The Stowaway

A Novel

By: James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

From writer, producer, and actor best known as "Murr" on the hit television shows Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index, James S. Murray, and co-writer 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, the head of the Psychology Department at Columbia University, sat on a jury for one of the most depraved cases ever to pass through the hallowed halls of City Hall. Wyatt Butler, an antique watch restorer and alleged serial killer, was portrayed in the courtroom as a brutal monster. But Maria had to make the tough choice. In good conscience, she couldn't convict him based purely on circumstantial evidence, and her deciding vote set Wyatt Butler free. The media soon outed her as the lone juror and her successful and quaint life was turned upside down. The victims of Wyatt's ritualistic killings never forgave her either.

Now, she and her family have decided to take a vacation to get away from everything: a two-week-long transatlantic cruise. Nothing, and nobody should be able to bother her there. With her two twins and her fiancé Steve, she is set to put the past behind her as soon as the ship leaves port. But when a passenger mysteriously disappears, Maria is left to wonder if maybe this was no coincidence. When another passenger is 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?

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

©1990 James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

I really enjoyed this book.

I heard an interview with the author on the Game of Crimes podcast and thought it sounded interesting. I found the plot well paced and the character's back story explored to the proper depth. I hope there are additional books to come!

Entertaining if not a Literary Masterpiece

The Stowaway was an easy listen. This is not to say that it is a showcase of literary mastery. It has some plot holes. It leaves some plot points hanging. It could be fleshed out more in some places. But, i thought the premise was unique, the story interesting, and the gore-factor excellent. The narration was fine. I don’t regret the use of my credit and would recommend this book as an easy entertainer.

Great read! I couldn't put it down :)

I will be honest...I literally bought this book wondering if "Murr" had any writing chops. I was amazed at how clearly he transitioned to great author. (I had no idea he had written any book, let alone 19 of them! He is not just a funny guy. This was honestly a great read. suspenseful. a little terrorizing. flowed quickly. great character building. Color me impressed. I was traveling yesterday and listed to all but 2 hours. I had to listen to it when I got home and finish the book! Already looking for which one of his books I am buying next!!

WOW! SURPRISE!

I saw the author talking about his new book on Fox and Friends and chuckled when he said there was a surprise at the end that we wouldn't see coming. I was intrigued. I am usually quite good at figuring out "surprise" endings so I thought, hey, I'll get the (audio) book and see what happens. Well, while I did predict the 'bad guy', my heart was RACING as I listened to the final few chapters on my drive home and - wow - INDEED there WAS a surprise that I didn't see coming. AT ALL! So - James was right. I was wrong. But I did the right thing by purchasing this book and strongly recommend. I will add a caution, however, to those who are squeamish with very unpleasant/gross descriptions of certain things. The interview with the authors at the end of the book was also very interesting and enjoyed it.

Gory, but an awesome story, couldn’t put it down

What a great book storyline and character development. Don’t miss this book you’ll regret it

just a quick thought

I really enjoyed the book I'm going to have to check out more by the authors

Mysterious

This book thanks to the narrator kept you attentive to what was happening. This book is mixed with all the best, like a whole dunnit

what a mystery!!! what such great detail....

love it , I couldn't stop listening. I'm gonna go listen again. amazing book. scary.

Just wow.

I started this book with no expectations. I like a crime thriller and I like Murr as a funny guy so I didn’t know what to expect.

The first part of the story has such a glaring inaccuracy that it almost ruined the whole book for me. A hung jury on a capital murder case would not result in the defendant being let go as and “acquittal.” There would be a new trial.

Once I suspended belief beyond that, I felt like some parts were hurried and some parts unnecessarily dragged out.

If you’re a true crime or crime fiction buff, this story may drive you crazy but it’s not a bad story. Quite entertaining at some points to where I caught myself yelling at the characters out loud.

jaw dropping

great story, constantly wanting to know what happens next. twist and truns. loved it!!! ❤