Member Reviews
I loved very pleased with this author when I read her first title, The Escape Room, last year. She does not disappoint in her new book and she is definitely on my auto-read authors list from this point forward.
This was a quick read that switches between two perspectives, the past and the life of Hannah, whose sister, Jenny, was possibly killed or accidentally drown in the past, and Rachel, a podcaster, who has come to Neapolis in the present to cover a high-profile rape case.
With Hannah reaching out to Rachel through letters, the past and present start to show parallels and the weaving of both stories keeps the suspense high.
I really felt for all the characters and enjoyed Megan Goldin's writing and ability to keep the tone of suspense alive.
A great, enthralling read.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Night Swim!
Wow, what a book!! I’d already read The Escape Room by Goldin and really enjoyed it so I had a feeling I’d enjoy this one as well! However based on what this book is about I feel like I can’t say I enjoyed it and here’s why... this is about Rachel who has a well-known podcast called Guilty or Not Guilty. She chooses a case for each season and provides evidence and first-hand knowledge about the crimes she’s reporting on. This season she chose a rape case where a small-town 16 year old girl is raped by an older, wealthy, Olympics-bound swimmer. The case immediately divides the small town of Neapolis. While attending the trial, Rachel starts receiving letters from Hannah asking for help in solving her sister Jenny’s murder from 25 years ago. Problem is, no one believes Jenny was murdered. She went for a swim one night and drowned. The book takes you back and forth between Rachel’s present day and Hannah explaining her past and the events that led up to Jenny’s death. The reason I feel like I can’t say I enjoyed this book?? What Jenny went through! It was heartbreaking to read how this girl was treated 25 years ago and the funny thing is that, 25 years later, Kelly (the present day victim) is being treated practically the same way. The author made a great point saying in a murder trial, everyone believes the accused is guilty and should be locked up! In a rape trial, the victim is often blamed. Did she drink to much? Did she lead him on? Was it consensual but then she regretted her decision? These questions are still asked in today’s society and often the victim is the one put on trial and crucified in the public’s eye.
So all in all, I’d definitely recommend the book! Even though I suspected who was responsible for certain things that happened to both Jenny and Kelly, reading the truth still somewhat surprised me.
Rachel Krall does a podcast that is very popular. This is her 3rd season for it and she wants something just a little different. She is going to a small town to cover a rape trial and she wants to put her listeners in the jury box by being impartial and just passing on the facts. Her first day in town, she finds a letter has been left on her windshield. This is quite unsettling as most people don't know what she looks like so no one should know her. It is a letter from Hannah, the little sister of a girl who Hannah believes was murdered 25 years previously. Her death was ruled accidental drowning. She wants Rachel to get to the truth.
I loved "The Escape Room" and was thrilled to be able to read and review this new book. Goldin did not disappoint. The subject matter is hard to read at times but is tastefully done. The story goes back and forth between 25 years prior and to the present. It is not hard to follow and keeps you engrossed throughout. Can't wait for the next book by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review.
Rachel Krall, is a podcast superstar, after her first season of her true crime podcast became a hit. She is off to cover a rape trial in a small seaside town, when the first letter is found on her windshield. Rachel gets lots of emails from people telling her that she is their only hope of justice coming to the person who has wronged them. This letter is no different, but something about it sticks in her mind and is hard to let go. As she begins to do interviews for her podcast, before the trial begins in this small town, she also begins to ask questions about another brutal crime that happened many years ago, in the same seaside town. As the book progresses, elements of both cases unfold, making this a double page turner!
Megan Goldwin hit it out of the park again with The Night Swim. Right from the start the book hooked me. People who liked Goldwin's other book with love this one. Also individuals who enjoy Christina MacDonald, B.A. Paris and Mary Kubica will be hooked by this book!
The publisher provided me with the opportunity to read this in exchange for providing feedback. (via NetGalley)
4.5 stars. Another fast paced read from this author that I rather enjoyed. It was hard to put down!
I’d like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. What can I say, but wow, once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down, finished it in one sitting. I love true crime podcasts and the author tied in a rape from 25 years ago to a current rape trial together seamlessly. You see the story from the podcast entries, the author of the podcast and the current rape trial, and what happened 25 years ago, I will definitely want to go back and read her other book.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ms Goldin has written an absolute brilliant follow-up book to "The Escape Room". This book was engaging from the first page and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
Rachel Krall has a crime podcast that is extremely popular and is in it's third season. She has chosen to follow a rape trial in Neopolis where the town's golden boy, an Olympic hopeful swimmer has been charged with the crime. Many people in this town hold secrets to not just the present but to the past.
