I'm going 4.5 stars on this one (but rounding up on Goodreads).

I'm surprised by how much I got into this book. This is your standard mystery/thriller book but, even though I knew the bad guy had to be among a specific group, I was never sure which one it was until the final reveal. That doesn't happen to me often and I absolutely love it when it does. When it does and it's feasible and not because of bullshit twists that go far beyond my ability to suspend disbelief.

I stayed interested in both the current rape case and the cold case and never found myself being disappointed by moving from one to the other like I am sometimes when one story is much more interesting than the other. The author did a fantastic job, as far as I'm concerned.

This is one of those books where if you can do audio, you should. The protagonist is a true crime podcaster and the portions where she's actually doing podcast segments have the bonus of music and sound effects. It was a lovely addition and never distracting.

Ms. Goldin has a new fan!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the audiobook!

What an interesting, intriguing thriller told from multiple perspectives in different time lines that draws together with a surprising suspect.

We have Rachel Krall who does a popular pod cast . Rachel is contacted by Hanna Stills who asks her to help her solve the drowning of her sister Jenny who was confirmed an accident....but Jenny thinks murder.

In the meantime Rachel's podcast sends her to cover a rape trial of a successful Olympic hopeful swimmer.

Rachels podcast is intertwined between the past and present perspective s which will eventually come together for the reader . I really enjoyed this!!

This is such a powerful book! 4.5 stars
I loved The Escape Room and so I was hesitant about this new one because I didn't think it could be as good, but I was happily wrong.
Besides being an engrossing psychological thriller with some surprising twists, this novel highlights the glaring inequities with rape culture. Rapes are the only crime where the victim is put on trial, and where the victim is blamed more often than not. It is something I had never really thought too much about before, but it is astounding when you take the time to think about it.
The only slight issues I had were that in the end, I couldn't figure out why Hannah went to all of the work to hide herself, and I didn't get a clear answer as to how she was able to find Rachel so many places and stay out of sight. Also, Rachel's armchair detective work borders on a bit too convenient at times, some things she uncovers should have been discovered by the investigators. Other than those small details, this is a fantastic book, and they don't detract from the overall story.
I listened to much of this one as an audio book and the narrators did an excellent job embodying the main characters. Since the tale focuses on episodes of a podcast, the narrative naturally lends itself quite well to an audio book format. I must say though, that at regular speed the speech is incredibly slow, so I had to speed up the audio to 1.75x in order for my mind not to wander. Listeners might want to play around with the speed to find one that works for them.
If you're looking for a compelling suspense novel, then look no further and place this one on your list now.

I loved the arrangement of this book as it starts out with Hanna as a young 10 year old trying to help her older sister Jenny take care of their sick mother, switching back and forth with Rachael Krall a true crime “podcast” modulater!! The characters are easily identified with and you take on their emotions!! Hanna is elusive but reaches out to Rachael to help her discover what happened to Jenny. As this is unfolding you have the post cast following a potential rapist and the sad truth that crime effects the whole town. I was delighted with the plot and unexpected twists and totally enjoyed this book!! Thank you to #NETGALLEY#THENIGHTSWIM for the audiobook and this is my true unbiased opinion.

4.25 stars
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin is an interesting, slow burn, podcast-type mystery featuring two tragic and heartbreaking rape cases, decades apart, in a small town.

We follow a past and present rape cases simultaneously via the current court room trial, as well as through Rachel Krall’s true crime podcast. Rachel is sympathetic, sharp, fair and wildly popular as a host and investigator, and the case in the courtroom is intriguing, showcasing the inner workings of a trial of this nature. The topic is heavy and fairly graphic, as can be expected, but it’s treated with gravity and respect.

This story is not a thriller, but it’s still a captivating piece of crime fiction with a somber tone and intelligent, moving delivery. There is a clear and powerful moral and cultural message, and though it’s sobering and rather melancholy it is nonetheless,
necessary.

The narration in this story is done particularly well. The voices are clear and articulate and perfectly suited to the characters they are portraying.

For those who enjoy investigative crime fiction, or podcast type stories, especially those with a domineering social message, this is a book you won’t want to miss. Despite its tragic topic, it’s a potent and absorbing story.

I was given a copy of The Night Swim by Megan Goldin from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I went into the book pretty blind. I saw the word podcast in the summary, which made me think of Sadie and so I requested the book. I listened to this on audio. I felt like the narrators were decent.

