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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
2.5 stars.
I've had this book on my bookshelf for 4 years, and I was excited to finally read it. I like thrillers with a podcast aspect (especially listening to the audio version), but the whole time reading this book, it felt very mid. It didn't feel like much was going on the whole time (even at the end, where we get reveals). Also, our main character doesn't do a lot, and Goldin didn't make me care about what happens to this character.
The strongest aspect of "The Night Swim" was its logical and realistic portrayal. This story felt like a case that could happen in real life, but I was hoping more was going to happen. I think the writing style was solid, and it flowed. I believe Goldin can write well; I think for me, it was creating these specific characters and scenes that felt lackluster.
Side note: Hannah's character felt really useless throughout. She even admits that her whole purpose was to lead you to a reveal towards the end, and that reveal didn't feel like much of a payoff.
All I can think is that this book was middle-of-the-road for me, and I won't be reading the second one in the series. I think if you haven't read many thrillers, it might be a good introduction to the genre, but if you're like me, who read hundreds, it was on the "okay" side.
I've had this book on my bookshelf for 4 years, and I was excited to finally read it. I like thrillers with a podcast aspect (especially listening to the audio version), but the whole time reading this book, it felt very mid. It didn't feel like much was going on the whole time (even at the end, where we get reveals). Also, our main character doesn't do a lot, and Goldin didn't make me care about what happens to this character.
The strongest aspect of "The Night Swim" was its logical and realistic portrayal. This story felt like a case that could happen in real life, but I was hoping more was going to happen. I think the writing style was solid, and it flowed. I believe Goldin can write well; I think for me, it was creating these specific characters and scenes that felt lackluster.
Side note: Hannah's character felt really useless throughout. She even admits that her whole purpose was to lead you to a reveal towards the end, and that reveal didn't feel like much of a payoff.
All I can think is that this book was middle-of-the-road for me, and I won't be reading the second one in the series. I think if you haven't read many thrillers, it might be a good introduction to the genre, but if you're like me, who read hundreds, it was on the "okay" side.
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It took me a bit to get into it, and I found it difficult to remember/keep up with some of the names (although thats maybe a me thing). But wow, was this good! Interesting concept that was really well executed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Terminal illness
Excellent thriller. Goldin does a great job of showing the trauma and the "problem" of a rape case- he said/she said and the impact of money and a family name on the outcome of a case. Some parts were hard to read (not graphic at all)- just the topic. While Goldin is very sensitive to her reader- never describes any sexual violence- you know where it's going.
Rachel Krall is now a household name thanks to her true crime podcast. It became an overnight sensation and it gives hope to many people who are seeking justice and have no one else to turn to. Nobody knows what she looks like, they just know the sound of her voice. So she's a little spooked when she finds a note addressed to her on her windshield, begging for help. Rachel is in Neapolis for a rape trial. The town's golden boy is accused of raping a high school student who also happens to be the granddaughter of the police chief. Rachel is investigating and interviewing and still receiving letters begging her to find out what happened to her sister twenty-five years ago. Jenny Stills drowned, but the letters insist she was murdered. Rachel's intrigued. When she starts asking questions, nobody wants to answer them. Digging deeper Rachel uncovers connections between the two cases.
This is a difficult subject to write about and to read about. A lot of different feelings come to the surface here - helplessness, frustration, heartbreak. The writing was great. Everything felt real and believable and it makes me wonder how often stuff like this actually happens. The podcast was a nice touch, I really enjoyed that aspect. A very solid book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.
This is a difficult subject to write about and to read about. A lot of different feelings come to the surface here - helplessness, frustration, heartbreak. The writing was great. Everything felt real and believable and it makes me wonder how often stuff like this actually happens. The podcast was a nice touch, I really enjoyed that aspect. A very solid book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.
Tried to guess the twist at the end and was wrong. Good read.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The audio book is amazing!!! If I didn't have to work, I would have finished this in 1 sitting. Can't wait to get my hands on the second book in this series.
this has to be one of my favorite thrillers I have ever read I am obsessed with this book and the topic that were discussed felt very important and from the plot twists to the main character I loved everything about it.