The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz

The Last Ferry Out is a chilling mystery with twists and turns and secrets galore. This can’t put down book is more than a thriller. It also encapsulates the relationship between two women who have just gotten engaged, but both are feeling unable to completely give themselves to their relationship for different reasons. It also deals with the death of one of them and the feelings of what could have/should have been said and the regrets that are left behind as one of them searches for answers as to what really happened to cause the death of her partner.

Isla Colel is a haven for people who are trying to escape their lives…for whatever reason. Years ago, this island was a popular resort but now is a dilapidated fishing area where you can hide out openly. No one asks questions as to where you are from or what you used to do. They understand the reason you are here, because they are here for the same reason.

So when Abby gets off the ferry to try and find out how her fiancé Eszter ended up dying here, all she sees and feels is her pain and loss. Also guilt at all the times Eszter tried to engage her while she was here only to have Abby ignore her.

As Abby begins to explore the area, she meets a group of people who actually knew Eszter. All of them have their own secrets but all Abby cares about is getting to the bottom of Eszter’s last days and how she ended up dead.

When one of these “friends” of Eszter, Brady tells Abby that he knows what happened to Eszter and will tell her the next day, she is relieved. Until he never shows up again and seems to disappear leaving her confused, angry and scared.

Abby begins to believe something dark is happening on the island but can’t put her finger on what it is. She feels as if this group of people are hiding things from her. She begins to work on her own to discover the secrets they all are keeping.

While all this is happening, through chapters by Eszter we begin to see what her life was really like and as Abby will discover, Eszter’s own secrets. Did she even really love Abby? She learns Eszter had been in danger and now realizes she too could become a victim of the island. Where does Abby go from here? Who can she trust?

The Last Ferry Out is chock full of intrigue and surprises but also delves into relationships, love and mourning. The lies on this island run very deep and the revelations at the end…no words!

Thank you #NetGalley #BallentineBooks #AndreaBartz #TheLastFerryOut for the advanced copy.