The book's plot was so gripping. I listened to it in four chunks but I kept thinking about the book inbetween listens. The book's topic was incredibly hard to listen to at times. That is because it always is when listening to things about sexual violence and rape culture. But the book did such a good job about examining these themes and such important messages. The dual perspective also worked well. I was always interested in what Hannah’s next letter would be. The reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is because I felt like Rachel was biased in her podcast. The purpose was to be objective and I understand that she had personal opinions on the case but it was clear that she was biased towards Kelly. Which was fine for me except in the podcast parts. I also figured out pretty early on who one of the perpetrators in the cold case was. But really these are minor things when compared to the numerous things the book does well.

4.25 stars

This was a lot of fun!
I'm a sucker for any book that has a podcast element to it, and this one did not disappoint. I loved how the podcast episode chapters were formatted like an actual podcast-that was a great inclusion! I thought it was really interesting how the rape trial and Rachel's investigation of the murder paralleled each other, and the ways in which they intersected were great. Highly recommend this one!

I was given a copy of this audiobook by Macmillan Audio and NetGalley in return for an honest review.

If I had to recommend book to listen to versus reading, this would be the one. Not only are the narrators, Bailey Carr; January LaVoy; and Samantha Desz, amazing, it really felt like I was listening to a podcast. I love true crime podcasts, so the fact that the main character of this book had one was amazing. I loved the intro music and it really felt authentic and like the criminal trial we were following was actually happening.

I loved both cases that this book followed. I think by the fact that I was listening to it really drew me in .It felt like I was there. I could hear what Rachel was hearing, see what she was seeing. I loved how she brought us along on her journey. This audiobook really had me on the edge of my seat. There didn't seem to be a dull moment. As soon as we figured out one thing, another mystery lay just around the corner. It was perfectly paced and definitely wasn't the run-of-the-mill crime that we followed.

I will definitely be reading or listening to more by Megan Goldin. I feel like women are really owning this genre lately and I can't wait to read more.

Rachel Krall, true crime podcaster, has decided that this season of her podcast should be a real-time trial, something controversial an current. She finds the perfect opportunity when Olympic hopeful, Scott Blair finds himself facing trial for raping the granddaughter of the beloved former chief of police in his sleepy hometown of Neapolis.

Rachel became instantly famous when, during the first season, she uncovered new information proving that a high school teacher wrongly convicted murder of his wife. Her fame only grew when in season 2, she solved and previously unsolved murder. For these reasons, she protects her anonymity, she doesn’t mind being instantly recognizable for her voice but makes sure to use old photographs that don’t quite resemble her.

After stopping for a meal at a truck stop on her way to Neopolis, Rachel is surprised to find an envelope stuck under her windshield wiper addressed to her. Afraid she may have a stalker, Rachel is both a little scared and very intrigued.

Rachel begins interviewing people in Neapolis and begins her background investigation, trying to put the letter out her mind. Her curious nature prevents her from ignoring the letter and follows the instructions in the letter to a jetty where Jenny Stills supposedly drown twenty-five years ago. Her stalker doesn’t show but instead leaves another note.

As Rachel begins to cover the rape trial, more letters arrive, in unsettling ways. Hannah, Jenny Stills’ sister, recounts the time running up to her sister’s death through the eyes of the 9 year old she was at the time, asking for Rachel’s help to get justice for Jenny. Was Jenny’s accidental drowning during a night swim something much more sinister or are these letters the ranting of an emotionally fragile woman who lost her whole family before she was even 10 years old?

Rachel begins to see that sleepy little Neapolis has a convenient way of ignoring the things they don’t want to be true. The longer Rachel stays, the more connections she sees between the trial she is covering and Jenny's fatal night swim.

The trial is told in present tense and recapped for the podcast with thoughtful reflections. The letters bring us back to a time 25 years ago, and told through the voice of a woman who witnessed or nearly witnessed events as a 9 year old.

There is so much ebb and flow to this story, past and present, turmoil and calm, things seen and buried and seen again. The tone and the setting are perfect for this novel.

I wish that on audio this would have a feel similar to Sadie or on of Max Brooks interview style audios. While the story is amazing, it could have been a 5 star audio with just a few tweaks to highlight the podcast beyond just the intro music and tag line.

After the first season of her true crime podcast, and setting an innocent man free, Rachel is quickly the newest sensation! She has gone to lengths to keep her identity a secret, but on her way to the trial for the newest season Rachel finds a note under the windshield of her car. Hannah is convinced her sister didn’t just drown, but was murdered 25 years ago. While investigating for the new season, the letters keep showing up. Can Rachel help solve a new crime and an old this time?

