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The Last Ferry Out
Paradise hides a deadly secret. From the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese’s Book Club pick We Were Never Here . . .
On a trip to the tropical island where her fiancée died, a young woman begins to suspect the death was no accident—and the killer’s closer than she could’ve imagined—in this “unputdownable” thriller from “a master of suspense” (Elle).
“This book is Bartz at her twisty, shocking, and riveting—with a narrator you won’t stop rooting for.”—Laura Dave, #1 bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me
AN ELLE AND CRIMEREADS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
When Abby steps foot on Isla Colel, she isn’t sure what—if anything—she’ll find. She only knows that she needs to see the place where her fiancée, Eszter, died to try and make sense of the tragic accident.
The island is nothing like Abby Though it was once a bustling tourist hub, a hurricane has left it a shell of its former self, with only a handful of residents remaining. Even the once-daily ferry to the mainland now runs every week or so.
There, Abby befriends an alluring group of expats, but her sense of unease surges when one of them says he knows the truth about Eszter’s final days. Before he can tell her more, though, he vanishes from the island. Hours turn to days with no sign of him, and the others are chillingly cavalier about his disappearance.
As her quest for the truth unearths dark secrets, shady pasts, and a web of lies, Abby grows more determined than ever to find out what happened to the love of her life. And the deeper she gets in the close-knit expat community, the more she suspects that one of them is Eszter’s killer—and will do anything to keep the truth buried. But will Abby discover who it is before she becomes the island’s next victim?
On a trip to the tropical island where her fiancée died, a young woman begins to suspect the death was no accident—and the killer’s closer than she could’ve imagined—in this “unputdownable” thriller from “a master of suspense” (Elle).
“This book is Bartz at her twisty, shocking, and riveting—with a narrator you won’t stop rooting for.”—Laura Dave, #1 bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me
AN ELLE AND CRIMEREADS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
When Abby steps foot on Isla Colel, she isn’t sure what—if anything—she’ll find. She only knows that she needs to see the place where her fiancée, Eszter, died to try and make sense of the tragic accident.
The island is nothing like Abby Though it was once a bustling tourist hub, a hurricane has left it a shell of its former self, with only a handful of residents remaining. Even the once-daily ferry to the mainland now runs every week or so.
There, Abby befriends an alluring group of expats, but her sense of unease surges when one of them says he knows the truth about Eszter’s final days. Before he can tell her more, though, he vanishes from the island. Hours turn to days with no sign of him, and the others are chillingly cavalier about his disappearance.
As her quest for the truth unearths dark secrets, shady pasts, and a web of lies, Abby grows more determined than ever to find out what happened to the love of her life. And the deeper she gets in the close-knit expat community, the more she suspects that one of them is Eszter’s killer—and will do anything to keep the truth buried. But will Abby discover who it is before she becomes the island’s next victim?
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2025
675 people are currently reading
30072 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Bartz
11 books2,550 followersAndrea Bartz is a Brooklyn-based journalist and the New York Times-bestselling author of WE WERE NEVER HERE, a Reese's Book Club pick. Her debut thriller, THE LOST NIGHT, was an LA Times bestseller, and her sophomore thriller, THE HERD was named a best book of the year by Marie Claire, Crime Reads, Good Housekeeping, and other outlets. Her most recent thriller, THE SPARE ROOM, was a GMA Bonus Buzz Pick, a Marie Claire book club pick, and a best book of summer per People, Shondaland, Glamour, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and more. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, Vogue, and many other outlets, and she's held editorial positions at Glamour, Psychology Today, and Self, among other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,011 reviews
November 7, 2025
A gorgeous book, equal parts murder mystery and poignant f/f romance. Grieving Abby comes to beautiful, isolated Isla Colel in search of answers about her recently deceased fiancee Eszter, and finds much more than she was expecting. Just what was Eszter up to in the last days before a mysterious accident claimed her life? What exactly are that group of charming ex-pats hiding about her final hours? Though the mystery of Eszter's death is fascinating and meticulously paced, what really moved me was the complex examination of Abby's grief for her lost love, and the beautiful unfolding of the women's relationship in flashback as she struggles to move on. A terrific read.
June 8, 2025
Immersive, taut, and twisty, The Last Ferry Out brought back the feel of We Were Never Here in all of its glory. From the exotic locale to the deep dive into friendship, it shined a light on Andrea Bartz’s skill at crafting riveting settings and scenes. And while I wouldn’t exactly call this one a character-driven novel, the short cast easily lived up to the plot in this suspenseful, unputdownable tale. You see, the ground-shifting twists led to an explosive crescendo that had me flying through the pages as I read just one more cliffhanger chapter over and over.
Told via dual timelines and multiple POVs, Bartz managed to interweave them all into a gripping story that had me holding on for dear life. You see, I knew I was in for quite the ride when the weather picked up steam right along with the storyline. Brimming with palpable tension, the intricate plot delivered an atmosphere that only this author could have mustered. Eerie, suspenseful, and filled with impending doom, I particularly loved the remote island setting that felt claustrophobic alongside the small town feel and layers of secrets. All told, it was a near hole in one.
You see, there were a couple of things that slightly missed the mark for this thriller lover. Namely the slow burn first half and a conclusion that felt decidedly less impactful than I had expected. After a rip-roaring climax had me reading at speed, the finale was more ho-hum instead of hard-hitting. Nevertheless, it did offer up a thought-provoking exploration of love and loss even if it could’ve been shortened somewhat all things considered.
All said and done, though, I was still won over by this classic Bartz thriller. From the touching LGBTQ+ romance to the sinister vibe, it was everything I’ve come to expect from one of her novels. The best piece of all? The shocking twist just when you think it’s all over. Delivering a smile-inducing last page, I couldn’t help but admire the plotting even if it might not have the kind of pace that works for every reader. So if you’re don’t mind a whodunnit that’s also a slow burn, you should check out this one ASAP. After all, the secrets and lies had me spellbound for sure. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When Abby steps foot on Isla Colel, she isn’t sure what—if anything—she’ll find. She only knows that she needs to see the place where her fiancée, Eszter, died to try and make sense of the tragic accident.
