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The Stowaway
From internationally bestselling authors James Murray and Darren Wearmouth comes The Stowaway, a suspenseful masterpiece that leaves a cruise ship stranded at sea with a serial killer hiding aboard...
Two years ago, Maria Fontana was the deciding vote on a jury that set alleged serial killer Wyatt Butler free. Now, she and her family are enjoying vacation on a two week long transatlantic cruise. But when passengers are discovered brutally murdered in a similar way to Butler's ritualistic MO, the ship goes on lockdown. Maria, one of only twelve people in the world with intimate knowledge of the case, faces a perilous ticking clock. Is it a copycat? Or is she trapped on board with the bloodthirsty maniac she chose to set free?
Two years ago, Maria Fontana was the deciding vote on a jury that set alleged serial killer Wyatt Butler free. Now, she and her family are enjoying vacation on a two week long transatlantic cruise. But when passengers are discovered brutally murdered in a similar way to Butler's ritualistic MO, the ship goes on lockdown. Maria, one of only twelve people in the world with intimate knowledge of the case, faces a perilous ticking clock. Is it a copycat? Or is she trapped on board with the bloodthirsty maniac she chose to set free?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2021
139 people are currently reading
13575 people want to read
About the author
James S. Murray
9 books866 followersJames S. Murray is a writer, executive producer, and actor, best known as “Murr” on the hit television show Impractical Jokers on truTV and for his comedy troupe, the Tenderloins. He also served as the senior vice president of development for NorthSouth Productions for over a decade and is owner of Impractical Productions, Inc. Originally from Staten Island, he now lives in Manhattan. Awakened is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 720 reviews
March 4, 2025
SO BAD!
A serial killer is on loose and taunting the passengers. Especially one. Maria Fontana- she was on the jury that convicted him.
This was a train wreck that was a cruise ship!
From the beginning, I knew it was going to be like a B-rated horror movie that is just so bad.
So gratuitous, graphic, and gory that I skimmed all the parts. I'm not a big horror fan, but what bothered me was the murderer was targeting kids. No-no!
I would try these two authors again to see if they can stay campy and forget the formula based, absurd plot. One of the authors is a TV producer, so maybe this is his wheelhouse.
I almost jumped ship on this one.
September 25, 2021
DNF
I have listened to more than half of this audiobook and I can't go on. I had no idea that there would be gruesome, extremely detailed descriptions of murdered children who had been mutilated and staged.
I had thought that once we were past the trial, there would be something happening on board this ship, obviously, but again I was not prepared for the amount of gruesome details. I don't know how I will get these scenes out of my head!
I'm posting this on Goodreads as a trigger warning for those of us who can't tolerate child molestation/murder, etc.
I never would have chosen this audiobook if the description had mentioned anything about children being murdered.
The blurb for the book doesn't mention this. However now that I've read some readers reviews I do see the trigger about violence against children, but it is EXTREMELY GRUESOME AND GRAPHIC!!
I have listened to more than half of this audiobook and I can't go on. I had no idea that there would be gruesome, extremely detailed descriptions of murdered children who had been mutilated and staged.
I had thought that once we were past the trial, there would be something happening on board this ship, obviously, but again I was not prepared for the amount of gruesome details. I don't know how I will get these scenes out of my head!
I'm posting this on Goodreads as a trigger warning for those of us who can't tolerate child molestation/murder, etc.
I never would have chosen this audiobook if the description had mentioned anything about children being murdered.
The blurb for the book doesn't mention this. However now that I've read some readers reviews I do see the trigger about violence against children, but it is EXTREMELY GRUESOME AND GRAPHIC!!
December 8, 2021
Library Overdrive Audiobook…read by Barrie Kreinik (terrific narrator)
….7 hours and 54 minutes
Aloha friends….
How is Kauai, you might ask?
[NICE - THANK YOU!]…..
More than nice!!
…safe easy flight….arrived yesterday with a hurricane storm… but not bad - the storm has stopped —it’s beautiful & lush.
The chlorinated pool gave me lobster-red-burning skin this morning-so I’ll have to figure something out about ‘that’—
But ….
I’m really here to add my lackadaisical-vacation-mini book report.
“STOWAWAY”….. is written by a couple of authors I’ve never heard of.
I understand they have some TV shows? Are they any good should I watch them?
So……
I knew I should have had my head examined when I got to the part about a
decapitated head on board a vacation cruise —
But, my juices had already been flowing—(enjoying the courtroom beginning), still remembering old movies such as “A Few Good Men”, “The Juror”, Discloser”, The Lincoln Lawyer”… etc.
Trust me —the beginning was great… ‘hook-the-reader’ great.
Readers ‘might’ go bonkers— jump ship- when disturbing graphic visuals start happening —with children—
but for me, the tension-suspense and overall storyTELLING…. upstaged the - you- got - to - be F…… - kidding me -NO-WAY-OMG -really? details.
I didn’t want to jump ship— I admit to enjoying the bumpy ride…
It was a ‘huge’ surprise ending —ultimately a very gripping entertaining book….
That big boat - cruise-liner… never stops rocking ‘your’ boat.
….7 hours and 54 minutes
Aloha friends….
How is Kauai, you might ask?
[NICE - THANK YOU!]…..
More than nice!!
…safe easy flight….arrived yesterday with a hurricane storm… but not bad - the storm has stopped —it’s beautiful & lush.
The chlorinated pool gave me lobster-red-burning skin this morning-so I’ll have to figure something out about ‘that’—
But ….
I’m really here to add my lackadaisical-vacation-mini book report.
“STOWAWAY”….. is written by a couple of authors I’ve never heard of.
I understand they have some TV shows? Are they any good should I watch them?
So……
I knew I should have had my head examined when I got to the part about a
decapitated head on board a vacation cruise —
But, my juices had already been flowing—(enjoying the courtroom beginning), still remembering old movies such as “A Few Good Men”, “The Juror”, Discloser”, The Lincoln Lawyer”… etc.
Trust me —the beginning was great… ‘hook-the-reader’ great.
Readers ‘might’ go bonkers— jump ship- when disturbing graphic visuals start happening —with children—
but for me, the tension-suspense and overall storyTELLING…. upstaged the - you- got - to - be F…… - kidding me -NO-WAY-OMG -really? details.
I didn’t want to jump ship— I admit to enjoying the bumpy ride…
It was a ‘huge’ surprise ending —ultimately a very gripping entertaining book….
That big boat - cruise-liner… never stops rocking ‘your’ boat.
