The Review

I was initially drawn to select Dark Corners as my Book of the Month for July 2023. However, upon realizing that it was a sequel, I opted for “The Connellys of County Down” by Tracey Lange, as I had enjoyed “We are the Brennans”. Nevertheless, my curiosity led me to borrow the first book in Rachel Krall’s series on my Libby app for a trip up north. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I made all summer.

In “The Night Swim,” Rachel Krall, a true-crime podcast host, becomes an overnight sensation after her podcast, “Guilty or Not Guilty,” played a significant role in setting an innocent man free during season two. Now, everyone eagerly anticipates what she will cover in season three. Instead of choosing another murder trial, Rachel decides to focus on a controversial case in Neapolis, North Carolina, involving Scott Blair, an Olympic hopeful accused of raping a 16-year-old girl. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she receives a note from a woman named “Hannah,” asking her to investigate the unsolved murder of her older sister, Jenny Stills, during her time in Neapolis.

Drawing inspiration from real-life cases like People v. Turner, Goldin delves into the dark and disturbing world of rape trials and the impact they have on victims and communities alike. I must emphasize that this book may be emotionally challenging for readers who have experienced similar situations, as the author portrays the raw and heartbreaking consequences of sexual assault and the struggles faced by survivors.

That being said, Megan Goldin’s storytelling skills shone through in “The Night Swim.” Goldin masterfully navigates the complexities of small-town dynamics, reputation, and the unsettling truth about how society deals with rape cases. As well as skillfully weaving together two compelling mysteries—the current rape trial of “K” and the decades-old unsolved murder of Jenny Stills. The alternating timelines between the present day and 1992 did not feel forced, and as the story progressed, we slowly begin to learn where the two stories overlap and what connection links these similar cases

While I would have still enjoyed the novel had I read it, the Mcmillian Audio production team went above and beyond for this one. “The Night Swim” is told in alternating point of views, primarily Rachel’s but also Hannah’s in the form of her letters, with Samantha Desz and Bailey Carr delivering compelling performances as Rachel and Hannah, respectively. Additionally, the “Podcast Episodes” throughout the novel are turned into authentic-sounding podcast episodes, complete with a unique podcast voice, voiced by January Lavoy, and captivating intro and exit music. This unique approach adds an immersive layer drawing me into the trail and it really kept me hooked!

In conclusion, “The Night Swim” is an unputdownable and emotionally charged thriller that skillfully tackles pressing real-world issues. Megan Goldin’s writing is powerful and captivating, making this book a standout read of 2023. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking mysteries and gripping storytelling. With its deft handling of complex themes and superb audio production, this book deserves a solid 5 out of 5 Stars!

---

Short Review (AKA TLDR)

I decided to borrow the first book in Rachel Krall’s series, “The Night Swim,” for a trip up north—and it turned out to be the best book decision of my summer. Do yourself a favor, and listen to the audiobook instead of reading this one. Both Samantha Desz and January Lavoy are returning for Dark Corners (which I was going to select as an Add-On from Book of the Month, but now I am 100% doing the audiobook instead).

The story follows Rachel Krall, a true-crime podcast host who gained fame for her role in freeing an innocent man. In the third season, she shifts her focus to a controversial rape trial involving an Olympic hopeful, only to be drawn into an unsolved murder case by a woman named Hannah. Megan Goldin draws inspiration from real-life cases, skillfully portraying the harrowing consequences of sexual assault. She masterfully explores small-town dynamics and society’s unsettling treatment of rape cases while weaving together two compelling mysteries from different eras. The alternating timelines seamlessly intertwine, gradually revealing the connections between the cases. The audio production, courtesy of the Mcmillian Audio team, elevates the experience with captivating performances and authentic-sounding podcast episodes (they legit added music to really set the ambience). “The Night Swim” is an unputdownable and emotionally charged thriller that tackles real-world issues with power and finesse. It is a standout read of 2023, deserving a solid 5 out of 5 stars. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of thought-provoking mysteries and gripping storytelling.