4.5 stars

This is a tough book to rate. On one hand, it is an almost perfect suspense thriller - not super creepy, twists and turns, amazing plot. On the other hand, the subject matter is often difficult to read. There were times I had to stop reading and my stomach was churning the entire time. It was close to a perfect book for me and I highly recommend it.

Trigger warnings: rape, descriptive sexual assault, violence, murder

Rachel is the host of a super popular podcast that puts listeners in the jury box. As an investigative journalist, Rachel highlights past cases where justice wasn't found and rights that wrong. In her third season, Rachel decides to dive into the current trail against a superstar swimmer accused of raping a 16 year old girl. As Rachel travels to the town to cover the trial, she receives correspondence from Hannah asking Rachel to investigate the mysterious death of her older sister 25 years ago. Two instances of violence against two girls, 25 years apart. Are they connected? Rachel is going to find out.

It's hard to say I enjoyed this one because the content and subject material is really horrific. But the way that Goldin set up the story is really cool: Rachel POV, Hannah letters, and Rachel's podcast really made the story move quickly. I was surprised that I felt ok with the resolution - it isn't a thriller in the vain of all these new thrillers that have to have a million twists. I saw some things a mile away but it was ok because all I wanted was justice. I ended this book hoping for more as well: Rachel's podcast Season 4 gets teased and now I want a sequel. Overall, this is a must read.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

Caution to sensitive readers: THE NIGHT SWIM is both emotionally compelling and emotionally dangerous. Compelling, because you can't stop reading; dangerous, because the topics are rape and murder, and indeed the combination of the two atrocities.


In today's climate, discussion of rape is nearly as common as the event itself. But the revelatory movements unfortunately haven't halted the crimes. Nor has it halted the horrible viewpoint of Victim Blaming.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin is an interesting, slow burn, podcast-type mystery featuring two tragic and heartbreaking rape cases, decades apart, in a small town.

We follow a past and present rape cases simultaneously via the current court room trial, as well as through Rachel Krall’s true crime podcast. Rachel is sympathetic, sharp, fair and wildly popular as a host and investigator, and the case in the courtroom is intriguing, showcasing the inner workings of a trial of this nature. The topic is heavy and fairly graphic, as can be expected, but it’s treated with gravity and respect.

This story is not a thriller, but it’s still a captivating piece of crime fiction with a somber tone and intelligent, moving delivery. There is a clear and powerful moral and cultural message, and though it’s sobering and rather melancholy it is nonetheless,
necessary.

For those who enjoy investigative crime fiction, or podcast type stories, especially those with a domineering social message, this is a book you won’t want to miss. Despite its tragic topic, it’s a potent and absorbing story.

"To tell you the truth, 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."- Rachel Krall, Guilty or Not Guilty Podcast.
Rachel Krall is the host of popular crime podcast "Guilty or Not Guilty," and is in Neapolis covering a high profile rape case. (Think Brock Turner.) While in Neapolis covering the rape trial, Rachel receives a series of mysterious letters from someone named Hannah pertaining to the long ago death of Jenny, Hannah's older sister. Hannah pleads with Rachel to assist her in finding out the truth about Jenny's death as it comes up on the 25th anniversary.
While Rachel is poking around researching for the rape case, she begins looking into Hannah's claims that Jenny's drowning was not an accident. While she's working on both cases, she discovers a dark secret from the past that's still affecting the town of Neapolis, and exactly how far people will go to cover a secret.
The Night Swim is told in two timelines: Hannah's memories of the summer her sister died, and the current rape trial. Both intersect in horrible ways.
They both show that victim shaming has always been around. No one noticed that Jenny was hurting except her little sister, but people were quick to tell anyone who'd listen that Jenny was a "little slut who ran around."
And when it came to Kelly saying that Scott Blair raped her, well, she was just in awe of his fame and when he wasn't as serious as she was, she cried rape. Or maybe she regretted it after and cried rape. Either way, Scott Blair was a hero and an Olympic hopeful, there's no way he could have raped her. *insert eye rolls so hard they detach*
Yes, they even pull out the old "why should he be punished for the rest of his life over one bad choice," which I have a lot of feelings about. They can best be described with a wet fart noise.
Megan Goldin's handling of the trial and the horrible victim shaming attitudes of people when it comes to rape cases were well done. The use of podcast transcripts to cover most of the trial was perfect, as it cut out the "boring parts" and got straight to the parts of the trial that the people want to know about.
I personally love true crime podcasts, and how they provide a look into how the investigations work, and details that wouldn't find their way into certain true crime books or shows, little stories about the family or the victim, opinions from the podcaster, opinions from people involved in the investigation, details about the area. I almost wish "Guilty or Not Guilty" was a real podcast, because the transcripts of it made me want to hear more cases through Rachel Krall's journalistic investigations.
I also loved how the parts from the past were told the was a 9 year old would have understood, yet also included adult Hannah being about to fill in the blanks that she hadn't understood at the time. She knew then that her sister was hurting and it was because of those boys. She knows now why she was hurting because of those boys.
I knew that the trial would end and the truth about Jenny's death would come out, but Jenny's story ended in a way I didn't expect. I know I always say that predictable doesn't bother me, but when it's not as predictable, it really is better.
It feels weird to enjoy a book with such a dark story, but I flew through this one to find out what happened and would definitely recommend it to others. And like I said, I'd love to hear more of Rachel Krall's podcasts. I don't know if Goldin plans to continue with Rachel Krall or not, but I'd certainly read more if she does.
4/5 stars
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my review.

