessling. Together, they plot to commit murder; however, Miriam returns from the dead to demand justice and revenge, forcing Sidney to flee to Mexico to escape both the law and the vengeful spirit of his wife.

Transplanted Evil

Transplanted Evil is a psychological suspense thriller set in Charlestown, Massachusetts, featuring a young man named Marty Bowles and his obsession with a former classmate, Elizabeth Bennington. Marty's tendency toward violence and the occult propels him into a sinister and deadly journey, during which he becomes determined to be with Elizabeth at any cost.

The Darkest Passages

The Darkest Passages – the sequel to The Darkest Gift – Centuries ago, Fabien was turned into a vampire against his will by the relentless and evil vampire known as Stefan. Leaving New Orleans behind, he settles in San Francisco, where he encounters vampire royalty with a complicated history involving Stefan.

The Haunting of Wellsley Manor

The Haunting of Wellsley Manor is a paranormal tale steeped in dark and bloody history involving several families who lived in the mansion over the decades. When William Martens inherits his grandfather Isaiah's grand estate in Ithaca, New York, he is unaware of the mansion's violent past, which claws its way into the present, seeking to recreate the horrific events of the past. Wellsley Manor is a place where history refuses to stay buried and the dead speak.

Book Trailers

Requiem for Miriam

Requiem for Miriam

The Darkest Gift

The Darkest Gift

Transplanted Evil

Transplanted Evil

The Haunting of Wellsley Manor

The Haunting of Wellsley Manor

Testimonials

Readers Reviews

Alex Duvan – author of The Last Patient

Suspend your disbelief. Allow the art of the storyteller to guide you through twists and turns into the world of the undead. From 18th century Paris to the later part of 20th century New Orleans, vampires become real, spirits are summoned, physical and spiritual love survives all odds and good engages evil in an unwinnable battle. This novel will please the lovers of vampire tales.

Maria Abadesco

For those interested in Anne Rice “genre” this is a good read. Author carefully places time period and homo-eroticism in a mysterious way. Take a moment to glance and purchase!

Paul J

If you’re craving a story that blends suspense, eternal love, and a touch of history, The Darkest Gift by Len Handeland is a must-read. Spanning 19 chapters, this book sweeps you across 250 years of passion, lost, and unrelenting mystery. It masterfully weaves historical references with the dark allure of vampirism, keeping you hooked from start to finish. Each chapter unfolds like a cinematic moment—full of motion, drama, and emotion, with a constant undercurrent of suspense. You’ll find yourself torn between the thrill of the chase and the slow burn of a romance that defies time. It’s not just about vampires; it’s about what it means to be human, immortal, and in love.

Nick Inglis

Len Handeland's tale of vampire love and loss finally hands the spotlight to characters who have too often been left in the shadows of other tales. This wonderful story spans centuries and unflinchingly takes on difficult topics around relationships, love, and loss while telling the stories of fully-developed characters who just happen to be vampires, and just happen to be gay. These characters wrestle with their identities and relationships, and there are so many great twists and turns that it's impossible to predict where the story is going and further impossible to put the book down. It feels like there have been notable vampire ages with a primary author at the lead - Bram Stoker, Anne Rice, Charlaine Harris, all adding a layer of complexity to the vampire tradition... well, this book feels like the start of a new age of vampires and the Len Handeland era has begun.

RKL

This is a very well written novel and it is a delight to read. If you enjoy tales of the supernatural and if you are also open to a surprising erotic twist, this will give you hours of reading pleasure. Without question, this novel should be turned into a cult movie or a mini-series on HBO or Showtime. Hollywood where are you?

David Eugene Perry author of “Upon this Rock”

Len Handeland's debut novel reveals a world of love, lust, vampiric jealousy and human rage, all wrapped up in a tight gay bow. Perfect for those who loved Anne Rice. A fitting homage, as well, to New Orleans, easily the most atmospheric home for the good looking undead. Looking forward to Len's next book to take out a bite! :-) - David Perry

Alex Duvan author of “The Last Patient”

Lovers of fast-paced, action-filled murder novels will enjoy reading “Requiem for Miriam.” The characters are well-drawn, the tension is palpable, and the descriptions are detailed and realistic. I specifically appreciated Detective Maria Gonzales, unabated in her quest to catch famous Dr. Sidney Friedlander, who is on the run from his privileged Manhattan apartment after strangling with his bare hands his wife of many years. The detective follows the doctor all the way to beautiful Cancun, in Mexico, while the villain changes his appearance and experiences multiple paranormal encounters with his dead victim, reminiscent of Raskolnikov in Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment.

