Picture a Boston storyteller who spins tales so chilling they’ll keep you up at night—meet Jacob Stone! The pen name of acclaimed author Dave Zeltserman, Jacob Stone has carved a niche in crime and horror with his pulse-pounding Morris Brick thrillers. From serial-killer showdowns to noir-soaked mysteries, Stone’s work hooks readers with its dark twists and sharp wit.
With novels like Small Crimes adapted into a Netflix film and multiple works hailed as ‘best of the year’ by the likes of NPR and the Washington Post, Stone’s stories are a masterclass in suspense. Ready to dive into his world of gritty detectives and devious killers? Let’s explore the man behind the pseudonym.
The Making of Jacob Stone
Born in Boston on May 23, 1959, Dave Zeltserman grew up with a love for storytelling that would later fuel his alter ego, Jacob Stone. A die-hard Patriots and Red Sox fan, Zeltserman balanced his creative pursuits with a knack for Kung Fu, eventually working toward a black belt. His early career saw him penning hardboiled crime novels, but it was his partnership with Kensington Books that birthed Jacob Stone—a pseudonym chosen for its simplicity and nod to his protagonist, Morris Brick. Zeltserman’s leap into thrillers was no accident; his knack for dark, psychological narratives made him a natural fit for the genre.
Jacob Stone’s Unforgettable Stories
As Jacob Stone, Zeltserman crafts the Morris Brick series, a collection of serial-killer thrillers that blend gruesome suspense with heart and humor. The series kicks off with Deranged, where former LAPD detective Morris Brick hunts the Skull Cracker Killer, only to face a copycat with even darker ambitions. Critics call it ‘grisly fun,’ praising its twists and topsy-turvy plot. Crazed, the second installment, introduces an interloper who upends Brick’s investigation, while Malicious unfolds like a ‘devious Rube Goldberg machine’ of crime. Unleashed, the fifth book, pits Brick against the Cupid Killer, a psychopath targeting lovers.
Stone’s style is a cocktail of rapid pacing, minimal profanity, and off-screen violence that lets readers’ imaginations run wild. His protagonist, Morris, is a relatable hero—flawed, family-oriented, and always accompanied by his lovable bull terrier, Parker. Whether flipping expectations or weaving psychological suspense, Stone’s stories are as unpredictable as they are addictive.
Why Jacob Stone Matters
Jacob Stone’s impact lies in his ability to elevate the thriller genre with smart, character-driven narratives. His Morris Brick series has earned praise from heavyweights like Max Allan Collins and Jeffery Deaver, who laud his knack for blending moral complexity with edge-of-your-seat tension. By writing accessible yet chilling tales, Stone has built a loyal fanbase and inspired a new wave of crime writers. His work’s translation into six languages and adaptation into films underscore his global reach, proving that great storytelling transcends borders.
- Born: May 23, 1959, Boston, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Deranged, Crazed, Malicious, Unleashed
- Awards: Shamus, Derringer, and two Ellery Queen Readers Choice awards (as Dave Zeltserman)
- Fun Fact: His bull terrier, Parker, is a fan-favorite character!
Snag Deranged and dive into Jacob Stone’s thrilling world of crime and suspense! Whether you’re a noir newbie or a seasoned thriller fan, his stories will leave you hungry for more.