Rachel has ever released her photo so she has total anonymity on her podcast but someone recognized her at a truck stop and left her a message asking her to help. The crime is very similar to the one she is there to follow. Rachel is intrigued by Hannah and the story of her sister. She wants to help her and along the way many secrets are brought to light.
This book is worth a minimum of 10 stars because it was absolutely fabulous and I can't wait to see what Ms. Goldin writes next!!
While I enjoyed The Escape Room, The Night Swim is even better! It is a crazy thriller of a ride and will keep you turning page after page. Loved this exciting thriller that will have you hooked from the very beginning. Highly recommend!
Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
A story that delves into podcasts and murder has me at first read. I'm a fan of podcasts that discuss cold cases and murder. Rachel has a podcast and wants to find out what happened in a intriguing case that has baffled many. Once you start reading you will immediately be pulled into the trenches and won't want to stop until the last page is turned in your Kindle lol. Thank you NetGalley as always for the arc.
Stayed up all night to read this one. After hearing great things about The Escape Room by Megan Goldin, when I saw The Night Swim on NetGalley I knew I had to request it! I loved this book. It was suspenseful and exciting until the last page. Thank you for the opportunity to read. I will definitely recommend to others when it comes out in August, although that seems so far away! So lucky to have been able to read this book so far ahead of time.
This is the third Megan Miranda book I've read and as usual I wasn't disappointed!
This latest book starts a little differently and at first I was a little worried that I wasn't going to like it but not very far in I was riveted to this story. The story is set in a small coastal town that has the usual characters. The biggest difference is this time there has been a terrible crime committed that has turned friend against friend and things will never be the same. Along with the current issues a serious crime from the past comes to light and oddly enough they are connected.
This book had twists and turns that surprised me and made gasp out loud. If you like a highly charged thriller than Megan Miranda is your author! (less)
Holy woah. While I loved the Escape Room by this author, the Night Swim tops it. This book is in the vein of the new style that focuses on podcasts. This is one of the first style books that I have read like this and I am on a mission to find more. Though I am not sure how much they can live up to this one.
Rachel is a podcast host in her third season after she became a household name. For season three she goes back to her hometown to cover the trial of a golden boy accused of rape. But this town holds so much more for her as well, it is where her sister Jenny Stills, died. Suicide or an accident or murder. The town can't make up it's mind but as it is, it looks like this old death and the new podcast may all entangle. Can a small town make up for what may have happened in it's past with what is happening in the future? Will we find out what really happened to Jenny and will we find out if the golden boy isn't so golden afterall?
Hang in for a swift paced thriller that will leave you guessing and racing to the end to find out what is really going on.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Night Swim.
I enjoyed the author's first book, The Escape Room, and was excited when my request was approved for The Night Swim.
The Night Swim is not for the faint of heart; there are triggers for sexual violence, rape and gang assault and though there are no explicit, graphic scenes, there were parts of the narrative that were difficult to read.
The basic premise is simple, yet familiar: Rachel is the host of a popular podcast that sheds light on recent murder cases. As her fame and popularity grows, she is feeling the pressure of doing something unusual for her third season.
She has decided to follow a rape case in real time and offer her followers and listeners all the highlights, details and verdict.
But, a young woman named Hannah has her eyes on Rachel, believing the investigative reporter is the only one who can break the case on the murder of her beloved older sister from over two decades ago, her reputation marred by misinformation and the narrow mindedness of a small town.
At first, Rachel is reluctant to get drawn into a case she is unfamiliar with, but Hannah's determination, passionate letters and her own curiosity, sets Rachel on a path to the truth and on a collision course that might put her in danger as well.
I liked Rachel; her dogged pursuit of the truth, her tenacity and her hesitation in pursuing the death of Hannah's sister, which was realistic.
I also enjoyed the fact that Hannah was not one of the main characters; we know her only through her letters and flashbacks, yet this was enough to give context to her life, her childhood and where she finds herself now.
The author weaves both womens' POVs with ease, the prose flows, nothing wordy or flowery, drawing the reader into the present and past with no hitch in the narrative.
No surprise that in a small town, everyone is connected to everyone else, as Rachel discovers, and the final twist is no less shocking, even though you may be prepared for it.
The author sheds light on the ordeal rape survivors must contend with when bringing their rapists to court; how little faith women are given when they testify, how women are automatically slut shamed when they are assaulted and violated, and how, sometimes, justice doesn't work.
I went through a myriad of emotions as I read The Night Swim; fury, vengeance, heartbreak, sorrow and and hopefulness, all the hallmarks that a good book is supposed to make you feel.
I highly recommend The Night Swim; it is engaging and thought provoking without being preachy.
