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leavesnpages's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This novel touches on some very heart-wrenching and taboo topics, with lots of twists. Human-trafficking, prostitution, illegal surrogacy, the trials and hardships of IVF and adoption. The characters are interesting and the story intricately weaved.
There were a lot of reveals at the end that I don't feel were explained well enough, not to my liking anyway. From the moment they get on the ferry I felt it started to get a little bogged down and over the top, but it all added to the mystery and suspense.
There were a lot of reveals at the end that I don't feel were explained well enough, not to my liking anyway. From the moment they get on the ferry I felt it started to get a little bogged down and over the top, but it all added to the mystery and suspense.
luthernow's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
isaacrm's review against another edition
3.0
For some reason, I didn't enjoyed this one as much as other Robotham's books. I like the characters, since they have appeared in other of his novels, but the story in itself is a bit weak compared to other of his stories.
The chemistry between main characters is simply not there. Robotham's ability to put the reader in the main character's shoes and make him feel what the character is feeling is nowhere to be found in this novel. Maybe, because there's nothing dramatic to feel.
I was expecting a lot more, and that might be the problem. The book didn't live to my expectations.
The chemistry between main characters is simply not there. Robotham's ability to put the reader in the main character's shoes and make him feel what the character is feeling is nowhere to be found in this novel. Maybe, because there's nothing dramatic to feel.
I was expecting a lot more, and that might be the problem. The book didn't live to my expectations.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
A special thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After Michael Robotham’s sensational psychological thriller (March, 2015) Life or Death landing on my Top 30 Books of 2015, was thrilled for an opportunity to read THE NIGHT FERRY, which I missed the first publication— a fast-paced intriguing mystery into the dark world of evil human trafficking.
As the book opens, Alisha receives a note from an estranged childhood best friend, Cate, requesting her presence at the high reunion. Cate hates Alisha, since 1998; they have not spoken since. Alisha Barba is a Sikh and a London police detective. She's recovering from a serious back injury over a year ago, and she has not returned to work, and now that she is, not what she had in mind. She may now get more action and danger than she imagined.
She really does not want to go to the reunion; however, she goes to see what Cate desperately wants. However, before they hardly have a chance to catch up, a car comes out of nowhere and runs down Cate and her husband, Felix and she is pregnant. However, before she dies she whispers to Cate--someone is trying to take her baby and asks for her help to stop them.
In addition to the secrets, lies, and past, surrounding Cate's pregnancy, Alisha also has the complications of Cate’s family. Full of suspense, Alisha gets help from retired Inspector Vincent Ruiz as they follow the clues about Cate’s baby to Amsterdam. From human embryos, prostitution, human trafficking, and more in this intense chilling thriller—good versus evil; a story told by the "king of complex and multi-layered", with a unique style all his own--one of my favorite authors, when it comes to crime thrillers.
Loved the strong women taking readers from London to Amsterdam with illegal activities and some dangerous people who will stop at nothing!
Enjoying Michael Robotham’s writing and trying to make my way to read all his back list, as each is highly recommended for cop and crime thriller fans. In addition to the ARC, I also purchased the audio book, narrated by Clare Corbett, for an engaging and absorbing performance.
PS. For those who have not read Life or Death, you get a sneak preview. Meet Audie Palmer . . . Robotham at his finest-- From literary, psychological, crime, mystery, thriller, suspense; conspiracy, drama, murder, racial and social injustice; love and loss—A tour de force of crime writing.
Looking forward to CLOSE YOUR EYES, (Joseph O'Loughlin #8), Coming US 8/6/2016.
After Michael Robotham’s sensational psychological thriller (March, 2015) Life or Death landing on my Top 30 Books of 2015, was thrilled for an opportunity to read THE NIGHT FERRY, which I missed the first publication— a fast-paced intriguing mystery into the dark world of evil human trafficking.
As the book opens, Alisha receives a note from an estranged childhood best friend, Cate, requesting her presence at the high reunion. Cate hates Alisha, since 1998; they have not spoken since. Alisha Barba is a Sikh and a London police detective. She's recovering from a serious back injury over a year ago, and she has not returned to work, and now that she is, not what she had in mind. She may now get more action and danger than she imagined.
