The Steel Van Man

By: Jason Stadtlander

Narrated by: J J Hosenfeld

In a sleepy coastal town north of Boston, a serial killer selects its victims using a unique code of ethics... Detective Stanley Devonshire is uncovering a trail of evidence in an attempt to determine exactly how the killer has managed to continue on its horrific rampage undiscovered for what appears to be eighty years with the exact same pattern. At the outset, there is no discernible thread of reason connecting the killings. So Stan enlists the help of his longtime friend from Marblehead, Detective Mark Brown. Stan is also joined forcibly by a stunning state police officer and an imposing federal agent who follow him along on a journey of revelation, twist after convoluted twist. Devonshire is certain he is close to solving the cases stacking up on his desk, but in his attempt to identify the elusive killer, he may become the hunters next victim.

©2017 Jason Stadtlander (P)2025 Jason Stadtlander

Complex Terrifying Thrills

In a quiet coastal town north of Boston, a serial killer has been hunting undetected for eighty years—following the same chilling pattern and a twisted personal code. Detective Stanley Devonshire pieces together a baffling trail with help from an old friend, a relentless state trooper, and a hard-edged federal agent. As the bodies stack up and the clues finally begin to align, each revelation leads to another brutal twist. Stan believes he’s closing in on the truth—until he realizes he may be the next target.

The author, Jason Stadtlander, crafts a fascinating and immersive story that steps inside the mind of a serial killer and flips the usual narrative on its head. Rather than simply presenting motives, he challenges the listener to wrestle with them. The dialogue feels natural, and the internal conflicts add meaningful psychological depth. Every character has a purpose and is fully developed, which keeps the story grounded and engaging. The twists are both subtle and surprising, quietly reshaping your assumptions and strengthening the connection between the listener and the unfolding mystery.

Narrator JJ Hosenfeld delivers a compelling performance that truly brings the story to life. His deep, steady voice and deliberate pacing create a strong presence, especially for the killer’s perspective. Distinct character voices and thoughtful tonal shifts make it easy to stay immersed from start to finish.

Overall, this audiobook is gripping and memorable. It carries a faint Dexter-like vibe, but feels more relatable and less eccentric. Together, Stadtlander’s writing and Hosenfeld’s narration create an experience that’s vivid, engaging, and well worth the listen.

There were no issues with the sound or quality of this audiobook.