The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
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Ever since her true-crime podcast became an overnight sensation and set an innocent man free, Rachel Krall has become a household name – and the last hope for people seeking justice. But she’s used to being recognized for her voice, not her face. Which makes it all the more unsettling when she finds a note on her car windshield, addressed to her, begging for help.
The new season of Rachel’s podcast has brought her to a small town being torn apart by a devastating rape trial. A local golden boy, a swimmer destined for Olympic greatness, has been accused of raping the beloved granddaughter of the police chief. Under pressure to make season three a success, Rachel throws herself into her investigation – but the mysterious letters keep coming. Someone is following her, and she won’t stop until Rachel finds out what happened to her sister 25 years ago.
Officially, Jenny Stills tragically drowned, but the letters insist she was murdered – and when Rachel starts asking questions, nobody in town wants to answer. The past and present start to collide as Rachel uncovers startling connections between the two cases – and a revelation that will change the course of the trial and the lives of everyone involved.
Electrifying and propulsive, The Night Swim asks: What is the price of a reputation? Can a small town ever right the wrongs of its past? And what really happened to Jenny?
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
MY THOUGHTS & REVIEW
The Night Swim was a great example of a book written with an audiobook in mind.
Not only was it a fantastically narrated mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat, but the story also included a crime podcast and a series of letters. Which made it a format that was perfectly designed to keep the listener enthralled and engaged.
“I’m Rachel Krall and this is Guilty or Not Guilty, the podcast that puts you in the jury box.”
The past and present came to a climax in this mystery. And the way it was told, part investigation, part mystery, and part podcast had me glued to my phone.
It’s hard to believe, but I actually started and finished the book in ONE day. 9 hours, 59 minutes of amazing storytelling. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down. Even though the story was gritty and raw at times. Moreover it was heartbreaking. Listening to the story unraveling the two rape cases was hard to listened to at times.
But this sentences says it all.
“I don’t get how we can almost unanimously agree that murder is wrong, but when it comes to rape some people still see shades of gray”.
Overall The Night Swim was an atmospheric novel, relevant, heart-breaking and thought provoking. With an interesting twist/plot revelation at the end. A great book club choice, because there is just so much to talk about.
But I know that this book is not for everyone.
It has too many triggers and a topic that isn’t an easy one to read/listen to. Nevertheless it was a captivating read, and I haven’t felt this way about a mystery/thriller in a long time. The last thriller I read that was better than average was THEY NEVER LEARN by Layne Fargo.
FOUR & HALF STARS
A BEST BOOK OF 2020
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The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
The night swim sounds awesome! I’ve heard great things about it and my bestie really loved it, I’ll hopefully get around to reading it soon
It’s such a great book!!! One of the best thrillers I read this year.
Ooo! I really like the premise of this one. I think I need to read it. It sounds fantastic!
If you love audiobooks it’s an excellent one!!!!! One of the best thrillers I read this year.
I do!
I’d be a little scared to listen to this one just because of the difficult subject it tackles, but I enjoyed reading it!
I hear you! And that’s why this book isn’t the right one for everyone. But it’s still so good!!!!!!!
I just found the audiobook available on Scribd, so hope to listen to it this week. Awesome review Corina, you have definitely gotten me excited to listen to this one. Yes, it definitely sounds like a timely topic.
Carla, I’m so glad I piqued your interest. The audiobook was so well done, that I can’t wait for you to get a taste of it! Enjoy it and I’m looking forward to your review – happy reading!!
I am a few hours in and loving it!