Rachel Krall runs the true crime podcast Guilty Or Not Guilty. Every season she chooses a new case to focus on, and this season she is covering the rape trial that is going on in the small town of Neopolis, NC. The accused is the town's golden boy, a champion swimmer who was destined for the Olympics. On her way to Neopolis to cover the trial, Rachel finds a note on her windshield from a fan of the podcast, begging her to look into her sister's murder in that same small town twenty-five years prior. At first Rachel is inclined to brush it off, but then her curiosity gets the better of her, and she begins investigating it in her spare time. She discovers disturbing evidence that links that crime to the trial that she is there for.
This story starts out being told in alternating chapters between the two cases, and I have to admit to feeling like I was getting whiplash trying to change gears from one case to the other. Once the two cases started merging, it was much better. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was one of those books where when one chapter ends, you convince yourself to read just one more chapter, because you need to find out more. It was so good. I loved the ending with the bird, too. When you read it, you will know what I am talking about. Trust me....you want to read it.

Okayyyy, this was a great slow burn mystery that true crime fans will appreciate. The book has a couple different storylines going on; one revolves around a podcast host who is reporting on a rape trial slightly resembling that of Chanel Miller and Brock Turner. The other aspect or the book is based on past events and the unsolved death of a sixteen year old girl.

The story alternates between the perspectives of Rachel, a successful true crime podcast host, and Hannah, the sister of a teenaged murder victim. Hannah pursues Rachel to see if she will help solve the mystery of her older sister’s death and bring justice. Rachel reminded me of an adult Pippa from A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, so if you loved that book, you may want to check this one out.

As Rachel investigates the case she has been focusing on, Hannah’s insistence that Rachel help her solve the past escalates as she stalks Rachel and continues to send somewhat sinister notes pleading for assistance.

The story continues with the two storylines and all comes together cleverly. Once I began this, I wanted to keep reading and became completely invested in what would happen. I liked that the author challenges the terrible way that people in society often place blame on sexual assault victims and remove it from the criminal. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys crime mysteries and court room dramas.
I give this a 3.5/5 stars rounded up to 4 for this review

CW - sexual abuse, sexual assault

I loved Goldin’s The Escape Rook so I knowingly went into The Night Swim with a little expectations and I was not disappointed in any way.. Goldin’s signature writing style is firm, twisted, makes you think and leaves you wanting more.

The Night Swim is a dual POV story 70% Rachel Krall and 30% Hannah Stills. Rachel is a host of a true crime podcast - Guilty or not Guilty that puts the listeners on the jury and Hannah is a small town girl who is convinced that her older sister Jenny Stills was murdered and is desperate to find the truth. Hannah contacts Rachel through a series of mails and requests Rachel to shine light on Jenny’s murder. Rachel takes up the challenge as she’s already in town to cover the rape trial of a local sensation Scott Blair for the 3rd season of her podcast.

