This is a brilliant mystery thriller telling the stories of two horrific crimes, one recent and one 25 years earlier. Totally engrossing with fantastic atmosphere and believable characters. A great read.

The Night Swim, wow this was a very good read! This book kept me turning the pages from start to finish of the book. There were many twists and turns found in this book, and I loved the way it played out in the end. Having said that this is a hard subject to read about at times, although it happens daily I think for the most part we don't really stop to think about how it affects those involved. I would certainly recommend this book to others.

I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin's Press, and was under no obligation to leave a good review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

When Rachel goes to Neapolis to record the newest season of her true crime podcast, she is contacted by a woman who's desperate to get justice for her sister's murder. Once Rachel notices the similarities between the town's present day trial and Hannah's story, she can't help but investigate what happened 25 years earlier. Murderinos—this is a book for you.

The trial Rachel chose for her podcast is clearly inspired by the Brock Turner case. When Kelly is ridiculed and thrown out of a party, forced to walk home alone, she accepts a ride from Scott Blair. Scott is highly respected in Neapolis, a university student with a promising future as an olympic swimmer, whose family practically owns the whole town. In Hannah's story, her and Jenny are poor with a bad family name and no one to turn to. Although Hannah didn't understand it at the time, Jenny was being repeatedly gang raped by a group of boys in their town and her murder was covered up as an accidental drowning.

This story explores how reputation and wealth play such a large role in rape culture. This story is grim. This story contains graphic depictions of rape and will undoubtedly be very triggering for some people.

I liked this book. It was a great read. Is it enjoyable? I mean, not really. But I think it's impactful and interesting and I would recommend it for people who can stomach the genre and content. This could have been a five star rating, and probably will be for a lot of readers. I personally found Rachel to be too flat a character. I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts and the hosts are passionate and biased and angry. It's like the author used professional neutrality as an excuse to not give her much depth or emotion. It's also a slow burn narrative, where you're living off breadcrumbs until almost the end of the book and then you're plopped down in front of Bruce Bogtrotter's giant chocolate cake. Then multiply this times two because the storytelling alternates between the two mysteries. You have to wait until the end to get to the suspenseful bits, but it's totally worth it.

I went into this thinking it was going to be more on the thriller side and it is solidly not that.

I really liked Rachel. She’s a good narrator. She’s smart, has great instincts, and ultimately knows when to stop being neutral. Hannah was intriguing. The set up of her chapters almost felt whimsical, like she still was the small child from the past. There are several other characters and even though this story is about Jenny and K, Hannah and Rachel are the ones who are telling it.

Plot wise, it was good. I really liked how it was broken up between Rachel’s present POV, to Hannah’s past POV, to the podcast/trial commentary. It was a clever way to show everything that the story had to tell. Yes, it was so hard to read some of these scenes, but the way victim blaming and treatment of the rapist are portrayed is simultaneously powerful and so heartbreaking.

Overall, it was a captivating story and I look forward to reading some of this author’s other books.

FYI: graphic descriptions of rape, gang rape, and physical violence against women

**Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing the arc free of charge**

This mystery/crime fiction novel was fast-paced, absorbing and very timely. Even though the topic of rape will always be divisive because of its "he said, she said" nature, and despite it being a common subject of many recent books, this had a different feel to it right from the beginning. I was hooked immediately.

Rachel Krall is a well-known journalist who has made it big hosting true crime podcasts. She's even had a bit of success helping to find justice in a couple of previous episodes. This time she's traveled to Neapolis, NC, to cover a rape trial. A star athlete, a possible future Olympic-level swimmer named Scott Blair, has been accused by Kelly Moore, a 16-year-old local high-school girl. During season three of Rachel's "Guilty or Not Guilty" podcast, she plans to attend each day of the trial, interview and investigate, and record her observations nightly for her vast audience. Upon arrival, however, Rachel is confronted with a very strange request in the form of a note left on her car windshield. The message is from Hannah, the younger sister of Jenny Stills, who died over 25 years ago in this small town. Hannah believes that her sister did not drown accidentally in the ocean but was murdered. Rachel is trying to concentrate on all of the hoopla surrounding the rape trial, but is drawn into Hannah's story and becomes convinced that there are some big questions about what really happened to Jenny. As the testimony in the trial comes to a close and the verdict is reached, will Rachel also be able to help Hannah find the answers she needs? NO SPOILERS.

Dare I wish that there will be a follow-up to this book with perhaps future podcast seasons featuring Rachel Krall? I really enjoyed how the author relayed the courtroom aspect and how the character of Rachel tried to remain objective in her reporting despite strong feelings about what she was hearing. Even though at times I found it hard to believe how Rachel insinuated herself into many of the situations and got people to give her pertinent information, I just went with it and tried not to over-analyze and nitpick. I want to know more Rachel personally, and I do hope to "hear" more of her podcast!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I did read THE ESCAPE ROOM by this author and plan to look for future titles.

