Multi-award-winning fiction writer
Len Handeland is a multi-award-winning author with a diverse career background. His journey from attending FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in Manhattan to a successful 27-year career in the hair industry as a sought-after hairstylist, hair colorist, and salon owner, is a testament to his versatility and adaptability. His creativity has always been a driving force, whether in fashion illustration or writing novels.
Len specializes in fiction, particularly horror, vampire, paranormal, supernatural, serial killer, and crime drama novels. His books, known for their intricate plots, creative characters, and unexpected, explosive endings, have won several awards, including The Spring 2022 Booksfest, Literary Titan, and Firebird Awards. He recently received an editor's choice award from the prestigious "Readers' House" magazine in London for his exceptional contributions to the world of literature and unwavering dedication to the craft of writing. The author has enjoyed writing since middle school.
Discover all of the author's books!
Embark on a journey through pages of imagination and emotion.
The Darkest Gift
This award-winning novel, which won first place in BookFest 2022, tells the story of Jack Devereaux as he struggles to come to terms with his sexuality. He meets Laurent Richelieu, who seems to be his perfect match, but their courtship is plagued by horrifying experiences involving paranormal phenomena and vampirism. Jack's sanity is tested as he delves deeper into this mysterious world. As he spends more time with Laurent, he uncovers a dark secret that could have dire, life-altering consequences. Is Laurent's love for Jack genuine, or is there a more sinister plot involving two vampires from Laurent's past—Stefan and Fabien? Can "Queen Raphaella," the self-described Voodoo High Priestess from Haiti, help alter Jack's fate, or is he destined to become a vampire, either at the hands of Stefan or Laurent?
Several Hollywood studios and live-streaming networks are considering adapting "The Darkest Gift" into a limited television series. This award-winning novel has also been adapted into a captivating and enthralling audiobook; see the link below! In 2021, Demode magazine's literary issue named it one of the top ten books to read, and Len's author interview appeared in this issue.
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"The Darkest Gift" is now available as an immersive audiobook with full music and sound effects, narrated by Nick Inglis.
The Darkest Passages
The author's fifth novel, "The Darkest Passages," is a sequel to "The Darkest Gift." It follows the story of Fabien Levesque, who becomes a reluctant vampire after being turned against his will by Stefan, his maker and ex-lover. The nightmare continues when the powerful voodoo high priestess Raphaella seeks revenge. With the voodoo priestess' help, Stefan possesses the body of Fabien's lover, Laurent Richelieu, forcing Fabien to flee New Orleans and seek refuge in San Francisco. He encounters vampire royalty and a renowned vampire hunter in an underground nightclub called the "Wolf's Eye" in the SOMA neighborhood. Fabien discovers that his allies also seek to defeat Stefan, and united vengeance is the obvious solution. However, he faces the challenge of persuading Raphaella to use her voodoo magic to release Stefan from Laurent's body and send him back to hell. If Fabien fails, mortals everywhere will become innocent victims of Stefan's unrelenting bloodlust, and soon, his vampire army will destroy all of humanity.
Requiem for Miriam
"Requiem for Miriam" is an award-winning novel (recipient of the Literary Titan award in 2023) that tells a captivating story of love, deception, anger, and the darker aspects of human nature. The narrative unfolds in Manhattan, New Orleans, and Mexico during the 1980s, centering around Sidney Friedlander, a man trapped in a loveless marriage. Seeking love and passion in his otherwise mundane life, Sidney becomes involved with a captivating woman who reignites the passion within him. Together, they plot to eliminate his troublesome wife in a sinister and diabolical scheme. This draws the attention of Maria Gonzalez, a spirited Puerto Rican detective, and her psychically gifted medium girlfriend, Raphaella, leading them on a harrowing and deadly pursuit to bring Sidney to justice. Meanwhile, the vengeful spirit of his wife is determined to seek revenge. This novel promises to captivate readers with its blend of suspense, intrigue, mystery, and paranormal activity.
Tales From The Chair
"Tales from the Chair" is the author's only nonfiction book, based on his experiences over the past twenty-seven years in the hair industry. It's a profession known for creativity, artistry, and self-expression. The book tells the story of the author's interactions with former coworkers and clients, some of which were positive and meaningful, while others were contentious. Some clients saw the author not only as their hair guru but also as their therapist. The book also covers the author's humble beginnings, struggles, failures, and triumphs as a sought-after hairstylist, colorist, best friend to some, and Bay Area hair salon owner. Welcome to the beautiful, wacky world of hair!"
Transplanted Evil
The author's fourth novel, "Transplanted Evil," is a supernatural suspense novel, some might even describe it as a psychological horror novel.
The story follows Elizabeth Bennington, a shy young girl raised in privilege with a distant and uncaring father and an overly protective mother outside of Boston in the neighboring town of Charlestown. Despite coming from wealth, Elizabeth was born with a congenital heart condition, which led to bullying at school, feelings of hopelessness, and a failed suicide attempt that was rescued by her parents. As a result, she is sent to Bourneville psychiatric hospital, where she undergoes transformative therapy sessions that dramatically improve her outlook on life. After a year, she is released. However, Elizabeth has a secret: she can see into the future and is haunted by recurring nightmares foreshadowing unspeakable acts of murder involving a mysterious young man with hair the color of a raven splattered with blood.
Marty Bowles attends school with Elizabeth and is deeply in love with her, almost to the point of obsession. Marty's violent behavior at school, his disturbing interest in killing stray animals, and his involvement with the black arts, including demonic worship, conjuring a demon named Kashgar, and possession, directly threaten her. The question arises: could Marty be the mysterious young man in her nightmares who will stop at nothing to gain her love and unite them with his sinister plan?