The island is nothing like Abby expected: Though it was once a bustling tourist hub, a hurricane has left it a shell of its former self, with only a handful of residents remaining. Even the once-daily ferry to the mainland now runs every week or so.
There, Abby befriends an alluring group of expats, but her sense of unease surges when one of them says he knows the truth about Eszter’s final days. Before he can tell her more, though, he vanishes from the island. Hours turn to days with no sign of him, and the others are chillingly cavalier about his disappearance.
As her quest for the truth unearths dark secrets, shady pasts, and a web of lies, Abby grows more determined than ever to find out what happened to the love of her life. And the deeper she gets in the close-knit expat community, the more she suspects that one of them is Eszter’s killer—and will do anything to keep the truth buried. But will Abby discover who it is before she becomes the island’s next victim?
Thank you to Andrea Bartz and Ballantine Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 20, 2025
Content warning: drug use, anaphylaxis, self-harm, mention of: homophobia, alcohol addiction, suicidal ideation
Told via dual timelines and multiple POVs, Bartz managed to interweave them all into a gripping story that had me holding on for dear life. You see, I knew I was in for quite the ride when the weather picked up steam right along with the storyline. Brimming with palpable tension, the intricate plot delivered an atmosphere that only this author could have mustered. Eerie, suspenseful, and filled with impending doom, I particularly loved the remote island setting that felt claustrophobic alongside the small town feel and layers of secrets. All told, it was a near hole in one.
You see, there were a couple of things that slightly missed the mark for this thriller lover. Namely the slow burn first half and a conclusion that felt decidedly less impactful than I had expected. After a rip-roaring climax had me reading at speed, the finale was more ho-hum instead of hard-hitting. Nevertheless, it did offer up a thought-provoking exploration of love and loss even if it could’ve been shortened somewhat all things considered.
All said and done, though, I was still won over by this classic Bartz thriller. From the touching LGBTQ+ romance to the sinister vibe, it was everything I’ve come to expect from one of her novels. The best piece of all? The shocking twist just when you think it’s all over. Delivering a smile-inducing last page, I couldn’t help but admire the plotting even if it might not have the kind of pace that works for every reader. So if you’re don’t mind a whodunnit that’s also a slow burn, you should check out this one ASAP. After all, the secrets and lies had me spellbound for sure. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When Abby steps foot on Isla Colel, she isn’t sure what—if anything—she’ll find. She only knows that she needs to see the place where her fiancée, Eszter, died to try and make sense of the tragic accident.
The island is nothing like Abby expected: Though it was once a bustling tourist hub, a hurricane has left it a shell of its former self, with only a handful of residents remaining. Even the once-daily ferry to the mainland now runs every week or so.
There, Abby befriends an alluring group of expats, but her sense of unease surges when one of them says he knows the truth about Eszter’s final days. Before he can tell her more, though, he vanishes from the island. Hours turn to days with no sign of him, and the others are chillingly cavalier about his disappearance.
As her quest for the truth unearths dark secrets, shady pasts, and a web of lies, Abby grows more determined than ever to find out what happened to the love of her life. And the deeper she gets in the close-knit expat community, the more she suspects that one of them is Eszter’s killer—and will do anything to keep the truth buried. But will Abby discover who it is before she becomes the island’s next victim?
Thank you to Andrea Bartz and Ballantine Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 20, 2025
Content warning: drug use, anaphylaxis, self-harm, mention of: homophobia, alcohol addiction, suicidal ideation
September 22, 2025
A Solid but Uneven Thriller from a Favorite Author
I’ve been a fan of Andrea Bartz’s work for a while now, so I was excited to dive into her latest thriller. A remote, storm-battered island? A fiancée’s mysterious death? A group of enigmatic expats with secrets to hide? It all sounded like the perfect setup for a locked-room-style mystery. And while there were definitely moments that delivered on that promise, overall, I found myself wishing for more.
The island setting was beautifully eerie—Bartz captured the desolation and danger of the place so well that I could almost feel the damp air and hear the ominous silence. That part kept me hooked. But the characters didn’t quite click for me. Abby’s grief and determination were relatable in some ways, but her choices sometimes felt hard to understand, which made it tricky to root for her. The alternating timelines and multiple perspectives added depth, but they occasionally felt jarring and slowed things down.
That said, there were some genuinely gripping twists, and I appreciated the way the book explored themes of love, loss, and trust. Even though the pacing dragged at times and the ending didn’t have the impact I was hoping for, the story still had enough tension to keep me turning pages.
While this wasn’t my favorite Bartz novel, I’d still recommend it to anyone who loves a moody, atmospheric thriller. There’s a lot to admire here, and it’s clear Bartz knows how to craft a suspenseful tale—I just didn’t connect with this one as much as I hoped I would. Three stars, but I’m still excited to see what she writes next.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine Books for sharing this anticipated thriller's arc copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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I’ve been a fan of Andrea Bartz’s work for a while now, so I was excited to dive into her latest thriller. A remote, storm-battered island? A fiancée’s mysterious death? A group of enigmatic expats with secrets to hide? It all sounded like the perfect setup for a locked-room-style mystery. And while there were definitely moments that delivered on that promise, overall, I found myself wishing for more.
The island setting was beautifully eerie—Bartz captured the desolation and danger of the place so well that I could almost feel the damp air and hear the ominous silence. That part kept me hooked. But the characters didn’t quite click for me. Abby’s grief and determination were relatable in some ways, but her choices sometimes felt hard to understand, which made it tricky to root for her. The alternating timelines and multiple perspectives added depth, but they occasionally felt jarring and slowed things down.
That said, there were some genuinely gripping twists, and I appreciated the way the book explored themes of love, loss, and trust. Even though the pacing dragged at times and the ending didn’t have the impact I was hoping for, the story still had enough tension to keep me turning pages.