I am a huge fan of crime shows. When I came across the opportunity to read an early copy of this story and I read the description, I was sold. Thank you to St. Martins Press for the chance to read this early. From the beginning I was hooked and intrigued. This is a definite must read!!

<u>The Night Swim</u> paints the story of an idyllic, quaint, seaside town shrouded in decades of crime, lies, and terror. Following two rape cases 25 years apart, Rachel Krall the host of a hit true crime podcast, finds that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to several residents of Neapolis.

This novel actually started off stronger than some of the suspense/thriller novels I've read lately, but then started to lose its steam around the halfway point. Maybe it's the fact that the cases revolved around rape. And, as Goldin had her protagonist point out, there's an inherent bias when it comes to rape cases. I'm the type of person that tends to always believe the victim. So I think it was so frustrating for me reading this and in the back of my mind "come on, there's no way any female author in her right mind is going to say this rape claim was falsified". Goldin also obviously drew a lot of inspiration from the Brock Turner case, even down to her defendant being a star swimmer. Otherwise, the writing was decent enough and the mystery well drawn out enough that I didn't mind the alternate timeline chapters and found this to be a solid, right in the middle suspense/thriller novel. Not great, but not bad, that's my verdict.

This is not a book to be read lightly! It hits on every emotion known and then some. A tale of two rapes with one ending in murder told in alternating chapters and happening 25 years apart. It is a very gripping book that will leave you feeling like a wet rag after reading. The author did a wonderful job of weaving all of it together and keeping you interested and invested even in both cases. Definitely an author to watch. WOW!!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

Wow!! I absolutely loved this book. I don't often give a book 5 stars, but this one earned it.
Rachel has a podcast involving crime and court cases. She travels to a small town where a teenage girl has accused another teenager of rape. Before even arriving in town, Rachel starts receiving letters from Hannah. Hannah claims that her sister was murdered many years ago and not by accidental drowning as was reported by the police. Rachel is busy attending court by day and recording her podcast by night as the trial gets underway. But she is also getting more and more interested in Hannah and what happened to her sister 25 years ago. It's two stories combined into one book. Do yourself a favor and read this one.

Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the privilege of reading this book

Not often does a book tick all the boxes for me, but this one had no trouble doing just that.

True-crime podcast host of Guilty Or Not Guilty, Rachel Krall, finds herself heading to a small town where a rape trial is about to begin. But before she can begin her Season 3 coverage, she begins receiving anonymous notes from a girl named Hannah who wants her to look into the suspicious death of her sister 25 years ago in the same town.

The chapters then begin to rotate between Rachel, Hannah’s communications to Rachel, and episodes of the podcast. This way of advancing the story and introducing information felt exciting and fresh.

I was anxious to see how Rachel would go about investigating and then what she would record on her podcast. How would she handle such a sensitive topic?

The Night Swim slowly and methodically took me on a journey that was spellbinding. I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

The Trial
Neapolis, where the trial was about to take place, felt believable with its rural personalities. I especially loved it when Rachel interviewed a couple at the retirement community. It felt so true to life of what a conversation of older, happily married folks might say. I couldn’t read it without smiling.

I found both the style of writing and message were way above average. The chapters completely held my attention. And though the subject of rape is sensitive and heart-wrenching, it came across as a topic that can hold extreme consequences for either side.

This is a mystery that you will find yourself holding your breath and wondering what the outcome will be.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞
This is a slow burn mystery that could concern some.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝
Though the topic is emotional, I loved the way everything slowly and methodically surfaced. I felt the sensitive issues were handled respectively yet truthfully.

If you’re looking for an exciting, thought-provoking, story then I highly recommend you pick up this book.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book and the ability to post a review of my opinion.

From the very start of this book you get the sense something sinister is about to happen. It’s a very intense and touchy subject. A story of a young girl who is raped. Then in many ways raped again by the very courts that promise to give her closure. Promise to make her world safe again. Promise that the man who did this to her will pay.

THE TRAUMA OF TESTIFYING IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WHY SO MANY RAPE VICTIMS OPT NOT TO TESTIFY AND WHY SO MANY RAPES ARE NEVER PROSECUTED.
TWO RAPES. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS APART. IN THE SAME TOWN.

This is the story of a young girl, Kelly Moore, who was brutally raped by a boy who had it all. He was an athlete and on his way to becoming famous. One mistake is all it took for her life to be completely torn to shreds. Trusting one boy who promised to give her a ride home. Getting into his car would change her life forever.

Rachel has a podcast called: GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY. She is in town to cover a rape case and bring it to people who listen to her podcast and let them decide if the boy in question is guilty or not. Many things happen in this story that will make you cringe. Make you feel so sad. Make you wonder exactly how someone can get away with things. Whether now or twenty-five years ago. Rachel is contacted by a woman who use to live in the town. Who’s sister was raped, over and over, then murdered. Who’s murder was covered up by everyone. Who’s life was ruined by the same boys who terrorized her over and over throughout that summer. Now Hannah is back and she wants justice for her sister. She wants Rachel to help her.

Hannah was just a child when her sister, Jenny age 16, was murdered. Jenny went through something that would unforgivable. She was beaten over and over. Raped by several boys over and over. There was one boy who did not participate but to me he was still very guilty. He didn’t get her any help. He was afraid and that is understandable in a sense. But it’s not really unforgivable in my humble opinion. Hannah wanted justice for her sister and she sought the help of Rachel. You will hear what happened back then in Hannah’s words. The words of a nine year old child who doesn’t understand exactly what was going on. She will break your heart so many times. Her love for her sister is so strong and has not diminished one bit in the many years it’s been. With Rachel’s help will she find justice for Jenny. Will Kelly get justice for what happened to her. Will anyone pay for what happened those many years ago. Will justice truly be served or will a rapist go free?

This is a very deep story that will have you hanging onto every word. It’s not graphic or I would not have been able to read it all the way through. It’s told in a way that will leave you turning the pages and wanting someone to pay for the things they did. Both now and twenty-five years ago. It’s not until about 75 percent of the way into this story that things get really compelling. Things are told that will make your skin crawl. The tears will flow for the pain that is caused to young women. No one deserves to be treated the way either of the young girls in this story are treated. It’s told in a way that you will feel like you are there. On the beach, in the woods, in the courtroom. You will root for the true victims in this book or you just are not human at all.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #MeganGoldin, #StMartin’sPress for this ARC. This is my own review.

It’s a big 5/5 stars and a very high recommendation.

I was quite excited to read this one - especially as it is an August Book of the Month Club pick! The format is broken into three parts - Rachel, a popular podcast investigator and host provides one perspective as the book opens with her on the way to cover the trial that will make up season three of her show. The trial is a highly publicized rape trial of a popular young man on track to be an Olympic swimmer, who allegedly rapes a high schooler on her way home from a party. Rachel's podcasts themselves make up the second component of the book. And perhaps the most interesting is the third element - mysterious letters and emails from Hannah, asking for Rachel's help in getting justice for her sister, Jenny, who Hannah knows was murdered 25 years earlier in the same small town.

It's an engaging read that hooks the reader right in from the very beginning. The lovely North Carolinian coast provides a great backdrop that is at times quite haunting. The book really revolves around rape. - and is sure to be a real discussion starter amongst its readers. I appreciated Goldin's focus on the plots, the topic and the way that she didn't mix her messages or muddy the waters with an unnecessary romantic sub plot for any of the characters. But, I must admit, the plot isn't exactly unpredictable (in fact, readers may get a bit frustrated with Rachel's slowness at times...), though there are a few red herrings thrown out there to keep you guessing. There are a few details about Hannah that I wish had been better addressed, but while this is not a flawless novel, it is certainly a captivating one. And judging by its pre-publication press, I think that it will be a popular summer read and get more people talking. Goldin certainly brings up a lot of points worth exploring more! It's a well-written and well-done novel - it's my first experience with her writing, but I don't think it will be my last!

"I don't get how we can almost unanimously agree that murder is wrong, yet when it comes to rape some people still see shades of gray."

This book was excellent.

In The Night Swim we follow Rachel, a successful crime podcaster who is sent to a small town to investigate and report on the rape of a 16 year old girl. When she arrives mysterious letters start showing up for her and she realizes that another heinous crime was committed 25 years earlier and never went to trial. Thrown into the mix of these two devastating cases Rachel is committed to finding out the truth no matter what she has to do.

First, this book has been marketed as a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. I don't think that accurately describes this one. It is more of a slow burn court drama/thriller much like Miracle Creek! I just want to put that out there so that you go into the book with the right expectations!

Regardless of this not being a fast paced thriller, I thought it was excellent! The podcast element was a really great touch and if I ever get my hands on the audiobook, I plan to listen to it so I can see how that is done!

While the mystery and thriller element surrounding the crimes was really well developed and interesting one of the best parts of this novel is the commentary about rape victims and the discussions surrounding rape. Rape victims are put through the ringer and it often keeps many victims from coming forward. This is a huge problem and I feel that Goldin discussed this throughout the novel wonderfully! I have so many quotes highlighted on my Kindle and many times I raised my hands in praise for her writing!

As for the actual plot of the story, I thought it was interesting and it kept my attention, but again, I did not feel it was edge of my seat worthy. I enjoyed reading the novel, but could put it down and then pick it back up and read a few pages at a time. I highly enjoyed it though and thought the way the story unfolded was great. I really liked all of the characters and enjoyed the many pieces of the story that started weaving together to ultimately lead to answers.