She really does not want to go to the reunion; however, she goes to see what Cate desperately wants. However, before they hardly have a chance to catch up, a car comes out of nowhere and runs down Cate and her husband, Felix and she is pregnant. However, before she dies she whispers to Cate--someone is trying to take her baby and asks for her help to stop them.
In addition to the secrets, lies, and past, surrounding Cate's pregnancy, Alisha also has the complications of Cate’s family. Full of suspense, Alisha gets help from retired Inspector Vincent Ruiz as they follow the clues about Cate’s baby to Amsterdam. From human embryos, prostitution, human trafficking, and more in this intense chilling thriller—good versus evil; a story told by the "king of complex and multi-layered", with a unique style all his own--one of my favorite authors, when it comes to crime thrillers.
Loved the strong women taking readers from London to Amsterdam with illegal activities and some dangerous people who will stop at nothing!
Enjoying Michael Robotham’s writing and trying to make my way to read all his back list, as each is highly recommended for cop and crime thriller fans. In addition to the ARC, I also purchased the audio book, narrated by Clare Corbett, for an engaging and absorbing performance.
“Everyone thinks I'm so strong. They expect me to face autumns and winters like that and bitch-slap them down; make them come to heel. I'm not so strong. I only pretend.”
“One of the strange things about friendship is that time together isn't cancelled out by time apart. One doesn't erase the other or balance it on some invisible scale. You can spend a few hours with someone and they will change your life, or you can spend a lifetime with a person and remain unchanged.” ― Michael Robotham, The Night Ferry
PS. For those who have not read Life or Death, you get a sneak preview. Meet Audie Palmer . . . Robotham at his finest-- From literary, psychological, crime, mystery, thriller, suspense; conspiracy, drama, murder, racial and social injustice; love and loss—A tour de force of crime writing.
Looking forward to CLOSE YOUR EYES, (Joseph O'Loughlin #8), Coming US 8/6/2016.
sandin954's review against another edition
3.0
Alisha Barba, who had a supporting role in the author's previous book [b:Lost|477390|Lost (Joseph O'Loughlin, #2)|Michael Robotham|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1266564681s/477390.jpg|1199650], takes over as the main character in this very tense suspense yarn. The plot takes her from London to Amsterdam and while it skirted the edge of being too melodramatic the various twists kept my attention throughout. I listened to the audio version which was capably read by Clare Corbett.
claired1982's review against another edition
5.0
Yet another excellent read by Michael Robotham. I read this within three days. Found the storyline and characters very interesting. Would highly recommend anyone who likes crime novels too read it x
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
The Night Ferry is a complex and intriguing mystery by Michael Robotham. More than just a "whodunit", this suspense laden thriller delves into the dark world of human trafficking. Fast-paced and riveting, it is a thought-provoking story touches on social relevant issues that will resonant with readers.
Alisha Barba is stunned to receive a plea for help from her estranged friend Cate Elliot. The two have not spoken in eight years but Alisha is quick to agree to a meeting and she is surprised to discover her old friend is now married and expecting a baby. Before Cate can explain what she needs from Alisha, she and her husband are run down and killed by a cabbie. With only a cryptic message to go on, Alisha begins an off the books investigation that takes her into the seedy underworld of human trafficking and what she uncovers is as shocking as it is heartbreaking.
Alisha is an experienced detective constable who is just about to return to work after recovery from a horrific injury that almost left her paralyzed. She is plagued with regrets over the events that led to the end of her friendship with Cate and she is devastated to lose her before they can reconcile their differences. Leading with her heart throughout the investigation, Alisha is determined to discover not only who killed Cate but why.
Alisha gets little help from the detectives assigned to the case and once the deaths are ruled accidental, she quietly begins digging around on her own. With little to go on but Cate's whispered assertion that someone wants to take her baby, Alisha quickly discovers that Cate's infertility issues led her friend to take drastic measures in her quest to become a mother. Her complicated past with Cate's family becomes a hindrance early in the investigation and the Elliot family will do just about anything to protect their daughter's reputation. Alisha doggedly pursues the clues she uncovers but they quickly lead to dead ends. The case takes her to Amsterdam where she finally gets an idea of what Cate was up to in the months before her death but Alisha's efforts to bring the people behind her death are thwarted at every turn.
