Welcome to the Official Website of William L. Harben

Author of the Award-Winning Paranormal Thriller “I’ve Been Waiting”

Step into a world where crime, conscience, and the supernatural collide.
William L. Harben’s debut novel I’ve Been Waiting blends the tension of a modern crime thriller with the haunting beauty of a ghost story. Readers are drawn into an unforgettable journey of revenge, guilt, and redemption. It is a story that grips from the first page and never lets go.

Discover the Mystery. Feel the Fear. Experience the Truth.

When narcotics agent John O’Roark loses his family in a brutal attack, his life descends into darkness. Haunted by recurring nightmares and ghostly visions, he sets out on a quest for justice that becomes a journey into his own soul. With his loyal partner Dex, John uncovers secrets buried deep within Boston’s criminal underworld and within himself.

Harben skillfully combines elements of psychological suspense, paranormal mystery, and moral drama into a gripping tale that asks one powerful question:

How far would you go to make peace with the past?

Order Your Copy Today

Immerse yourself in one of the most captivating paranormal thrillers of the year.
Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers.

About the author

William L. Harben is a Texas-born author, educator, and lifelong storyteller. His experience as a teacher and coach shaped his ability to inspire through storytelling, while his fascination with mystery and the unknown led him to writing. Today, Harben is recognized for blending real human emotion with supernatural intrigue, creating stories that challenge readers to think, feel, and question.

Award Recognition

American Writing Awards Finalist for Best New (Debut) Fiction

I’ve Been Waiting was selected as a Finalist at the 2022 American Writing Awards, standing out among hundreds of entries for its originality, emotional depth, and cinematic storytelling.

Readers Praise

This book had me hooked from chapter one. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere is chilling, and every page builds tension. John’s journey from revenge to revelation kept me guessing the whole way through. Angelica’s character gave me goosebumps — you think you know where the story’s going, but you don’t. I stayed up way too late finishing this, and I have zero regrets.

hard to put the book down. each chapter built upon the next. i felt like i was in the story trying to figure out what was going to happen next but never could. reminded me of the da vinci code! i wholeheartedly recommend this book and cannot wait to see what else comes next. i’ve been waiting

This detective mystery novel starts as tragedy comes to an earnest family man who must overcome his own personal loss in order to help two unfortunate women. Their story is told to him by a mysterious woman who may not be what she seems. A well written and awarded crime mystery novel by a new writer with a dose of spiritual paranormal! Your emotions will be tested during this roller coaster ride of a detective seeking justice for himself as well as two total strangers!

This book was such a good read that I went back and read it a second time to see if there was anything I missed! I do not read very many books more than once unless they really hook me! Hoping there will be a sequel in the future! Huge fan of stories like this one which includes mystery, action, drama, horror, hope, forgiveness, and faith in one! I would compare it to a crime mystery drama with a little bit of a Stephen King vibe in certain parts! Please read this book! You will not be disappointed!

The author paints scenes so vividly that you can almost smell the rain-soaked streets of Boston and feel the cold isolation of the Colorado mountains. There’s a cinematic quality to the pacing and imagery — I could easily imagine this being adapted into a movie or limited series. It’s dark, moody, and deeply atmospheric, perfect for fans of noir thrillers with a ghostly twist.

I enjoyed reading this page turner. The characters are so well written I could imagine each one as though I had met them myself. The story has suspense and surprises that kept me up late not wanting to put it down. I would definitely read a sequel or another book by the author.

John and Dex feel like people you’ve known your whole life — flawed, loyal, and deeply human. I loved Dex’s stutter and vulnerability; it made him stand out in a genre filled with tough-guy partners. Their friendship is the emotional heart of the story, grounding the supernatural moments in something genuine. By the end, I didn’t want to say goodbye to them.

I’ve Been Waiting feels like a movie playing in your head — gritty, emotional, and beautifully haunting. The writing is vivid without being overdone, and the characters feel painfully real. The way guilt and forgiveness are explored hit close to home for me. If you’re into supernatural thrillers with real emotional weight, this book deserves a spot on your shelf.

I read a lot of thrillers, but this one stands out because it actually means something. It’s not just about solving a mystery — it’s about facing your past and finding redemption in the most unexpected ways. The Colorado setting is described so vividly you can almost feel the cold mountain air. By the time I realized who Angelica really was, my jaw was on the floor. Brilliantly written and emotionally satisfying.

I went in expecting a standard detective story, but I’ve Been Waiting surprised me. It’s emotional, eerie, and full of moral tension. John’s guilt and his desperate search for truth felt so real that I actually teared up at a few points. The dynamic between John and Dex added the perfect balance of loyalty and humanity. The supernatural element was unexpected but made perfect sense in the end. Highly recommend to anyone who loves thrillers with heart and depth.

I’ve Been Waiting completely pulled me in from the first page. John O’Roark is such a deeply human character — flawed, broken, and determined. The story blends crime, grief, and the supernatural so seamlessly that I found myself questioning what was real right alongside him. The twists in this book hit hard, and that ending… I’m still thinking about it.

Definitely a page turner. It moves along quickly and there are enough twists to keep you guessing. I'm looking forward to the next in what I hope to be a series.

This book was very interesting. Especially to people who enjoy the supernatural but want an ending that ties everything together and leaves you satisfied.

This detective mystery novel starts as tragedy comes to an earnest family man who must overcome his own personal loss in order to help two unfortunate women. Their story is told to him by a mysterious woman who may not be what she seems. A roller coaster ride of a detective seeking justice for himself as well as two total strangers!

Amazing story! This has everything from choices, loss, the haunting past, karma, and much more… Fantastic author.

Fantastic book, easy to read, hard to put down. Great suspense and left you wanting more.

I really enjoyed this book! Easy to read and a great story with mystery, drama, friendship, and surprises!

Enjoyed the book. It was an emotional roller coaster. Felt part of the journey with John. Very captivating. Will look forward to more novels from William Harben.

I personally haven’t read it yet but I am excited to! And as a current student of his it's really cool to see his work.

“This book was such a good read that I went back and read it a second time! Huge fan of stories like this one which includes mystery, action, drama, horror, hope, forgiveness, and faith in one.

It was a fun book to read, the kind you want to stay up a little later to see what happens next. A lot of themes coming together at its conclusion.

Very Good Read! Captivating!

Mr. Harben has written an entertaining and engaging novel. Highly recommended!

This was a great book that I didn’t want to put down! It was full of surprises, drama, and suspense!

This book was the perfect mix of excitement, suspense, and intelligence. Thrills throughout and an ending that keeps you guessing!

Very good story line and each chapter left me wanting to know more. Couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.

What a fun read this book is! This was the perfect vacation book… light and easy with a few unexpected twists.

It kept me guessing throughout. This author gave his first book some of everything. Suspense, drama, spiritual, emotion, and a bit of sci-fi. For a new timer, this author has written a winner! Bring on the sequel!

This is a must read. Kept you wanting to continue reading to see what happens next. The book would make a great movie.

Such a good read! Loved the mystery and the paranormal side. Highly recommend!

Well written, page turner. Mix of mystical, spiritual, and detective work. A good vacation escape read.

A compelling spooky crime mystery about cold case resolution and redemption for a narcotics detective nearly destroyed by tragedy. A light but gripping read.