The Last Ferry Out: A Novel

By Andrea Bartz

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 best: 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 onto the island where her fiancée, Eszter, died in a tragic accident, she encounters a rugged landscape forgotten by tourists and populated by only a small group of residents. Racked with grief, she struggles to understand why Eszter chose to visit this remote, run-down spot. There, she befriends an alluring group of expats who remember Eszter well. One of them even texts to say he knows the truth about Eszter’s final days—but before he can tell Abby more, he vanishes from the island. As her quest for the truth unearths chilling secrets, shady pasts, and a web of lies, Abby grows more determined than ever to find out what happened to the woman she loved. And the deeper she gets in the close-knit expat community, the more she becomes convinced that one of them killed Eszter—and will do anything to keep the truth buried. But can Abby discover who it is before she becomes the island’s next victim?

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Published May 20, 2025

320 pages

Average rating: 6.46

24 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Andrea-The Shelf Life Books
Jul 03, 2025
6/10 stars
Abby is deeply affected by the loss of her fiancé Eszter. Seeking closure, she travels to the remote island where the incident occurred. The circumstances surrounding Eszter's death remain unclear. Although the cause was reportedly anaphylactic shock, Eszter was known to always carry her EpiPen. The last message Eszter sent to Abby read, "I need to tell you something." Upon arrival, Abby reconnects with friends residing on the island. While the consensus is that the event was accidental, Abby harbors doubts, particularly when Brody sends a text claiming he knows what happened to Eszter. Brody's sudden disappearance further complicates matters. As Abby uncovers secrets and deceit, trust becomes elusive. The narrative develops as a slow-burning mystery, engaging initially but at times feeling prolonged. Despite seeking more excitement and drama, the book contains unexpected twists and an unpredictable conclusion. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a slow burn mystery.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Pub/Ballantine Books for this advanced readers copy.

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