While this wasn’t my favorite Bartz novel, I’d still recommend it to anyone who loves a moody, atmospheric thriller. There’s a lot to admire here, and it’s clear Bartz knows how to craft a suspenseful tale—I just didn’t connect with this one as much as I hoped I would. Three stars, but I’m still excited to see what she writes next.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine Books for sharing this anticipated thriller's arc copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
twitter<
May 18, 2025
The Last Ferry Out has a great premise and takes place in an enticing setting. Abby travels to Isla Colel, a tropical island where her fiancée, Eszter' died. I enjoyed the premise of a woman searching for answers on an island with only one ferry going in and out on a weekly basis. I loved how this created a sort of trapped feeling which I enjoy in books. Plus, another person goes missing, well I thought this would be a slam dunk for me. Unfortunately, it was missing that little bit of something as well as a faster pace which would have earned this book a higher star rating.
I found this book to be slow moving, and I struggle with slow burns. I wanted things to hurry up quite a bit while reading. Some of those characters including Abby annoyed me at times. Hey, it happens we aren't meant to like them all. What I did enjoy was the setting, the atmosphere, the mystery, the secrets, and the twists.
The book is told mainly in the present but goes back and readers get to see Abby and Eszter together. This book looks at love, loss, secrets, and grief.
This was a solid three-star book for me. Enjoyable yet too slow in parts for me. Others enjoyed this book more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
I found this book to be slow moving, and I struggle with slow burns. I wanted things to hurry up quite a bit while reading. Some of those characters including Abby annoyed me at times. Hey, it happens we aren't meant to like them all. What I did enjoy was the setting, the atmosphere, the mystery, the secrets, and the twists.
The book is told mainly in the present but goes back and readers get to see Abby and Eszter together. This book looks at love, loss, secrets, and grief.
This was a solid three-star book for me. Enjoyable yet too slow in parts for me. Others enjoyed this book more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
May 29, 2025
The Last Ferry Out is the second novel by Andrea Bartz that I’ve read. The first: Reece’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestseller We Were Never Here (2021).
Both are three-star reads, in my opinion: good, enjoyable, but nothing to rave about.
The Last Ferry Out is a classic vacation thriller. Set on a small island off the coast of Mexico, Abby arrives to learn more about the final days of her fiancée, Eszter, who accidentally died while on the island a few months earlier.
As Abby befriends the same tight-knit community of expats that welcomed Eszter, seeds of doubt begin to emerge. Was it really an accident?
Soon, everyone starts to become suspect in Abby’s eyes. She even begins questioning the authenticity of her relationship with Eszter.
Predictable elements of red herrings and misdirection abound, and even — wait for it — a convenient dark and stormy night.
Nothing else to read on vacation this summer? You might consider packing this one.
April 26, 2025
Your fiancé was keeping secrets, and after a fight, she take a solo trip and disappears. Then you learn she died mysteriously from an allergic reaction that she was usually super careful to watch over. What do you do? Of course you visit the practically unheard of island and find a last connection. Then you get trapped among a group of ex-pats who each seem to want to hide things from you. Lots of guesswork, and I mostly guessed some pieces, but the ending was also left a little open-ended to make assumptions about the true hidden roles among the cast of friends, family, and strangers. I enjoyed the book and found myself eager to find out more about each of the characters. I honestly didn't buy the two women together as partners. Even in the historical scenes, it felt forced, as if they knew they didn't belong together but kept trying to make it work. Sometimes relationships aren't easy, so I'll give them credit... but for me, this could've been just friends or a couple. It was the plot that kept me interested.
September 13, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Abby has been unmoored by the unexpected death of her fiance, Eszter, who was on a solo trip to a remote island when she died of an apparent allergic reaction.
Having suffered from severe allergies her entire life, Eszter was always careful. Abby doesn't understand how it could've happened and is unable to move past her many questions.
As the days pass, Abby decides she is going to need to go there, to Isla Colel, to the place where Eszter died. Perhaps there, she'll finally be able to find some closure.
Upon arrival though, the island isn't quite what she expected. Once a bustling tourist destination, a hurricane decimated the island a few years back, and only a few hearty locals and expats remain.
With ferry service sporadic, at best, it's about as remote a location as you can get, but Abby slowly begins to understand the pull it has on people.
She ends up locating a small group of expats who she believes hung out with Eszter in her last days; recognizing them from a photo Eszter had shared with her. Abby introduces herself and becomes friendly with them, gently pushing for information when she can.
When one of the men, who seemed to have something he really wanted to tell Abby, ends up disappearing before he can, Abby grows suspicious. Is this some sort of cover-up? Is there more to Eszter's death than what's she been told?
We follow Abby as her quest for the truth reveals lies and dangers around every turn. Will she find out what happened to Eszter, or will she become another victim of the island?
This is a compelling Travel Thriller. I was drawn in from the start. I loved the small island setting, and our MC, Abby.
Abby is an easy protagonist to get behind. By the time she reaches the island, she's practically bubbling over with questions, so when she ends up meeting the expats, she's quite forthright about her reason for being there.
I appreciated how open she was about everything. It made me actually care about her getting the answers. I also liked how smart and determined she was.
I was surprised when we ended up getting short stints of other perspectives in addition to Abby's. They were fun though and ended up adding a lot to the overall puzzle.
The biggest was Eszter's, who we get to follow during her time on the island. Eszter was harder to figure out than Abby. She wasn't as straight forward with her feelings and intentions, and I felt like I had as many questions as Abby regarding Eszter.
The small group of expats were also very mysterious. There was something almost cultish about the vibes they were giving off. They seemed so obsessed with the island, but did seem happy enough to bring Abby along to explore it.
As stranger things started happening, I was so ready for Abby to pack her bags and go. It does feel dangerous. You don't know why, but you know something is off.
Then inclement weather sweeps in, as it does, and Abby is unable to leave the island, even if she wanted to. I liked how the author increased the intensity towards the end by using the weather issue to work against our protagonist.