The plot might seem easy and simple, but the story is twisted, suspenseful and truly did make me wonder what really happened?! Goldin’s writing is like an icing on a cake, she captures the emotions of the characters, the thoughts of a gossipy small town, “laughs” & “talks” a rape victim has to tolerate and intertwines all these into a investigative-ish thriller with some courtroom drama.

“So why Is that when women are attacked, the onus is on them? “If only she hadn’t walked home alone”, “if only she hadn’t cut through the park”, “if only she’d taken a cab”. When it comes to rape, it seems to me “if only” is used all the time. Never about the man. Nobody ever”.

This was certainly an impactful story that will stay with me and makes me view things differently. After all no one can completely understand what the other person has endured.. especially a rape victim!

Thank you Netgalley, St.Martin’s press & Megan Goldin for the ARC. This review is my own and is not influenced in any way!!

First off, let me start with a warning. This is not an ideal story for victims of rape or sexual assault to read. It's full of triggers and not for the faint of heart. With that said, I thought this was a great story and I liked how it brings rape culture into the light and how we as a society view it unjustly. It's an emotional story shown through dual POV, one through Rachel who is a podcast journalist covering a rape trial, and the other through Hannah who seeks Rachel's help in discovering what really happened to her sister 25 years ago. I'm not a high fan of multiple POVs that switch back and forth like this one does. But I feel that Megan Golding does an amazing job blending the two seamlessly.


Go Into This One Knowing: Rape and Sexual Assault

Rachel Krall has established herself with her podcast Guilty or Not Guilty. Now in Season Three, she will cover a trial for the first time. In a small coastal North Carolina town, college student Scott Blair, a nationally ranked champion swimmer and Olympic hopeful, has been accused of rape by a 16 year old girl. And as Rachel is learning from anonymous letters, 25 years ago in this same small town, another young girl was raped and later found dead. That time there was no trial. Everyone said Jenny Stills had drowned on a night swim.

Rachel covers the trial for the podcast, interviewing all the key participants. At the same time, Jenny Stills’ story is told in the letters left for Rachel. These letters are written by Hannah, Jenny’s sister, who was nine years old when her sister died. Her memories are those of a child and therefore even more tragic. Rachel begins to see disturbing parallels between the two cases. These are both tragic stories.

This powerful book deals with rape, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and power. It also deals with the treatment of women. Rachel remembers the rape of a young women she knew and the many “looks”, crude language and touches that she and all women receive. All the characters in this book have been beautiful crafted. Rachel and Hannah are the main narrators but we see the how the parents of the alleged rapist, witnesses and the victim herself have been crushed by their children’s actions. The small town with gossipy neighbors and long held secrets is a powerful setting for this story. The Night Swim asks as many questions as it answers and leaves you thinking. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Megan Goldin for this ARC.

Clear your schedule, pack your favorite snacks and drinks, and find a pool or beach because The Night Swim is going to pull you in immediately. I read this book in less than 24 hours, and it helped me get out of reading rut. I haven’t read The Escape Room but it’s already in my TBR pile. If you are a fan of true crime podcast and quick reads, this is the book for you.
Thank you to Megan Goldin, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A topical and important novel about investigating and finding truth. Hannah convinces Rachel to investigate the death of her sister Jenny - who died 25 years ago. Hannah's convinced that Jenny was murdered. Rachel, who has a successful podcast, is also covering a rape trial in the town of Neapolis. Scott Blair is the town golden boy, a swimmer with a "bright future" who allegedly raped "K". Does this scenario sound familiar? If not in the specifics, in the outlines? His trial is more about K than it is about him but Rachel, who wants to make her podcast stand out- it's called "Guilty or Not"-does her own investigation, interviewing a lot of people. She also works the cold case and, regular readers of this genre know that these two seemingly disparate tragedies have a common threat. No spoilers from me. Goldin has created great characters and addressed her subject with sensitivity. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A fast paced page turner and you won't get any spoilers from me!

