The Night Swim - Megan Goldin

Megan Goldin gave us a "heckuva page turner" with last year's debut novel, The Escape Room. (my review) I quite enjoyed it and was eager to read her newest book, The Night Swim.

Rachel Krall is the voice and the brains behind the Guilty Or Not Guilty podcast. (Okay, hooked already - I love crime podcasts.) Her popularity has surged since the show managed to get a man's sentence overturned. Rachel thinks she's found her case for season three. A small town's golden boy, an athlete destined for greatness, has been accused of rape. (Uh huh - seen that one in the papers haven't we?) Rachel stops into town to have a look around. When she comes back to her car, there's a note under her windshield wiper, begging her to take a look at the past - the death of a young woman twenty five years ago. Murder or accident? But, Rachel keeps a very low personal profile - who knows she is here?

Oh, so many ways this story could go! And the plot is unpredictable - even better. I truly appreciate not being able to figure things out ahead of time.

Goldin has a background in reporting and I think The Night Swim benefited greatly from that skill set. The investigation was believable and well written. I felt like the reader was right alongside Rachel as she put the pieces together. Rachel was a strong lead character, one I liked and was behind all the way.

In addition to loving podcasts, I also enjoy novels written with epistolary elements. Goldin gave me both with podcast transcripts being included. Courtroom scenes were part of the book as well - I always enjoy a legal battle.

Gentle readers, there are trigger situations in this book. I thought Goldin handled them with the seriousness and respect they deserved.

Another great read from Goldin - I'll be watching for her next! Read an excerpt of The Night Swim.

"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 mum to Labrador puppies learning to be guide dogs. The Escape Room was her debut novel." You can connect with Megan Goldin on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.