Javier

I was in a trance on the edge of my seat the entire time reading "Requiem for Miriam." It is difficult to find a book to keep me wanting more but Len's book did its magic. I took it all in like a fine wine or a perfect margarita. I particularly appreciated the accuracy and richness of detail of the year 1989. The paranormal angle added mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend this book!

Marchelle Carleton

I started this book on an international flight and found myself reading late into the night. The twists and turns throughout the book will keep you reading with anticipation until the very end. I love the mix of paranormal and voodoo that the author included in the book. I left the book at our Airbnb in San Sebastian Spain and hope the next guest enjoys this book. Very enjoyable and fun to read!

Jim Maloney

"Requiem" is a fresh new story from the author that ties in his first book in a surprising and delightful way. It's also a unique take on a murder mystery where the journey and the suspenseful twists and turns take a central role in the story. The chapters are fast-paced and action-packed. It's hard to put down once you've picked it up. Congratulations on another successful novel!

horrorfan2004

This book is really scary! It tells the story of Elizabeth, a young woman with a heart condition who is having visions of demons. It's also the story of Marty, a psychotic young man who goes on a killing spree while being urged on by a demon--the murder scenes are shocking and disturbing. How Elizabeth and Marty become forever connected to each other is a haunting story that stayed with me after I read the final page. Both characters are fully developed and three dimensional, the reader really gets to know who they are and what makes them tick. Superbly and vividly written, Transplanted Evil is the perfect book to read on a dark and stormy night. And PS: Hollywood take note, this book would make for a great movie!

Sarah Nelson-White

From start to finish I couldn’t put this book down. To start off you learn about Elizabeth and her health condition. The struggles she has as a teen, and then later on in life. You get a brief glimpse of Marty throughout Elizabeth’s scenes. Leading into the second half you get to learn more about Marty and his development into a serial killer. It’s definitely a different take on a possession, and a very interesting read with a few twists & turns along the way! I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

David Perry

Len Handeland's debut novel reveals a world of love, lust, vampiric jealousy and human rage, all wrapped up in a tight gay bow. Perfect for those who loved Anne Rice. A fitting homage, as well, to New Orleans, easily the most atmospheric home for the good looking undead. Looking forward to Len's next book to take out a bite!

Alex Duvan

Suspend your disbelief. Allow the art of the storyteller to guide you through twists and turns into the world of the undead. From 18th century Paris to the later part of 20th century New Orleans, vampires become real, spirits are summoned, physical and spiritual love survives all odds and good engages evil in an unwinnable battle. This novel will please the lovers of vampire tales.

Jesse Presgraves

“ешь, moving, and action-packed…Handeland delivers plenty of plot developments, intriguing characters, and otherworldly things in his engrossing debut. Plenty of twists and shocking revelations lead to the frenzied final act and the gratifying conclusion. Lovers of vampire tales will be gratified.”

David Perry

Len Handeland's debut novel reveals a world of love, lust, vampiric jealousy and human rage, all wrapped up in a tight gay bow. Perfect for those who loved Anne Rice. A fitting homage, as well, to New Orleans, easily the most atmospheric home for the good looking undead. Looking forward to Len's next book to take out a bite!

Stephen Mertens

Engaging Paranormal Mystery Set in a Familiar Place Len Handeland delivers again with The Haunting of Wellsley Manor—a gripping paranormal story set in Ithaca, NY. As a former resident, the setting added an eerie sense of familiarity that pulled me in even more. William Martens reconnects with his grandfather while at Cornell, but the real twist comes when he discovers the manor is haunted by its previous owners - trapped by a dark past. As William’s life takes a chilling turn, his wife Emily steps in to uncover the truth and seek help from an unexpected source. The pace is steady, the characters are well-developed, and the story blends past and present in a way that keeps you turning the pages. I’m excited to see Len continue to grow as an author - this one’s definitely worth a read!

