This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
The Night Swim: A Novel by Megan GoldinSeries: Rachell Krall #1
Publication Date: August 4, 2020
Publisher: St. Martin's Press / Macmillan
Pages: 352
Goodreads
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / Thrillers / Psychological
Rating: ★★★★
Synopsis:
In The Night Swim, a new thriller from Megan Goldin, author of the “gripping and unforgettable” (Harlen Coben) The Escape Room, a true crime podcast host covering a controversial trial finds herself drawn deep into a small town’s dark past and a brutal crime that took place there years before.
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 whenshe 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 3 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 twenty-five 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?
REVIEW
“The Night Swim: A Novel” by Megan Goldin is not the first book I’ve read by her. In fact, I’ve had the pleasure of previously enjoying not just one, but two of her other captivating novels. One of them was “Stay Awake: A Novel,” which had an intriguing plot that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The other was “The Escape Room: A Novel,” a book that I found to be thoroughly enjoyable and engaging in every way. However, it is safe to say that “The Night Swim” surpasses even her previous works in terms of its impact and brilliance.
This thought-provoking, impactful, insightful, and gripping novel tells not just one, but two seemingly unrelated stories set in the same location. As the stories unfold, their interconnectedness and eerie similarities gradually become apparent, leaving the reader in awe of the author’s masterful storytelling. I found myself completely drawn into the narrative, eagerly agreeing with the main character, Rachel, and her astute observations, profound reflections, and thought-provoking explanations. Rachel is undeniably relatable, and although I cannot definitively say whether I found her likable or unlikable, her thoughts and motivations resonate deeply with the reader.
“The Night Swim: A Novel” fearlessly delves into heavy and important topics such as sexual assault, rape, and murder. It handles these sensitive subjects with utmost care and authenticity, portraying the divisive nature of these issues in a realistic and unflinching manner. The book’s ability to make the reader feel like they are reading a real-life news story rather than a work of fiction is truly remarkable. The rawness and authenticity with which these topics are addressed is both striking and commendable.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its portrayal of a true crime podcaster as the main character. This unique perspective adds an extra layer of intrigue and fascination to the story. In fact, as I immersed myself in the world of the book, I found myself wishing that the podcast and its host were real because I would definitely be an avid listener. Additionally, I must mention that the narration in the audiobook version of “The Night Swim” is nothing short of excellent, further enhancing the overall reading experience.
“The Night Swim: A Novel” is a masterpiece that should not be missed. With its captivating storytelling, profound exploration of important themes, and memorable characters, it is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