It did have a slight lull for me around the mid-way point, where I was getting a little bored, but she definitely bounced back, and the concluding portion was absolutely gripping; featuring twist-after-demented-twist.
Overall, I had a fun time reading this. I thought Bartz did a fabulous job with the setting, the use of the inclement weather, and with the cast of untrustworthy characters.
I definitely recommend this to Readers looking for a strong Travel Thriller to add to their Summer TBR. This one should definitely keep you guessing.
Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Of course, I'm looking forward to more from Andrea Bartz!!
Abby has been unmoored by the unexpected death of her fiance, Eszter, who was on a solo trip to a remote island when she died of an apparent allergic reaction.
Having suffered from severe allergies her entire life, Eszter was always careful. Abby doesn't understand how it could've happened and is unable to move past her many questions.
As the days pass, Abby decides she is going to need to go there, to Isla Colel, to the place where Eszter died. Perhaps there, she'll finally be able to find some closure.
Upon arrival though, the island isn't quite what she expected. Once a bustling tourist destination, a hurricane decimated the island a few years back, and only a few hearty locals and expats remain.
With ferry service sporadic, at best, it's about as remote a location as you can get, but Abby slowly begins to understand the pull it has on people.
She ends up locating a small group of expats who she believes hung out with Eszter in her last days; recognizing them from a photo Eszter had shared with her. Abby introduces herself and becomes friendly with them, gently pushing for information when she can.
When one of the men, who seemed to have something he really wanted to tell Abby, ends up disappearing before he can, Abby grows suspicious. Is this some sort of cover-up? Is there more to Eszter's death than what's she been told?
We follow Abby as her quest for the truth reveals lies and dangers around every turn. Will she find out what happened to Eszter, or will she become another victim of the island?
This is a compelling Travel Thriller. I was drawn in from the start. I loved the small island setting, and our MC, Abby.
Abby is an easy protagonist to get behind. By the time she reaches the island, she's practically bubbling over with questions, so when she ends up meeting the expats, she's quite forthright about her reason for being there.
I appreciated how open she was about everything. It made me actually care about her getting the answers. I also liked how smart and determined she was.
I was surprised when we ended up getting short stints of other perspectives in addition to Abby's. They were fun though and ended up adding a lot to the overall puzzle.
The biggest was Eszter's, who we get to follow during her time on the island. Eszter was harder to figure out than Abby. She wasn't as straight forward with her feelings and intentions, and I felt like I had as many questions as Abby regarding Eszter.
The small group of expats were also very mysterious. There was something almost cultish about the vibes they were giving off. They seemed so obsessed with the island, but did seem happy enough to bring Abby along to explore it.
As stranger things started happening, I was so ready for Abby to pack her bags and go. It does feel dangerous. You don't know why, but you know something is off.
Then inclement weather sweeps in, as it does, and Abby is unable to leave the island, even if she wanted to. I liked how the author increased the intensity towards the end by using the weather issue to work against our protagonist.
It did have a slight lull for me around the mid-way point, where I was getting a little bored, but she definitely bounced back, and the concluding portion was absolutely gripping; featuring twist-after-demented-twist.
Overall, I had a fun time reading this. I thought Bartz did a fabulous job with the setting, the use of the inclement weather, and with the cast of untrustworthy characters.
I definitely recommend this to Readers looking for a strong Travel Thriller to add to their Summer TBR. This one should definitely keep you guessing.
Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Of course, I'm looking forward to more from Andrea Bartz!!
January 16, 2025
Thank you, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books, for sending me over this ARC. The expected publication day is May 20, 2025.
This was just what I needed. This book pulled me right in. I loved the atmosphere and setting on a tropical island. Throw in a murder and a few twists, and this one surely had me hooked. The ending was top-notch and the perfect curveball. If you love a good twist thriller, add this one to your TBR. Four stars. ✨
On a trip to the tropical paradise where her fiancée died, a young woman begins to suspect the
death was no accident — and the killer’s still on the island.
What to expect:
🏝️mystery/suspense
🏝️multiple points of view
🏝️various timelines
🏝️murder?!
🏝️eerie isolated island
🏝️family drama
🏝️secrets
As always, all thoughts are my own. ✨🖤
This was just what I needed. This book pulled me right in. I loved the atmosphere and setting on a tropical island. Throw in a murder and a few twists, and this one surely had me hooked. The ending was top-notch and the perfect curveball. If you love a good twist thriller, add this one to your TBR. Four stars. ✨
On a trip to the tropical paradise where her fiancée died, a young woman begins to suspect the
death was no accident — and the killer’s still on the island.
What to expect:
🏝️mystery/suspense
🏝️multiple points of view
🏝️various timelines
🏝️murder?!
🏝️eerie isolated island
🏝️family drama
🏝️secrets
As always, all thoughts are my own. ✨🖤
July 25, 2025
What was the purpose of this book?
I was so bored. I should have dnf'd but I'm a glutton for punishment.
Wow just Wow. An impressively boring and meandering read.
I was so bored. I should have dnf'd but I'm a glutton for punishment.
Wow just Wow. An impressively boring and meandering read.
April 2, 2025
I really do enjoy Andrea Bartz books and was excited to read her new one set in a remote Mexican island. This isn’t my favourite of hers, but it was an entertaining read once it got going. It was a slow burn and took quite a while for anything much to happen. If I had been in a different mood I think I might have enjoyed it more, but it was not the right head space for a slower pace. I will definitely still look forward to this authors future books.
I really enjoyed the setting and the descriptions of the island, sounds like a paradise, apart from the dying! i really couldn’t warm to Abby at all, she was not easy to like and some of her decisions were just off.
Thanks to Random House Ballantine for the advanced copy of this book to read. Out on May 20th.
I really enjoyed the setting and the descriptions of the island, sounds like a paradise, apart from the dying! i really couldn’t warm to Abby at all, she was not easy to like and some of her decisions were just off.
Thanks to Random House Ballantine for the advanced copy of this book to read. Out on May 20th.