May 28, 2025
This is a fast pace suspenseful thriller. The characters where really developed, and I loved the suspense and twists in this book. Most of this book takes place on a cruise ship. I loved the cruise ship setting. This is not a book that builds up the scary suspense through the book, but this book you know their is something going on. The book is all about solving who is causing everything that is going on. The ending was so great in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Press) or author (James E. Murray and Darren Wearmouth) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
September 8, 2021
The Stowaway by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth is an incredibly fast paced thriller from start to finish. The begins with a jury trial but then jumps ahead in time for the rest of the story aboard a cruise ship. This is one thriller in which the killer is known from the start so it’s not a mystery to the identity but just how far he will go. I’d also add a trigger warning with this as some of it is incredibly graphic and not at all for the squeamish which includes violence against children.
Maria Fontana was one of the unlucky few that were chosen to serve on the jury for accused serial killer, Wyatt Butler. In the court of public opinion Wyatt Butler was guilty so when the verdict came in and someone voted to set him free the jurors were not very popular people. When the threats continued to come in and someone actually tracked Maria down and confronted her she made a public appearance asking the public to back down.
After everything that happened due to the trial Maria’s job as a professor became in question with the public up in arms over the innocent vote. Maria’s boss thought the best thing was for Maria to take a leave of absence and let things cool down. After two years of staying out of anyone’s sight or minds Maria thinks it’s about time she got back out there and continued her life so she agreed to a cruise with her family. Right after boarding the ship though things begin to happen that leads Maria to believe Wyatt Butler has followed her to sea.
First, let me take a step back when I said the killer was known in this one, I don’t want to make it sound like there is no guessing or mystery at all because as much as you know who was on trial his whereabouts on the ship is still a mystery. And let me add that as much as I read and guess outcomes I was wrong on my first guess so that added to my enjoyment. I will say though that I am a fan of cruising and for the most part I think the author kept that aspect as realistic as it could be to progress the story but I don’t think everything happening actually could happen on a ship. Overall though the suspense in this one was definitely there and it was one that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Maria Fontana was one of the unlucky few that were chosen to serve on the jury for accused serial killer, Wyatt Butler. In the court of public opinion Wyatt Butler was guilty so when the verdict came in and someone voted to set him free the jurors were not very popular people. When the threats continued to come in and someone actually tracked Maria down and confronted her she made a public appearance asking the public to back down.
After everything that happened due to the trial Maria’s job as a professor became in question with the public up in arms over the innocent vote. Maria’s boss thought the best thing was for Maria to take a leave of absence and let things cool down. After two years of staying out of anyone’s sight or minds Maria thinks it’s about time she got back out there and continued her life so she agreed to a cruise with her family. Right after boarding the ship though things begin to happen that leads Maria to believe Wyatt Butler has followed her to sea.
First, let me take a step back when I said the killer was known in this one, I don’t want to make it sound like there is no guessing or mystery at all because as much as you know who was on trial his whereabouts on the ship is still a mystery. And let me add that as much as I read and guess outcomes I was wrong on my first guess so that added to my enjoyment. I will say though that I am a fan of cruising and for the most part I think the author kept that aspect as realistic as it could be to progress the story but I don’t think everything happening actually could happen on a ship. Overall though the suspense in this one was definitely there and it was one that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 28, 2021
Damn, this one was a fun read (as much fun as you can have reading about a serial killer that targets children, anyway). It's not a perfect book by any means, but it was definitely entertaining; it's popcorn fiction, but it's popcorn fiction done well. It feels almost like the official novelization of a movie that doesn't exist (but one I'd go see). It was a pretty quick read due to the rapid fire pace of the novel. The authors don't waste much time with unnecessary information, side-plots, or character development.
At this point, if you've read some of my other reviews, you're probably thinking I'm fickle as hell. I complain A LOT about lack of/bad character development. Most of those books are character driven stories or a mix of character and plot. You really need to empathize or understand the characters' motivations for the story to work.
I'm okay with the lack of development in this case for a couple reasons. First, this was absolutely a plot driven book and the characters don't particularly matter. For the main character, she needed to 1) be a member of the jury, 2) be a psychologist/psychiatrist and 3) be a mother. Anything beyond that isn't really important to the character. The characters are cliche enough that you can pretty much fill in the rest of the details on your own. Second, the book doesn't take itself too seriously. Murray and Wearmouth know they're writing popcorn fiction and they fully embrace that. It may be a weak excuse, but it's all I got. I'm not going to hold a Fast & the Furious movie up to the same level of scrutiny as I would an Oscar contender.
I probably wrote a similar version of this review on all 3 books in the Awakened trilogy written by the same authors. This book isn't going to win any esteemed literary awards. It would make a great popcorn flick on the big screen. This book isn't going to change your life, but it's a good way to pass a few hours.
At this point, if you've read some of my other reviews, you're probably thinking I'm fickle as hell. I complain A LOT about lack of/bad character development. Most of those books are character driven stories or a mix of character and plot. You really need to empathize or understand the characters' motivations for the story to work.
I'm okay with the lack of development in this case for a couple reasons. First, this was absolutely a plot driven book and the characters don't particularly matter. For the main character, she needed to 1) be a member of the jury, 2) be a psychologist/psychiatrist and 3) be a mother. Anything beyond that isn't really important to the character. The characters are cliche enough that you can pretty much fill in the rest of the details on your own. Second, the book doesn't take itself too seriously. Murray and Wearmouth know they're writing popcorn fiction and they fully embrace that. It may be a weak excuse, but it's all I got. I'm not going to hold a Fast & the Furious movie up to the same level of scrutiny as I would an Oscar contender.
I probably wrote a similar version of this review on all 3 books in the Awakened trilogy written by the same authors. This book isn't going to win any esteemed literary awards. It would make a great popcorn flick on the big screen. This book isn't going to change your life, but it's a good way to pass a few hours.
September 13, 2021
This was an entertaining read! It reminded me of reading a Mary Higgins Clark book. There is a fascinating, although gruesome back story which pulls you right in. The chapters are short with many a cliffhanger pulling you onto the next one. The majority of the book takes place on a cruise ship which greatly ups the ante and there are plenty of red herring swimming out there in that ocean. The book is more plot than character-driven. I could see this being made into a Lifetime Movie and sometimes that is exactly what you are in the mood for.
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be next week Tuesday -- September 21st.
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be next week Tuesday -- September 21st.
September 22, 2021
Wow, readers. I am shooketh. Have you ever picked up a book and thought, 'who knows what I'll think of this one!?', and it blows your expectations out of the water? Well that just happened to me with this book.
