this is my 171st Friday Forgotten Book review of a forgotten or seldom read book
Night Ferry to Death by Patricia Moyes, Henry Holt (Owl), 1985 paperback. Mystery, Chief Inspector Henry Tibbett
I’ve read many of Patricia Moyes’ mysteries, and I have yet to be disappointed. This was no exception. I enjoy these characters, the settings, the plots.
This novel centers around a theft of diamonds from the Dutch jeweler Van Eck, a theft which occurs while Chief Inspector Henry Tibbett and his wife Emmy are on holiday in Amsterdam. The thief takes the stones aboard the overnight ferry from The Hook to England, and is murdered on board, in the sleep-seat section. The dead man is identified as the thief, however the diamonds are not found. Henry and Emmy were in the sleep seat section as well, and so at the scene of the murder.
Later events, including a break-in at the Tibbett apartment, convince Henry there is a connection and when Scotland yard is called into the murder/robbery case, Henry takes it.
As usual, interesting characters and the likable Tibbetts make for an enjoyable book. I remain a fan of Moyes’ mysteries. Recommended.
Tip the Wink 
Great title. I love those kinds of titles.
I still haven’t read any Moyes novels, just the Crippen & Landru short story collection. This one does sound possible as the setting (Amsterdam, a favorite city,. and the ferry) appeals to me.
Jeff, you may like this series, it’s one of my favorites.
I’ve enjoyed your previous reviews of Patricia Moyes’ work. I’ve been slowly acquiring her books so sometime next year I’ll start reviewing them in order. Nice review!
Im not sure these must be read in order, but I always do anyway.
Loved MURDER FANTASTICAL! Didn’t especially find THE COCONUT KILINGS as engaging or colorful. I couldn’t even finish it. But I haven’t given upon her yet. I’m going back to reading her early books and hope to find some just as good as MURDER FANTASTICAL.
John, you may like this one better, Coconut Killings is one of the weaker in the series.
I read “Johnny Underground,” which gave Emmy a bit of a more meatier role. Plus, it featured some aviation bits, inspired by Moyes’ own experience (she joined the WAAF in 1939 during WWII as a a flight officer – Peter Ustinov hired her as a technical assistant on his film “Secret Flight” in 1946). I’ll have to add this one to the list!
Emmy has mrs or less to do in the books, but I’ve not discerned any pattern to it. I like them all, though any series has a weak entry or two over time.
I just picked up my first ever mayo and am certainly looking forward to it – thanks Richard,
I’ll be interested in your opinion, Sergio.