The Night Ferry

This is a fascinating book even if you only look at it from the point of view of how it fits in with Robotham's other 2 books. His first was THE SUSPECT where the central character was psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin. In a sense the second book, LOST (also published as THE DROWNING MAN) was a sequel to SUSPECT, with the same two main characters, Vincent Ruiz and psychologist Joe O'Loughlin. Whereas SUSPECT focussed on O'Loughlin's predicament, LOST focusses on Ruiz.
Now in THE NIGHT FERRY DC Ali Barba, a minor character in LOST emerges in her own right, with assistance and mentoring from the now retired DI Vincent Ruiz. Detective Constable Alisha Barba is still on medical leave, nearly completely recovered after a murder suspect broke show more her back across a brick wall a year earlier (in LOST). There is is to be a re-union of classmates at Ali's old school and she receives a note from former classmate and best friend Cate from whom she has been estranged for 8 years. Cate says she is in trouble and asks Ali to come to the reunion. When they meet briefly Alisha sees immediately that Cate is pregnant and Cate talks of people who are trying to take her baby. After the reunion Cate and her husband are knocked down by a taxi. The husband Felix is killed and Cate is critically injured. Subsequent medical examination reveals that Cate was never pregnant. From this tantalising beginning, Robotham builds a cleverly crafted story, and the character of Ali Barba grows and grows. We explore the consequences of a police force that moves too slowly, a justice system that refuses to charge criminals because it is not 'in the public interest', and the greed of those who see children as a saleable commodity. And has Robotham left the door open for another? The last line holds hope. 'The end of one story is merely the beginning of the next'. show less

The Night Ferry is an intricately plotted thriller that features London police detective Alisha Barba, a Sikh woman who is recovering from a serious back injury incurred in the line of duty. On her own time, she becomes involved in investigating a situation that her best friend became involved in that concerns a surrogate pregnancy and human trafficking. As Alisha digs deeper the case escalates into murder and kidnapping.

Although at times the story seems to bog down a bit, it did hold my interest as the investigation carries Alisha from England to Holland and back again. I also enjoyed the secondary plot about Alisha’s personal life.

This was my first book by Australian author, Michael Robotham and I will look for more by him as this show more thriller painted a very realistic portrait of the problems facing refugees seeking asylum and how easily they can be taken advantage of and exploited. The Night Ferry had such a strong and gripping narrative that I was more than willing to overlook it’s few flaws. show less

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 show more 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. show less

Despite the fast pace of the read, this book has depth to it too. The writing is excellent and it's not 'formula mystery'.

The main character is a British cop - a 30yo Sikh Indian woman. She's complicated in so many ways and the author fleshes her out really well. The plot is original and interesting, and if I go into it at all here, it'll give things away. It has twists that catch you off guard. And like I said, the writing was excellent. I should've marked some of the pages because there were phrasings I liked a lot throughout. The only part I did mark is as follows:

Alisha (the main character) is in a room of traditional men. She needs information from them. She, as a guest, is required to 'bring something to the table' so she tells a show more story. It's a complicated story about friendship and it sparks a discussion afterwards, where various people around the room expound:

'Friendship is about choice and chemistry. It can not be defined'. And 'Friendship can not be defined. The moment we begin to give reasons for being friends with someone we begin to undermine the magic of the relationship'.

There were many other pieces of wisdom (not at all preachy) scattered thorughout the book. It's not often you find wisdom in a fast paced cop mystery book and it's a refreshing change. show less

Just finished this excellent book - interesting look at human trafficking... different perspective. The line of moral integrity becomes blurred and makes one think they aren't so clear on the "right" answers anymore. Loved SUSPECT, which is why I picked this one up. Not sure I enjoyed it as much at first because I was expecting something different, but in the end it was just as satisfying.

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 surrogacy of vulnerable refugees beholden to unscrupulous human traffickers, and while fairly predictable, the fast paced execution keeps the tension and interest high.

Alisha Barba appeared as a minor character is Robotham’s, Lost. She is an show more interesting protagonist, a Sikh, who is recovering from a horrific injury sustained in the line of duty. Her history with the murdered woman, Cate, is what drives her to investigate despite the lack of official sanction, calling on her on and off again boyfriend, fellow officer Dave King, and retired Detective Inspector Vincent Ruiz for help.

I was at times frustrated by some of the choices made by Alisha, which may have advanced the plot or provided action, but seemed inane given her intelligence and experience.

Overall however The Night Ferry is a gripping read with a strong and interesting narrative. show less

An Enjoyable thriller, really well paced and full of twists and turns. Robotham has done his research and filled the book full of well-defined and believable characters (although, why, oh why did Dave's name keep having to be prefixed with 'new boy' each time he entered the scene?) that help to immerse you in the scenes.

Robotham is definitely an author to look-out for in the future.