Needless to say, I loved this one and cannot wait to see what Goldin writes next!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, the author and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

The Night Swim is on sale today, snag yourself a copy!

When I started this book, I really had no idea what I was getting into. I didn't read the synopsis until I had started it, and honestly if I had known I probably wouldn't have picked it up. Which I am glad I did, but there was times it was a struggle. This book is a trigger warning! I express caution warnings if you have troubles with rape and sexual assault. You may not want to venture to this read.

The Night Swim you follow Rachel, who has a true crime podcast, travels to a town to witness a trial for a rape allegation for her 3rd season. While investigating, attending the trial, and recording her podcast she is sent daunting letters from a girl named Hannah. Hannah's sister had drowned 25 years ago and she wants help to solve it.

This book was brilliantly written. It is told in 3 POVs. You get Rachel, who is told in the 3rd person. Then you get Rachel's podcast episodes. On top of all of that you get Hannah's letters to Rachel. It flowed so seamlessly together and invested yourself into the the female characters.

As I said, this book is about rape and sexual assault. Let me be honest, it can be graphic and detailed. There were times I struggled. It's sickening and disturbing. It's heart wrenching and infuriating.

"I don't get how we can almost unanimously agree that murder is wrong, yet when it comes to rape some people still see shades of gray."

Drop whatever it is that you're doing because you need to read this book now. I have been lucky to read some amazing books this year and this is one of them. It just starts out with a bang and it just keeps ramping up and up until iits shocking conclusion which even I didn't see coming. Impossible to put down. Never mind. Don't put it down. An absolute must read. Happy reading!

I’ve never read anything by Megan Goldin before this book. But I can tell you, I’ll be reading more of her. If you like books where after only a few chapters you are wanting to cheat and peak at the ending, you will love this. Rachel’s podcast sounds so exciting. I can’t imagine what the stress of finding answers would be. It’s a hard task that hasn’t been done the proper way to begin with. But she doesn’t give up. I felt so many emotions throughout this book. I love a book that brings out emotions. What a wonderful talent to have. The only negative I have to say is it was a little slow moving.

Okay. So. This book is AMAZING. I can't emphasize that enough. Not only is it a well crafted thriller but it's also a much needed commentary on rape culture, how rape cases are handled and why more women don't come forward. And I almost liked that more than the thriller aspect because wow did all of it need to be said.

But let's talk thriller first. So there are two mysteries here, both pretty similar in nature but happening twenty-five years apart. Both are incredibly captivating and well crafted. I was just slightly more interested in Jenny's story because HOW DID NO ONE EVER HELP HER?!? I can't really go into details without spoilers but she was tormented (for lack of better, less spoilery word) for MONTHS. And, yes, Hannah did realize what was going on (kind of??? She was just too young to understand) but how did no one else notice???

Though, I guess Jenny's case was the classic, people noticed but assumed it was someone else's problem. So her story was the one that interested me more. I did end up guessing her killer but it was honestly more of a poetic justice? So I was deeply satisfied. (As I said. Well crafted.)

But the main focus of this story was the trial and that was handled SO WELL. I loved feeling like we were right there in the courtroom (no matter how frustrating that might have been) and I really loved following the entire story through that lens.

So. This is an absolutely wonderful thriller. Definitely one of my favorites of the year. It is incredibly well written and the ending is so worth it. Plus two mysteries for the price of one, a podcast, some legal thriller aspects. This book has a lot to offer!!! I HIGHLY recommend if you're looking for a good thriller!!!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this one!

I really enjoyed this book. The story pulled me in right away. The topic of how we perceive rape victims was illuminating. The book has more than one storyline going on. I liked both narrators. The switch of storylines was smooth. It was extremely interesting to learn both stories and how things have and haven't changed over the years. I liked Rachel a lot. She was a great lead for this story. The book had some surprises and a good conclusion. I would love to read more by this author and even more that had Rachel as the lead. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Part court room drama, part Nancy Drew-esque mystery solving, The Night Swim gave me so many different types of storytelling that I continuously wanted to keep reading and listening (I had both audiobook and e-reader versions). I also really enjoyed the Podcast segments that truly brought a different medium to the writing.

While listening to the audiobook, my only issue was the narrator choice. She was quite monotone and didn’t help me differentiate between the characters in the story. I did enjoy the podcast moments though with the theme music added in.

The whodunit element of The Night Swim was perfectly written and the mystery leading to the reveal was not too slow that the story felt like it was lagging. I am very happy to say this is a 5 star read for me!

TW: Rape

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is my first Megan Goldin book and I can't wait to see what else she has written. This was an exceptionally well written book that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat! Goldin grabs a hold of you and pulls you right in to the book. Hold on tight because the ride may be a little bumpy. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy! 📚