I literally could not pull this book from my hands. I binge read this in one sitting and ultimately loved it. It was a LOT of fun, but also very dark and disturbing. The Stowaway reminded me of a dark, sinister, and gruesome version of The Woman in Cabin 10, but with more substance. I did not expect to jump into a book so quickly and be hypnotized by the narrative. The edge-of-your-seat plot developments just ooze from every page. I loved every minute of its fast-paced, popcorn thriller vibe.
I literally could not pull this book from my hands. I binge read this in one sitting and ultimately loved it. It was a LOT of fun, but also very dark and disturbing. The Stowaway reminded me of a dark, sinister, and gruesome version of The Woman in Cabin 10, but with more substance. I did not expect to jump into a book so quickly and be hypnotized by the narrative. The edge-of-your-seat plot developments just ooze from every page. I loved every minute of its fast-paced, popcorn thriller vibe.
October 16, 2021
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Stowaway by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth. This was the first book that I have read by this duo of very talented authors. Since both authors admitted during an interview at the conclusion of the audiobook that a sequel to The Stowaway was a real possibility, I am quite confident that I can look forward to reading more books by these authors. The audiobook was brilliantly narrated by the very talented Barrie Kreinik. The characters were unique and well developed. I particularly liked the character of Maria Fontana. She was strong, intelligent, loving, career oriented, a good mother, able to think clearly in very tense moments and determined to keep her family safe. Maria Fontana was the head of the psychology department at Columbia University.
Maria Fantana was picked as a juror for a very publicized case. Wyatt Butler, an antique watch restorer, was on trial for murdering children in horrific ways. The graphic photos submitted for evidence had all the jurors sick to their stomachs. How could such a monster exist? The jurors had the ability to convict him and put him away. One juror could not convict him though. That juror felt that the evidence was too circumstantial. Therefore, a mistrial was called and the deranged killer was set free. After the trial, Maria was suspected as being the juror that could not find Wyatt Butler guilty. It was hard for Maria to move past the trial. She and her family were being harassed and her dreams were still occupied by the gruesome images of those poor children that she saw in court. After much time, Maria was finally able to feel somewhat like her old self. Her boyfriend suggested that all of them, Maria, her twins and himself, should go on a cruise. It sounded like a great idea but was it?
The Stowaway was a fast paced, edge of your seat, suspenseful and thrilling murder mystery. The characters were believable and well developed but The Stowaway was most definitely plot driven. There were lots of twists and turns. It was very hard to pull myself away from listening to this audiobook. The ending was well done. I must warn you though that parts of this book were very disturbing. The authors did not spare any of the gruesome details of how the killer’s murder victims were killed but rather chose to describe them quite graphically. I cringed at some of the descriptions. Despite the graphically described scenes where the murdered children were discovered i really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading the next book by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Maria Fantana was picked as a juror for a very publicized case. Wyatt Butler, an antique watch restorer, was on trial for murdering children in horrific ways. The graphic photos submitted for evidence had all the jurors sick to their stomachs. How could such a monster exist? The jurors had the ability to convict him and put him away. One juror could not convict him though. That juror felt that the evidence was too circumstantial. Therefore, a mistrial was called and the deranged killer was set free. After the trial, Maria was suspected as being the juror that could not find Wyatt Butler guilty. It was hard for Maria to move past the trial. She and her family were being harassed and her dreams were still occupied by the gruesome images of those poor children that she saw in court. After much time, Maria was finally able to feel somewhat like her old self. Her boyfriend suggested that all of them, Maria, her twins and himself, should go on a cruise. It sounded like a great idea but was it?
The Stowaway was a fast paced, edge of your seat, suspenseful and thrilling murder mystery. The characters were believable and well developed but The Stowaway was most definitely plot driven. There were lots of twists and turns. It was very hard to pull myself away from listening to this audiobook. The ending was well done. I must warn you though that parts of this book were very disturbing. The authors did not spare any of the gruesome details of how the killer’s murder victims were killed but rather chose to describe them quite graphically. I cringed at some of the descriptions. Despite the graphically described scenes where the murdered children were discovered i really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading the next book by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 4, 2021
This is the paint-by-number equivalent of writing a novel. The plotting is competent, but none of the characters come to life.
Maria was on a jury deciding the fate of an alleged killer Wyatt Butler. One person didn’t vote guilty, and, as a result, every juror is subjected to threats in the weeks following the trial. As part of getting out of the public eye, Maria and her boyfriend and two kids go on a cruise. Not long into their voyage, dead bodies of passengers begin appearing, murdered in the same manner of the killer in the trial that Maria served on.
There is some fun stuff here, but the lack of the dimension to the characters make this unmemorable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES SEPTEMBER 21, 2021.
Maria was on a jury deciding the fate of an alleged killer Wyatt Butler. One person didn’t vote guilty, and, as a result, every juror is subjected to threats in the weeks following the trial. As part of getting out of the public eye, Maria and her boyfriend and two kids go on a cruise. Not long into their voyage, dead bodies of passengers begin appearing, murdered in the same manner of the killer in the trial that Maria served on.
There is some fun stuff here, but the lack of the dimension to the characters make this unmemorable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES SEPTEMBER 21, 2021.
September 11, 2021
Luxury trans-ocean cruises are everyone's fantasy of the perfect holiday, right? But what if you were trapped, stuck in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, with a serial killer on board? And you know you and your children are his ultimate goal? That's the predicament Maria Fontana finds herself in when she and her fiance Steve and her two young children go on a much needed cruise in an effort to close the chapter on a horrific ordeal in their lives. Maria was the deciding vote on the jury that set notorious killer Butler free two years ago. During the outrage that followed the trial, Maria stepped up and admitted casting the one not guilty vote in an effort to take the focus off the other jurors. As a result, she was chastised my friends, coworkers and on social media. Now two years later, she's trying to put the nightmare behind her and enjoy a vacation with her family. Imagine her horror when the mutilated bodies of young children are discovered on the ship . . . chopped into pieces exactly like Butler's signature killings. When ship authorities don't believe her when she tells them it must be Butler, she begins an investigation of her own . . . and becomes the hunted. She will protect her children even if it means giving her own life and so she sets a trap for the killer.
The Stowaway was chilling from beginning to end. I literally read this book in one setting, and yes, I read it with all the lights on. The threatening tone drives an escalating pace as Maria's desperation rises to the point of hysteria. The authors have penned a dark, intense thriller that gave me goosebumps. Before it was over, I suspected everyone of being Butler as he's a master of disguise. I also suspected others of being a copycat killer as a few well developed red herrings muddy the waters in this case. I highly recommend jumping into this one blind, and let this thriller carry you away as it did me. Fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers are going to devour this one!
