The Night Swim

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this well written book. The review of 4.5 stars and comments are my honest opinion. This was a tough, extremely emotional book, and I would caution some readers who have experienced, or knows someone who has been raped, this book may bring back too many memories.
It is centered on the rape of a 16 year old girl, a town hero and who is to be believed.
Rachel Krall, well known for her podcasts has come to this small town to broadcast what she hopes to be the best of her three years of podcasts.
But what Rachel is drawn into, is not only the trial, but also an incident from twenty-five years ago that included rape and a death. This incident was never investigated because of the supposed ‘reputation’ of the victim. But someone is not content to let what happened continue to be ignored.
The more she investigates, Rachel realizes that the old “incident” has a lot to do with the present trial.
The one thing that I took from this story and that keeps coming back to me is “why is the person who has been raped required to prove and describe what happened to them, while the perpetrator does not even have to speak”.
It is true, especially as written in this book, the victim is violated twice.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t get how we can almost unanimously agree that murder is wrong, yet when it comes to rape some people still see shades of gray.”

The Night Swim is a slow burn crime mystery read that explores two rape cases that occurred in the same town 25 years apart. This book slides back and forth between the perspective of Rachel, a podcast host, who is covering the present rape case, and letters from Hannah who is the sister of the covered up rape case that happened 25 years prior.

While the mystery of the past did have me stumped for awhile, since it takes a bit to even get to any obvious clues, once it’s revealed it all feels pretty, duh. I mean, of course this is how it happened. Anyway. I will say that this reads a bit like a horror novel in the way that when I read the victims stories, I personally was like “no, don’t do that. Don’t go there. Don’t leave the group of people.” And it sort of feels like, shouldn’t I be saying to the rapists, “don’t rape her! Be a good person. Don’t be the human embodiment of trash!” It really made me think that even I as someone who always wants to be on the side of the victim was sort of thinking like she should protect herself. I don’t know, it was just interesting how my mind has been groomed that anyone and everyone can be bad, protect yourself.

I think that this book does a good job expressing how rape victims can be and often are mistreated by the public and the legal system. I think it also does a good job showing the dichotomy of higher and lower social standing and how that influences perception and even sometimes the law when it comes to cases like these. I think the author handles these fictional cases with care and this is a thoughtful exploration of rape culture in America overall. I do think that some content is extreme, but it also gives you that poetic “is anyone good?” feeling.

I will say that the writing is a bit slow for my taste. It doesn’t pick up for awhile. Also the details of sexual assault and rape, while impactful, did make me uncomfortable. And it made me feel uncomfortable because they are a reality. I say this as a warning to anyone who feels they may be triggered by explorations of these topics. Even the fact that the victims are blamed and their honesty is called into question. It’s hard to read at points, but it’s the reality of rape victims.

All in all a good read. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a slow building mystery. One that focuses more heavily on the topics being covered and the characters who are impacted by them.

Megan Goldin received acclaim for her last novel Escape Room (2019) and is now releasing another mystery thriller: The Night Swim this summer. This time, Goldin capitalizes on the surging popularity of true crime podcasts and our insatiable consumption of media relating to notorious unsolved cases. She also uses her book to address the woeful lack of progress in our judicial system has made in the handling and prosecution of rape cases. The Night Swim introduces main protagonist Rachel Krall, a podcaster who has developed a large following due to her personalized layman’s approach to investigative journalism. The reader meets Krall as she is embarking on the third season of her show, this time focusing on a controversial rape case coming to trial in the small coastal town of Neapolis. The accused is a wunderkind swimmer with a promising future whose Olympic hopes are shared by the town. The victim is a younger girl whose necessary anonymity means that her version of events has been occluded in order to preserve her case. Despite the immersive experience of the impending trial, Krall is distracted by another case that has piqued her interest. Upon entering the town, she receives numerous cryptic notes left in places where she would have not expected to be recognized. The elusive fan begs Rachel to delve into a 25-year-old mystery regarding her sister, whose death she believes was a murder—not a suicide as it was assumed to be and thereby dismissed by the authorities at the time. Although seemingly unrelated, the cases are revealed to be overlapping reflections of each other. Goldin does an admirable job of character development and tight plotting, and the issues she addresses are done in an entertaining but respectful way. Through Rachel, the author can demonstrate the unfortunate truth that not much has changed in the way that victims of rape are treated and highlights the unbearable costs they bear when coming forward. Despite attempts at reform, credibility and the burden of proof can be insurmountable for women seeking justice in a system that is still swayed by gender bias, wealth and privilege. Although Rachel attempts to remain objective, her position is apparent, and she is increasingly drawn into exposing the corruption she discovers in both the past and present. The Night Swim is a fast-paced, interwoven tale that will satisfy both the traditional mystery-lover and the socially conscious reader as well.

Thanks to the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Podcasts. It has been a long time since I enjoyed one. This story centers around a podcast reporter, who investigates current issues and a past mystery. It is disturbing on many levels as it deals with abuse, rape and the emotional results. This was not a quick read, I found myself putting the book down with disgust, then picking it back up because the story draws you back, but it is a hard read. Add this to your TBR list, it is sad, emotional and will make you angry at the privilege, abuse and the trial by social media.

Rachel Krall produces a podcast, Guilty or Not Guilty, where she shows you both sides of a story and let’s you decide who is guilty or innocent. Usually, her podcast is told on an already prosecuted case but for her third season, Rachel decides to produce her podcast on a rape case just starting to go to trial so she heads to Neapolis to investigate and produce the “he said she said” podcast.

