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The Swimmer
A deviously twisty novel of psychological suspense about secrets, neighbors, a need to belong, and murder by the award-winning author of The Maid’s Diary.
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.
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.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2024
6993 people are currently reading
38555 people want to read
About the author
Loreth Anne White
93 books7,183 followersLoreth Anne White is an Amazon Charts, Washington Post, and Bild bestselling author of thrillers, mysteries, and suspense. With over 3 million books sold around the world, she is an ITW thriller award finalist, a three-time RITA finalist, an overall Daphne du Maurier Award winner, Arthur Ellis finalist, and winner of multiple industry awards.
A recovering journalist who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now calls Canada home. She resides in the Pacific Northwest, dividing time between Victoria on Vancouver Island, a ski resort in the Coast Mountains, and a rustic lakeside cabin in the Cariboo.
When she’s not writing or dreaming up plots, you will find her on the lakes, in the ocean, or on the trails with her dog where she tries—unsuccessfully—to avoid bears. For more information on her books please visit her website at lorethannewhite.com
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loreth.Anne....
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Loreth
Or via Instagram: lorethannewhite
Visit her at www.lorethannewhite.com
A recovering journalist who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now calls Canada home. She resides in the Pacific Northwest, dividing time between Victoria on Vancouver Island, a ski resort in the Coast Mountains, and a rustic lakeside cabin in the Cariboo.
When she’s not writing or dreaming up plots, you will find her on the lakes, in the ocean, or on the trails with her dog where she tries—unsuccessfully—to avoid bears. For more information on her books please visit her website at lorethannewhite.com
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loreth.Anne....
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Loreth
Or via Instagram: lorethannewhite
Visit her at www.lorethannewhite.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,824 reviews
September 30, 2024
Outstanding psychological thriller with a lot of twists and vibes from Alfred Hitchcock's movies. The Rear Window stems from Chloe, a socially awkward dog walker, bartender and care giver, who watches her neighbors through binoculars. She witnesses a murder on her daily walk. As she watches a swimmer run over twice by a jet ski, she calls it in to the police. At this point, you will also hear her overbearing and difficult mom pinpointing her flaws, as if she were from the Psycho movie. She happens to be in her 40's and a caregiver with hardly a social life.
The wealthy and prestigious neighbors Chloe watches are Jemma, an influencer in her 60's, and Adam, a renowned surgeon. They have their own difficulties and losses after two of their children died. A lot of surprises and lies scattered along the way making this one a fun, entertaining thriller. An awesome job by the narrator Reba Buhr.
The wealthy and prestigious neighbors Chloe watches are Jemma, an influencer in her 60's, and Adam, a renowned surgeon. They have their own difficulties and losses after two of their children died. A lot of surprises and lies scattered along the way making this one a fun, entertaining thriller. An awesome job by the narrator Reba Buhr.
February 28, 2025
My mind is blown. Like it properly exploded. I knew going into The Swimmer that I was in for a treat. After all, Loreth Anne White is not only a virtuoso of the written word, but her dynamic characters, killer twists, and unforgettable plots have easily made her one of my auto-buy authors. Unsurprisingly, this novel not only delivered in spades, but it also raised the stakes for whatever White comes up with next. Finely layered, twisty in the extreme, and thoroughly unguessable, it was easily my favorite by White…at least until she releases her next dynamite thriller.
The storyline was downright sublime. Fast-paced right off the bat, there wasn’t a slow moment throughout the onion-like plot. Told via multiple POVs and dual timelines, it unfurled genuinely as dirty schemes were concocted and well-hidden lies were revealed. But the twists were what took this from great to utter mind f*** level status. Quite literally jaw-dropping, they delivered one gasp-inducing shock after the other right up until the perfectly plotted conclusion.
And then there was the format. I mean, how brilliant was it of White to intersperse true crime podcast transcripts into the plot? Through them she let clues drop left, right, and center. At first I thought it was going to give the whole shebang away before I was ready. Boy was I wrong! After all, when it came down to that final reveal, I was 100% floored. Even better, it returned Trinity Scott to the scene who we were originally introduced to in the awe-inspiring Beneath Devil’s Bridge.
As for the characters, I was duly impressed. Complex, expertly honed, and with depth to their personas, they each felt completely original yet also utterly realistic. Between an eccentric stalker and the unlikeable duo who were the focus of her attention, the plot came alive as their situation unraveled. By the gripping finale, I was wholeheartedly sold on the fallout from all that occurred even if I could’ve done with a bit more of a ruinous solution.
All in all, White most certainly did it again. With short cliffhanger chapters, addictive misdirection, and plot charging drama, there wasn’t a thing not to love. Thanks to a creepy stalker vibe and a devious atmosphere you could cut with a knife, I was over the moon to find White’s characteristic relentless suspense page after page. Needless to say, I recommend this with every fiber of my heart, body, and soul. So go on. Order this book now. Yes, right now. I’m waiting... Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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.
Thank you to Loreth Anne White and Montlake for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 10, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: hit-and-run, stalking, cancer, infidelity, death of a parent, alcoholism, knife violence
The storyline was downright sublime. Fast-paced right off the bat, there wasn’t a slow moment throughout the onion-like plot. Told via multiple POVs and dual timelines, it unfurled genuinely as dirty schemes were concocted and well-hidden lies were revealed. But the twists were what took this from great to utter mind f*** level status. Quite literally jaw-dropping, they delivered one gasp-inducing shock after the other right up until the perfectly plotted conclusion.
And then there was the format. I mean, how brilliant was it of White to intersperse true crime podcast transcripts into the plot? Through them she let clues drop left, right, and center. At first I thought it was going to give the whole shebang away before I was ready. Boy was I wrong! After all, when it came down to that final reveal, I was 100% floored. Even better, it returned Trinity Scott to the scene who we were originally introduced to in the awe-inspiring Beneath Devil’s Bridge.
As for the characters, I was duly impressed. Complex, expertly honed, and with depth to their personas, they each felt completely original yet also utterly realistic. Between an eccentric stalker and the unlikeable duo who were the focus of her attention, the plot came alive as their situation unraveled. By the gripping finale, I was wholeheartedly sold on the fallout from all that occurred even if I could’ve done with a bit more of a ruinous solution.
All in all, White most certainly did it again. With short cliffhanger chapters, addictive misdirection, and plot charging drama, there wasn’t a thing not to love. Thanks to a creepy stalker vibe and a devious atmosphere you could cut with a knife, I was over the moon to find White’s characteristic relentless suspense page after page. Needless to say, I recommend this with every fiber of my heart, body, and soul. So go on. Order this book now. Yes, right now. I’m waiting... Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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.
Thank you to Loreth Anne White and Montlake for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 10, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: hit-and-run, stalking, cancer, infidelity, death of a parent, alcoholism, knife violence
September 10, 2024
September 27, 2019-
Jerrin Beach-7 AM
Chloe Cooper is walking her mom’s elderly dog, Brodie when she witnesses a jet ski emerge from the mist and rain. There is a swimmer in its path, but the driver doesn’t appear to see her. She hears the “thuck” as the jet ski hits the swimmer. And, then watches as he turns around, not to help, but to finish the job.
“It’s Criminal: She’s Been Watching You-The Chloe Cooper Story” is the brand new season of the TV show born from the true crime podcast produced by Trinity Scott and Gio Rossi. (introduced to us in her earlier book-Beneath Devil’s Bridge”) They will cover the crime, and the involvement of its socially awkward witness, Chloe.
Turns out she was a bit of a VOYEUR and STALKER in addition to being an Artist, autodidact, bartender, dog walker and caregiver to her terminally ill mom.
Readers become privy to the events that occurred “After the Hit and Run” for one chapter - before shifting to “Before the Hit and Run” for the FIRST HALF of the book-with a few chapters of “It’s Criminal” sprinkled in.
This is when the SECRETS of Chloe’s new neighbors, Jemma, the glamorous influencer for women in their 60’s and her husband, Adam a renowned surgeon, will get exposed-many of them because they live in a house with no blinds…
Expect to return to “The HIT AND RUN” and “AFTER THE HIT AND RUN” in the second half of the book.
This is where the TWISTS and MISDIRECTION that Loreth Anne White is known for, will really start to catch you by surprise!!
And, one in particular made my JAW DROP to the floor!
It’s one of my favorites by the author and it CAN be read as a stand-alone.
TW: Cancer
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Montlake for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Jerrin Beach-7 AM
Chloe Cooper is walking her mom’s elderly dog, Brodie when she witnesses a jet ski emerge from the mist and rain. There is a swimmer in its path, but the driver doesn’t appear to see her. She hears the “thuck” as the jet ski hits the swimmer. And, then watches as he turns around, not to help, but to finish the job.
“It’s Criminal: She’s Been Watching You-The Chloe Cooper Story” is the brand new season of the TV show born from the true crime podcast produced by Trinity Scott and Gio Rossi. (introduced to us in her earlier book-Beneath Devil’s Bridge”) They will cover the crime, and the involvement of its socially awkward witness, Chloe.
Turns out she was a bit of a VOYEUR and STALKER in addition to being an Artist, autodidact, bartender, dog walker and caregiver to her terminally ill mom.
Readers become privy to the events that occurred “After the Hit and Run” for one chapter - before shifting to “Before the Hit and Run” for the FIRST HALF of the book-with a few chapters of “It’s Criminal” sprinkled in.
This is when the SECRETS of Chloe’s new neighbors, Jemma, the glamorous influencer for women in their 60’s and her husband, Adam a renowned surgeon, will get exposed-many of them because they live in a house with no blinds…
Expect to return to “The HIT AND RUN” and “AFTER THE HIT AND RUN” in the second half of the book.
This is where the TWISTS and MISDIRECTION that Loreth Anne White is known for, will really start to catch you by surprise!!
And, one in particular made my JAW DROP to the floor!
It’s one of my favorites by the author and it CAN be read as a stand-alone.
TW: Cancer
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Montlake for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
July 19, 2024
4.5*
I'm watching you…👀
Chloe Cooper has never really fit in. She tries to stay under the radar, never drawing any attention her way.
She does however, entertain herself by observing other people. Her latest fixation is Jemma and Adam, who moved into the monstrosity of a home across the alley.
With Chloe’s apartment conveniently located on the third floor she can easily keep a close eye on this couple.
Walking her mother’s dog along the beach on a cold, foggy morning Chloe witnesses someone brutally murdering a swimmer. She knows better than to get involved. But she just can’t help herself…and calls the police.
Chloe knows that once the call is made Pandora’s box will be opened. And there would be no going back! Oh Chloe!🤦🏼♀️
A deviously clever twisty tale of obsession, betrayal and revenge. For me, that's a trifecta for the perfect thriller!
And Loreth Anne White knows how to weave it all together, presenting readers with an absolutely unputdownable read!
Hope this one is on your summer reading list! I can’t wait to see your thoughts too!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake
I'm watching you…👀
Chloe Cooper has never really fit in. She tries to stay under the radar, never drawing any attention her way.
She does however, entertain herself by observing other people. Her latest fixation is Jemma and Adam, who moved into the monstrosity of a home across the alley.
With Chloe’s apartment conveniently located on the third floor she can easily keep a close eye on this couple.
Walking her mother’s dog along the beach on a cold, foggy morning Chloe witnesses someone brutally murdering a swimmer. She knows better than to get involved. But she just can’t help herself…and calls the police.
Chloe knows that once the call is made Pandora’s box will be opened. And there would be no going back! Oh Chloe!🤦🏼♀️
A deviously clever twisty tale of obsession, betrayal and revenge. For me, that's a trifecta for the perfect thriller!
And Loreth Anne White knows how to weave it all together, presenting readers with an absolutely unputdownable read!
Hope this one is on your summer reading list! I can’t wait to see your thoughts too!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake
September 12, 2024
So Loretta wins the golden trophy for the best character development ever! Really good, nice plot line. I wouldn't expect anything less from this author.
September 16, 2024
I DOVE INTO "THE SWIMMER"....
and never wanted to come up for air.
From start to finish, I could not remove my headphones.
Yes, it was that good!
Loreth Anne White is brilliant and in a league of her own.
This book was pacey, refreshingly different, and impossible to predict.
The book's well-orchestrated plot was twisty with strong and ultra-compelling characterizations.
Be prepared to be jolted by the book's multiple twists and GOL (Gasp Out Loud) moments.
I listened to the audiobook read by Reba Buhr, who did a superb job with the narration.
Once again, talented and prolific author Loreth Anne White made a "splash" with a new release.
Sadly, Brilliance Audio declined my NetGalley ARC request.
😭😥😭
Fortunately, the book was released by Kindle Unlimited's Books with Narration and was eagerly and instantly downloaded by this loyal Loreth Anne White fan.
"The Swimmer" wins the gold.
🥇🎖️👏
All the stars!
⭐🌟⭐🌟🌟
One of my besties of 2024.
May 25, 2024
4+
Loner Chloe Cooper is a creature of routine. Every morning at 6:30, she walks her mother’s age of dog to the beach where there’s another creature of habit in a swimmer who she likes to watch. Chloe is very much an outsider, a looker on, a watcher even. Her life is very different to that of her new neighbours in Jemma and Adam Spengler, the latter being a well-known surgeon. The pair are hoping for a fresh start after some tragic losses, but both are harbouring secrets. Jemma is uncomfortable in their new home which has very large windows and she has the sensation of being watched. Perhaps they are Chloe‘s new obsession. One wet and foggy early morning while Chloe walks the beach, she watches in horror as the swimmer is deliberately targeted by a rider on a jet ski. It’s safe to say that some lives will never be the same again.
This is a good addictive read with one twist so jaw dropping that I nearly fall off a sofa I’m perching on (true!). The first half is probably stronger than the second but it’s still a twisty read with some clever misdirection from the author, which I really enjoy. The moral of that is to never assume. It’s far from being a simple tale and has several layers to it to it which involves the characters back stories which is intriguing. The storytelling is intense, it’s full of tension, it makes you uneasy, there’s a strong sense of claustrophobia and it’s full of atmosphere. I enjoy the way it plays out with an ‘imperfect’ ending which fits well and one part gladdens my heart.
The characterisation is an extremely strong element of the novel. Chloe is fascinating, she’s uncomfortable in her own skin (the author uses one clever metaphor to highlight this) and she makes me feel uncomfortable too. She’s a product of her upbringing that’s for sure. As for the Spenglers they’re totally unlikeable and again there’s a lot to unpack here. I’ll leave the ‘joys’ of their personalities for future readers to discover for themselves. All face and abyss of one kind or another, what are they capable of??? Secrets, secrets and more secrets!
Overall, another gripping read from a must read author and one I can recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Montlake for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This was a great buddy read with Jayme, Marilyn, Susan, DeAnn and Mary Beth!
Loner Chloe Cooper is a creature of routine. Every morning at 6:30, she walks her mother’s age of dog to the beach where there’s another creature of habit in a swimmer who she likes to watch. Chloe is very much an outsider, a looker on, a watcher even. Her life is very different to that of her new neighbours in Jemma and Adam Spengler, the latter being a well-known surgeon. The pair are hoping for a fresh start after some tragic losses, but both are harbouring secrets. Jemma is uncomfortable in their new home which has very large windows and she has the sensation of being watched. Perhaps they are Chloe‘s new obsession. One wet and foggy early morning while Chloe walks the beach, she watches in horror as the swimmer is deliberately targeted by a rider on a jet ski. It’s safe to say that some lives will never be the same again.
This is a good addictive read with one twist so jaw dropping that I nearly fall off a sofa I’m perching on (true!). The first half is probably stronger than the second but it’s still a twisty read with some clever misdirection from the author, which I really enjoy. The moral of that is to never assume. It’s far from being a simple tale and has several layers to it to it which involves the characters back stories which is intriguing. The storytelling is intense, it’s full of tension, it makes you uneasy, there’s a strong sense of claustrophobia and it’s full of atmosphere. I enjoy the way it plays out with an ‘imperfect’ ending which fits well and one part gladdens my heart.
The characterisation is an extremely strong element of the novel. Chloe is fascinating, she’s uncomfortable in her own skin (the author uses one clever metaphor to highlight this) and she makes me feel uncomfortable too. She’s a product of her upbringing that’s for sure. As for the Spenglers they’re totally unlikeable and again there’s a lot to unpack here. I’ll leave the ‘joys’ of their personalities for future readers to discover for themselves. All face and abyss of one kind or another, what are they capable of??? Secrets, secrets and more secrets!
Overall, another gripping read from a must read author and one I can recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Montlake for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This was a great buddy read with Jayme, Marilyn, Susan, DeAnn and Mary Beth!
October 6, 2024
Oil … meet water. My first Loreth Anne White book and I sadly did not mix.
Chloe Cooper is a socially awkward 40-year-old bartender/dog walker living with her dying mother. While out on a beach walk with her dog one day, she witnesses a woman with a pink swim cap get struck and killed by a jet ski who circles twice to make sure the job is done. This opens the book. Enthralling right? Now a podcast called It’s Criminal: The Chloe Cooper Story intersperses with the narrative to reveal the story before and after this murder.
In the “Before” chapters, we learn that Dr. Adam Spengler and his wife Jemma have just moved into the huge house across the street from Chloe. Chloe is insta-infatuated with Jemma after watching her and Adam through binoculars having sexy time in front of their blind-less windows. Gross. Adam, on the other hand, gives her unexplained heebie jeebies, which is further punctuated when she overhears him having a conversation she sees as a threat to Jemma.
What does our budding stalker do? She “helps”. What that looks like and where that leads is what you have to find out! The story tells us up front that multiple people died. Who are all the victims in this story and why did they die? That’s the spicy meatball, so to speak, and most people seemed to find it pretty tasty, so you can blame my particular reading palate for this one. Unfortunately, a lot of elements didn’t work for me, but I’ll stick to the big three:
Forced Dialogue/Exposition: I’ve had this issue with Jodi Picoult’s writing and a few others, where they learn all this detail about a topic - in this case generational trauma - and they awkwardly force lengthy exposition about it into the mouths of characters that have no reason to possess that kind of knowledge. Here we had a dance teacher, a barber, and a detective, for example, who could wax poetic with PhD level insights into the psychological motivations and actions of someone with trauma. The insights were solid, but who it came from and the melodramatic, unnatural ways they worded it had my eyes rolling.
Word Choice: Can we not use “whore” and “slut” to label a female character - ESPECIALLY by another female character? The actions may fit, but there’s no need to perpetuate derogatory terms for anyone. There were also too many cringey lines like "I was hit by a sense of Evil with a capital E”, the cliché classics “If she couldn’t have him, no one would”, “No! Stop! You don’t have to do this!”, or “Run! Run for your life!”, which all felt ripped from a bad TV movie script. My personal favorite though was: “Adam feels arousal in his groin”. That one actually gave me a good laugh. Nothing more romantic than the word “groin”, much less an aroused one, and no one in the history of EVER would say that.
Believability: I know, I know. It’s a thriller … I’m supposed to just shut up and roll with it, and normally I can, but this plot defied even my best attempts. Honestly, it takes me longer to write out my grocery list than it did for these murders to be plotted and carried out. Also, Chloe’s daddy reveal and the ending? I can’t say anything without spoiling it, but it’s just all kinds of preposterous. My brain couldn’t write that many rain checks.
Anyways, ignore my cranky review. Most readers seemed to have a MUCH better experience, so please check out their reviews before deciding on this. I’ll definitely try White again. I was just the wrong reader for this one!
★★ ½
Thanks to Montlake Publishing, NetGalley and author Loreth Anne White for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
Chloe Cooper is a socially awkward 40-year-old bartender/dog walker living with her dying mother. While out on a beach walk with her dog one day, she witnesses a woman with a pink swim cap get struck and killed by a jet ski who circles twice to make sure the job is done. This opens the book. Enthralling right? Now a podcast called It’s Criminal: The Chloe Cooper Story intersperses with the narrative to reveal the story before and after this murder.
In the “Before” chapters, we learn that Dr. Adam Spengler and his wife Jemma have just moved into the huge house across the street from Chloe. Chloe is insta-infatuated with Jemma after watching her and Adam through binoculars having sexy time in front of their blind-less windows. Gross. Adam, on the other hand, gives her unexplained heebie jeebies, which is further punctuated when she overhears him having a conversation she sees as a threat to Jemma.
What does our budding stalker do? She “helps”. What that looks like and where that leads is what you have to find out! The story tells us up front that multiple people died. Who are all the victims in this story and why did they die? That’s the spicy meatball, so to speak, and most people seemed to find it pretty tasty, so you can blame my particular reading palate for this one. Unfortunately, a lot of elements didn’t work for me, but I’ll stick to the big three:
Forced Dialogue/Exposition: I’ve had this issue with Jodi Picoult’s writing and a few others, where they learn all this detail about a topic - in this case generational trauma - and they awkwardly force lengthy exposition about it into the mouths of characters that have no reason to possess that kind of knowledge. Here we had a dance teacher, a barber, and a detective, for example, who could wax poetic with PhD level insights into the psychological motivations and actions of someone with trauma. The insights were solid, but who it came from and the melodramatic, unnatural ways they worded it had my eyes rolling.
Word Choice: Can we not use “whore” and “slut” to label a female character - ESPECIALLY by another female character? The actions may fit, but there’s no need to perpetuate derogatory terms for anyone. There were also too many cringey lines like "I was hit by a sense of Evil with a capital E”, the cliché classics “If she couldn’t have him, no one would”, “No! Stop! You don’t have to do this!”, or “Run! Run for your life!”, which all felt ripped from a bad TV movie script. My personal favorite though was: “Adam feels arousal in his groin”. That one actually gave me a good laugh. Nothing more romantic than the word “groin”, much less an aroused one, and no one in the history of EVER would say that.
Believability: I know, I know. It’s a thriller … I’m supposed to just shut up and roll with it, and normally I can, but this plot defied even my best attempts. Honestly, it takes me longer to write out my grocery list than it did for these murders to be plotted and carried out. Also, Chloe’s daddy reveal and the ending? I can’t say anything without spoiling it, but it’s just all kinds of preposterous. My brain couldn’t write that many rain checks.
Anyways, ignore my cranky review. Most readers seemed to have a MUCH better experience, so please check out their reviews before deciding on this. I’ll definitely try White again. I was just the wrong reader for this one!
★★ ½
Thanks to Montlake Publishing, NetGalley and author Loreth Anne White for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
December 12, 2024
This is why I loved psychological thrillers. When they’re well done, it is a gem. There was so much going on here, and I must admit to being surprised several times. I also loved how convincing the characters states of minds were. Very entertaining and intelligent.
March 29, 2025
My third by the author and she has never disappointed.
This was addictive and twisty with some truly narcissistic characters battling it out! 👀
We have Chloe, Jemma, Adam and Gloria. They all have skeletons in the closet and things get CRAZY as those skeletons start to emerge.
One (or more) have a beach fetish, someone likes to have the weekend vodka and odd sleeping pill and someone has a pair of binoculars that are a source of both snooping and entertainment.
There were some triggers, but the characterisation was believable and quite spine-chilling!
I've had this one on my kindle since it released in 2024. Glad I finally took the plunge. Recommend if you enjoy some devious characters and a twist that made me read it TWICE!
September 10, 2024
🔥🔥 Happy Publication Day 🔥🔥
Holy Mother of Gawd…. If there ever was a day that I didn’t want to go to work ….TODAY IS THAT DAY! 😭
-That’s what I said to myself earlier yesterday. Then I proceeded to finish late into the night until 4am. Wow! What a phenomenal ride this was! (Reviewed at an earlier date)
The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White is one hell of a BANGER! Shocking Twists just keep coming! This might be her best work yet! It’s made it to the top of 2024, favorite of the year!
Lonely neighbor, dog walker and creepy snoop stalks her neighbors. Meet Chloe. The couple across the way are so fascinating to Chloe. However, something is just not right about them.
Chloe witnesses a murder. The swimmer. From there, this story goes balls to the wall! The tension in this so extreme that my heart literally raced the whole last half!
A deep look into depths of what drives humans and the evil that lurks there. The characterization is riveting! You will long and root for one particular character all the way until the end!
💥Told as part documentary and past events, with Trinity back in action ( from Beneath Devils Bridge)!
One not to be missed! Favorite of 2024! 5 ⭐️ If you can’t afford to purchase this lovely gem, just pawn your boyfriend’s PlayStation or sell a kidney! FOR REAL! DON’T MISS OUT!
💥 Huge gratitude to Loreth, Montlake and NetGalley for the phenomenal opportunity! 💥
Publication date September 10, 2024
Holy Mother of Gawd…. If there ever was a day that I didn’t want to go to work ….TODAY IS THAT DAY! 😭
-That’s what I said to myself earlier yesterday. Then I proceeded to finish late into the night until 4am. Wow! What a phenomenal ride this was! (Reviewed at an earlier date)
The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White is one hell of a BANGER! Shocking Twists just keep coming! This might be her best work yet! It’s made it to the top of 2024, favorite of the year!
Lonely neighbor, dog walker and creepy snoop stalks her neighbors. Meet Chloe. The couple across the way are so fascinating to Chloe. However, something is just not right about them.
Chloe witnesses a murder. The swimmer. From there, this story goes balls to the wall! The tension in this so extreme that my heart literally raced the whole last half!
A deep look into depths of what drives humans and the evil that lurks there. The characterization is riveting! You will long and root for one particular character all the way until the end!
💥Told as part documentary and past events, with Trinity back in action ( from Beneath Devils Bridge)!
One not to be missed! Favorite of 2024! 5 ⭐️ If you can’t afford to purchase this lovely gem, just pawn your boyfriend’s PlayStation or sell a kidney! FOR REAL! DON’T MISS OUT!
💥 Huge gratitude to Loreth, Montlake and NetGalley for the phenomenal opportunity! 💥
Publication date September 10, 2024
October 31, 2024
Never a Dull Moment!
Chloe Cooper likes to observe people.
Especially neighbours.
Her living room window in her tiny apartment offers her the perfect view of her new neighbours – glamorous socialite Jemma Spengler and her surgeon husband Adam.
Chloe knows their routine.
She’s been inside their house.
She’s learn’t their secrets.
She’s developed a recent beach fetish.
Every morning like clockwork Jemma goes for a swim, and Chloe is lurking nearby.
But this morning will be different.
Because Chloe watches in horror as Jemma is deliberately mowed down by a jet-ski.
What lead up to this murder?
No one could predict the fallout that follows.
The Swimmer was my first read by Loreth Anne White and I was sorely impressed by this domestic/marriage/neighbours thriller. It was a quick, fast-paced read, with nothing too eye-rolling or unbelievable. The multitude of twists and fake trails were exciting, inventive and ingenious, none of which I figured out. I had no idea where this was going or how it was going to end. The story unfolded via our three main players – Chloe, Jemma, Adam – with chapters alternating between ‘before’ and ‘after’ the hit-and-run. There were also chapters dedicated to a podcast titled ‘It’s Criminal: The Chloe Cooper Story’, interviewing people on the periphery of the crime, dropping hints and tiny reveals of what really happened. I love a good podcast in my crime fiction, and the format of this one reminded me a lot of Lisa Jewell’s 2023 novel, None of This is True.
I’ll definitely be exploring Loreth Anne White’s backlist!
Chloe Cooper likes to observe people.
Especially neighbours.
Her living room window in her tiny apartment offers her the perfect view of her new neighbours – glamorous socialite Jemma Spengler and her surgeon husband Adam.
Chloe knows their routine.
She’s been inside their house.
She’s learn’t their secrets.
She’s developed a recent beach fetish.
Every morning like clockwork Jemma goes for a swim, and Chloe is lurking nearby.
But this morning will be different.
Because Chloe watches in horror as Jemma is deliberately mowed down by a jet-ski.
What lead up to this murder?
No one could predict the fallout that follows.
The Swimmer was my first read by Loreth Anne White and I was sorely impressed by this domestic/marriage/neighbours thriller. It was a quick, fast-paced read, with nothing too eye-rolling or unbelievable. The multitude of twists and fake trails were exciting, inventive and ingenious, none of which I figured out. I had no idea where this was going or how it was going to end. The story unfolded via our three main players – Chloe, Jemma, Adam – with chapters alternating between ‘before’ and ‘after’ the hit-and-run. There were also chapters dedicated to a podcast titled ‘It’s Criminal: The Chloe Cooper Story’, interviewing people on the periphery of the crime, dropping hints and tiny reveals of what really happened. I love a good podcast in my crime fiction, and the format of this one reminded me a lot of Lisa Jewell’s 2023 novel, None of This is True.
I’ll definitely be exploring Loreth Anne White’s backlist!
September 18, 2024
Chloe Cooper lives a small life caring for her ailing mother when she isn't bartending at the local watering hole. She's socially awkward but very good at observing people from a distance. When her glamorous new neighbors move into the glass mansion across the alley she grabs her binoculars to take a little peak into their lives. Unfortunately, her curiosity comes at a cost when she finds she's become entwined in a situation that will be very difficult to untangle herself from.
This was a decent enough book though I felt I've read this story many times before. Perfect on the outside couple that has a rotten core at it's heart. An unreliable narrator we don't know that we can trust. A backstory alluded to as to why Chloe is the way she is. Been there, done that. Though I can say White does nail a couple of twists that will keep the reader turning the pages so kudo's for that. So, yeah, this is a good one but I just can't call it a great one. 3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my complimentary copy.
This was a decent enough book though I felt I've read this story many times before. Perfect on the outside couple that has a rotten core at it's heart. An unreliable narrator we don't know that we can trust. A backstory alluded to as to why Chloe is the way she is. Been there, done that. Though I can say White does nail a couple of twists that will keep the reader turning the pages so kudo's for that. So, yeah, this is a good one but I just can't call it a great one. 3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my complimentary copy.
August 10, 2024
Water Works.
This is the fifth book I’ve read by the author and all five have been hits including this one.
The Swimmer is a tour de force for psychological thriller fans with a twisted path and a trio of sneaky unbalanced main characters. Two of which are particularly diabolical as a married couple at odds with each other. The domestic suspense box should also be ticked as the gloves come off during their marital show downs.
Our three main characters are so despicable that it’s almost cliche. However, Ms. White works them seamlessly into the plot and I was distracted by their shenanigans to where I didn’t give it much thought beyond “these people are awful”. In the hands of a less talented writer their makeup might have appeared too contrived.
A minor detail I loved in the first few pages was a description of an elderly dog “Brodie” that sounded derogatory but was filled with endearment. Only a pet lover could infuse the affection (and a little humor) portrayed in that paragraph detailing Brodie’s bug eyes, stinkiness, and hesitation to "do his business”.
This was a fun group read with Ceecee, Marilyn, Jayme, DeAnn, and Mary Beth with everyone contributing to a spirited whodunnit discussion. I loved the camaraderie as it’s rare for group schedules to align.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Montlake Books for my advance review copy
This is the fifth book I’ve read by the author and all five have been hits including this one.
The Swimmer is a tour de force for psychological thriller fans with a twisted path and a trio of sneaky unbalanced main characters. Two of which are particularly diabolical as a married couple at odds with each other. The domestic suspense box should also be ticked as the gloves come off during their marital show downs.
Our three main characters are so despicable that it’s almost cliche. However, Ms. White works them seamlessly into the plot and I was distracted by their shenanigans to where I didn’t give it much thought beyond “these people are awful”. In the hands of a less talented writer their makeup might have appeared too contrived.
A minor detail I loved in the first few pages was a description of an elderly dog “Brodie” that sounded derogatory but was filled with endearment. Only a pet lover could infuse the affection (and a little humor) portrayed in that paragraph detailing Brodie’s bug eyes, stinkiness, and hesitation to "do his business”.
This was a fun group read with Ceecee, Marilyn, Jayme, DeAnn, and Mary Beth with everyone contributing to a spirited whodunnit discussion. I loved the camaraderie as it’s rare for group schedules to align.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Montlake Books for my advance review copy
September 28, 2024
Socially awkward Chloe Cooper enjoys watching people and inventing the stories of their lives. When glamorous influencer Jemma Spengler and her husband, Adam, a renowned surgeon, move into the house across the alley from the apartment building where Chloe lives with her ailing mother, she becomes obsessed with Jemma. The story takes place in the Pacific Northwest near Greater Vancouver, BC (Canada).
The story is told from the viewpoints of different characters in segments of Befores and Afters - the hit and run, the murders - interspersed with excerpts from a television production called "It's Criminal" featuring the story of Chloe Cooper six years after the events in the book. The story is twisty and nerve-wracking with lots of secrets. The characters are an interesting mix and, although none of them are especially likeable, I felt some sympathy for Chloe. The ending wrapped everything up nicely with certain characters getting what they deserved. Recommended reading!
My thanks to Montlake via Netgalley for the opportunity to read a copy of this excellent novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 10, 2024
The story is told from the viewpoints of different characters in segments of Befores and Afters - the hit and run, the murders - interspersed with excerpts from a television production called "It's Criminal" featuring the story of Chloe Cooper six years after the events in the book. The story is twisty and nerve-wracking with lots of secrets. The characters are an interesting mix and, although none of them are especially likeable, I felt some sympathy for Chloe. The ending wrapped everything up nicely with certain characters getting what they deserved. Recommended reading!
My thanks to Montlake via Netgalley for the opportunity to read a copy of this excellent novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 10, 2024
September 15, 2024
the setup…
Chloe Cooper is a 40-year old bartender living in a modest apartment, caring for her ailing mother. She’s socially awkward and her world doesn’t extend much beyond work, caretaking and daily walks of her mother’s aging dog Brodie. When new neighbors Dr. Adam and Jemma Spengler move into the “Gloom House” across the street, Chloe takes stalker-ish interest in Jemma. He’s a renowned surgeon and she’s a lifestyle influencer who just moved to Vancouver from Ontario. Jemma has an early morning swimming routine, which coincides with Chloe’s walk with Brodie. As she watches the swimmer on one foggy morning, a jet ski collides with the woman and it’s obviously intentional.
the heart of the story…
It’s just impossible to say much more without ruining the experience other than more about these characters. Chloe calls the Spengler home the Gloom House because of its ugly architectural design and predominance of glass, which allowed her to witness a lot from her own apartment window. The Spenglers have lots of secrets, individually and as a couple. Chloe unwittingly gets in the middle of all this, way over her head.
the narration…
Wow. It’s really hard to believe there was only one person giving voice to this story! Buhr’s mastery of character distinctions included an elderly British woman who I thought was a second performer. Just outstanding work!
the bottom line…
Buckle up and get ready for a bumpy, twisty roller coaster of a ride! This was brilliant characterization and plotting. Every time I thought I knew what was what, a new wrinkle would emerge. And, part of the story includes a podcast about the crime. I’m a fan of the author and this is just next level writing. Run, don’t walk or wait, to get this book, preferably on audio.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Chloe Cooper is a 40-year old bartender living in a modest apartment, caring for her ailing mother. She’s socially awkward and her world doesn’t extend much beyond work, caretaking and daily walks of her mother’s aging dog Brodie. When new neighbors Dr. Adam and Jemma Spengler move into the “Gloom House” across the street, Chloe takes stalker-ish interest in Jemma. He’s a renowned surgeon and she’s a lifestyle influencer who just moved to Vancouver from Ontario. Jemma has an early morning swimming routine, which coincides with Chloe’s walk with Brodie. As she watches the swimmer on one foggy morning, a jet ski collides with the woman and it’s obviously intentional.
the heart of the story…
It’s just impossible to say much more without ruining the experience other than more about these characters. Chloe calls the Spengler home the Gloom House because of its ugly architectural design and predominance of glass, which allowed her to witness a lot from her own apartment window. The Spenglers have lots of secrets, individually and as a couple. Chloe unwittingly gets in the middle of all this, way over her head.
the narration…
Wow. It’s really hard to believe there was only one person giving voice to this story! Buhr’s mastery of character distinctions included an elderly British woman who I thought was a second performer. Just outstanding work!
the bottom line…
Buckle up and get ready for a bumpy, twisty roller coaster of a ride! This was brilliant characterization and plotting. Every time I thought I knew what was what, a new wrinkle would emerge. And, part of the story includes a podcast about the crime. I’m a fan of the author and this is just next level writing. Run, don’t walk or wait, to get this book, preferably on audio.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
August 5, 2024
A twisty psychological thriller!
Chloe is taking care of her mother who is dying from cancer. Besides being a caregiver, she is a bartender and a dog walker. Chloe who is a loner spends her time watching people. Her newest addiction is watching her new neighbors Jemma and Dr. Adam Spengler, from her apartment window.
Every morning Chloe takes her mother's dog for a walk on Jerrin's beach. Then, one morning Chloe witnesses a jet ski hitting a swimmer and then returning to hit the swimmer again. Chloe believes there is a connection between the swimmer and her new neighbors.
The swimmer had me turning the pages quickly. As I read, I started liking Chloe and was rooting for her. Jemma felt manipulative to me and I wasn't sure about her.
Loreth Anne White always does a great job at piquing my interest from early on. This one was no exception. I liked the addition of multiple chapters "It's Criminal: The Chloe Cooper Story". It gave us so much more detail about what happened. The best part was seeing Trinity Scott in this one too. She was the podcaster from Beneath's Devil Bridge (which I enjoyed too).
I'm looking forward to her next book. Always.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Chloe is taking care of her mother who is dying from cancer. Besides being a caregiver, she is a bartender and a dog walker. Chloe who is a loner spends her time watching people. Her newest addiction is watching her new neighbors Jemma and Dr. Adam Spengler, from her apartment window.
Every morning Chloe takes her mother's dog for a walk on Jerrin's beach. Then, one morning Chloe witnesses a jet ski hitting a swimmer and then returning to hit the swimmer again. Chloe believes there is a connection between the swimmer and her new neighbors.
The swimmer had me turning the pages quickly. As I read, I started liking Chloe and was rooting for her. Jemma felt manipulative to me and I wasn't sure about her.
Loreth Anne White always does a great job at piquing my interest from early on. This one was no exception. I liked the addition of multiple chapters "It's Criminal: The Chloe Cooper Story". It gave us so much more detail about what happened. The best part was seeing Trinity Scott in this one too. She was the podcaster from Beneath's Devil Bridge (which I enjoyed too).
I'm looking forward to her next book. Always.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
August 19, 2024
Loreth Anne White writes psychological thrillers like no one else. This book is no different! And I think this may be her best work ever!
Our main character Chloe witnesses a swimmer's murder at the beginning of the novel. Subsequently, we get to see Chloe spying on her neighbors and her conviction that the husband killed the swimmer. Is she right, though?
Both the scene and the personalities of White's characters are expertly and effortlessly portrayed in her writing. Chloe Cooper, the main character, was incredibly well-written. Although she has a slightly strange personality, as I read more, I grew to like her.
This book's action begins right away and doesn't stop until the very end. It's far from being a straightforward story; it has several layers. This was so tense that throughout the entire last half, my heart was really racing! With a shocking twist that left me speechless, this is an enjoyable and captivating book. There was far more to this story than first appears.
Additionally, I thought it was great how this book used the modern technique of true crime reporting to provide views from other characters.
Loreth Anne White is a phenomenal psychological thriller author that creates unputdownable stories with unpredictable twists. If you enjoy books with shady characters and excellent story telling with jaw-dropping twist, you should read this book!
Our main character Chloe witnesses a swimmer's murder at the beginning of the novel. Subsequently, we get to see Chloe spying on her neighbors and her conviction that the husband killed the swimmer. Is she right, though?
Both the scene and the personalities of White's characters are expertly and effortlessly portrayed in her writing. Chloe Cooper, the main character, was incredibly well-written. Although she has a slightly strange personality, as I read more, I grew to like her.
This book's action begins right away and doesn't stop until the very end. It's far from being a straightforward story; it has several layers. This was so tense that throughout the entire last half, my heart was really racing! With a shocking twist that left me speechless, this is an enjoyable and captivating book. There was far more to this story than first appears.
Additionally, I thought it was great how this book used the modern technique of true crime reporting to provide views from other characters.
Loreth Anne White is a phenomenal psychological thriller author that creates unputdownable stories with unpredictable twists. If you enjoy books with shady characters and excellent story telling with jaw-dropping twist, you should read this book!
November 28, 2024
3.5
This was a decent, acceptably far-fetched story (I didn't roll my eyes a million times) with good twists. There were some repetitions which could have been omitted, though.
Overall, I was expecting more from the book.
This was a decent, acceptably far-fetched story (I didn't roll my eyes a million times) with good twists. There were some repetitions which could have been omitted, though.
Overall, I was expecting more from the book.
November 22, 2024
Loreth Anne White’s The Swimmer is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. White’s ability to create tension is unparalleled. The twists and turns had me second-guessing myself at every step, and even when I thought I had the story figured out, she managed to surprise me.
If you’re a fan of thrillers that keep you guessing until the very last page, The Swimmer is a must-read. Loreth Anne White has once again proven her talent for weaving a story that is as emotional as it is suspenseful.
My LAW Ratings-
The Maids Diary- 4 Stars
The Patients Secret- 4 Stars
If you’re a fan of thrillers that keep you guessing until the very last page, The Swimmer is a must-read. Loreth Anne White has once again proven her talent for weaving a story that is as emotional as it is suspenseful.
My LAW Ratings-
The Maids Diary- 4 Stars
The Patients Secret- 4 Stars
May 16, 2025
You know what? This was a pretty cool thriller. This is about a couple of adults all with some inner demons of their own who come colliding with each other in catastrophic ways.
A woman who seemingly has it all, her cheating successful surgeon husband, his gorgeous mistress who has a very big secret she’s willing to expose and the socially awkward dog walking neighbor who’s borderline obsessed with their drama.
This tells the story of what happens before and after a horrific crime and had lots of twists I didn’t see coming. I was invested in these characters and their stories even if some of these characters were very unlikable. I enjoyed this and the way the story played out.
A woman who seemingly has it all, her cheating successful surgeon husband, his gorgeous mistress who has a very big secret she’s willing to expose and the socially awkward dog walking neighbor who’s borderline obsessed with their drama.
This tells the story of what happens before and after a horrific crime and had lots of twists I didn’t see coming. I was invested in these characters and their stories even if some of these characters were very unlikable. I enjoyed this and the way the story played out.
Read
July 12, 2024Deliciously addictive with a dark, voyeuristic heart, I loved every minute of this captivating thriller! The format switched between a true crime podcast/documentary, Chloe, who's a bit of an odd duck, and her new neighbors. This worked to keep the suspense and intrigue high. There were so many twists I didn't know which way to look! Bravo for another fantastic book.
June 27, 2025
I 😅 don't have it in myself to rate a Loreth Anne White book less than a 4. The way she writes mystery and thriller and I love how I don't see the twists coming. My Favorite thing about this book is the character development ✨
September 8, 2024
Loreth Anne White writes some great thrillers, so I didn't hesitate to pick this one up when I saw it. I've enjoyed every single book I've read by this author.
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.
My Thoughts:
Chloe Cooper is a creepy character who comes across as as a stalker - watching her neighbors with binoculars, finding ways to get into their house, messing with their things. She is socially inept, but has a job as a bartender (while she has held many different jobs previously, none seeming to last). The story takes off when Chloe witnesses a jet skier intentionally run over a swimmer. Events begin unfurling and theories abound. The story is well plotted and kept me guessing. I was so sure I had it figured out, only to be proven totally off-base. This book is recommended to anyone who likes a good thriller.
Thanks to Montlake through Netgalley for an advance copy.
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.
My Thoughts:
Chloe Cooper is a creepy character who comes across as as a stalker - watching her neighbors with binoculars, finding ways to get into their house, messing with their things. She is socially inept, but has a job as a bartender (while she has held many different jobs previously, none seeming to last). The story takes off when Chloe witnesses a jet skier intentionally run over a swimmer. Events begin unfurling and theories abound. The story is well plotted and kept me guessing. I was so sure I had it figured out, only to be proven totally off-base. This book is recommended to anyone who likes a good thriller.
Thanks to Montlake through Netgalley for an advance copy.
December 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ my only question is, is Loreth Anne White capable of writing a bad book?
August 28, 2024
Such a fun read!! If you enjoy books with lots of twists and turns, shady suspect characters and excellent story telling, give this a read!
“The swimmer” follows loner Chloe who is a bit of an outcast who enjoys observing people from the outside, never one to be included or noticed. By day she is a dog walker, by night she is a bar manager and in her spare time she likes to paint, depicting the depth of her loneliness onto the canvas.
When a surgeon with a god complex and a Hollywood glamour queen move in across the street her observing tendencies turn into obsession and stalking.
Following her morning routine of dog walking she witnesses the murder of an outdoor swimmer who is purposefully barrelled into by a jet ski rider.. twice. This event catapults the three of their lives together in a dangerous game that turns deadly.
There is lots of atmosphere and multiple elements to this plot and I definitely enjoyed the read! I loved the contrast between the plot story telling and a documentary surrounding the events.
Every character has an element of chaos in their lives and it is very interesting to see the psychology between a catastrophic trigger than can turn the every day person into a questionably insane or murderous individual.
This was my first book by this author, I LOVED her writing style, the pacing and flow of the book, the interesting characters and crazy storyline. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Thank you to Montlake, Netgalley and Loreth Anne White for the EARC!
Publish date: September 10th
“The swimmer” follows loner Chloe who is a bit of an outcast who enjoys observing people from the outside, never one to be included or noticed. By day she is a dog walker, by night she is a bar manager and in her spare time she likes to paint, depicting the depth of her loneliness onto the canvas.
When a surgeon with a god complex and a Hollywood glamour queen move in across the street her observing tendencies turn into obsession and stalking.
Following her morning routine of dog walking she witnesses the murder of an outdoor swimmer who is purposefully barrelled into by a jet ski rider.. twice. This event catapults the three of their lives together in a dangerous game that turns deadly.
There is lots of atmosphere and multiple elements to this plot and I definitely enjoyed the read! I loved the contrast between the plot story telling and a documentary surrounding the events.
Every character has an element of chaos in their lives and it is very interesting to see the psychology between a catastrophic trigger than can turn the every day person into a questionably insane or murderous individual.
This was my first book by this author, I LOVED her writing style, the pacing and flow of the book, the interesting characters and crazy storyline. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Thank you to Montlake, Netgalley and Loreth Anne White for the EARC!
Publish date: September 10th
January 28, 2025
"Be positive. Try not to always default to negative. And sometimes best intentions—well, sometimes the best we have to give just doesn't work out."
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.
I found Loreth Anne White's composition of characters amazingly well done, as always. She shows you the best and worst of human beings in a way you cannot lose interest in what is happening. You can empathize more with one or another, but you feel the inside of each of them, their hopes and fears equally. And something fundamental (it´s maybe one of the most loveling parts of a thriller book) the plot twists are shocking! You can´t EVER find what´s happening next.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys strong characters and gory passages.
A brief conclusion: A STUNNING book, I love Loreth's, she’s a great storyteller and one of the masters of plot twists. I’m telling you this book won’t let you down, enjoy it.
January 29, 2025
I had been going slow on psychological thrillers. I enjoyed reading this one!
Chloe Cooper stays with her bed-ridden mom. Jemma and her surgeon husband Adam Spengler are her new neighbours. She finds them interesting and watches them from her apartment for a lot of time. She once sees Adam talking with another woman – Gloria and this further elevates her interest in the couple. Chloe walks her dog Brodie in the morning every day at 6:30 am and likes to watch Jemma swim from a distance. One morning, she watches with shock as a jet ski smashes into her and it seems deliberate. The story after this is told with a mix of events 6 years later and the time immediately after the incident.
The story had me hooked, especially since it is very written. There are twists – most are good ones and not out of place or outlandish (except for the very avoidable one involving Chloe’s mom). All the characters – Chloe, Jemma, Adam and Gloria are good ones with their eccentricities & a lot of cunning.
An engrossing story with very interesting characters and a good plot.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
Chloe Cooper stays with her bed-ridden mom. Jemma and her surgeon husband Adam Spengler are her new neighbours. She finds them interesting and watches them from her apartment for a lot of time. She once sees Adam talking with another woman – Gloria and this further elevates her interest in the couple. Chloe walks her dog Brodie in the morning every day at 6:30 am and likes to watch Jemma swim from a distance. One morning, she watches with shock as a jet ski smashes into her and it seems deliberate. The story after this is told with a mix of events 6 years later and the time immediately after the incident.
The story had me hooked, especially since it is very written. There are twists – most are good ones and not out of place or outlandish (except for the very avoidable one involving Chloe’s mom). All the characters – Chloe, Jemma, Adam and Gloria are good ones with their eccentricities & a lot of cunning.
An engrossing story with very interesting characters and a good plot.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
November 7, 2024
Chloe Cooper spends her days caring for her elderly mother, walking her mother's dog, and watching the new neighbors who recently moved into the house nextdoor. Dr. Adam & Jemma Spengler moved to Vancouver for a fresh start. Their home has huge windows which keep Chloe entertained as she watches the Spenglers from her bedroom window. One day as Chloe is walking her mother's dog on the beach, she sees Jemma Spengler going for her daily swim in the bay. Chloe is shocked when a jetski comes out of nowhere and intentionally strikes the swimmer. Chloe hurries back to her home before the police arrive, but she does call in an anonymous tip against her mother’s advice. This tip leads to a chain of events that nobody saw coming.
This story is told in a True Crime Podcast hosted by Trinity Scott (Beneath Devil's Bridge), and through flashbacks to what was happening before the swimmer's murder. The story is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Just when I thought I had figured it out, the author would throw another twist into the story. I was never sure who to believe or even who to root for in this book. My rating: 4 Stars.
This story is told in a True Crime Podcast hosted by Trinity Scott (Beneath Devil's Bridge), and through flashbacks to what was happening before the swimmer's murder. The story is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Just when I thought I had figured it out, the author would throw another twist into the story. I was never sure who to believe or even who to root for in this book. My rating: 4 Stars.
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