Dan Harary, a long-time Hollywood publicist and author, has released his fifth book, FIVE, a novella exploring the concept of reincarnation within a dark fictional narrative. Known for his interest in paranormal topics, Harary blends historical references, crime, and supernatural elements in this latest work.
Harary’s personal connection to the concept of reincarnation plays a central role in the book. “About 30 years ago, a well-known psychic told me that I used to be a famous actor in the Hungarian Theater,” Harary shared. This experience became a key influence in the creation of one of the novella’s main characters, Feival Vados, a 19th-century actor in Budapest. “I crafted my idea for a lead character into Feival Vados, who was a renowned actor in Budapest in the 1870s,” Harary explained.
The novella’s other central character takes inspiration from Harary’s own brief experience working with a famous musician. “When I was 16 years old, I worked briefly with Bruce Springsteen—the year was 1973, and Bruce was not yet famous,” he recalls. Harary imagined a darker version of this scenario: “What if a beloved rock star performed legendary shows and, later at night, stalked the streets and murdered women?”
From this premise, Billy Simon, a fictional musician, emerges as a beloved performer with a hidden life. Simon’s character reflects the tension between public adoration and private turmoil. The storyline follows his rise to fame but also his involvement in mysterious deaths and darker events. This combination of music, fame, and crime forms the backbone of the plot, setting the stage for a journey through complex themes.
Harary explained that FIVE blends several genres, including crime fiction and historical elements. “I wrote this book as a work of dark fiction, mixing together themes of crime, historical references, theater, music, pop culture, and sexuality,” he said. Harary added that he believes the story will resonate with readers interested in paranormal fiction, crime stories and those curious about the idea of reincarnation.
One of the distinguishing features of FIVE is its narrative structure, which shifts between different time periods and settings. From 19th-century Europe to contemporary American cities, the novella explores the lives of its two main characters and their connection across time. Through cryptic events, reincarnations, and mysterious deaths, the book aims to challenge readers’ perceptions of reality and fiction.
Harary also shared insight into his creative process. “When I walk my five miles, I write books in my head,” he said, explaining how the idea for FIVE came to him during his daily walks. This method of developing stories has been a key part of his writing process, allowing him to merge ideas over time into a cohesive narrative.
The novella has already garnered attention from early readers. Richard Reich, a reviewer, described the book as an engaging read: “Enter the minds of Feival Vados and Billy Simon in this tale of a serial killer. Dan Harary takes us on a journey through two centuries, weaving a short and tight story about a cursed soul. Dan shows his skill in crafting a dark tale drawn from his creative imagination.”
Reich’s review highlights the novella’s focus on psychological depth, historical settings, and its suspenseful nature. FIVE intertwines themes of reincarnation and crime to explore deeper questions about identity, fame, and the consequences of past actions.
Harary’s new novella adds to his body of work, which often includes paranormal and unexplained phenomena. With a storyline that includes cryptids, reincarnation, and unexpected plot twists, FIVE provides readers with a mix of suspense and thought-provoking ideas.
For fans of dark fiction, paranormal mysteries, and stories that blend the past and present, FIVE offers a fresh take on the genre. Dan Harary’s latest work invites readers into a world where historical and contemporary elements collide, leaving them with questions about the boundaries of life, death and what might lie beyond.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
