The Night Swim

I really enjoyed this new book by Megan Goldin. It is my first time reading this author, but it won't be my last. Her writing flows well and her plot lines are easy to follow. The story itself is highly engaging and interesting. Overall, a great read!

The main character, Rachel, hosts a podcast that follows criminal cases and explores the guilt or innocence of the people on trial. In the third season of her podcast, she chooses to cover a rape trial. While attending the trial, she also encounters an unsolved mystery from the past that she works to unravel. These two plot lines weave together seamlessly. I enjoyed following Rachel as she delves into each criminal case. The letters from the elusive Hannah reveal an intriguing and also upsetting story of a horrible crime from the past. While reading, I felt great compassion for the victims in this book. I feel that Goldin presents the topic of rape in a sensitive manner.

The structure of the story is well thought out and cohesive. The chapters alternate between narrative about Rachel and the trial, letters from Hannah about the crime from the past, and podcast episodes in Rachel's voice. I like the alternating structure. It keeps it interesting. I never found myself getting bored with the story. I always wanted to continue on to the next chapter.

This is a truly engaging and enjoyable crime mystery/thriller. I would highly recommend it to those that enjoy the genre.