4.5

This was raw, intense and hard hitting mystery and court room drama. Rachel Krall is the person behind a successful true crime podcast, she is in the town of Neapolis to cover the trial of a sixteen year old who accused a popular talented swimmer of rape.

During the course of the trial she also looks into the drowning of a young local girl who died in the same town 25 years prior by the request of her younger sister Hanah. Told from alternating perspectives of Rachel, Hanah and the transcripts of the podcast, the transition between each chapter was smooth, engaging, and made you want to keep reading to get answers.

This is a slow burn mystery incorporating relevant issues and graphically talking about rape/sexual abuse/violence and bullying in a sensitive manner. It was not a fast paced thriller with lots of twists and turns. I loved Megan Goldins captivating writing, the court case, the podcast, the characters, the strong women, the town- everything felt real.

If you love true crime podcasts and can handle the sensitive topic highlighted, I think you will love this book.

Thanks to St Martins Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rachel Krall is the host of a successful true crime podcast, 'Guilty or Not Guilty'. Her first two seasons have uncovered new evidence that overturned a conviction of murder and solved a cold case. Now her third season takes her to the small North Carolina coastal town of Neapolis where she will be following the trial of Scott Blair, a college student arrested for raping a sixteen year old girl.

The case has divided the small town. Scott was an outstanding swimming star of the local high school and is almost certainly on his way to the Olympic swim team ..... unless he is convicted of rape. However, his wealthy parents can afford a top lawyer and publicity to put Scott in a good light. Unfortunately the girl he allegedly raped has been forbidden by the court to speak about the case and so is unable to defend herself publicly. Despite being called only 'K' to protect her anonymity, everyone knows who she is and she has been vilified and bullied at school and on social media.

The novel is written in two voices. That of Rachel as she attends the trail and records her daily thoughts for her podcast and that of Hannah, a woman looking for Rachel's help in finding the truth about her sister Jenny's death 25 years before. Hannah contacts Rachel via notes left for her to find, that will draw her in until she becomes obsessed with finding out more about Jenny's death with it's obvious parallels to the trial she is attending. Rachel's pursuit of the truth behind Jenny's death before and after her days in court serves to provide most of the tension in the book as she uncovers long held secrets that have been buried deep by the town.

Rachel is well written by Goldin as a journalist who is acting as an impartial observer to the trial, reporting the facts but also discussing the ethics and difficulties of such a trial where it basically comes down to his word against hers and who the jury can most be persuaded to believe. Through Rachel's voice Goldin also highlights how traumatic it is for a woman to have to relive every detail of her rape on the witness stand and to then have the defence lawyer try to prove her a liar. She asks why any woman would want to go through that unless she had been raped. Whatever the outcome, K's life will never be the same happy and carefree one she had before the meeting Scott.

There is a hint that Goldin might be back with another season of Rachel's podcast and I for one would welcome that.

I expected a lot from author Megan Goldin, especially after reading her previous book, “The Escape Room.” Ms. Goldin used a similar method in this book, weaving two stories together and causing the reader to race back and forth between both of them to try to find the truth.

Rachel is a podcaster, one who combines her skill at investigative journalism with interesting shows that catch her audience’s interest. After two seasons, though, the pressure is on for her to top her previous efforts. The Scott Blair/Kelly Moore rape trial is the perfect vehicle for Rachel, and she heads for Neapolis to witness and report.

Neapolis is a town that has its secrets, and a second rape from decades ago comes to Rachel’s attention through the mysterious Hannah. Rachel begins to work on this second case at the same time, and the author slowly reveals how the past meshes with the present.

Two major storylines compete for our attention, making this book a quick read. Much of Hannah’s story is told through emails and letters while a portion of the Blair/Moore trial is related to us through Rachel’s podcast. It was very satisfying to see the author construct two individual characters through this method of storytelling. Hannah is very descriptive while Rachel is quick and to the point. Ms. Goldin draws the mysteries out almost to the last page, and the clever scattering of clues throughout eliminates the need for an extensive data dump in the final chapter. Highly recommended. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.