Megan Goldin's THE ESCAPE ROOM still haunts me--and THE NIGHT SWIM only underscores the author's mastery of the thriller genre. Twisty, heartwrenching, rich in character and loaded with surprises, this novel delivers on every level.
I started this book with zero expectations because I haven’t read anything by this author before but the synopsis intrigued me. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful and mesmerizing. You are given backstory from Hannah and in the beginning it is quite frustrating because you just NEED to know more. But the author makes you wait with current events unfolding with Rachel and her podcast. I’m not always a fan of books told in alternating POVs but this one was gone really well in a none confusing way that I really enjoyed. Highly recommend to anyone that enjoys suspenseful thrillers.
This!! This is one of those books you want to yank on your reader friends' arms and say, "You've got to read this book!" The Night Swim by Megan Goldin is a well-written, smooth read. The characters are phenomenal. Rachel is an investigative reporter that does podcasts of trials, this time she's doing a podcast of a trial as it's happening. An old event from the town keeps intruding on Rachel's attention. This story is loaded with drama, humor, suspense and twists and turns you don't expect. This book grabbed my attention on the first page and kept me glued to my Kindle until the last. I loved this book and look forward to reading more from Megan Goldin in the future. The Night Swim is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. A six star read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Okay… GIVE THIS BOOK the time it deserves. I devoured this book in one night, all night, until I was done.
I thought Little Secrets was going to ruin me for future books, but it seems Megan Goldin pulled me out of the 5-star funk!
If you read only two books this year, I suggest this be one of them (of course Little Secrets should be the other.)
When Rachel Krall, a true crime podcast host, goes to the small town of Neapolis to cover a rape trial, she is uncharacteristically recognized by a person seeking justice. This person leaves letters for Rachel in strange places (outside her hotel room, INSIDE her hotel room, on her car, etc.) about an unsolved crime that happened decades before in the same town and it soon piques Rachel interest. While she covers the rape trial on her podcast (brilliantly done by Goldin) she also starts investigating the unsolved crime and WOAH…
First, let me say, the disturbing content HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, still to this day and is still overlooked and underrepresented. Second, it is terrifying not only the circumstances of the rape (the current trial,) but also the crime (SO AWFUL) that happened decades before. In a few places I love how perfectly Goldin pinpoints two main life truths: true innocence of young women and the vulnerability of all women being by themselves (walking to car at night, in the park, etc.)
This one will truly stay with me. I give it a super 5-star not only for story, but also how it unfolded. Gripping!
I haven't read the author's previous book, The Escape Room' and I don't know why. Because it is anything like this book I am definitely going to check it out.
I really enjoyed this book. It was heart-wrenching and difficult to read at times but it was completely engaging and had me hooked from page one.
Rachel, a podcast host is on season three of her show and reaches the small town of Neapolis where a young girl was purportedly raped by a young man who comes from a wealthy family.
At the same time, Rachel receives letters from a woman called Hannah who's elder sister Jenny Sills dies in the same town twenty-five years ago. Hannah wants justice for her sister who she believes did not drown but was killed.
Rachel increasingly gets immersed in both the cases and realises that there are parallels in both cases.
The two cases, separated by twenty-five years seem to have elements in common and as the trial continues, Rachel is drawn into the world and wants justice to be served in both these cases.
I found this book to be captivating, intriguing and gut-wrenching. I could not put the book down until I finished it There are two mysteries in this book and the author has blended both the stories so well. The transitions between the past and present were seamless and so engaging. Both Rachel and Hannah's stories were mesmerizing. I could not stop reading to know what happens next.
I hope Rachel comes back in a new book because she made a terrific heroine.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a great book! It's a superb book by Megan Goldin. I loved the author's previous book, 'The Escape Room' and was so excited to read this one and so glad I did because it did not disappoint. I was hooked from page one.
Rachel Krall is a podcast host. Her podcasts focus on crimes committed where the accused and the victim seemed not to have received justice. She is now into season three and comes to the small town of Neapolis which is devastated by the alleged rape of a young girl, Kelly, the granddaughter of the police chief. The accused is a young man, a shining star athlete swimmer, the child of rich parents who have an important and entrenched foothold in the Neapolis community.
As Rachel becomes involved in following this trial, she is also confronted by mysterious letters written by a girl called Hannah who's elder sister, Jenny Sills supposedly drowned many years ago. Jenny's sister believes otherwise and seeks Rachel out to find out her sister's killers. As Rachel digs further into this death of years ago, she discovers things that are murky and not adding up.
The two cases, separated by twenty five years seem to have elements in common and as the trial continues, Rachel is drawn into the world and wants justice to be served in both these cases.
There are two mysteries in this book and the author has blended their stories beautifully. The transitions between the past and present were flawless.
All stars to this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest interview.