The whole thing is bloody, breathless, deliberately discomforting and outrageously gripping
Shots Magazine
The author constructs a closeted and claustrophobic atmosphere. The tension does not let up... The reader's expectation of a solution is continuously frustrated, the multiplicity of twists surprise, and those surprises keep coming'
Promoting Crime Fiction
It takes a certain type of writer to really get to the heart of a chilling tale and grip the reader throughout. Sebastian Fitzek has proven capable of that with his unique take on the crime thriller, using the open seas as the primary setting... Strong narrative movement and a unique plot let <i>Passenger 23</i> stand out in the genre'
Mystery and Suspense
A very complicated, very clever story set in a simultaneously vast but claustrophobic super-liner
Crime Review
<p><b>PRAISE FOR SEBASTIAN FITZEK</b>: <br /><br />'Fitzek's thrillers are breathtaking, full of wild twists' Harlan Coben. <br /><br />'Sebastian Fitzek is without question one of the crime world's most evocative storytellers. He always serves up an intense, impossible to put down thriller and <i>The Package</i> is no exception. A gripping read with a surprising twist, this one is not to be missed' Karin Slaughter. <br /><br />'Sebastian Fitzek is simply amazing. I truly hope that one day I will be able to create suspense and plot twists in the way only Sebastian can. A true Master of his craft' Chris Carter. <br /><br />'Spine-chilling... Masterful... Brilliant' <i>The Times</i>. <br /><br />'Dazzling' <i>Sunday Times</i>. <br /><br />'Grimly atmospheric' <i>Guardian</i>. <br /><br />'A breakneck ride'</p>
Big Issue
Every year, on average 23 people disappear without a trace from cruise ships.
No one has ever come back.
Until now.
Five years ago police psychologist Martin Schwartz lost his wife and son. They were holidaying on a cruise ship when they simply vanished, the case written off as a straightforward murder-suicide.
They are not the only parent-and-child pair to have disappeared from the ship in recent years – and yet, the authorities seem unconcerned.
But when a missing girl reappears – carrying Martin's son's beloved teddy bear – the police won't be able to avoid the truth that something sinister is lurking on board...
'Without question one of the crime world's most evocative storytellers' KARIN SLAUGHTER
'Fitzek's thrillers are breathtaking, full of wild twists' HARLAN COBEN
On average, 23 people per year disappear without a trace from cruise ships. Five years ago it was your wife and child who vanished while at sea. Never before has anyone come back. Until now. A high concept thriller.