The Escape Room was my very first physical arc that I received from @stmartinspress from emailing and asking for it. And I LOVED it!! Naturally I was stoked to see that Megan Goldin had another book coming out! I emailed St Martins the second I saw it! Let me tell you, Megan did not disappoint! This one had me flipping pages trying to figure out what happened to Jenny, while also praying that K got the justice she deserved. I loved the podcast element of the story, and Rachel was such a badass throughout the book. I certainly would not have taken some of the risks she did! If you loved The Escape Room I highly recommend grabbing this one when it comes out on August 4th!

Rachael Krall is the host of a well known podcast called, Guilty or Not Guilty. Rachael gained her fame by exposing cases and getting them solved.
While doing on scene research of a current rape trial, she receives several notes requesting her attention on a local murder. The victims death had been ruled as an accident, but the notes claim it was murder. Intrigued, Racheal works the two cases, finding disturbing parallels between the two. She needs to find out the truth for both victims, before the verdict is in.

I listened to The Night Swim as an audiobook. The book was narrated by two different ladies, giving it a more authentic feel. I really loved that the podcasting aspect of the story was done with opening music and credits, like a real podcast. I felt like I wasnt listing to a book being read, that I was actually listening to real life accounts.
The story itself was difficult to hear. Any rape story is emotional. The Night Swim really portrays a rape victims trauma of being put on stand and being forced to relive the incident at trial, and the stigma that the victims face after they go public with accusations, or what can happen if they dont. Its heartbreaking and raw, and I felt it from the first chapter.

This was a very tough book to read. It deals with rape and murder etc. The audiobook was great. It felt like you were actually listening to the podcast. I think the content of the book kept me for giving this book 5 stars but it is a good read. Just make sure you go in knowing the tough life situations it deals with. I found myself angry and disgusted at times.

This was one of the most riveting books I have listened to this year. The three narrators did an awesome job with this book. They brought the characters to life for me. I feel the need to put a warning here. If you are a survivor of rape, there are areas that might be intense for you. I did not know to expect that and was taken by surprise. It took me back and I’ll be dealing with that, at the least, tonight. I don’t know if it was hearing it that hit me so hard or if it would have anyway if I was reading an ebook or print. I think with E-book or print I could have skimmed ahead but I don’t really know. In case someone is thinking the author was unnecessarily graphic with the rape, it wasn’t that part. The author describes what happens after. I didn’t even realize how much that stayed with me until today. Even though it affected me so much, I think it was important for the story. I think it plays an educational role for those who haven’t gone through it and may help with understanding and helping survivors. It’s kind of double edged for me.
What is this book about? A popular podcaster, Rachel, is covering the trial for the rape of a teenage girl. In doing so she uncovers another rape and suicide, that may be a murder, of another girl from that town years earlier. No one was convicted in that case as the victim was deceased. Rachel is covering the recent rape while also trying to unravel what happened with Jenny 25 years prior. The story was riveting for me. I listened to it all day, only stopping when I was triggered. I took a breather and kept pushing through because I needed to know how it would all end. There were some surprises along the way.
I do think it’s an important book as it brings up just how difficult rape trials are. I don’t have an answer on how to address that while insuring the accused gets a fair trial. I am grateful for the advances in DNA. Perhaps we can move forward to a place where survivors have options on how to testify that won’t be so traumatic.
I was given an audio copy by MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for review purposes. My review is my honest feelings and thoughts about this book.

I just finished the audio for The Night Swim by Megan Goldin and I really liked it. As the chapters alternate through the characters, the podcast is done right and develops the story perfectly.

While the story itself is heartbreaking, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrative was on point. I will recommend this to everyone!

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to an advanced copy of The Night Swim in exchange for an honest review.

Am I the only one who loves listening to audio books as a way to relax? For me there is nothing more calming then listening to a good audio book and doing other things like crocheting to feel myself completely relax. What makes that even better? When the book is great and the narrators are super awesome! Bailey Carr; January LaVoy; Samantha Desz are great narrators that really captured the feel of the novel and the mood of the characters.

