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.

A gripping thriller that will grab you and keep you engaged from start to finish. The Night Swim is a must read. I loved it.

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.

Thank you, Netgalley. I was so happy to read another book by Megan Goldin. The Night Swim covered a media i am not familiar with: podcasts.
Rachel Krall has a podcast on true crimes. She heads to North Carolina to cover a trial of a young man accused of rape. Scott Blair is a championship swimmer. The accused is know as K. In this small town everyone knows everyone. Sides are chosen.
But someone is following Rachel. They want help solving the mystery surrounding their sisters death. The story goes back and forth between the last and present. I thought I solved the mystifying i was so torn between possibilities.

Like the Escape Room, Megan has a few twists to keep you guessing. I look forward to her next book.

I received a complimentary copy of The Night Swim from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Gut-wrenching! This author can fabricate emotionally driven events so real that I truly lived the terror with these characters until I finished The Night Swim. A-maz-ing. (I must caution those who are faint of heart, however: This book is NOT for you.) I am grateful to never have been in any of these situations, but can now very vividly imagine them. This was a fabulously written devastation of a book. Adding to the suspense, journalist Rachel Krall simultaneously investigates Kelly Moore's current rape trial and the tragic past of Hannah (and her possibly murdered older sister, Jenny Stills) which occur(ed) in the same seaside town. Rachel broadcasts some of her finds as well as up-to-date happenings from the current trial on her podcast. She made some discoveries that I had an inkling were coming in some form or another...while at the same time not exactly being predictable either. Overall, this extremely well written novel is one that I can't stop thinking about since finishing it. This one will likely give me nightmares for a long time to come! Very, very real.

I can't say that I "loved it" in the usual sense, but it was soooo well done and I think it was something that I needed to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Wow, this popcorn-thriller did not disappoint!! It was compulsive and I could not put it down. I loved the concept of the podcast. This is the second book I have read featuring a podcast and I loved that one too.

I enjoyed how the chapters flipped between present time Rachel at the rape trial for a young girl in a little seaside community, Rachel’s podcast, also covering current events, and letters from a young girl, Hannah, who wants Rachel to look into her sister’s death 16 years prior in the same town.

I couldn’t put it down. Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance copy!

Evocative and thought-provoking.

Being placed alongside the jurors and hearing testimony and the cross-examination brought a new light to what rape victims must endure. It brought up a host of conflicting emotions in me.

It affected me and made me think. The legal tape that surrounds a rape trial is something we never truly think about, or at least I didn’t. Not only do these victims have to testify and go through an invasive body search for evidence, they must also endure and suffer through a cross examination. An examination that must, by nature, disprove what the victim went through. That in some way, must also demean her and everything she has gone through in order to free the defendant. This story touched upon that only briefly, but stayed with me long after.

There is also a part in the book where Rachel describes a rustling of wild grass and correlates it to what K heard when she walked through it that fateful night. It gave me shivers and put me in this victim’s shoes if only just for a few brief moments.

There is mounting tension throughout the book. It was also gripping. My eyes and attention stayed glued to my ipad while reading. I needed to know what happened and how it would end. I wanted all the answers instantaneously but didn’t want the story to end.

The ending itself is bittersweet but fitting. At the end of the day, there are no heros in this story. Only flawed humans doing the best they can with what they have been given.

Definitely worth the read!!

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rachel has a true crime podcast that she solves criminal cold cases. For her third season, she took on a different route. It led her to a small town of Neapolis. She’s covering an open rape trial. Because of the nature of her work, she has kept her identity out of any media. No one knows what Rachel looks like. However, one fan, Hannah, had figured out who Rachel is and left a pleading letter on her car’s windshield pleading for Rachel to investigate into her sister’s murder that happened 25 years ago.

