Picture a Massachusetts storyteller who spins tales so gripping they’d make your heart race faster than a jet on takeoff—meet Allan Leverone! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Leverone has carved a niche in the thriller and horror genres, blending supernatural suspense with pulse-pounding action. His acclaimed Paskagankee series and other works have earned him awards and a loyal fanbase, all while he balanced a high-stakes career as an air traffic controller.
With a knack for crafting stories that feel like Stephen King meets Michael Crichton, Leverone’s journey from a small-town reader to a literary star is as thrilling as his novels. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master of suspense!
The Making of Allan Leverone
Born in Ayer, Massachusetts, in 1959, Allan Leverone was a bookworm from the start, devouring Hardy Boys mysteries and Sherlock Holmes adventures. At age ten, he penned a chilling tale about a man lost in a snowstorm, found dead with a frozen tear on his cheek—a hint of the suspenseful style he’d later master. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 with a Business Administration degree, Leverone took an unexpected turn, joining the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller in 1982, a role he held for decades. But his passion for storytelling never faded, and in his downtime, he began crafting the novels that would define his career.
Allan Leverone’s Unforgettable Stories
Leverone’s bibliography, boasting nearly thirty novels and countless short stories, is a treasure trove of thrills and chills. His Paskagankee series, set in a fictional Maine town, is a standout, blending supernatural horror with small-town mystery. The first book, Paskagankee (2013), introduces readers to a cursed community plagued by ancient evils, while Revenant (2012) and Wellspring (2013) up the ante with Native American artifacts and myths like the Fountain of Youth. Fans praise the series for its fast pace and vivid characters, often comparing it to early Stephen King or Dean Koontz.
Beyond Paskagankee, Leverone’s Mr. Midnight (2013), a dark thriller about the bond between twins, was named one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of 2013. His Tracie Tanner thrillers, like Parallax View (2013), offer Cold War-era espionage with a breakneck pace, earning accolades from critics who call him “the successor to Michael Crichton.” Leverone’s style—taut, suspenseful, and rich with twists—keeps readers hooked, whether he’s exploring supernatural terrors or high-stakes conspiracies.
His short fiction is equally impressive, with a 2012 Derringer Award for his flash fiction piece “Lessons Learned” and a 2011 Pushcart Prize nomination. Leverone’s ability to weave compelling narratives in any format showcases his versatility and deep understanding of suspense.
Why Allan Leverone Matters
Allan Leverone’s impact lies in his ability to make readers feel the adrenaline of his stories, whether they’re navigating Paskagankee’s haunted woods or unraveling a global conspiracy. His dual career as an air traffic controller and author adds a layer of authenticity to his high-stakes plots, grounding even his most fantastical tales in real human tension. By blending horror, thriller, and noir, Leverone has carved out a unique space in genre fiction, inspiring aspiring writers to chase their creative dreams despite demanding day jobs.
His awards, including multiple Derringer Award finalist nods and bestseller list appearances, reflect his influence. Leverone’s stories resonate with readers who crave suspense that lingers long after the final page, cementing his legacy as a storyteller who thrives on keeping us on edge.
About Allan Leverone
- Born: 1959 in Ayer, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Paskagankee series, Mr. Midnight, Parallax View, Final Vector
- Awards: 2012 Derringer Award winner, 2011 Pushcart Prize nominee
- Career: Air traffic controller for over 25 years
Snag Paskagankee or Mr. Midnight and dive into Allan Leverone’s heart-pounding world of suspense! Whether you’re a thriller junkie or a horror fan, his stories will keep you up all night.