4.5 Stars
*Special thanks to St. Martins Press for an arc of this book.
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
The Stowaway was chilling from beginning to end. I literally read this book in one setting, and yes, I read it with all the lights on. The threatening tone drives an escalating pace as Maria's desperation rises to the point of hysteria. The authors have penned a dark, intense thriller that gave me goosebumps. Before it was over, I suspected everyone of being Butler as he's a master of disguise. I also suspected others of being a copycat killer as a few well developed red herrings muddy the waters in this case. I highly recommend jumping into this one blind, and let this thriller carry you away as it did me. Fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers are going to devour this one!
4.5 Stars
*Special thanks to St. Martins Press for an arc of this book.
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
September 12, 2021
This writing duo knows how to keep readers entertained! This was a fast-paced thriller that wasn’t short on suspense. It was also unnerving. There are graphic descriptions and violence against children, so reader beware. If I’m ever on a cruise ship, I’m sure I’ll have flashbacks of these unsettling scenes!
I’ve never heard of either author, so I was pleasantly surprised that I found this story so enjoyable. And I now have two more writers to keep my eye on. There is an interview at the end of the audiobook and it sounds like we might have a chance to read more about kick-ass Maria Fontana.
Maria is on the jury of a high-profile trial. Wyatt Butler is accused of murdering children in some very horrific ways. Most of the story takes place on the cruise ship, so not a lot of time is spent on the trial.
One jury member didn’t vote guilty, which lead to a mistrial and Wyatt being set free. You can imagine the public outcry when this was announced! Without going into too much detail, Maria, her boyfriend, and her children end up on a cruise to escape the backlash this has caused. A cruise with a serial killer isn’t on my bucket list!
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: September 21, 2021
Audio: 11 hours
Recommend: Yes
#TheStowaway #JamesSMurray #DarrenWearmouth #NetGalley #AudiobookReview #Thriller #InExchangeForReview #ARC #Bookstagram #ThrillerObsessed #CruiseShip #Bookaholic
After publication, my reviews can be found at Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, GoodReads, Barnes and Noble, BookBub, NetGalley, and Edelweiss
@darrenwearmouth @jamessmurray @NetGalley @MacmillanAudio
I’ve never heard of either author, so I was pleasantly surprised that I found this story so enjoyable. And I now have two more writers to keep my eye on. There is an interview at the end of the audiobook and it sounds like we might have a chance to read more about kick-ass Maria Fontana.
Maria is on the jury of a high-profile trial. Wyatt Butler is accused of murdering children in some very horrific ways. Most of the story takes place on the cruise ship, so not a lot of time is spent on the trial.
One jury member didn’t vote guilty, which lead to a mistrial and Wyatt being set free. You can imagine the public outcry when this was announced! Without going into too much detail, Maria, her boyfriend, and her children end up on a cruise to escape the backlash this has caused. A cruise with a serial killer isn’t on my bucket list!
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: September 21, 2021
Audio: 11 hours
Recommend: Yes
#TheStowaway #JamesSMurray #DarrenWearmouth #NetGalley #AudiobookReview #Thriller #InExchangeForReview #ARC #Bookstagram #ThrillerObsessed #CruiseShip #Bookaholic
After publication, my reviews can be found at Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, GoodReads, Barnes and Noble, BookBub, NetGalley, and Edelweiss
@darrenwearmouth @jamessmurray @NetGalley @MacmillanAudio
July 26, 2021
Professor Maria Fontana served as a juror on a murder trial. Not just any murder trial but the murder trial of alleged child serial killer, Wyatt Butler.
It seemed like a slam dunk case but there were some inconsistencies and one juror can’t convict. Wyatt Butler goes free and public outcry ensues. People can’t believe that this man walks out a free man.
Who could let this man walk free? None other than Professor Maria Fontana.
After being criticized and vilified in the court of public opinion, Maria tries to resume her life with her two children and new boyfriend.
She and the family embark on a two week transatlantic cruise as a break and chance to get some rest.
Unfortunately rest and relaxation are not on the cruise ships list of activities. It looks like Murder, mayhem and a race to solve this mystery are the course of events for this open-water mystery.
Is Wyatt Butler onboard or a copycat committing murders that only a few including Maria know all the details. The clock is ticking on this ship as someone is onboard willing to stop at nothing.
This book is chilling and graphic in detail that gives the reader a very gruesome insight into the murder.
This edgy thriller is full of twists and turns including a surprise twist at the end.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #TheStowaway
It seemed like a slam dunk case but there were some inconsistencies and one juror can’t convict. Wyatt Butler goes free and public outcry ensues. People can’t believe that this man walks out a free man.
Who could let this man walk free? None other than Professor Maria Fontana.
After being criticized and vilified in the court of public opinion, Maria tries to resume her life with her two children and new boyfriend.
She and the family embark on a two week transatlantic cruise as a break and chance to get some rest.
Unfortunately rest and relaxation are not on the cruise ships list of activities. It looks like Murder, mayhem and a race to solve this mystery are the course of events for this open-water mystery.
Is Wyatt Butler onboard or a copycat committing murders that only a few including Maria know all the details. The clock is ticking on this ship as someone is onboard willing to stop at nothing.
This book is chilling and graphic in detail that gives the reader a very gruesome insight into the murder.
This edgy thriller is full of twists and turns including a surprise twist at the end.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #TheStowaway
December 23, 2021
This one was entertaining throughout, and I very guiltily gobbled it up!! So bad it was good? Perhaps?!!
Let's face it, this is not a literary masterpiece, nor did it attempt to be, which I appreciated. This kind of reminded me of those Christopher Pike books I couldn't read fast enough in high school (yes, I'm ancient!). If I could have, I would have read this in just one sitting, but work/family did not permit it. It's an insanely fast read and there wasn't one dull moment throughout. The fact that I have been on a cruise similar to this one only helped me connect with the story even that much more.
While some of the scenarios were incredibly unrealistic, I went with it and allowed myself to enjoy the ride. Same thing goes with the characters and their actions, motivations, etc. If you can allow yourself to do so, you'll probably love this one just as much as I did. I could see this transitioning to the silver screen very nicely, and won't be surprised in the least if it is - I know I'd go watch it!!
With all this being said, I'm definitely going to keep my eye on this writing duo, and I look forward to their forthcoming releases!!
Let's face it, this is not a literary masterpiece, nor did it attempt to be, which I appreciated. This kind of reminded me of those Christopher Pike books I couldn't read fast enough in high school (yes, I'm ancient!). If I could have, I would have read this in just one sitting, but work/family did not permit it. It's an insanely fast read and there wasn't one dull moment throughout. The fact that I have been on a cruise similar to this one only helped me connect with the story even that much more.
