The Night Ferry in Aussie Readers

Sep 23, 2013 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-authors, own-read, thriller

When Detective Alisha Barba received the note which had been thrust under her front door, she wasn’t prepared for what it contained. It was a note from her once best friend whom she hadn’t seen or spoken to in eight years. The best friend who had declared she hated her and never wanted to see her again. Dear Ali, I’m in trouble. I must see you. Please come to the reunion. Love, Cate.

Alisha was on sick leave after being dreadfully injured by a criminal she was apprehending; her long stay in hosp When Detective Alisha Barba received the note which had been thrust under her front door, she wasn’t prepared for what it contained. It was a note from her once best friend whom she hadn’t seen or spoken to in eight years. The best friend who had declared she hated her and never wanted to see her again. Dear Ali, I’m in trouble. I must see you. Please come to the reunion. Love, Cate.

Alisha was on sick leave after being dreadfully injured by a criminal she was apprehending; her long stay in hospital while they inserted steel in her spine and various other places had her longing for the wide open spaces. Now she was much improved – her running which had been her forte while at school had been her life saver once again as she gradually worked her way to perfection. She had no desire to go to the reunion – in fact she had already declined the invitation – but now she knew she would go to see Cate and find out what was wrong.

It took a while for Alisha to spot Cate in the pulsing, testosterone filled crowd, but when she did she hurried over to her. But she was shocked to see her former friend was very pregnant; though she wasn’t sure why it shocked her. And when Cate whispered to Alisha with wide, fearful eyes “They want to take my baby. You have to stop them” she wasn’t sure what was going on, but knew Cate’s fear was real. When Cate’s husband appeared on the scene Cate disappeared into the crowd – Alisha tried to follow but became caught up…

A short time later as people spilled out onto the street, Alisha saw Cate and Felix ahead of her – she hurried after them only to hear the screeching of tyres on the road in front of her; with horror she watched as events unfolded…

As the investigation began into what was seemingly a tragic accident, Alisha enlisted the help of ex-cop Vincent Ruiz. There was evidence of deception, secrets and danger which surrounded Cate – lies were unfolding, and the friction between family members was intense. Suddenly instincts led them to Amsterdam and the red-light district. What would happen in Amsterdam? Was Cate connected in any way or was it all just a red herring?

I absolutely loved this book by Aussie author Michael Robotham – he never disappoints! The plot was intense with a pace that was full-on and incredibly GOOD! I love the character of Vincent Ruiz and enjoyed Alisha and her stubborn determination in the face of adversity. A wonderful thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
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May 19, 2015 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-author, netgalley-reviews, arc-are

A stand alone thriller from master storyteller Michael Robotham, The Night Ferry was first released in 1997 but has been reprinted for American audiences.

The Night Ferry features Detective Alisha Barba who is drawn into the murky world of human trafficking when her estranged childhood best friend begs for her help, shortly before being killed in a hit and run.

The investigation leads Alisha from London to the heart of Amsterdam's red light district. The plot is complex involving the enforced surr ...more

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Jul 11, 2018 Kate Forsyth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: australian, crime, contemporary

I can always rely on Michael Robotham to deliver an intelligent, fast-paced and psychologically indepth crime thiller, and The Night Ferry is no exception.

At the end of his earlier novel, Lost, young Alisha Barba has her back broken by a murder suspect. She is now trying to get her life back together again, but no-one wants her on their team. One day she receives a plea for help from an old school friend:

Dear Ali, I’m in trouble. I must see you. Please come to the reunion. Love, Cate.

Alisha has ...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Charmaine Clancy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: aussie

Last time I reviewed a Robotham novel I wasn't very impressed. The author had a great writing style but the character, a whiney psychiatrist, was unlikeable. I'm glad I persevered! This time the main character was adorable! Alisha is very driven with external goals and some hidden internal motivations that she has not yet revealed even to herself. She is a modern girl who also tries accommodate some of her Sikh traditions. The drama is high, with death, black market child adoption, and the ensla ...more

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May 12, 2015 Kathy rated it really liked it

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 surpr 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. ...more

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Jan 09, 2014 Sandi rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: crime-mystery-thriller-suspense, read-2014, audio

Alisha Barba, who had a supporting role in the author's previous book Lost, 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. ...more

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May 06, 2025 Kerry rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I enjoyed this novel much more due to the absence of Joseph O'Loughlin et al. I thought featuring Alisha as the main character was a good move and my favourite character, Ruiz, played a strong part. As always, it was a great story but with better characters. I think I will start to search out more of Robotham's standalone novels in the future. ...more

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