May 9, 2025
Once again, Andrea Bartz delivers a taut, tense, and twisty thriller that kept me up way too late. Her prose is as gorgeous, snappy, and clever as ever, and she’s packed this story with plenty of WAIT-this-changes-everything surprises. The tropical island setting is so lushly and vividly brought to life, you’ll be instantly transported, and you’ll find plenty of ex-pats and local residents to be suspicious of. Bartz has such a knack for making her intricate plots and engaging writing seem effortless; as soon as you begin one of her stories, you know you’re in good hands. This one will particularly be your jam if you loved (and who didn’t??) her third thriller WE WERE NEVER HERE, and will also appeal to fans of Megan Miranda, who love their mysteries moody, emotional, and immersive.
February 28, 2025
For some reason, I just could not get into this story. I really wanted to like it, but for some reason, I just couldn't connect at all, not to the setting, not to the characters. I just found myself not being that interested. I can't even say what it was, or maybe it's better to say, what it wasn't, that didn't grab me. Sadly, this just wasn't for me.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
March 17, 2025
Abby’s fiancée dies on the tropical island of Isla Colel .
Abby goes to the island to visit where Eszter spent her last days. While there her friend Brady disappears and she gets a sense that things are not what they seem. This was a great story and had my attention from start to finish. Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this eARC that will be released May 20, 2025!
Abby goes to the island to visit where Eszter spent her last days. While there her friend Brady disappears and she gets a sense that things are not what they seem. This was a great story and had my attention from start to finish. Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this eARC that will be released May 20, 2025!
March 31, 2025
3.5 stars The Last Ferry Out is not only a murder mystery but an examination of grief and loss. Abby is devastated when her fiancée Eszter unexpectedly dies from anaphylactic shock while abroad on a remote island, Isla Colel. Determined to find answers to Eszter's death, Abby travels to Isla Colel to ingratiate herself with the other expats that Eszter spent her time with. She suspects foul play as Eszter was always prepared with her epipen. All of the expats behave suspiciously at times, so Abby doesn't know who she can trust. She suspects that the killer is still lurking on the island. Abby's visit on the island alternates chapters with the evolution of Abby and Eszter's relationship, which added depth to the storyline.
This is a solid thriller that I enjoyed and was riveted by certain parts. It is atmospheric where you can get a sense of weather and setting very easily to feel like you are there. It is very much slow burn, but it is filled with tension that kept me turning the pages. I recommend this one if you like slow burn atmospheric thrillers that examine the history of a romantic relationship.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Andrea Bartz for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a solid thriller that I enjoyed and was riveted by certain parts. It is atmospheric where you can get a sense of weather and setting very easily to feel like you are there. It is very much slow burn, but it is filled with tension that kept me turning the pages. I recommend this one if you like slow burn atmospheric thrillers that examine the history of a romantic relationship.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Andrea Bartz for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2025
Unfortunately I'm DNFing this at 70% in. I just can't get into this story. It is very much a slow burn mystery that is a little too slow burn. The characters are uninteresting and I feel that the story could literally be told in half the amount of pages as there is a lot of extraneous information that yes, may eventually lead to something, but it is taking entirely too long to take off.
November 26, 2025
Abby has travelled to a remote island to seek answers concerning her late fiancés mysterious death. Whilst there she befriends an interesting group of expats, things aren’t really going as planned and when extreme weather leaves them stranded things go from bad to worse.
Think tense moody unsettling atmosphere with a picturesque setting,secrets and surprises and a potential killer on the loose.
Abby is desperate for answers and makes some questionable choices in the process. I loved the island setting, the sensation of being trapped and isolated is always one that gives me a rush when reading. The book definitely starts off very slow burn with a gradual introduction so be prepared for slower pacing.
Thank you for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own
Think tense moody unsettling atmosphere with a picturesque setting,secrets and surprises and a potential killer on the loose.
Abby is desperate for answers and makes some questionable choices in the process. I loved the island setting, the sensation of being trapped and isolated is always one that gives me a rush when reading. The book definitely starts off very slow burn with a gradual introduction so be prepared for slower pacing.
Thank you for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own
March 12, 2025
Abby is devastated by the death of her fiancé Eszter.She travels to the secluded island where it happened. She needs closure. It doesn’t make any sense how Eszter died.
They said it was anaphylactic. But Eszter was always careful to carry her EpiPen wherever she went.
The last words that Eszter texted her were “I need to tell you something”.
Abbey meets her friends that live on the island. Everyone thinks it was just an accident, but Abby has her doubts, especially when Brody sends her a text that says he knows what happened to Eszter. But Brody suddenly disappears himself
Abbey discovers secrets and lies, and doesn’t know who to trust.
This was a slow burn mystery. I was really engaged in the beginning, but it was very slow and drawn out in parts. I was looking for excitement and drama. This book does have twists and turns and ending I didn’t see coming.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes a slow burn mystery.
Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for this advanced readers copy.
They said it was anaphylactic. But Eszter was always careful to carry her EpiPen wherever she went.
The last words that Eszter texted her were “I need to tell you something”.
Abbey meets her friends that live on the island. Everyone thinks it was just an accident, but Abby has her doubts, especially when Brody sends her a text that says he knows what happened to Eszter. But Brody suddenly disappears himself
Abbey discovers secrets and lies, and doesn’t know who to trust.
This was a slow burn mystery. I was really engaged in the beginning, but it was very slow and drawn out in parts. I was looking for excitement and drama. This book does have twists and turns and ending I didn’t see coming.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes a slow burn mystery.
Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for this advanced readers copy.
February 24, 2025
4.5
#ad many thanks to Ballentine Publishing for my advance copy of this book
(Quoted to be added once published - pgs: 11. 42. 91.