While some of the scenarios were incredibly unrealistic, I went with it and allowed myself to enjoy the ride. Same thing goes with the characters and their actions, motivations, etc. If you can allow yourself to do so, you'll probably love this one just as much as I did. I could see this transitioning to the silver screen very nicely, and won't be surprised in the least if it is - I know I'd go watch it!!
With all this being said, I'm definitely going to keep my eye on this writing duo, and I look forward to their forthcoming releases!!
January 6, 2023
Maria and her family go on a cruise to get away from the backlash of a trial where she had voted not guilty and let a child killer off. While on board people start being murdered in the same way the serial killer had killed.
This was a highly suspenseful read and I couldn’t hardly put it down!
This was a highly suspenseful read and I couldn’t hardly put it down!
October 7, 2021
The Stowaway
October 4, 2021
Book Review
The Stowaway
Darren Wearmouth & James S. Murray
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Wyatt Butler stood accused of the most heinous crimes: the brutal and senseless murder of eight children. The twelve jurors were forced to listen and view evidence of these heinous dismemberment murders of these eight innocents. Gruesome photos of the mutilated and dismembered children defiled their vision, but there was no DNA evidence and the police sketches provided by several eyewitnesses all looked different and didn’t resemble the so-called monster standing before them.
After weeks of deliberation the jury was still deadlocked, and one more final vote was made.
One juror voted to acquit, and the judge was forced to declare a mistrial and “the monster” was set free. The media and the victim’s families were outraged, as reflected in daily salacious headlines. They demanded to know the identity of the lone juror. All the jurors and their families were relentlessly harassed. One of the jurors, Maria Fontana was especially haunted by the situation.
Maria is a psychologist, and the head of the department at Columbia University, and took it upon herself after months of haranguing in the press, and even being confronted by a victim’s mother, to call a press conference. She declares that she was the lone juror, and implores everyone to stop the harassment of the jurors and their families. She’s forced by Columbia University to take a year-long sabbatical, while “things blew over.”
Just before returning to work, she and her twins, Christopher, and Chloe, along with her new fiancé Steve decide to take a “healing” vacation to get away from everything—a two-week long transatlantic cruise from New York to Southampton, England. A book has already been published by Jeremy Finch: “Wyatt Butler, The Ultimate Truth.” It contains an entire chapter devoted to slurring and bashing of Maria. Unfortunately, Maria can’t contain herself and confronts Finch at a bookstore signing session, where she makes a “spectacle of herself” by yelling that he’s a liar.
Once aboard the ship, events start to escalate in horrendous fashion. She’s already nervous that someone on board will recognize her. The passengers are talking amongst themselves: a rumor was spreading like wildfire. In one of the compartments a severed head of a man is found, casually placed upon the center of the bed, with a child’s Yankee baseball cap placed next to it. (Later we learn from the ship’s security team that a typewritten note was found: “If the judicial system can’t stop him …Who will?”) Soon after, a ten-year-old boy goes missing. Security footage of the ship’s cameras reveal his body going into the sea. A futile search by the crew in the icy Atlantic waters is to no avail. Shortly followed by the grisly discovery why the soft serve ice-cream machine has stopped working. The mechanic gets up on a ladder and removes the machine top, only to discover a collection of severed child body parts. Security has finally admitted that a “killer is on board.” Maria has long before come to this conclusion: “It’s him. He’s here.”
Murray and Wearmouth weave a suspenseful tale filled with escalating dread and unexpected twists and reveals. Multiple breadcrumbs and red herrings are strewn about for the reader, in this compelling page-turner, highlighted by well fleshed-out multi-layered characters. The well-executed prose drives this high-octane, adrenaline-soaked mystery, as a cat and mouse game develops between “the killer” and Maria.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully we will see more taught mysteries from this budding partnership.
.... Published at Mystery and Suspense.com .....
October 4, 2021
Book Review
The Stowaway
Darren Wearmouth & James S. Murray
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Wyatt Butler stood accused of the most heinous crimes: the brutal and senseless murder of eight children. The twelve jurors were forced to listen and view evidence of these heinous dismemberment murders of these eight innocents. Gruesome photos of the mutilated and dismembered children defiled their vision, but there was no DNA evidence and the police sketches provided by several eyewitnesses all looked different and didn’t resemble the so-called monster standing before them.
After weeks of deliberation the jury was still deadlocked, and one more final vote was made.
One juror voted to acquit, and the judge was forced to declare a mistrial and “the monster” was set free. The media and the victim’s families were outraged, as reflected in daily salacious headlines. They demanded to know the identity of the lone juror. All the jurors and their families were relentlessly harassed. One of the jurors, Maria Fontana was especially haunted by the situation.
Maria is a psychologist, and the head of the department at Columbia University, and took it upon herself after months of haranguing in the press, and even being confronted by a victim’s mother, to call a press conference. She declares that she was the lone juror, and implores everyone to stop the harassment of the jurors and their families. She’s forced by Columbia University to take a year-long sabbatical, while “things blew over.”
Just before returning to work, she and her twins, Christopher, and Chloe, along with her new fiancé Steve decide to take a “healing” vacation to get away from everything—a two-week long transatlantic cruise from New York to Southampton, England. A book has already been published by Jeremy Finch: “Wyatt Butler, The Ultimate Truth.” It contains an entire chapter devoted to slurring and bashing of Maria. Unfortunately, Maria can’t contain herself and confronts Finch at a bookstore signing session, where she makes a “spectacle of herself” by yelling that he’s a liar.
Once aboard the ship, events start to escalate in horrendous fashion. She’s already nervous that someone on board will recognize her. The passengers are talking amongst themselves: a rumor was spreading like wildfire. In one of the compartments a severed head of a man is found, casually placed upon the center of the bed, with a child’s Yankee baseball cap placed next to it. (Later we learn from the ship’s security team that a typewritten note was found: “If the judicial system can’t stop him …Who will?”) Soon after, a ten-year-old boy goes missing. Security footage of the ship’s cameras reveal his body going into the sea. A futile search by the crew in the icy Atlantic waters is to no avail. Shortly followed by the grisly discovery why the soft serve ice-cream machine has stopped working. The mechanic gets up on a ladder and removes the machine top, only to discover a collection of severed child body parts. Security has finally admitted that a “killer is on board.” Maria has long before come to this conclusion: “It’s him. He’s here.”