With a personal stake in learning the truth about Cate's death, Alisha often makes impetus decisions that have dangerous consequences. She also has a social conscience and this leads to some very passionate outbursts in her pursuit for answers. While understandable given the circumstances, her inability to remain impartial hurts her investigation and endangers not only her case, but the people she is trying to help. Her zealous search for answers is admirable but it is also frustrating watching Alisha make mistakes that could jeopardize bringing the guilty parties to justice.
The Night Ferry is a spellbinding mystery that is full of unexpected twists and turns. Michael Robotham has once again written a tightly plotted and suspenseful novel that also provides an insightful view into the tragic exploitation of young, vulnerable women. It is another brilliant police procedural that stands out from others in the genre that old and new fans do not want to miss.
The Night Ferry is a complex and intriguing mystery by Michael Robotham. More than just a "whodunit", this suspense laden thriller delves into the dark world of human trafficking. Fast-paced and riveting, it is a thought-provoking story touches on social relevant issues that will resonant with readers.
Alisha Barba is stunned to receive a plea for help from her estranged friend Cate Elliot. The two have not spoken in eight years but Alisha is quick to agree to a meeting and she is surprised to discover her old friend is now married and expecting a baby. Before Cate can explain what she needs from Alisha, she and her husband are run down and killed by a cabbie. With only a cryptic message to go on, Alisha begins an off the books investigation that takes her into the seedy underworld of human trafficking and what she uncovers is as shocking as it is heartbreaking.
Alisha is an experienced detective constable who is just about to return to work after recovery from a horrific injury that almost left her paralyzed. She is plagued with regrets over the events that led to the end of her friendship with Cate and she is devastated to lose her before they can reconcile their differences. Leading with her heart throughout the investigation, Alisha is determined to discover not only who killed Cate but why.
Alisha gets little help from the detectives assigned to the case and once the deaths are ruled accidental, she quietly begins digging around on her own. With little to go on but Cate's whispered assertion that someone wants to take her baby, Alisha quickly discovers that Cate's infertility issues led her friend to take drastic measures in her quest to become a mother. Her complicated past with Cate's family becomes a hindrance early in the investigation and the Elliot family will do just about anything to protect their daughter's reputation. Alisha doggedly pursues the clues she uncovers but they quickly lead to dead ends. The case takes her to Amsterdam where she finally gets an idea of what Cate was up to in the months before her death but Alisha's efforts to bring the people behind her death are thwarted at every turn.
With a personal stake in learning the truth about Cate's death, Alisha often makes impetus decisions that have dangerous consequences. She also has a social conscience and this leads to some very passionate outbursts in her pursuit for answers. While understandable given the circumstances, her inability to remain impartial hurts her investigation and endangers not only her case, but the people she is trying to help. Her zealous search for answers is admirable but it is also frustrating watching Alisha make mistakes that could jeopardize bringing the guilty parties to justice.
The Night Ferry is a spellbinding mystery that is full of unexpected twists and turns. Michael Robotham has once again written a tightly plotted and suspenseful novel that also provides an insightful view into the tragic exploitation of young, vulnerable women. It is another brilliant police procedural that stands out from others in the genre that old and new fans do not want to miss.
balthazarlawson's review against another edition
4.0
Alisha reluctantly agrees to attend a school reunion where tragedy strikes and an old friend, and her husband, are killed after being hit by a car. It all seems like an accident but for Alisha, a police detective recovering from a work injury, things don't fit so neatly together. She begins to look into her friends past and soon finds herself plunged into the world of people trafficers, asylum seekers and illegal surrogacy. In doing so she puts her career and life on the line.
This is a captivating read, it sucks you in and leads you through the murky world that exists below the surface of society. The characters are likeable and engaging. It all adds up to an enjoyable read by an excellent author.
This is a captivating read, it sucks you in and leads you through the murky world that exists below the surface of society. The characters are likeable and engaging. It all adds up to an enjoyable read by an excellent author.
claire1982's review against another edition
5.0
Yet another excellent read by Michael Robotham. I read this within three days. Found the storyline and characters very interesting. Would highly recommend anyone who likes crime novels too read it x