🌙 🌊 🚨 "The Night Swim" (2020) 🚨 🌊 🌙 - Book Review

MY REVIEW

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press (August 4, 2020)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 125021968X

ISBN-13: 978-1250219688

Click Picture for Purchase Information

“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 when she 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. ”

Thank you in advance to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for providing an advanced review copy. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.

Taking a break from my usual reads, and wanting to get this out of the way, I chose it as a “next in the TBR stack” read. The title and the haunting, mesmerizing cover was too good to pass up.

This is Megan Goldin’s second novel, but the first I’ve read by her. And, I wasn’t disappointed at all. I hardly wanted to put this suspenseful, riveting, emotional, thought provoking, sometimes terrifying read down.

It was a rather quick read with short chapters and a fast-paced writing. The writer keeps the story going and doesn’t muddle too long in one area. At times it was difficult to take notes as I was drawn into this tragic story.

This will have some trigger warnings, most of it deals with sexual assault and rape. As most of the book deals with a rape trial, there is quite a bit of detailed language regarding the rape. This might be troubling for those who have been

Usually titles of this nature do contain some foul language. This was relatively a clean read for the most part, which was surprising, but welcoming especially considering the subject material. The first “bad” word was the infamous “F-bomb” in chapter 36. That was only used once, and one “s-word” was used once in chapter 48.

Goldin uses both third and first person to tell the story. Rachel’s POV is told in third (3^rd) person, Hannah’s is in first (1^st), and Rachel’s podcast is what I would call a “narration”. The author’s writing is vivid, candid, and realistic. She certainly drives home the points she is trying to make.

Speaking of characters, Goldin keeps it simple on the “main” characters – there are not that many; and what do exist are well developed. The side characters serve their purpose without detracting from the story.

When she was 10, Hannah slightly witnessed the death of her sister Jenny (16). While it was deemed an accident, Hannah has long believed it was homicide; and this is where the story title comes from – it was believed Jenny went swimming alone at night and “drowned”.

Now, 25 years later, with another trial going on – Hannah seeks out Rachel to investigate. Rachel is a crime reporter with a podcast and is in town to cover the trial. Hannah drops off mysterious notes which disturbs and yet intrigues Rachel.

Rachel notes the polarizing difference the town takes when it comes to a rape trial. She points out the polarizing difference in murder vs. rape – murder is universally agreed to be wrong, rape is seems suffers from moral judgment. It seems more divisive, with parts of victim blaming with “if only the victim had done/not done” attitudes. This is usually never done with a murder victim.

The impact of rape is clear, and neither Rachel nor the author, shy away from it. The act leaves the victim left shattered. A trial meant to bring justice, but it sometimes has the opposite effect –> the elements of the trial create an unfair disparity where the victim is victimized twice; once by the act, and again in court. And, even more victimization occurs with accusations and rumors.  

Through Rachel, the author reexamines victim testimony; the whole trial process; and cuts to heart of he said/she said. Some cases can be lost without the victim’s testimony which results in another time they are victimized.

While the defendant can talk to the media and give interviews to gain support; the victim cannot otherwise it jeopardizes the case. Thus shows the disparity in the entire deal.

In reporting on the case, Rachel comes across the polar opinions of listeners. Their take is she is not allowed to be objective –> either side with the victim or defendant. Thus remaining neutral and impartial is also the wrong side to take, despite it being how the justice system works.

Goldin is careful to respect the victim and only goes where the natural progression of a case would.

Rachel also points out that we are now changing or looking at how we now define sexual assault –> acts such as groping, squeezing a butt, rubbing genitals against someone, rubbing breasts, aggressive kissing. At times it seemed like there was some political commentary; red vs. blue.

During the trial, Rachel finally decides to look into Jenny’s case. At first there is little to go on, and she doesn’t meet Hannah until the last 1/3 to ¼ of the book. But, as Rachel progresses she sees things there that weren’t investigated the first time around.

It is through Hannah’s letters that most of Jenny’s story is told – how it started and how it ended. That story is compelling, haunting, and tragic as well. Even more so when the reader learns the modern day connection. It was something I didn’t even suspect, though wasn’t to surprised to learn.  

There were a few issues with plot holes which were more to do with Jenny’s case, such as who were the two boys killed; along with wanting to know more about the Blair/Moore connection, seemed like there was something there.

Other than two instances of “questionable” language – this suspense doesn’t rely on multiple arcs, nor does it rely on flash. Goldin keeps it simple and real.

Fans of the author and genre might enjoy this read. It is definitely one that I was grateful to get an advanced copy of.

RATING:

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

MEGAN GOLDIN worked as a correspondent for Reuters and other media outlets, where she covered war, peace, international terrorism, and financial meltdowns in the Middle East and Asia. She is now based in Melbourne, Australia, where she raises three sons and is a foster mom to Labrador puppies learning to be guide dogs. Her first novel, The Escape Room, published to widespread acclaim in 2019. The Night Swim is her second novel.

You can follow her on the following social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megangoldinauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megangoldinauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeganGoldin

Or visit her website here: http://www.megangoldin.com/

*This post contains affiliate links