Murray and Wearmouth weave a suspenseful tale filled with escalating dread and unexpected twists and reveals. Multiple breadcrumbs and red herrings are strewn about for the reader, in this compelling page-turner, highlighted by well fleshed-out multi-layered characters. The well-executed prose drives this high-octane, adrenaline-soaked mystery, as a cat and mouse game develops between “the killer” and Maria.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully we will see more taught mysteries from this budding partnership.
.... Published at Mystery and Suspense.com .....
December 31, 2022
A campy (borderline corny), bloody thriller set aboard a cruise ship! They’re a bit ridiculous, but I love those authors. Everything I’ve read from them has been fun.
October 20, 2021
I should hate “The Stowaway” , but I don’t. I should hate it because it is written by a man who looks like a ferret and is the spokesperson for a company specializing in anal bleaching. I should hate the book because it strictly follows the James Patterson rules-for-writing-thrillers 101: 1) short chapters; 2) simplistic plotting; 3) writing at a fourth-grade level). I should hate the novel because it is so ri-goddamned-diculouly stupid. I should hate it because it is the type of popular literature crapola that gets picked up by a huge movie studio and is made into a big-budget summer actioner.
Yet, I found myself enjoying it, just like every other stupid novel that James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth have written. This is their fifth novel. I have read, and enjoyed, all of them.
In a nutshell: Maria Fontana, a psychologist, was the lone juror to find serial killer Wyatt Butler not guilty, resulting in a mistrial that set him free. Hated by the public and excoriated by the media, Ms. Fontana decides to take an Atlantic cruise with her fiancé and two children to get her mind off things. Midway through the cruise, victims start popping up, murdered in truly disgusting ways that eerily mirror the modus operandi of Butler. Either Butler is on board or someone who is a brilliant copycat, but in either case, Ms. Fontana is trapped on board a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic with someone who may want her dead.
Stupid, right? I mean, it sounds like a Patterson novel. And Patterson sucks balls.
And yet. Not even 20 pages into it I was hooked. I couldn’t put the fucker down. I stayed up much later than I planned just to finish the damn thing, and I liked it.
Not only that, I have already cast the movie in my head: Marisa Tomei as Maria Fontana, Michael Shannon as Wyatt Butler, and Anthony Mackie as Jake Reese, the ex-cop-turned-cruise-ship-head-of-security. This thing would make a shit-ton of money at the box office.
Murray and Wearmouth: I fucking hate your guts. Don’t stop writing these novels, though. Seriously, they’re great.
Yet, I found myself enjoying it, just like every other stupid novel that James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth have written. This is their fifth novel. I have read, and enjoyed, all of them.
In a nutshell: Maria Fontana, a psychologist, was the lone juror to find serial killer Wyatt Butler not guilty, resulting in a mistrial that set him free. Hated by the public and excoriated by the media, Ms. Fontana decides to take an Atlantic cruise with her fiancé and two children to get her mind off things. Midway through the cruise, victims start popping up, murdered in truly disgusting ways that eerily mirror the modus operandi of Butler. Either Butler is on board or someone who is a brilliant copycat, but in either case, Ms. Fontana is trapped on board a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic with someone who may want her dead.
Stupid, right? I mean, it sounds like a Patterson novel. And Patterson sucks balls.
And yet. Not even 20 pages into it I was hooked. I couldn’t put the fucker down. I stayed up much later than I planned just to finish the damn thing, and I liked it.
Not only that, I have already cast the movie in my head: Marisa Tomei as Maria Fontana, Michael Shannon as Wyatt Butler, and Anthony Mackie as Jake Reese, the ex-cop-turned-cruise-ship-head-of-security. This thing would make a shit-ton of money at the box office.
Murray and Wearmouth: I fucking hate your guts. Don’t stop writing these novels, though. Seriously, they’re great.
August 4, 2021
Somewhere between a 2.5 and 3 star: This is a quick. effective serial killer thriller that has the extra pizzazz of the cruise ship setting. That being said, I think the flat characterization made the stakes feel pretty low, which diminished the sense of suspense. Still, if you're looking for an entertaining thriller to give you your serial killer fix, this will do ya
June 12, 2021
A book about a stowaway on a cruise ship? Sign me up please! However, this book is so much more than that! Maria and fiancee Steve take Maria's twins, Christopher and Chloe on a cruise to escape the negative attention Maria has received after serving on a trial where an accused serial killer was acquitted. But this is not the cruise they hoped for as terror begins to reign almost as soon as they board and doesn't let up until the end. This book is chilling, dark, and graphic so know what you're getting into, but if you love a roller-coaster ride with edgy situations, read this!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 9, 2022
Quick with lots of action! Liked the cruise ship setting (somewhere I will likely never get to go again 😢🛳)
February 27, 2024
I loooooved this one.
It was so fast paced. It could have even been 50 pages longer imo.
There is some suspending disbelief in the outcomes from the killer. But I just think this was so much fun!
It was so fast paced. It could have even been 50 pages longer imo.
There is some suspending disbelief in the outcomes from the killer. But I just think this was so much fun!
April 8, 2023
the stowaway is a very entertaining book to read on your free time. it definitely hooks you in on the mystery of whodunit.
i will admit, uncovering the secret of who the killer was wasn’t that difficult, but the writing was in a nice pace in which certain situations wasn’t too prolonged to the point of boredom. so i was still satisfied with the ending and all. :)
i will admit, uncovering the secret of who the killer was wasn’t that difficult, but the writing was in a nice pace in which certain situations wasn’t too prolonged to the point of boredom. so i was still satisfied with the ending and all. :)
November 10, 2021
4.5 rounding up. I so hope there is a book 2.
Also fairly gorey if you're not in to that.
Also fairly gorey if you're not in to that.
September 8, 2021
After Maria serves on the jury during the trial of a serial killer, she finds it impossible to return to her normal life. Hounded by the press and public alike, she makes a decision that will have deadly consequences.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were relatable if not deeply developed and the plotline was engaging. Nothing too surprising here but the journey to get to the end had me turning the pages. I was especially intrigued by the killer and what motivated them.
This had a great pace to it with action and drama keeping me on the edge of my seat. I was pleasantly surprised at the non-cliffhanger ending that could be followed up with more of this heroine.
Multi POV
Not a romance
Triggers
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were relatable if not deeply developed and the plotline was engaging. Nothing too surprising here but the journey to get to the end had me turning the pages. I was especially intrigued by the killer and what motivated them.
This had a great pace to it with action and drama keeping me on the edge of my seat. I was pleasantly surprised at the non-cliffhanger ending that could be followed up with more of this heroine.