You know when you read that book that you just can’t wait to tell everyone about- well, I couldn’t wait to tell you all about The Night Swim by Megan Goldin!!!! Read it, love it, tell others about it!
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This is a courtroom drama and a psychological thriller all rolled into one. While telling one story, we get a second story just as powerful. I loved Rachel, the main character of this book, and I really hope there are more books to come involving her and her podcast. Please, Megan!!
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Rachel is a journalist who comes to this seaside town to report on a rape trial for her next podcast season. Everyone has an opinion in this case and Rachel’s podcast puts the listener metaphorically in the jury seat. While reporting on this case she receives a plea for help in the form of notes and letters from a woman who lost her sister suspiciously more than two decades earlier.
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There were some twists, some a little predictable,but most not so much. I was surprised by them, anyway, and I can usually get a good guess in most of the time.
The writing was excellent and had me turning the page quickly, anxious to see what happened next. It was a great binge read! I went through all the emotions and got so angry at one point I had to remind myself this was fiction. It also made me think about the justice system and rape culture and I love books that make me think!!
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I read Megan Goldin's first book, The Escape Room, and wondered if she would be able to hold a reader with the gripping turn of events that is laid out in The Night Swim.  She did it and had me on the edge of my seat with my heart racing and in my throat at times.

This book covers a very controversial topic, rape.  These two quotes from the book capture how rape is looked at as a crime.

"When school kids are shot by a random shooter, nobody asks whether the victims should have taken more precautions. Nobody suggests that maybe the victims should have skipped school that day. Nobody ever blames the victims."

"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 story weaves together two tragic crimes, one from 25 years ago and one from the present.  Both are rape crimes and the manner in which the victims are treated is appalling. The crazy part is how these stories are tied together in a remote manner.  I can't say much to not spoil the book, but what I thought had happened and who was involved from 25 years ago was off the mark.  I was quite surprised at the turn of events.

The author tells relates this tale from two points of view - Rachel and Hannah.  Rachel has a true crime podcast and has decided to take this next season in a slightly different direction, she is going to follow an actual trial vs following up on a case that has convicted an innocent person.  What she doesn't expect is to receive letters from Hannah who is the younger sister of a young woman that died 25 years ago, also a victim of rape and potentially murder.  We don't actually meet Hannah until the end except through letters to Rachel retelling what she remembers from that time.  It is Rachel's investigation that helps to uncover the truth.  For two similar crimes to happen in this small coastal town seems extraordinary.  As the truth comes to light, there is more at play than just some teenage boys hurting Hannah's sister.

I think I read this book in a day and had it not been for work I would have probably read it straight through until I finished it within a few hours. I was amazed at the emotions the author was able to draw from me as I read about these young women and what they endured.

If you enjoy thrillers then definitely pick up this book. I think this will be another hit for the author. We give it 5 paws up.

I'm sorry but this book was not my cup of tea. According to reviews on Goodread's I might be in the minority on this one but it is a very slow build up and bored me. I haven't read Megan Goldwin's first novel Escape Room and decided to give this one a try because there was so much hype for it so I'm sure other ppl will enjoy it. Thank you to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for my honest review

Woah - The Night Swim hits HARD! It's extremely raw and real. Centered around a rape trial in a small town Neapolis, Rachel Krall - host of a true crime podcast, is in town to dig up information surrounding the trial. After finding a note on her car windshield asking for help, Rachel is unnerved and finds herself on the search for the answers of not one crime, but two.

This book is excellent! Really well written and definitely very thought provoking. I enjoyed the short, engrossing chapters and the layout between the podcasts, letters and Rachel's point of view.

Huge thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for my review copy!

This is probably my favorite thriller of 2020 because it actually has some depth! Goldin knows what she is doing and I can't wait to read more by her.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin is a remarkable and tense thriller that could easily be real life, right now. It's a story of young girls, betrayal and denial and unforgettable and unforgivable hurt. It's is one the edge of your seat story. It is also a story of very strong women; women with determination, fortitude and persistence fighting against a small town with small people. I devoured it in day. I loved Ms Goldin's The Escape Room and was eager to read this new book, no disappointment, it's another good one! Thank you! #NetGalley#TheNightSwim#StMartinsPress