The actual story was really awesome as well. I read a really good book by Megan Goldin (The Escape Room) last year and was blown away by it. I have to say I enjoyed The Night Swim a bit more which surprised me! I think one of the things I liked so much about this is we followed a true crime podcaster as she decided to dedicate her latest season to a rape trial. I think this book is made for audio because as someone who listens to true crime podcasts the chapters actually sounded like a real podcast! Besides just being a mystery this also was a bit of a courtroom drama as well.

There is a trigger warning because of rape. You need to be prepared for that when going in to this.

Would I recommend this? I most certainly do. Pick this up and spend a quiet night at home getting lost in the story.

This was a whirlwind of a thriller. Firstly, I'd argue that this was much more of a suspenseful courtroom novel rather than what we've come to know as a traditional 'thriller'. It had some mystery elements but was by no means something that keeps you on the edge of your seat. But it was very entertaining and kept my brain turning.

Rachel, a true crime podcast host is trying to switch things up for the new season of her show, so she ventures off to a small town to cover a controversial rape case that is underway. But after she gets to the town, she begins to receive peculiar letters from a girl named Hannah who is hoping that Rachel will help her unravel the death of her sister. The case itself was eerily similar to the Brock Turner case that Chanel Miller wrote about in her memoir 'Know My Name'. That left this book feeling a little.. icky. I think the author was heavily influenced by the true story, yet I can't find a similar comment by the author saying anything about this. Maybe it was just one very odd coincidence. I don't know.

Overall, I liked this book but wouldn't read it again. The audiobook was great though, I really liked the narrator.

Thank you to #NetGallery for the ALC. #NightSwim

Wow. What a great book. I needed this in my life right now. Rachel has a true crime podcast and she is covering a rape trial in NC. She tells the audience both sides of the story and they decide who is guilty. In the same town, a woman has been contacting her for some years about her sister's death 25 years prior.

Hannah has been contacting Rachel in the hopes that she can get her sister's case reopened and maybe Rachel can help dig up evidence of what happened. Her sister Jenny was found dead on the beach, but as an experienced swimmer, the facts just don't add up. While covering the rape trial today, will Rachel be able to uncover secrets from the past?

This book shocked me, and there is not a lot that shocks me anymore. The book was written so well that I didn't see what was coming until it was on top of me. I knew one of the twists, but I honestly expected something completely different. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a good thriller. Trigger warning: there is rape and some of it is graphic details.

The narrators did a fantastic job, this audiobook was very well done. Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio and the author for an early audio copy of this book.

I would like to thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio book.
The narrators for the book are: Bailey Carr; January LaVoy; Samantha Desz I recognize the name January LaVoy, but I'm not sure which portion she was narrating, and I'm not sure if I recognized the other narrators voices. I listen to a lot of audio books, and this one I feel was done really well. The alternating narrators for the alternating POV's was very helpful. I'd previously been approved for the ebook ARC of this book, and had finished reading it before listening to this audio. I didn't care for a lot of the ebook, but the audio solved a few of those problems. Having a change of narration for differing POV's is so helpful for a book like this.

Overall, as much as I liked the production of the audio book, and do like the idea of a true crime pod caster following a trial and telling us the behind the scenes with research and additional character development, I just don't care for the subject matter of the book. And I still feel that the details about the rape should have been noted in the description of the book. Maybe it is a sign of a good author to make the reader feel so uncomfortable with the described scenes, but it was very hard to read - and to listen to.

I previously read the author's other book and just did not like it at all. I liked this one better, for the writing, the description. But the subject matter didn't work for me. The audio book was well done and exciting to listen to.

*Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook!*

I loved the premise of this audiobook in that it had the feel of a "movie within a movie" except this was a podcast production, which was a unique idea. I love podcasts and listen to them frequently so, this book appealed to me a great deal. The subject matter -two different stories of rape -could be disturbing for some, but I didn't find it to be excessively graphic.
The Night Swim contained dual POV's and storylines, and the author perfected writing about them simultaneously. The end had an incredible twist that I did not see coming. This is a sad story, and I truly felt deep compassion and empathy for the victims because no one wins here except for getting some semblance of closure. My favorite thing about The Night Swim was the sheer fact that this is a book that should be listened to. The narration was excellent, and the podcast segments were recorded like a real true-crime podcast, music, interviews, and all. Loved IT!! Well done Megan Goldin.

This was emotionally devastating, but like, in a good way. Megan Goldin hit the perfect balance between the present narrative, the letters about the past, and the podcast episodes. This book had me absolutely gripped. As a side note, I have got to stop reading books that make me cry while I'm at work.