‘This is long-form investigative journalism at its finest. A riveting and thorough account of how complicated crime syndicates manouvre through murky globalised channels and how multilateral efforts by law enforcement agencies worldwide attempt to distribute justice.’ STARRED REVIEW
Library Journal
‘This 110-day, round-the-world pursuit of a rogue trawler reads like a noir thriller ... recorded with flair and precision. The book promises all the pleasures of a crime novel, but it is after bigger game.’ FIVE STARS
Telegraph
‘Delivers a true story that reads like a spy novel, peppered with scary organised crime villains, charismatic environmental activists and Interpol agents, and enough tidbits about sailing treacherous seas, commercial fishing, and endangered species to satisfy the most dedicated nautical adventure fan.’
Foreword Reviews
‘The pursuit of the Thunder has become celebrated folklore by those of us fighting to protect our oceans. This is a captivating story, one which highlights the weaknesses in the global system but also, ultimately, gives us hope.’
Tony Long, CEO, Global Fishing Watch
‘A solid piece of collaborative journalism.’
Sydney Morning Herald
‘Engdal and Saeter shine a broad light on maritime crimes committed in international waters by mixing in other stories of outlaw ships.’
Publishers Weekly
‘In this true account, two Norwegian investigative journalists follow the expedition, from start to finish, in a piece that begins about illegal fishing, but that quickly spirals into an epic tale of corruption. slavery and criminal kingpins.’
GQ Australia
‘Engdal and Saeter are energetic writers with a sense of pace and cinematic detail ... an exciting read.’
The Spectator Australia
‘Written like an action novel, this leaves no doubt who the bad guys and the heroes are.’
Weekend Herald, Auckland
‘[A] remarkable true story … catching Thunder becomes not only a chase but a pursuit of the truth itself and a symbolic race to preserve the well-being of our planet.’
Chain Reaction
‘An uproarious adventure … The book’s short chapters read like urgent frontline bulletins.’
Spectator
‘A clarion call for those who want to save our seas.’
National Geographic Traveller
‘This is a modern pirate story, but the plunder isn't pieces of eight — it's the Patagonian Toothfish, as valuable as narcotics. The pirate ship, the eponymous Thunder, was one of a number specialising in the illegal, million-dollar trawling of endangered species.’
Sydney Morning Herald
‘The authors take readers on a journey as they seek to come face-to-face with those profiting from poaching, and realise the challenges involved in bringing them to justice … Engdal and Sæter track down players on both sides, telling the story from all angles. We get the experiences of the environmentalists, the officers on the fishing vessels, the Indonesian crews, and even of those involved in the operations on land.’
South China Morning Post
‘A sensational new book.’
Maritime Executive
‘Catching Thunder is about more than just the pursuit of one ship, however. Its main focus is the years-long efforts to track these vessels and their mysterious owners on both sea and land. Beyond attempts to bring the ships’ owners to justice, the book explores the challenges involved in trying to police international waters far from populated areas.’
Post Magazine