Multi POV
Not a romance
Triggers
November 27, 2021
3.5 stars
A fast, brutal, and silly roller coaster of a thriller, The Stowaway is 'dumb' in the best way possible; the 'murder spree on a cruise ship' premise has so much inherent appeal, I'm willing to forgive the cartoonish villain and convenient lapse in logic and logistic (no security cameras when you need them, people possessing superhuman strength, etc.).
The crime scenes are gory and elaborate in an over-the-top way reminiscent of the Final Destination film franchise (many of them deal with violence against children, so beware going in). The biggest letdown is perhaps the final confrontation with the villain, which reduces the supposedly cunning perpetrator to a mad baboon, and gets quickly eliminated — I had to re-read a couple pages in hope it was just a fake-out — alas the closure feels rushed and lacks the dramatic 'set piece' feel that permeates throughout the rest of the book.
Overall, The Stowaway packs a punch and delivers in an efficient, compact package; while the appeal is probably sustained by novelty rather than quality, I still had a blast!
A fast, brutal, and silly roller coaster of a thriller, The Stowaway is 'dumb' in the best way possible; the 'murder spree on a cruise ship' premise has so much inherent appeal, I'm willing to forgive the cartoonish villain and convenient lapse in logic and logistic (no security cameras when you need them, people possessing superhuman strength, etc.).
The crime scenes are gory and elaborate in an over-the-top way reminiscent of the Final Destination film franchise (many of them deal with violence against children, so beware going in). The biggest letdown is perhaps the final confrontation with the villain, which reduces the supposedly cunning perpetrator to a mad baboon, and gets quickly eliminated — I had to re-read a couple pages in hope it was just a fake-out — alas the closure feels rushed and lacks the dramatic 'set piece' feel that permeates throughout the rest of the book.
Overall, The Stowaway packs a punch and delivers in an efficient, compact package; while the appeal is probably sustained by novelty rather than quality, I still had a blast!
December 14, 2021
3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2021/12/12/...
As thrillers go, I suppose The Stowaway was serviceable. That said though, readers looking for something smarter or more sophisticated should probably look elsewhere, but on the other hand, if in-your-face bloody carnage and quick, sensational gimcrack thrills are more your speed, then it might be worth a look.
The bulk of this story takes place on a cruise ship, but two years before she embarked on that voyage from hell, protagonist Maria Fontana was a juror on a high-profile case that gripped the country. Charged with committing a string of gruesome child murders across the several states, alleged serial killer Wyatt Butler was set free due to a mistrial caused by a hung jury. After the public outcry, Maria eventually came forward and admitted on national television that she was the lone “not guilty” vote in order to protect her fellow jurors from harassment and death threats, though she in turn became the focus of all that vitriol. Later on, a book even came out about the trial which tried to smear her character and reputation as a psychologist. This led Maria to confront the author at a book signing, causing a scene that resulted in her forced sabbatical from the university at which she worked.
Fast forward to now, mere weeks before she is due back to work, Maria has decided to take a vacation with her family as a way to catch a break from the nightmare that her life has become in the last two years. She and her fiancé Steve have decided to take her two kids on a cruise to Europe, in what was supposed to be a week of relaxation and luxury across the Atlantic. Instead, the sighs turn into screams as a grisly discovery is made in an unoccupied stateroom. Then, kids on the ship start going missing, later found murdered in the most horrific, disturbing ways—almost exactly the way Wyatt Butler had killed his young victims. Had the way the trial played out been a terrible mistake, and a serial killer now roams free? Or might this be the work of a copycat, targeting Maria and her family for some reason?
Although I will probably seem harsh in my critique of this book, I just want to be clear that I believe all books serve a niche or a purpose, like I believe The Stowaway is going to appeal to readers in a certain mood for this type of thriller. By that, I mean here’s nothing really elegant about it; the bloodshed and descriptions of some of the brutal depravity in this book were clearly designed to shock and disgust, there’s no doubt about that. I also like to think I have a pretty strong stomach and high tolerance threshold for this kind of stuff, but even I felt a bit squeamish and queasy to read about this violence perpetrated on poor innocent children, so let that be a warning to prospective readers if content like that upsets you.
As for the story itself, admittedly the plot was rather formulaic and standard for its type. I’ve read the authors’ work before, the Awakened trilogy, so you could say I had the benefit of already knowing the kind of wild ride I was going to be in for. Not surprisingly, the pacing was breakneck, the twists and turns constant, but character development was minimal and perfunctory. It’s like the equivalent of watching a made-for-TV movie with C-list actors playing people you don’t care about—don’t want to care about, if I’m being honest, because let’s face it, you’re not there for the character development. It’s all about the popcorn thrills.
As dark and over-the-top as some of its themes were though, I do appreciate that the story doesn’t take itself too seriously. I listened to the audiobook edition, whose extras at the end included an exclusive interview with the authors, clearly great friends who have a lot of fun working together, which comes through in the writing.
Bottom line, I didn’t love The Stowaway, but I didn’t hate it either. In truth, I probably would have liked it more had it not been for the gratuitously gruesome parts; after all, I picked this one up for its popcorny aspects and, well, obviously the horrible descriptions of murdered children kind of put a damper on things. As long as you know what you’re in for though, it should make for a quick, entertaining read that will probably put you off the idea of cruises forever.
As thrillers go, I suppose The Stowaway was serviceable. That said though, readers looking for something smarter or more sophisticated should probably look elsewhere, but on the other hand, if in-your-face bloody carnage and quick, sensational gimcrack thrills are more your speed, then it might be worth a look.
The bulk of this story takes place on a cruise ship, but two years before she embarked on that voyage from hell, protagonist Maria Fontana was a juror on a high-profile case that gripped the country. Charged with committing a string of gruesome child murders across the several states, alleged serial killer Wyatt Butler was set free due to a mistrial caused by a hung jury. After the public outcry, Maria eventually came forward and admitted on national television that she was the lone “not guilty” vote in order to protect her fellow jurors from harassment and death threats, though she in turn became the focus of all that vitriol. Later on, a book even came out about the trial which tried to smear her character and reputation as a psychologist. This led Maria to confront the author at a book signing, causing a scene that resulted in her forced sabbatical from the university at which she worked.
Fast forward to now, mere weeks before she is due back to work, Maria has decided to take a vacation with her family as a way to catch a break from the nightmare that her life has become in the last two years. She and her fiancé Steve have decided to take her two kids on a cruise to Europe, in what was supposed to be a week of relaxation and luxury across the Atlantic. Instead, the sighs turn into screams as a grisly discovery is made in an unoccupied stateroom. Then, kids on the ship start going missing, later found murdered in the most horrific, disturbing ways—almost exactly the way Wyatt Butler had killed his young victims. Had the way the trial played out been a terrible mistake, and a serial killer now roams free? Or might this be the work of a copycat, targeting Maria and her family for some reason?