On her way there, Rachel stops to eat and when she comes out of the diner, she sees that someone left a note on her car window. This note ignites her curiosity about a case from Neapolis’ past, a case about a girl who was possibly murdered.

Megan Goldin writes this book in several different ways, she writes the view of Rachel investigating both the trial and the past case, she writes from Hannah’s view of the past case via letters, and she writes from the podcast view. The incorporation of these 3 ways, heightens the suspense and the thrill of the story as you try to figure out who is guilty in both the new rape case and the old possible murder case. This story takes you down many paths and many possibilities. It keeps you guessing right up to the ending.

I started this book and finished it in 24 hours because it is that good. I had to keep reading and it was very difficult putting it down for even a minute. The juxtaposition of the two cases 25 years apart was done with great success. It showed both the short term and long term effects of rape and sexual assault.

I’m giving this 5 stars because it kept me enthralled by story. I did not figure out the 25 year old mystery. As I was reading, I felt as though I was watching a true crime show or listening to a true crime podcast. I reccomend this book if you like crime stories.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this thriller. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy. The opinions are my own.

I felt all the emotions while reading this book. It may be hard for some to read this novel based on the topic of rape and death but I loved the fight for honesty and the justice sought after in this novel.

“The Night Swim” deals with chasing truth and the desire for a victim to be heard. Something that is so real these days. Both past and present events detailed in this book push you out of your (reader) comfort zone.

I loved ever part of this novel. The hard parts made the good parts that much more enjoyable.

Thank you NetGalley for my advance copy of this novel.

4.5 Stars

Rachel Krall has drawn fame from her podcast Guilty or Not Guilty that allows her listeners to be in a virtual jury box to draw their own verdict. Season Three will be focused on a controversial rape trial in the small town of Neapolis. Neapolis is a community where everyone knows everyone, and when the town’s “golden boy” is accused of raping a high school girl, a line is split down the town. Rachel knows doing a rape trial my cause stressful and emotional triggers to her listeners, but she feels that it’s important for them to hear both sides. What Rachel didn’t count on was receiving a letter from Hannah…a letter with a plea for help in finding justice for her sister Jenny Stills, who had a “drowning” accident 25 years earlier in the same small town. Between the trial and the notes left by Hannah, Rachel starts drawing her own conclusions…and as she follows the bread crumbs Hannah leaves, she soon discovers that not everything is what it seems…

Megan Goldin has written a dark and emotional thriller that will keep you turning the pages desperate to find out what really happened to Jenny Stills…

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

This book is gritty and raw. At times its hard to read. Rachel Krall is the voice of the true crime podcast “Guilty or Not Guilty” . This season focuses on a rape trial in the small town of Neapolis, North Carolina. The emotional and physical scars it can leave. How a small town can be totally divided by judging both parties involved.
On the drive to get there she gets a letter asking her to investigate a 25 year old mystery similar to the one that is happening now. You get two stories in one past and present. I did end up liking this book. The mystery comes together in the end but I will definitely be more careful next time. This is not an easy read and if rape is a trigger for you pass on this one.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGally and the St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review

This is a book that you just will NOT forget!
Rachel Krall makes true crime podcasts that allow the listeners to feel as if they are in a courtroom listening to the different witnesses and assisting in the verdict of different trials.
She is good, real good, and has actually had cases overturned with evidence she has found and questions that she has asked and then had answered. NO stone is left unturned!
In a small town, a trial to decide guilty or not-guilty of raping a young girl is about to begin and Rachel is on her way to this location in preparation for the courtroom case.
On the way, a letter is discovered on her car windshield begging for help on an occurrence that happened twenty-five years ago. A teenage girl was found dead in town and her younger sister wants the truth about her sister Jenny. What really happened? Did she really drown?
Can Rachel find out while she is in town?
This novel is amazingly detailed and I was almost believing that I was in the courtroom.
It is a tough read at times about a sensitive subject.
Definitely a ten star book! Truly great!

This was a very captivating read! It’s two stories in one. This is the second book of Megan Goldin’s that I have read and really enjoyed. She is fast becoming an author that by name alone, I’d get her book!

Rachel Krall, a podcast host fro Guilty or Not Guilty, is attempting to outdo her last season by covering a rape case by making the audience feel as if they are right in the jury box. Sides are split down the middle of this case, the accused on trial, is popular and training to be in the Olympics. The girl, referred to as K, was bubbly, kind, and dreams of being a Physiotherapist. Rachel is known for her voice, and keeps a low profile. She heads to Neapolis a few days early before the rape trial begins, but after stopping at a rest area, finds an unwelcome letter under her windshield wiper. She’s uncomfortable with this fact, because someone knows who she is in public.

Despite Rachel’s misgivings, the letter intrigues her, the letter is from a fan, who believes Rachel is the only one to help solve the murder of a sister from decades ago.

Hannah was just a little girl, when her world turned upside down, but Hannah will not remain silent anymore and if she can get Rachel on board, Hannah may get justice for Jenny. It’s coming up on twenty-five years, that Jenny died.

I was captivated from the beginning, the story opens with a very young girl trying to comfort her mother after being told the tragic news of her oldest daughter drowning. Alongside of Hannah’s story, is Rachel’s, where Rachel is inquiring and interviewing people regarding the upcoming rape trial. Little by little each side of the rape case is revealed. Rachel continues to receive letters from Hannah, and it is through the letters that Jenny’s story unfolds. I loved how this whole book had two stories happening side by side, and told from varying perspectives. In the beginning, you wonder if the letters are a lure from an unstable person, but the more pieces that fill in, the more invested it becomes to learn the entire story behind the letters until the shocking end.

I received an ARC from NetGalley via St. Martin’s Press and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.