BOOK✶REVIEW
#ad many thanks for my advance copy @andibartz + @randomhouse Ballentine #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🅻🅰🆂🆃 🅵🅴🆁🆁🆈 🅾🆄🆃
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴍᴀʏ 𝟤𝟢, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz is an atmospheric thriller that’ll have you hooked from the start. While sometimes I can’t get into atmospheric thrillers - too much focus on the setting and not the characters - I loved every minute of this story. The setting and scenery details were perfect. I felt like I was in paradise while reading; (besides there being a potential killer/killers) it had the perfect amount of suspense and island-ly vibes.
Eszter and Abby were engaged and about to be married when, during a trip, Eszter tragically died. Devastated and rejected by Eszter’s family, Abby decides to go to the island where her fiancée took her last breath, determined to retrace the final days leading up to her fiancés death.
But everyone on this island is hiding a past that they’d rather forget. A community of expats, they don’t care what you did in your past or where you come from. Everyone gets a fresh start here.
Memorable: the convos when they were all stoned. Totally geeked out over that.
Loved all the characters, the culture, the scenery. Prob one of my favorite books by Bartz. A solid mystery with plenty of secrets and suspense. While the suspense isn’t heavy the mystery behind Eszter’s death and the people on the island help build an undercurrent of apprehension.
#PRHPartner #thelastferryout #books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #bookish #booknerd #instabook #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookshelf #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookaholic #bookgirlbrown #reader #booklove #literature #instabooks #booklovers
#ad many thanks to Ballentine Publishing for my advance copy of this book
(Quoted to be added once published - pgs: 11. 42. 91.
BOOK✶REVIEW
#ad many thanks for my advance copy @andibartz + @randomhouse Ballentine #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🅻🅰🆂🆃 🅵🅴🆁🆁🆈 🅾🆄🆃
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴍᴀʏ 𝟤𝟢, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz is an atmospheric thriller that’ll have you hooked from the start. While sometimes I can’t get into atmospheric thrillers - too much focus on the setting and not the characters - I loved every minute of this story. The setting and scenery details were perfect. I felt like I was in paradise while reading; (besides there being a potential killer/killers) it had the perfect amount of suspense and island-ly vibes.
Eszter and Abby were engaged and about to be married when, during a trip, Eszter tragically died. Devastated and rejected by Eszter’s family, Abby decides to go to the island where her fiancée took her last breath, determined to retrace the final days leading up to her fiancés death.
But everyone on this island is hiding a past that they’d rather forget. A community of expats, they don’t care what you did in your past or where you come from. Everyone gets a fresh start here.
Memorable: the convos when they were all stoned. Totally geeked out over that.
Loved all the characters, the culture, the scenery. Prob one of my favorite books by Bartz. A solid mystery with plenty of secrets and suspense. While the suspense isn’t heavy the mystery behind Eszter’s death and the people on the island help build an undercurrent of apprehension.
#PRHPartner #thelastferryout #books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #bookish #booknerd #instabook #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookshelf #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookaholic #bookgirlbrown #reader #booklove #literature #instabooks #booklovers
February 3, 2025
I'm weirdly proud of myself for finishing this one because it was slow!
I mean, very little happens until you're about 3/4 through the book.
The MC was a little dull, though she thought she was funny.
The expat crew was a bit insufferable.
I did like our dead girl.
I will tell you that the reason I kept reading it was because I was actually very curious about what the big secret was and, while it wouldn't be anything earth shaking to me, it was unexpected and satisfying. I also was pleased that the author was able to keep me guessing about the who and the why of everything.
Not my favorite, and you do have to devote some time, but overall not bad in the end.
I mean, very little happens until you're about 3/4 through the book.
The MC was a little dull, though she thought she was funny.
The expat crew was a bit insufferable.
I did like our dead girl.
I will tell you that the reason I kept reading it was because I was actually very curious about what the big secret was and, while it wouldn't be anything earth shaking to me, it was unexpected and satisfying. I also was pleased that the author was able to keep me guessing about the who and the why of everything.
Not my favorite, and you do have to devote some time, but overall not bad in the end.
April 13, 2025
The Last Ferry Out is a thriller with emotional undertones. I’m not really a big fan of books that deal with grief so this may not have been the best one for me, but I do appreciate what the author did here and how she made the story not only suspenseful but emotional in a way too.
The story revolves around Abby who recently lost her fiancé. Wanting answers, she travels alone to the island where he stayed and meets a few expats who seem to have had some contact with them. With that, she’s essentially weeding out what really happened and us readers are along for the ride. There’s definitely a great mix of characters here and quite a few I didn’t trust which made the book suspenseful. The pacing was a little slow at times but overall, this book was entertaining.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 rounded up)
The story revolves around Abby who recently lost her fiancé. Wanting answers, she travels alone to the island where he stayed and meets a few expats who seem to have had some contact with them. With that, she’s essentially weeding out what really happened and us readers are along for the ride. There’s definitely a great mix of characters here and quite a few I didn’t trust which made the book suspenseful. The pacing was a little slow at times but overall, this book was entertaining.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 rounded up)
June 16, 2025
I was really looking forward to this one, mostly on account of it being a vacation turned nightmare trope, which I'm always up for, but this one was just so incredibly SLOW and mostly uneventful. don't get me wrong, the writing, as always with Bartz, is on point, but this is anything but an exciting thriller. This is, more than anything, a slow burning mystery, which mostly missed the mark for me. I am often unsure of how I will receive this author's work, and have loved some of her books and not really enjoyed some of her others, and unfortunately this one mostly fell in the latter category. More thoughts to come!
July 25, 2025
This one was not for me. I’ve now read three books by Andrea Bartz, and while I gave We Were Never Here 4 stars and The Spare Room 3 stars, none of them truly wowed me. After this one, I don’t think I’ll be picking up anything else by this author. At around the 30% mark, I found myself thinking, Oh my goodness, this is soooo slow. I was very close to DNF’ing it, but insomnia had me decluttering my kitchen all night—so I stuck with the audiobook. Unfortunately, the story just never clicked for me. It dragged painfully until the final quarter, which finally picked up, but by then it was too little, too late. The slow pacing and lack of engagement made it a huge disappointment overall. The plot centers on a woman named Abby who travels to Isla Colel in search of answers about her fiancée Eszter’s mysterious death. While the premise had potential, the execution didn’t deliver.