Megan Goldin second book The Night Swim is so much better than her last book. Her style of writing seems to have evolved with this captivating novel. The style of going back and forth where Rachel broadcast her side on her podcast was realistic. It pulls me in. Although many times Rachel podcasts was bias toward the victim, because of her side investigation into Hannah’s sister death. Hannah’s sister was also raped, but there were no investigations. The trial and her personal investigation seem to be disconnected except for the similarity of the rape of a young girl. However, at the end, Goldin tied it up very nicely. Life has come full circle. The novel has a nice mystery air to it like a real true crime podcast. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this fabulous ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 - 4.5 stars. This book had two different stories happening, and both of them were interesting. Once I got into reading, I wanted to see how everything would turn out. There were some things that were predictable, but it didn't take away from the thrill.

Wow! Agghhjjkd ! Oh sorry I just blabbered meaningless letters because I’m shaken to the core, carrying my stupid face looked like suffering from 30 botox syringe injections. If I was a real celebrity, they can carry me to the Wax Museum and position me next to Queen Elizabeth. I looked like a statue with no facial expression (My face looks like Nicole Kidman right now! And I always told no to esthetic surgeries! Dammit!)

Of course I’m giving five gazillion stars ! This is kind of book steals your heart, pulling your hands like a magnet and as soon as you grab it into your hands, you never want to put it down even though it’s doomsday and zombies from World War Z knocking out your door!

What should I tell the brilliant author of Escape Room? ( Thanks to her, I had grey cells transplant operation after reading that book because I killed the old ones to solve the mystery! You know how it feels there is a smoke coming from your head. Thankfully Megan Godin taught me by writing mind bending, crazy train riding story)

I could say: Brava! Congratulations! Felicidades! Congratulazioni! Toutes nos felicitations! Herzliche glückwünsche!

I reset my brain by restarting it and fixed my language settings. Oh yes! I can write in English again! No more Gibberish!

The things I have to emphasize about this book:

Author’s dual POVED writing was amazing. Rachel and Hannah’s narrations are captivating. Especially the podcast parts of the book make you devour all those pages, cancel your entire schedule, call sick, go to your home and finish this book under your duvet which I already did!!!!!

I loved Rachel Krall and I wish she will be real podcast host. ( I’m already addictive to Serial, Criminal, Up and Vanished. If you’re die-hard fans like me and haven’t listened to them before, I highly recommend to you.) As a host Rachel is brave, curious, a workaholic, exactly married with her job, analytic, doing her best to stay objective. We only learned she was divorced but as far as we see, she is only connection in the real world is her producer. She is tough, strong, smart heroine we’re looking for and I’m so sure after reading this book, you’re gonna want her back, chasing new crime stories.

She comes the small town of Neapolis to dig more about town’s golden boy, Olympic swimmer Scott Blair ‘s rape case. He is accused of raping 16 year old girl who is also the granddaughter of police chief. (If she wasn’t police chief’s granddaughter, maybe there won’t be any trial because town’s people are real good to bury the facts and reject to talk about them.)

When Rachel finishes her lunch break at a random diner, she finds an envelope on her car. A girl named Hannah who insists that her sister Jenny Stills (even though the police reports show she’s been drowned) has been murdered 25 years ago at the very same time and she needs help of Rachel.

At first Rachel has no intention to take the case but she feels Hannah’s existence like a shadow following her everywhere, living more notes. She is intrigued. She cannot help herself. That’s her in blood. And she realizes there are so many inconsistencies about dead sister’s case. So Hannah might be right. And guess what: both cases could be connected.

Now I’m stopping and let you read this book! I have to tell there is stunning, heart wrenching, soul shaking ending is coming up!!!!

I think there will be sequels ( at least ending gave me this impression and interestiny I wanted to know Mitch Alkins’ back story and what kind of case forced him to come back to his hometown and change his profession.)

Overall: I. LOVED.IT. SO.SO.SO.MUCH.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for sending me the ARC COPY of best thriller of 2020 in exchange my honest review. And Megan Godin, I fell in love with two of your books. Please keep on creating!

This just didn't work for me--it didn't interest me enough to continue reading it after the first few pages.