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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I enjoyed the Escape Room (4/5) by #megangoldin so I was very excited to win this ARC from #goodreads and also receive it through #netgalley as well. Fans of Escape Room will not be disappointed. Similar to Escape Room this is a page turner, the story centers around Rachel a podcaster, and her experiences in covering a rape trial. While covering the trial she finds herself researching events that occurred 20 years prior. I enjoyed the pacing in this book, and the alternating timelines of the trial today and previous events that had taken place in a small town. I’m usually not a fan of books that center solely on a trial, but the alternating timeline kept me interested. This is not an easy read, because a lot of the book discusses sexual assault and rape. Certain portions of the book almost left me in tears. I thought Ms. Goldin did a wonderful job at bringing awareness to how much rape victims truly suffer not just during the experience, but after as well. I would recommend this book to those who liked her previous book and those who enjoy trial and podcast centered books.

Tense chilling unputdownable a book that gripped from the first pages.A book that is so well written that travels between two cases uses true crime podcast. As part of the story.A book I will be recommending rto all my thriller loving friends.#netgalley#st.martinsbooks.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin is the third outing for this relatively new author and, as such, following rave reviews for her second, The Escape Room, came with high expectations attached. Although I have not read this author's first novel, I am now racing to add it to my TBR list. What an exciting new voice we have found in Megan Goldin!

Rachel Krall operates a successful true crime podcast that puts listeners 'in the jury box'. Arriving in small town Neapolis to cover the trial of an Olympic hopeful who is accused of the rape of a high school student, Rachel is surprised when a fan from town reaches out, begging for her help in solving the twenty-five year old cold case of her sister's murder. Two cases of rape, over two decades apart. Could there possibly be a connection between the two in the seemingly sleepy town of Neapolis?

This is a novel that will pull you in from the start and it does not relent, even for a moment.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

The rape trial of Scott Blair brings Rachel Krall to Neapolis. The victim is identified as “K”, the girl he allegedly raped, but everyone in this town knows her real name. The town is divided between believing the victim and the accused, and lines have been drawn. Scott is cool and collected, surrounded by high priced lawyers, and though he is the one on trial, it is “K” who is torn apart.
Before Rachel has even arrived, a letter is left on her windshield. It is a plea from someone named Hannah to find her sister's (Jenny) killer. Rachel knows the Blair trial will require her full attention, but there is something about Hannah's letters that draw her into this old, unsolved crime. Chapters alternate between Hannah, Rachel, and episodes of her podcast, Guilty or Not Guilty.
Megan Goldin had me hooked from the first chapter. As Rachel searches for the truth, the victims' lives are laid bare and both stories are tragic and heartbreaking. The alternating POVs were well done and kept me flipping pages to find out how all this would end. I don't know if the author plans to write a series featuring Rachel and Guilty or Not Guilty, but I for one would love to know what comes next. This book will be published in August, and my first thought after finishing was it would make a great beach read! 4.5 stars.

**Thank you Net Galley and St Martin Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rachel is the host of a true crime podcast and about to begin her third season. Rachel goes to the town of Neapolis to cover a rape trail. Theres a famous swimmer accused raping a high school girl in town. As Rachel begins to investigate and record her podcasts, she begins to find random notes from a girl named Hannah regarding an unsolved murder from 25 years ago. Will the golden boy swimmer be found guilty? How does the case from 25 years ago relate to present day? Will Rachel find all the answers?

Overall I enjoyed this story. I feel like Megan Goldin is good at coming up with fresh ideas and going places where other authors have not gone before. I felt that way when I read The Escape room too. Given our current political climate, it can be difficult to write about rape and Golden did a good job of portraying how this type of scenario can often play out and how it’s impact effects the victim. I love how she tied in the podcast piece. I think that draws readers in.

The story is told in a few different ways. The first is from Rachel, the second is her podcast recording and the third Hannah’s letters. It was not confusing to follow and I thought it flowed nicely. I still found myself anxious to keep reading and to find out what happened. 

My only complaint is that the ending seemed to be wrapped up to nicely. Like a little present with a bow.

I'm not sure where to start. When I saw that Megan Goldin had written another book, I was excited because I loved The Escape Room so much. This one was even better. A snowy Saturday and a new Goldin book? I was in heaven. This novel was amazing...so amazing that I read it it one sitting. I loved Rachel and Pete and the storytelling was fast-paced. The book reminded me of the Alafair Burke/Mary Higgins Clark "Under Suspicion Series", which I also love. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this becomes a series and we can read about Rachel and her next project. Thank you so much for the advanced copy. I will definitely be recommending this!! I would give this 6 stars plus if that were an option!

This book will haunt me for a long time.

A tale of two rapes, 25 years apart, handled expertly and sensitively. This book so captivated me that I am at loss to describe my feelings.

I was bereft.

I was furious.

I was hopeless.

I found vindication.

I cannot recommend it enough.

