Helpful Score: 2
This book was a pleasant surprise in the overcrowded 'psychological thriller with a twisty ending' genre. What initially seemed to be a solid but familiar outting turned out to be a sensitive depiction of how victims of sexual assault are abused again by the legal system and public perception. There was also a sly dig at those who profit from the interest in true crime.
Fans of "The Escape Room" will enjoy this book also, though "The Night Swim" is a much better book.
Fans of "The Escape Room" will enjoy this book also, though "The Night Swim" is a much better book.
Helpful Score: 2
Rachal Krall is a true crime podcast investigator. She is on her way to Neapolis, North Carolina for a rape courtroom case. She receives a note under her windshield wipers from someone named Hannah asking her to look into the drowning of her sister, Jenny, 25 yrs. ago. Did Jenny drown or was she murdered? Are the cases related?
I enjoyed the audio version of this book as you get to hear Rachel's podcast of the courtroom proceedings. It is an emotional read as many feelings emerge about the rape as you are listening. After many twists and turns, the case comes to a very satisfying conclusion. I look forward to reading The Escape Room by Megan Goldin as I like her writing and I would recommend listening to this book on audio for a very interesting experience.
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for a free audio copy for an honest review.
I enjoyed the audio version of this book as you get to hear Rachel's podcast of the courtroom proceedings. It is an emotional read as many feelings emerge about the rape as you are listening. After many twists and turns, the case comes to a very satisfying conclusion. I look forward to reading The Escape Room by Megan Goldin as I like her writing and I would recommend listening to this book on audio for a very interesting experience.
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for a free audio copy for an honest review.
Helpful Score: 1
True crime podcaster Rachel Krall has fashioned a successful career for herself. Nothing in her experience, however, has prepared her for what she finds in the small coastal town of Neapolis, NC. It's the type of town where secrets are deeply held and neighbors stand together against outsiders. At the heart of Rachel's 3rd season is the rape trial of a popular young man who the town hopes will go on to accomplish great things. The victim is no less well known as the granddaughter of the police chief. At the same time as this trial is a series of emails Rachel receives concerning a long-forgotten death in Neapolis. It is one that some in the town want to remain forgotten. Between the trial and the letters, Rachel comes to realize that there is much more to Neapolis than meets the eye.
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin is this author's third novel and like her previous two, is likely to be praised by critics. Her first novel, The Girl in Kellers Way, earned a nomination for the prestigious Ned Kelly Award, given by the Australian Crime Writers Association; her second, The Escape Room, earned accolades from Lee Child. Anyone who has ever lived in a small town will be able to relate to the picture of Neapolis painted by Goldin: a place where everyone knows everyone else and outsiders are viewed with suspicion. Anyone who loves a good mystery will be up late reading Night Swim. I happily give this novel 4/5 stars.
* A copy of the ebook was the only compensation received in exchange for this review. *
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin is this author's third novel and like her previous two, is likely to be praised by critics. Her first novel, The Girl in Kellers Way, earned a nomination for the prestigious Ned Kelly Award, given by the Australian Crime Writers Association; her second, The Escape Room, earned accolades from Lee Child. Anyone who has ever lived in a small town will be able to relate to the picture of Neapolis painted by Goldin: a place where everyone knows everyone else and outsiders are viewed with suspicion. Anyone who loves a good mystery will be up late reading Night Swim. I happily give this novel 4/5 stars.
* A copy of the ebook was the only compensation received in exchange for this review. *
After the first season of her true crime podcast set an innocent man free, Rachel Krall became a household name. This season she has traveled to a small North Carolina coastal town to cover the rape trial of Scott Blair, a champion swimmer accused of raping a sixteen-year-old girl. Even though Rachel does not identify the victim to the public, the people in the small town know exactly who she is referring to. The town is ripped apart in their opinions of guilt or innocence. Rachel plans to make daily updates to her podcast and let the listeners decide if Scott Blair is "Guilty or Not Guilty".
Rachel is startled when someone leaves a letter addressed to her on her windshield. Most people only recognize her voice, not her face. This letter requests her assistance in investigating the twenty-five-year-old death of Jenny Stills. Her sister, Hannah, believes Jenny was murdered and wants Rachel's help. Busy with the trial and the podcast, Rachel doesn't plan to jump into this mystery. But as the letters keep showing up in mysterious places, Rachel starts questioning people about the events of Jenny Stills' death.
I read some good reviews about this book and decided to give it a try. Part of the story is told by Rachel as she attends the rape trial and interviews various people about the crime. Another part is told by Hannah. It is her recollection of the weeks leading up to her sister's death. And we get to hear the actual podcast that Rachel's listeners tune into.
I listened to the audiobook which had three narrators. All of the narrators are outstanding. I listened while doing my daily walk. This book actually made me want to keep walking beyond my 1.5 miles. The story is engrossing, thought-provoking, and sometimes suspenseful. And we get two mysteries that are neatly tied up at the end of the book. My rating: 5 Stars.
Rachel is startled when someone leaves a letter addressed to her on her windshield. Most people only recognize her voice, not her face. This letter requests her assistance in investigating the twenty-five-year-old death of Jenny Stills. Her sister, Hannah, believes Jenny was murdered and wants Rachel's help. Busy with the trial and the podcast, Rachel doesn't plan to jump into this mystery. But as the letters keep showing up in mysterious places, Rachel starts questioning people about the events of Jenny Stills' death.
I read some good reviews about this book and decided to give it a try. Part of the story is told by Rachel as she attends the rape trial and interviews various people about the crime. Another part is told by Hannah. It is her recollection of the weeks leading up to her sister's death. And we get to hear the actual podcast that Rachel's listeners tune into.
I listened to the audiobook which had three narrators. All of the narrators are outstanding. I listened while doing my daily walk. This book actually made me want to keep walking beyond my 1.5 miles. The story is engrossing, thought-provoking, and sometimes suspenseful. And we get two mysteries that are neatly tied up at the end of the book. My rating: 5 Stars.
4/5 stars for this adult mystery read. Great for fans of Sadie! I loved the podcast aspect of this book. Great cover. Great narration. I didn't love the characters in this one, but still kept me entertained and wanting to read more! Definitely recommend if you enjoy mysteries!
This was gripping, a dark mystery with many layers. Well written with compelling characters. I will look forward to what Goldin writes next.
I really liked this book. It is even better than Escape Room. This book is suspenseful and riveting. Look forward to reading her next book.
This book was captivating. I did not want to put it down! It was able to grab my attention and hold it from the very first chapter.