September 10, 2025
Listened. Dani Martineck, Imani Jade Powers, and Natasha Soudek narrated. Powers and Soudek were fine, but I'd like to take a moment here to nominate Dani Martineck as one of world's greatest voice talents. OMG, she was absolutely riveting. Her range and depth of emotions kept my ears glued to this story throughout. I felt her longing, her sadness, her fears and frustrations. She must surely be every author's dream voice.
Now, about the book...this is my first Andrea Bartz read. It will not be my last. I loved everything about it and am shocked by some of the low ratings (I lie: I am never shocked by GR ratings that differ from my own--par for the course).
The plot, the setting, the suspense, the characters--all great. BUT--what got me to rate it 5 stars is the extraordinary writing. Bartz is a poet. The metaphors all worked. Stylistically, this is the kind of suspense/thriller book I've been waiting for. No 4th-grade simple sentences. No redundancies. (Ok--a few too many lurching stomachs and pounding heartbeats, but I can live with that.) The backstories were so rich I felt like I understood why and who and what without being banged over the head.
What a beautiful love story. What a beautiful book.
Now, about the book...this is my first Andrea Bartz read. It will not be my last. I loved everything about it and am shocked by some of the low ratings (I lie: I am never shocked by GR ratings that differ from my own--par for the course).
The plot, the setting, the suspense, the characters--all great. BUT--what got me to rate it 5 stars is the extraordinary writing. Bartz is a poet. The metaphors all worked. Stylistically, this is the kind of suspense/thriller book I've been waiting for. No 4th-grade simple sentences. No redundancies. (Ok--a few too many lurching stomachs and pounding heartbeats, but I can live with that.) The backstories were so rich I felt like I understood why and who and what without being banged over the head.
What a beautiful love story. What a beautiful book.
May 27, 2025
"We love secrets here."
This was an interesting adventure of a story! Abby's fiancé has died on a far away island. The fiancé, Eszter, had some very extreme allergies and she died from having a reaction and not getting help in time. Abby struggles with not being there, with trying to understand her last moments and the people who knew her on the island.
But soon after Abby arrives, she starts getting a weird vibe from the small group expats her fiancé hung out with. They are getting Abby thinking, wondering, what really happened the night she died?
I loved Abby, our main character. I really appreciated the flashbacks, they really brought the story of the island and the inhabitants. I loved the secrets and the twists. Every new reveal kept me flipping the pages and I was right along with Abby with every shocking turn. I never guessed how this would all turn out. Good pacing, great plot, characters I loved. This one was really good!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This was an interesting adventure of a story! Abby's fiancé has died on a far away island. The fiancé, Eszter, had some very extreme allergies and she died from having a reaction and not getting help in time. Abby struggles with not being there, with trying to understand her last moments and the people who knew her on the island.
But soon after Abby arrives, she starts getting a weird vibe from the small group expats her fiancé hung out with. They are getting Abby thinking, wondering, what really happened the night she died?
I loved Abby, our main character. I really appreciated the flashbacks, they really brought the story of the island and the inhabitants. I loved the secrets and the twists. Every new reveal kept me flipping the pages and I was right along with Abby with every shocking turn. I never guessed how this would all turn out. Good pacing, great plot, characters I loved. This one was really good!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
May 13, 2025
I really wanted to love this one—it sounded so good and exactly like the type of read that usually works for me. An island setting and a woman looking into the death of her fiancé? Sounds right up my alley. But I think this was a case of me not having the right expectations.
It’s being billed as a twisty thriller, and I just don’t see that. At best, it’s a slower-paced suspense novel, but it lacked the fast pacing and intensity I expect from a true thriller.
I did enjoy the setting and thought the author did a great job crafting a beautiful and somewhat creepy atmosphere. She’s also a strong writer, and certain parts really drew me in. Unfortunately, many other parts pulled me out of the story. I normally enjoy multiple timelines, but there wasn’t a clear switch between past and present here, the transitions felt abrupt and disorienting.
If you like slow-burn suspense with a heavy side of grief, you may enjoy this more than I did.
It’s being billed as a twisty thriller, and I just don’t see that. At best, it’s a slower-paced suspense novel, but it lacked the fast pacing and intensity I expect from a true thriller.
I did enjoy the setting and thought the author did a great job crafting a beautiful and somewhat creepy atmosphere. She’s also a strong writer, and certain parts really drew me in. Unfortunately, many other parts pulled me out of the story. I normally enjoy multiple timelines, but there wasn’t a clear switch between past and present here, the transitions felt abrupt and disorienting.
If you like slow-burn suspense with a heavy side of grief, you may enjoy this more than I did.
May 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing an ARC of Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz in exchange for honest feedback.
The Last Ferry Out is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls readers into a world of secrets and shifting alliances. Set against the backdrop of an exclusive, remote island, the story follows a a cast of characters all visiting the island for different reasons as they become intertwined in a sinister chain of events.
The author definitely captured the creepy atmosphere and highlights the feelings of isolation and despair of the island without overdoing it. The ending was a tad bit long in my opinion but the ending certainly made up for it. I love that the author made sure to provide background and answers for all the little details and clues dropped throughout the story which doesn’t always happen.
Overall this was an unputdownable read for me and I was kept guessing until the very end. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Alice Feeney, and Lisa Jewell.
The Last Ferry Out is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls readers into a world of secrets and shifting alliances. Set against the backdrop of an exclusive, remote island, the story follows a a cast of characters all visiting the island for different reasons as they become intertwined in a sinister chain of events.
The author definitely captured the creepy atmosphere and highlights the feelings of isolation and despair of the island without overdoing it. The ending was a tad bit long in my opinion but the ending certainly made up for it. I love that the author made sure to provide background and answers for all the little details and clues dropped throughout the story which doesn’t always happen.
