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Requiem for Miriam: A murder, crime drama, paranormal novel.

Updated: Jul 25, 2023

5 Star Review




Book Description


Sidney and Miriam seem to be the perfect, successful New York couple, but their marriage is a tragic sham. When Sidney’s glamorous mistress, Tori, urges him to get rid of his troublesome wife, a murderous series of events ensues. Sidney kills Miriam in a rage, and with her last breath, she curses him. Tori dies horribly at the hands of a vengeful ghost, and Sidney goes on the run.


Maria, an ambitious young detective with a hidden psychic gift, is on the case. With the help of her Haitian lover, Raphaella, a spirited, rum-drinking voodoo expert, she tracks Sidney down and goes undercover to entrap him. But Maria soon finds herself in mortal danger from the man she is hunting.

Will Maria and Raphaella get their man? And will Miriam find the justice – and revenge – she seeks from beyond the grave?


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



Editorial Review


In Requiem for Miriam, author Len Handeland delivers a mesmerizing blend of murder, crime drama, and the paranormal, resulting in an enthralling and suspenseful novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Set against a New York City backdrop, Handeland introduces us to Sidney and Miriam, a seemingly perfect couple whose marriage hides a tragic secret.


When Sidney's alluring mistress, Tori, urges him to rid himself of his troublesome wife, a string of murderous events unfolds, leading to Miriam's untimely demise. However, her last breath carries a curse that sets in motion a spine-chilling chain of events. Tori, too, meets a horrifying fate at the hands of a vengeful ghost, leaving Sidney to flee in a desperate attempt to escape the consequences of his actions. Enter Maria, an ambitious young detective blessed with a hidden psychic gift. Driven by her relentless pursuit of justice, Maria takes up the daunting task of solving the case. With the aid of her Haitian lover, Raphaella, a spirited voodoo expert with a penchant for rum, Maria embarks on a gripping journey that pushes her to her limits. As they track down Sidney, Maria finds herself entangled in a perilous web, facing mortal danger from the very man she seeks to apprehend.


Handeland expertly weaves together the strands of crime, the supernatural, and the complexities of human emotion, resulting in a fast-paced and engaging narrative. The author's skillful execution of the plot ensures that readers are kept guessing until the final page. Each twist and turn deepens the suspense, leaving us eagerly awaiting the next revelation.


The characters in Requiem for Miriam are vividly drawn, possessing layers of depth and hidden motivations. Maria, with her unwavering determination, serves as a compelling protagonist, while Raphaella adds a delightful touch of mysticism and charm. Handeland deftly explores their relationship, showcasing their complementary skills and the unique dynamics of their partnership.


With precision and finesse, 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 Sidney.


Throughout the novel, justice and revenge collide, blurring the lines between the living and the dead.

Requiem for Miriam is an electrifying and addictive read, testament to Handeland's talent for crafting gripping narratives. The book's pace never falters, keeping readers engrossed from beginning to end. With its seamless fusion of genres and an unforgettable cast of characters, this novel is a standout addition to the crime thriller genre. Prepare to be captivated by Handeland's masterful storytelling as he takes you on a suspenseful and thrilling ride that will leave you breathless.


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About the Author




Len Handeland’s creativity took him from attending FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in Manhattan to hair. He studied fashion illustration, then, years later, a long and successful 27-year career in the hair industry as a sought-after hair stylist, hair colorist, and salon owner. Len owned a salon in San Francisco’s Union Square for nine years and two salons in the town of Sonoma, Wine Country; for eight years, now fully retired from hair, Len became a full-time writer in the spring of 2021.

Len is a dynamic award-winning writer specializing in fiction, specifically horror, paranormal, and crime drama novels. Len has enjoyed writing as far back as middle school. To further enhance and better his writing, Len has taken many creative writing classes and, in 2017, attended The San Francisco International Writer’s Conference, which inspired him to write his first book, “The Darkest Gift,” based on his love of vampires. He credits the late Anne Rice for being the author that inspired him the most to write his own dark vampire story. His first book earned him 5-star reviews from readers and professional book reviewers. His first novel became a finalist in the American book fest contest in the fall of 2021.

This spring, Len’s novel “The Darkest Gift” was awarded first place in the Bookfest 2022 awards in the category of Fiction/Horror. In addition, Len’s book and author interview were featured in the fall literature issue of “DeMode” magazine, with Len’s book named one of the ten must-read books of 2021. With the completion of Len’s second novel “Requiem for Miriam,” and his third based on his 27 years in the hair industry, “Tales from the Chair,” recently won first place in the "Firebird" book awards, he’s writing his fourth book (“Transplant - The evil that lurks deep within”) to release in the fall of 2022.




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