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Reviewers widely praise Ken Follett's "Night Over Water" as an engaging and unputdownable read, highlighting his skill as a master storyteller. Many found the book's intricate plot, set against the backdrop of the early days of World War II, to be both intriguing and fast-paced, building significant tension and suspense throughout. The novel is commended for its strong character development, allowing readers to feel intimately connected to the diverse cast of individuals whose lives intertwine during a transatlantic flight. Follett's meticulous historical research, particularly concerning the luxurious Boeing 314 Clipper, is frequently noted for bringing the setting alive and adding a layer of realism and fascination to the narrative. The book effectively combines elements of history, politics, and adventure, creating a unique "Grand Hotel" style story filled with drama, twists, and a palpable sense of intrigue that grips readers from the outset.

Despite its strengths, the book receives criticism, particularly regarding its pacing and certain narrative choices. Some reviewers found the beginning to be slow or overstretched, with repetitive passages that hampered the overall rhythm. A significant point of contention revolves around the portrayal of romance and the inclusion of sex scenes, which many described as gratuitous, overly explicit, amateurish, or even comical, arguing they added little to the plot and sometimes felt forced or out of place. The character development, while praised by some, was seen by others as inconsistent; some characters were deemed uninteresting, flimsy, or unrealistic, with female characters specifically criticized for being oversexualized and lacking depth compared to the author's other works. Furthermore, aspects of the plot and character interactions were occasionally found to be predictable, lacking the depth or surprises that some readers expected, with certain developments, particularly towards the end, described as far-fetched or unconvincing.

Overall, "Night Over Water" emerges as a generally entertaining and suspenseful page-turner, skillfully weaving multiple storylines against a compelling historical backdrop, though its execution of romantic and intimate scenes proved divisive among readers. This book would likely appeal to fans of Ken Follett's signature storytelling style, especially those who enjoy historical thrillers with a strong sense of intrigue and adventure. Readers who appreciate ensemble casts, intricate plots, and detailed historical settings, particularly centered around the early WWII era and luxury travel, are also good candidates. However, those seeking profound character arcs, literary surprises, or a narrative free from explicit romantic subplots might find aspects of the book less satisfying.