ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – June 4, 2026 – Independent author R.W.K. Clark has announced the release of Dead in the Water, a science fiction horror thriller that combines survival suspense, viral outbreak horror, and psychological tension aboard an isolated cruise ship.

The novel begins during a family vacation when a young passenger is exposed to a dangerous pathogen while visiting Belize. What initially appears to be an isolated incident quickly escalates after the cruise ship departs, allowing the infection to spread rapidly among passengers and crew.

As the outbreak intensifies, survivors discover that the infected are far more dangerous than expected. Unlike traditional depictions of mindless zombies, the victims retain strategic thinking and coordination, creating a highly organized threat capable of overwhelming the remaining passengers.

At the center of the crisis is Ariana Harrington, a college student who must adapt quickly as the ship descends into chaos. While fighting to survive, she becomes one of the few individuals capable of warning authorities before the vessel reaches populated shores.

Meanwhile, investigators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention work to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent a larger catastrophe. As events unfold on both land and sea, the race to contain the virus becomes increasingly urgent.

Blending horror, suspense, and science fiction, Dead in the Water explores themes of isolation, survival, leadership, and the consequences of uncontrolled biological threats. The novel offers a fresh perspective on outbreak fiction by introducing adversaries capable of intelligence, planning, and adaptation.

“With Dead in the Water, I wanted to challenge expectations by creating an outbreak where the infected remain organized and dangerous in ways survivors do not anticipate,” said author R.W.K. Clark. “The confined setting of a cruise ship amplifies the tension while highlighting the resilience required to survive impossible circumstances.”

The novel is available in paperback, digital, and audiobook formats through major online retailers, including Amazon.

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Dead-in-the-Water/dp/B09WNF11ZX

About the Author

R.W.K. Clark is a bestselling author based in New Mexico with more than two million words published across multiple genres. Known for atmospheric storytelling, realistic dialogue, and emotionally complex characters, he writes psychological thrillers, horror, science fiction, and suspense novels that explore the depths of human nature and resilience.

MEDIA CONTACT:

R.W.K. Clark
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-505-459-3614
Website: rwkclark.com
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA