I seem to be in the minority here because The Swimmer has received a lot of great reviews, but I had a hard time getting into it. I think the overall story is one that will appeal to readers who love thrillers, but I found a lot of it to be far fetched, especially the storyline between Jemma and her husband, Adam. I found myself rolling my eyes at times. I also had a hard time believing that Chloe was supposed to be so naive at 40 years old. I’ve read and enjoyed other books by Loreth Anne White, especially The Unquiet Bones, so I was hoping to love this one as well. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

I devoured this humdinger of a book in less than 24 hours! Yes, it’s that good. Plenty of twists, and a great ending.

‘24 - 5+ STARS DESCRIPTION : Socially awkward Chloe Cooper divides her time between dog walking, bartending, caring for her ailing mother, and at a safe distance, watching people and inventing the stories of their lives. Like Chloe’s new neighbors: glamorous influencer Jemma Spengler and Jemma’s husband, Adam, a renowned surgeon. They’re attractive, wealthy, and in a house of open windows, so exposed. A move to the Pacific Northwest is supposed to be a fresh start for Jemma and Adam. It’s a renewed commitment to a marriage fractured by secrets. A chance to work through the tragic losses in their past. For Jemma, however, this new beginning also comes with an unnerving sensation that she’s being watched. Then, on a fog-shrouded beach early in the morning, Chloe witnesses the murder of a swimmer. Her suspicions aroused, she suddenly sees her neighbors in a sinister new light. But as a detective and her partner close in, nothing is quite as it seems. Because the Spenglers are not the only ones with secrets. And Chloe isn’t the only one who’s been watching. REVIEW : First book by this author for me was The Maid’s Diary (‘23 - Read ‘24 - 4 Stars) which was recommended by a friend @pjaye to me since I loved The Maid by Nita Prose which she gave 4 stars and I gave 5 stars. The main character Chloe started-off as very socially awkward but boy-oh-boy did she turn conniving very quickly. Interesting unwrapping of the whole story between Chloe’s point of view, the Spengler’s point of view and the true crime series. At about 45%, I sure hope you’re sitting down!!! Definitely a book that kept evolving into something more complex. Awesome read !

I was disappointed that this was yet another book that uses a podcast/TV show to tell part of the story. It's overdone and kind of lazy in my opinion. Thankfully, those parts were fairly minimal. I'm a huge fan of LAW, I always preorder when I hear about a new book of hers, and can't wait to start reading. So I was a little dismayed at the slow start with this one. But around a third of the way through I got INVESTED! This didn't go at all how I thought it would, I just enjoyed the ride and all the twists. None of the characters were very likable, but they all eventually grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go.

Story of a woman filled with anxiety, no trust of others and socially stunted. This leads her to make poor choices, trust in the wrong people, and into a dangerous position.

Definitely one of Loretta Anne White’s best stories. The characters came alive for me. I hoped and feared for Chloe and had real tears at the absolutely intensely poetic ending.

I really enjoyed this book. I went the audio route. The plot definitely kept you guessing to the end. Would recommend this one!

This was my first book by Loretta Ann White, and I’m not sure why!! The writing is good, the story grabs your attention immediately, and the characters are written so they are each interesting in their own way. I’m now going to have to check out her other novels!