Overall this was an unputdownable read for me and I was kept guessing until the very end. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Alice Feeney, and Lisa Jewell.
March 27, 2025
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group/Ballentine Books and NetGalley for sharing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Abby's fiance Eszter dies suddenly on the small Mexican island of Isla Colel Abby sets out in search of answers. Before she passed away Eszter sent Abby a grim text that no one wants to get...'we need to talk'. On her search for closure and answers Abby runs into a group of expats living on the island that she hopes can help her, however, she ends up unsure of who she can trust and what to believe.
Overall I thought this was a good read despite being a bit slow. Luckily the characters were well written and there was enough intrigue to keep me engaged. While there were no blow your mind moments this was still a solid read and is worth checking out.
When Abby's fiance Eszter dies suddenly on the small Mexican island of Isla Colel Abby sets out in search of answers. Before she passed away Eszter sent Abby a grim text that no one wants to get...'we need to talk'. On her search for closure and answers Abby runs into a group of expats living on the island that she hopes can help her, however, she ends up unsure of who she can trust and what to believe.
Overall I thought this was a good read despite being a bit slow. Luckily the characters were well written and there was enough intrigue to keep me engaged. While there were no blow your mind moments this was still a solid read and is worth checking out.
May 23, 2025
THE LAST FERRY OUT by Andrea Bartz
Thank you @ballantinebooks @booksparks #SRC2025 and @prhaudio for my gifted copies.
📖 Abby travels to the remote Isla Colel to uncover the truth behind her fiancée Eszter's mysterious death. But as she integrates herself into the local expat community, she becomes entangled in a web of deception, realizing that someone may go to great lengths to keep the truth buried. 👀
💭 While the plot stands solid on its own—a mysterious death, a creepy remote island, secrets unraveling—it’s Bartz's writing that elevates everything. Her prose is top notch, and y'all know I love a dash of "literary" in my thrillers.😉 In addition to a propulsive, suspenseful thriller, she gives us a layered exploration of what it means to love, grieve, and survive in a world that doesn’t always make space for you. 🌈
🎧 As for the audiobook: it's SPECTACULAR!! The trio of talented narrators voice multiple accents flawlessly, and make the setting feel so immersive. If you're thinking of picking this up, I highly recommend this format. 🔥
📌 Available now!
Thank you @ballantinebooks @booksparks #SRC2025 and @prhaudio for my gifted copies.
📖 Abby travels to the remote Isla Colel to uncover the truth behind her fiancée Eszter's mysterious death. But as she integrates herself into the local expat community, she becomes entangled in a web of deception, realizing that someone may go to great lengths to keep the truth buried. 👀
💭 While the plot stands solid on its own—a mysterious death, a creepy remote island, secrets unraveling—it’s Bartz's writing that elevates everything. Her prose is top notch, and y'all know I love a dash of "literary" in my thrillers.😉 In addition to a propulsive, suspenseful thriller, she gives us a layered exploration of what it means to love, grieve, and survive in a world that doesn’t always make space for you. 🌈
🎧 As for the audiobook: it's SPECTACULAR!! The trio of talented narrators voice multiple accents flawlessly, and make the setting feel so immersive. If you're thinking of picking this up, I highly recommend this format. 🔥
📌 Available now!
Read
May 15, 2025Very slow paced suspense story about Abby, a young woman who travels to an island in the Gulf of Mexico where her fiancée Ezster tragically died. As Abby tries to get more information about what happened, she meets her Easter's friend group and feels a real sense of menace.
That's about it. This was a "vibes book" with a lot of atmosphere but not much happening, so if you need a book with a lot of twists and turns to keep you gripped, this will not be it!
I did really appreciate the f/f aspect of the story, as domestic suspense is so strongly geared towards straight couples. I just wanted a little more going on!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
That's about it. This was a "vibes book" with a lot of atmosphere but not much happening, so if you need a book with a lot of twists and turns to keep you gripped, this will not be it!
I did really appreciate the f/f aspect of the story, as domestic suspense is so strongly geared towards straight couples. I just wanted a little more going on!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
March 6, 2025
The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz, is about a young woman named Abby, who travels to Isla Colel to uncover the truth about her fiancée Eszter’s mysterious death. The secluded island, a tight-knit expat community, and a missing key witness all help to create suspense however this fell a little short for me.
The story begins with Abby arriving on the island, seeking answers that might help her make sense of her fiancée’s tragic death. Isla Colel, once a thriving tourist destination, is now a hauntingly quiet place, decimated by a hurricane and almost entirely cut off from the mainland. Abby quickly becomes involved with a group of expats, but things take a sinister turn when she learns that one of them knows more about Eszter’s last days. However, when the man vanishes before she can confront him, Abby’s search for the truth becomes even more dangerous and complicated.
There were moments I enjoyed but this book was slow. I just didn't make the connections I wanted with the characters. As Abby uncovers more secrets and I found out more information I still was not as hooked as I should have been. Eszter's death just seemed horribly tragic. This story just needed a little more action or romance. It just lacked that spark to make it a truly great book. There was some interesting action at the end but it was a little too late. Overall, this was not a bad book but I just did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
The story begins with Abby arriving on the island, seeking answers that might help her make sense of her fiancée’s tragic death. Isla Colel, once a thriving tourist destination, is now a hauntingly quiet place, decimated by a hurricane and almost entirely cut off from the mainland. Abby quickly becomes involved with a group of expats, but things take a sinister turn when she learns that one of them knows more about Eszter’s last days. However, when the man vanishes before she can confront him, Abby’s search for the truth becomes even more dangerous and complicated.
There were moments I enjoyed but this book was slow. I just didn't make the connections I wanted with the characters. As Abby uncovers more secrets and I found out more information I still was not as hooked as I should have been. Eszter's death just seemed horribly tragic. This story just needed a little more action or romance. It just lacked that spark to make it a truly great book. There was some interesting action at the end but it was a little too late. Overall, this was not a bad book but I just did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
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