Thank you for this review copy.

I don’t know the last book I read that had rape as a plot point and with that in mind I don’t know why I requested this ARC. As a mystery it was ok, just not the right book for me maybe. I liked the idea of the podcast behind the scenes, but I also found the language was way over the top for the characters.

Following on from the success of her two previous podcasts Rachel Krall decides to cover the rape trial of a young woman in her hometown of Neopolis. Scott Blair, star swimmer and the towns golden boy is on trial for the crime. Shortly after arriving Rachel receives the first note from Hannah asking her to investigate the death of her sister Jenny 25 years ago. Officially ruled as a drowning Hannah is convinced that her sister was murdered.
Effortlessly flicking between the past and present and from both Rachel and Hannah’s point of view this book kept me hooked from the very first page. Full of edgy plot twists, fantastically written characters and nail biting tension this book cannot be missed!

I absolutely LOVED this book. Megan Goldin had me guessing until the very end. This was the first book I've read by Goldin and it did not disappoint. Goldin creates an engaging mystery that is unputdownable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers and I can't wait until her next book.

This book gave me the chills at times. It was thrilling and full of twists, and I wasn't sure what would be coming next.

As someone who loves true crime podcasts and loves when books feature a journalism or podcast element to an investigation or mystery, I knew I had to have Megan Goldin’s novel The Night Swim the moment I read the description. Frankly, I would have read anything Megan Goldin published next after how much I loved her previous book The Escape Room.

I think I might be not a traditional reader in that the more I am enjoying a book—particularly a thriller or mystery—the longer I want to take to read it so I can mull it over as I go. This was one I didn’t want to end! Where others say they couldn’t put this down and they devoured it in a day, I’m the type of reader who likes to spread the enjoyment out and I spent a whole week on The Night Swim. This is the highest compliment—I did not want it to end!

While The Escape Room read more like a psychological thriller, The Night Swim is more of an investigative mystery delving into rape culture and the nature of crimes that are difficult to prosecute. Full of depth, The Night Swim blends important, timely topics with a whip smart mystery and suspense that rachets up as the story unfolds until the very final page.

Podcaster Rachel Krall has found her niche podcasting about true crime cases. Coming off of a season that skyrocketed her into fame, Rachel is ready to turn from reopening an old case and proving a man’s innocence to something a bit more current. In the small town of Neapolis, a rape trial involving the town’s golden boy and the granddaughter of the chief of police is creating a community divided. Recent high school graduate and star swimmer Scott Blair is accused of raping high school student Kelly Moore. As is common in these sorts of cases, the prosecution and defense agree that sexual activity occurred between the two on the night in question, but they are in disagreement about whether it was consensual.

The town of Neapolis, North Carolina reminded me a bit of late 90s teen shows like Dawson’s Creek, meaning I loved the setting. Small towns are always full of secrets waiting to come out since everyone knows each other. I also liked how it was set around a harbor of sorts. The whole setting felt like it’s own character.

When Rachel arrives in Neapolis with the intent of covering the rape trial and putting her listeners in the jury box, she finds herself engaged in another cold case after a mysterious letter appears on her windshield. Rachel is surprised she’d be recognized, since podcasting is an audio medium. Someone is clearly following her. Soon the letters lead Rachel to a woman who wants Rachel to look into what happened to her sister two decades earlier. The cold case involves another rape and a drowning, bringing themes from Rachel’s current investigation to mind. The woman is convinced it was a murder, but the record closed the case as an accidental drowning.

As Rachel looks into both cases, some troubling connections emerge. The mystery itself is captivating and the story is crisp and well-defined. I didn’t feel there were any slow points or extra plot points that felt extraneous—Megan Goldin keeps her plots tight! At times it can be quite emotional, which is part of why this book is so captivating. I found it brave of Megan Goldin to dig into rape culture, which is a difficult subject to tackle.

An exceptional thriller!

As a true crime podcaster, Rachel us used to telling a story but not being a part of one. Notes left on her vehicle cause alarm. The local coverage if a Olympic hopeful of rape also colors the story.

A few slow.points.bu5 overall a good story.

Loved this one! The alternating timelines kept things exciting and I enjoyed the podcast aspect. The mood was unnerving and exciting. Everything I love in a good thriller.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a decent book. It had a pretty good storyline that flowed well and didn’t drag. Some of it tied up a little too neatly to be too believable, but I still enjoyed the book. A quick read.

Hands down one of the best books I have read this year. I am floored, rendered speechless. I totally underestimated just how much I would love this book. Yes, it was that good. 5 STARS!! Thank you for the complimentary read! I hope to have it in my kindle library for a re-read next year.

Excellent from start to finish. It really kept you engaged and waiting for more. The characters were well drawn, and the underlying imagery like the nightingale was brilliant.

The first part of this book moved pretty slow, but it picked up towards the end and made for a solid thriller. Difficult subject matter (rape) made it hard to swallow in some points- so reader beware of the trigger warning.

I loved this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more the whole time! I will definitely read more from this author. All of her books have kept me wanting more!

Megan Goldin is one of my new favorite authors. The Night Swim was so good. I have since passed copies and recommended to my book club and friends.

As an avid true crime lover, I absolutely devour anything about a crime podcast, and The Night Swim didn't disappoint. While this wasn't as thrilling as I hoped it would be, it is definitely suspenseful with a healthy dose of mystery. If you enjoy quick, engrossing reads, check out this one!

This wasn't the best thriller but it kept me on the edge of my seat for most of it. I thought it was an interesting plot and kept me intrigued throughout.

I kept seeing this book recommended and it absolutely lives up the hype. The story will stay with me for a long time and I'm still feeling a book hangover from it. The story is heartbreaking, but compelling, especially with the podcast angle. Can't wait to check out more from the author, five stars.

Such a thrilling read! Purchased a copy for my home library. Thank you publishers & Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy.

Quick, engrossing read following a podcaster who wants to know what really happened the night Jenny Stillsr died. I like that this book really showed the prep and the leg work that Rachel did to uncover the mystery. At the same time, it felt like clues fell too easily into her lap. A good suspense, but I think Megan Goldin can do more. 3.5 stars

I liked the idea of a Podcaster helping to solve a crime. The two story lines and the past and present got a bit confusing for me. There were so many characters that it was hard for me to figure out who went with what story. It wasn't hard for me to figure out the bad guy.
It was a bit hard for me to keep the stories straight. I will read the next book by Goldin, but I enjoyed her first book more then this one.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin is a thriller but hit more like a crime fiction to me. But one with several very important messages.

Rachel Krall is the host of a popular and successful true-crime podcast. The new season is focusing on a rape trial in a small coastal town. At the same time, she has been receiving mysterious messages from the younger sister of a girl who was (possibly) murdered in the same town years ago.

This book was tough to read at times but mirrored so many of the issues in today’s world. Goldin isn’t shy about describing the scenes of the rape and surrounding circumstances.

I wouldn’t call this a nail-biting thriller, but rather a thought-provoking societal thriller. And a book I'd recommend for practically anyone.