Although I will probably seem harsh in my critique of this book, I just want to be clear that I believe all books serve a niche or a purpose, like I believe The Stowaway is going to appeal to readers in a certain mood for this type of thriller. By that, I mean here’s nothing really elegant about it; the bloodshed and descriptions of some of the brutal depravity in this book were clearly designed to shock and disgust, there’s no doubt about that. I also like to think I have a pretty strong stomach and high tolerance threshold for this kind of stuff, but even I felt a bit squeamish and queasy to read about this violence perpetrated on poor innocent children, so let that be a warning to prospective readers if content like that upsets you.
As for the story itself, admittedly the plot was rather formulaic and standard for its type. I’ve read the authors’ work before, the Awakened trilogy, so you could say I had the benefit of already knowing the kind of wild ride I was going to be in for. Not surprisingly, the pacing was breakneck, the twists and turns constant, but character development was minimal and perfunctory. It’s like the equivalent of watching a made-for-TV movie with C-list actors playing people you don’t care about—don’t want to care about, if I’m being honest, because let’s face it, you’re not there for the character development. It’s all about the popcorn thrills.
As dark and over-the-top as some of its themes were though, I do appreciate that the story doesn’t take itself too seriously. I listened to the audiobook edition, whose extras at the end included an exclusive interview with the authors, clearly great friends who have a lot of fun working together, which comes through in the writing.
Bottom line, I didn’t love The Stowaway, but I didn’t hate it either. In truth, I probably would have liked it more had it not been for the gratuitously gruesome parts; after all, I picked this one up for its popcorny aspects and, well, obviously the horrible descriptions of murdered children kind of put a damper on things. As long as you know what you’re in for though, it should make for a quick, entertaining read that will probably put you off the idea of cruises forever.
September 25, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Warning ~ the description of the children's murders was very disturbing!
Story starts with Wyatt Butler’s trial. He is accused of brutally murdering many children.
Maria Fontana is a Psychologist on staff at Columbia University; she is holding the deciding vote on whether Butler is acquitted or guilty. She has created a stir as it seems everyone believes he is guilty.
Jeremy Finch is an author who wrote a bestselling novel about the trial and also some negative things about Maria. He is speaking at the local B & N. Maria and her boyfriend, Steve Brannagan attends the presentation. She not only accosts Finch but shouts profanities and when Steve drags her out, she has the ‘last word’ and gives the Finch the ‘bird’.
Hmm this does not over well with her supervisor at Columbia. Although supportive of Maria, he believes she needs a break a year to cool down the negative things going on.
In the meantime, Steve proposes and they decided to go on family cruise with her young twins ~ Christopher and Chloe.
Six days into the trip, nasty things are happening. A murder victim in found in an empty cabin and has been murdered in the chilling way of the accused Wyatt Butler.
Security has checked the ships manifest and it appears there is a stowaway.
Is the murderer following Maria?
If so, why since she was the one whose vote resulted in the acquittal?
I am a big psychological thriller fan…I know to
Expect twists and turns and to
Suspect everyone!
Yes! Twists and turns but missed the mark with my suspicions.
A page turner that kept me up last night!!!
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my honest professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 21, 2021
Warning ~ the description of the children's murders was very disturbing!
Story starts with Wyatt Butler’s trial. He is accused of brutally murdering many children.
Maria Fontana is a Psychologist on staff at Columbia University; she is holding the deciding vote on whether Butler is acquitted or guilty. She has created a stir as it seems everyone believes he is guilty.
Jeremy Finch is an author who wrote a bestselling novel about the trial and also some negative things about Maria. He is speaking at the local B & N. Maria and her boyfriend, Steve Brannagan attends the presentation. She not only accosts Finch but shouts profanities and when Steve drags her out, she has the ‘last word’ and gives the Finch the ‘bird’.
Hmm this does not over well with her supervisor at Columbia. Although supportive of Maria, he believes she needs a break a year to cool down the negative things going on.
In the meantime, Steve proposes and they decided to go on family cruise with her young twins ~ Christopher and Chloe.
Six days into the trip, nasty things are happening. A murder victim in found in an empty cabin and has been murdered in the chilling way of the accused Wyatt Butler.
Security has checked the ships manifest and it appears there is a stowaway.
Is the murderer following Maria?
If so, why since she was the one whose vote resulted in the acquittal?
I am a big psychological thriller fan…I know to
Expect twists and turns and to
Suspect everyone!
Yes! Twists and turns but missed the mark with my suspicions.
A page turner that kept me up last night!!!
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for my honest professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 21, 2021
December 24, 2021
Maria served on a jury for an alleged serial killer. She decided to vote not guilty, and it created some challenges in her life. She became the target of threats, and wants to get away for a while. She and her boyfriend and two kids go on a cruise. Soon a murder occurs, and Maria has to figure out if it’s the killer she set free or a copycat.
The Stowaway is a fast-paced plot driven thriller. Gruesome crimes against children make for a difficult read. Intriguing story that kept me interested in how it would end.
The Stowaway is a disturbing and twisty thriller. Fans of serial killer mysteries are likely to enjoy this one.
I received a digital copy of this book from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
The Stowaway is a fast-paced plot driven thriller. Gruesome crimes against children make for a difficult read. Intriguing story that kept me interested in how it would end.
The Stowaway is a disturbing and twisty thriller. Fans of serial killer mysteries are likely to enjoy this one.
I received a digital copy of this book from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2021
I was wrong!
This is one of those books where I was rather smugly certain that I knew exactly who was doing what and why…and I was so very wrong!
Even when I thought I knew everything, I loved the book. It’s incredibly suspenseful and simply horrifying. And when I found out how wrong I was, I loved it even more!
Expect a fast moving, intense and, at times, graphic roller coaster ride of a thriller! This is a book I simply didn’t want to put down – and when it was over, I just wanted more.
Excellent read!
*ARC via Net Galley
This is one of those books where I was rather smugly certain that I knew exactly who was doing what and why…and I was so very wrong!
Even when I thought I knew everything, I loved the book. It’s incredibly suspenseful and simply horrifying. And when I found out how wrong I was, I loved it even more!
Expect a fast moving, intense and, at times, graphic roller coaster ride of a thriller! This is a book I simply didn’t want to put down – and when it was over, I just wanted more.
Excellent read!
*ARC via Net Galley
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