Thank you to the BRILLIANT Megan Goldin, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for sending me a widget for this book. I am honored and grateful.

Wow. Megan Goldin is now at the top of my favorite new authors list. This book was incredible.

Rachel is the host of a popular podcast and she is covering a rape trial in a small town. When she visits the town, she receives a letter from someone named Hannah asking her to help avenge her sister's death. As with most small towns, everyone is connected to everyone else and the two cases (the current rape trial and the death of Hannah's sister 25 years ago) start to entwine.

Each chapter is told in different ways- one might be what Rachel is currently investigating, another an episode of her podcast, and another letters from Hannah that very slowly start detailing horrible events she and her deceased sister Jenny lived with. Even with varying points of views and timeframes, there was never anything confusing about the book. It all blended seamlessly and kept me fully engaged.

I loved Megan's book Escape Room and wasn't sure she could top it, but I think she definitely did. Her writing is amazing- great details without being exhaustive. She is an Australian author but this book was sent in North Carolina and I didn't doubt any of the details. She handled a very tough subject well and I found when I hit 85% I started taking little breaks. I wanted to know how it ended but I was enjoying myself so much that I didn't want it to end. The ending was perfect- and I honestly did not guess the conclusion. But what a satisfying ending it was.

Megan Goldin go write more! Please never stop! You have a lifelong fan.

Thank you to St.Martin's Press, Netgalley and Megan Goldin for the complimentary ARC.

Wow! What a GREAT read! One of the best mystery/thrillers I’ve read recently! A tale of two sexual assaults, 25 years apart, woven together by a podcaster who inadvertently connects the two when a relative of the former crime anonymously contacts her pleading for her to investigate during her coverage of the present one. And how, does she connect! This story will make you think, and question what you believe wrt morals, ethics, and sexual assault/rape. This book had everything - who to trust or not trust, apathy, betrayal, bullying, “good ole boys clubs,” politics, manipulation, intimidation, humiliation, and much of the negative side of the Human Condition. Fortunately it was tempered with common sense, honesty, frailty, determination to get to the truth no matter what, and surviving and thriving through some of life’s greatest challenges and obstacles. I didn’t find one bit of it boring or “meh,” simply nonstop tantalizing clues, innuendos, and danger. While there wasn’t a HEA ending, it was very satisfying. I will no go back and read the author’s previous novel “The Escape Room.” Five stars and highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wow. This book gripped me from start to finish. I did not want to put this one down. At all. I enjoyed Megan Goldin's first novel so when I had the opportunity to read this one, I jumped at it. And I'm so glad that I did. Even though the story weaves back and forth between a current tragedy and one in the past, the transitions are seamless. The characters are well described, as are the situations. And the delicate nature of the crime and the storyline are handled well, I think. All I could do was think about my daughter as I read this book and how I hope that she and our family never have to go through something like this. This book has trigger warnings galore, but I for one am glad I read it and I would highly recommend it.

Wow, what a tense, #metoo era, riveting book! This book really grabbed me! It had me needing to know what happened to both of the girls the story is driven about! I yearned to get to the next part about Jenny, but found myself so engaged about Kelly’s story and who was telling the truth I didn’t feel as anxious! A must read thriller that’ll definitely keep you guessing what, who, and why until the author lets you know! Tense, spine-tingling, heartwrenching, and absolutely unputdownable! I highly, highly recommend this for those who loved The Escape Room or all original and tense thrillers!
I will make sure to buzz it up on different platforms!
After sitting through the night and morning with this book on my mind, I wanted to add a few words to this review. This book is a very heart wrenching book to read, but so powerful, I promise it will not ever be forgotten. Really shows the mentality of small towns, with lots of lines of divisions. It will stay with you well past finishing and in fact, I think after the numbing pain you feel wears off, you will start to feel the message Goldin has wonderfully added to this riveting novel!!

This book touched my soul. It’s amazing that in this day and age that rape victims are judged so harshly and unfairly. The story goes back and forth between two different rapes twenty five years apart. By the end we see how ironic this turns out to be. There are a lot of twists and turns. This book definitely has triggers for sexual assault and rape victims. The writing is flawless and incredibly addicting. I could not read this book fast enough. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Rachel Krall is covering a small town rape case for her celebrated podcast while another local woman tells Rachel, in a series of letters, about the possible killing of her sister 25 years ago. So that’s the premise and what follows is a remarkable novel. You feel as if you are sitting in the town square,, in the courthouse, in the coffee shop and on the beach as Rachel follows the rape trial of Kelly, and hears the story of Jenny who drowned. With the use of Rachel's voice in the actual podcast and the letters from Hannah, Jenny’s sister, there is an instant intimacy to the two stories and the brutality of teenage boys and the physical and emotional trauma of young women everywhere. The trial shows the gut wrenching bravery of women who testify and the unlikelihood of the rapists being convicted. From the first to the last, every page was brilliant in the telling and I was spellbound. Thank you for writing this novel, Megan Goldin.