Rick Evans

The author masterfully crafts a setting that feels both grand and claustrophobic, trapping readers in a world where history refuses to stay buried. The imagery is vivid and unsettling, The novel also excels in its psychological depth. While the hauntings provide plenty of terrifying moments, the true horror lies in the mansion’s ability to manipulate its inhabitants. readers are left questioning whether the true danger comes from external forces or the shadows lurking in one’s mind. With its slow-burning tension, compelling protagonist, and spine-chilling atmosphere, The Haunting of Wellsley Manor is a must-read for horror enthusiasts. Fans of gothic horror and supernatural thrillers will find themselves captivated—and haunted—long after turning the final page. I also did not expect the ending to be so emotional, something one does not typically anticipate in a horror novel. The weaving of the family story within the ghostly narrative brings real-life emotions to the experience of reading the novel, making it not just a chilling tale but also a profoundly moving one.

K Crumley

A very gripping, intriguing horror story that will keep you engaged until the very end. The use of foreshadowing and symbolism to tell the story is excellent, and the prose is very detailed and descriptive. While it left me with a few unanswered questions I do highly recommend this book.

Alex Duvan author of “The Last Patient”

In the century-old, haunted manor in quiet upstate New York, generations of occupants are terrorized and later brutally killed under the spell of a demon. It takes two teenage girls, a mother, and a voodoo queen to exorcise the power of the demon and destroy his mystical mirror. The story grabs the reader from the opening paragraph, and continues fast-paced, with clearly defined characters, a strong story arc, and scenes that often cause the readers’ hair to stand up. This novel is a great read and a true accomplishment in the genre of the paranormal.

Bruce Frasier

This is a thrilling chilling novel. I could not put it down I was gripped from the beginning. Fascinating tale and scary too! A must read

Professional Reviews

Lori Handeland, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightcreature Novels.

"For fans of bone-chilling, spine-tingling gothic haunted houses."

Cheryl Steele

“The Haunting of Wellsley Manor is a captivating paranormal story. The suspense and foreboding feel like watching a horror movie through the pages of a book,”

Mary Anderson, MJ reviews

"The tension and dark atmosphere of impending dread evoke the same experience as watching a dark, horror, or supernatural film,"

The Book Revue

“With precision and finesse Len Handeland creates a rich and immersive world, seamlessly blending elements of the Paranormal with the dark underbelly of crime. The international scope of the story adds an additional layer of intrigue, transporting readers across borders as they chase down the elusive Sidney.”

The Prairies Book Review

“A dark engrossing read.”

Literary Titan Award

“Requiem for Miriam is an engrossing and suspenseful supernatural mystery novel. I would definitely recommend this haunting novel to readers who enjoy the paranormal genre, or anyone looking for an eerie mystery. It will give you chills, make you laugh, and keep you guessing until the last page.”

~ I love Unique Books

“The story was set in the late 1980's and also offered a sneak peek into how things used to be in the past. It is a scary story of murder, suspense and horror.”

Ramona Portelli

“Requiem for Miriam is a pacey, international crime thriller with a paranormal twist that will keep you guessing until the final page.”

The Prairies Book Review

“Transplanted Evil: A supernatural suspense novel by Len Handeland ... An engrossing, satisfyingly unpredictable supernatural tale.”

I love unique books

“The Darkest Gift is a captivating vampire story that will engage readers and keep them turning the pages till the end.”

David Eugene Perry – author of “Upon this Rock”

“5.0 out of 5 stars If you're an Anne Rice fan, you've come to the right place! I really enjoyed the mix of romance and suspense in the historical settings of Paris and New Orleans in a story that spans centuries. I hope we see more of these sexy vampires who wrestle with the ethics of feasting on human blood. A great summer read!”

David Elijah Nahmod – author, and journalist the San Francisco Bay Times

“Len Handeland's debut novel The Darkest Gift is the perfect book to read on a dark and stormy night.”

The Prairies Book Review

“Fun, moving, action-packed.”

The Darkest Gift

Mentioned by De Mode magazine as being one of the top ten “must read” books of 2021 in their December 2021 issue. Winner first place: Bookfest award spring 2022. Winner first place in Horror: American Fiction Awards 2023.

Requiem for Miriam

Winner of the Literary Titan award in 2022 and Global Book Award 2022.

Transplanted Evil

Winner first place: the Global Book award 2023.

The Darkest Passages

The sequel to The Darkest Gift – winner first place, International Impact award 2024

The Haunting of Wellsley Manor

Second place winner of the Bookfest award spring 2025 and a glowing 5 star review and gold award by the International Review of Books – April 2025

Recent awards

Readers' House Editor's Choice Award for Literary Excellence