The Night Swim

by Megan Goldin

St Martin’s Press

Publication Date : August 4, 2020

Pages : 352

Synopsis From Publisher :

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.

I will start this review with a question. Would you listen to a podcast that opens with the following statement? - “I’m Rachel Krall. This is Guilty or Not Guilty, the podcast that puts you in the jury box.” I know I would! This fictional podcast is right up my alley and features heavily in Megan Goldin’s newest release, The Night Swim. Goldin brilliantly merges the worlds of true crime and crime fiction creating a haunting and suspenseful tale of tragedy, the search for justice, and hope.

Now in it’s third season, Guilty or Not Guilty has become a phenomenon. During season 2, host Rachel Krall uncovered evidence which set an innocent man free. Since then she has been sought out by convicted criminals, family members, and victims begging for her assistance. 

Guilty Or Not Guilty acts as co-main character of The Night Swim. Goldin gives readers an insider view of what it takes to put together a podcast. The production, interviews, and research all feature heavily in The Night Swim. I am a huge fan of podcasts, but I must admit, I had no idea how much time goes into creating just one episode. The addition of a podcast into the plot gave the story more depth and intrigue as well as a dual storyline. Fans of podcasts and crime fiction will find an ideal match in The Night Swim. 

 For season 3 Rachel takes a slightly different approach; traveling to Neapoli, North Carolina to cover the rape trial of Scott Blair in real time. Scott is a beloved town hero on the fast track to Olympic glory. Scott’s local celebrity and influential family have caused a divide within the small beachside town. Some believe he is an innocent man while others have no doubt of his guilt. As tensions rise in the community, Scott’s trial begins. As the end of the trial approaches lives are torn apart as old secrets come to light. Rachel only seeks the truth, but she finds herself being torn between both sides.

 While Rachel is passionate about justice, she is just as passionate about remaining anonymous. The more successful Rachel and Guilty Or Not Guilty become, the more difficult it will be for Rachel to be anonymous. I would love to read more of Rachel as well as Guilty Or Not Guilty. There will come a point when Rachel will have to choose between justice and privacy, and I would love to read her final decision. 

The Night Swim discusses a sexual assault. While the story does not delve into graphic details, some portions of the story are disturbing, and readers should be prepared. However, The Night Swim is also a story of resilience and courage. I felt such pride while reading The Night Swim. Several times I wanted to shout “YES!!!” when a character defied the odds; telling their story and demanding justice. Although at times difficult to read, The Night Swim is tragic yet uplifting and relevant. 

 Murder and Moore Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars