The Swimmer: A Novel

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars | 7,460 ratings

Price: 30.09

Last update: 01-31-2025


About this item

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.


Top reviews from the United States

  • TAL59GRACE
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loreth Anne White is an amazing writer!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2024
    Her characters are so vivid, so real, layered, flawed and fascinating. Her plots are well-crafted & there are stunning twists. I can’t even put into words how much I love her books!
  • Laura Elliott
    4.0 out of 5 stars It was the perfect murder. Except it cost them everything.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2024
    I really, really liked this book. From the way the story was told, to the flawed, interesting characters, I was hooked from the beginning. The character development was great and the characters were either odd or majorly messed up, but it definitely made for a more interesting story! I know some people don’t enjoy flashbacks, or back and forth POVs, which this has both, but they don’t flash back too far, and I have always felt that you get a more well rounded story with alternating POV, and that’s certainly the case with this book.
  • Jennifer Mattingly
    5.0 out of 5 stars captivating
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025
    What an intricate and twisted tale of love and lies, murder, trauma and triumph. A page turner from beginning to an unexpected ending. Masterfully woven story-telling.
  • RedRedtheycallmeRed
    4.0 out of 5 stars Quite twisted
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2024
    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.
  • Jess Palomino
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best this year!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024
    ????The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White ????

    I never expected to find such a brilliant story!

    Loreth Anne White is an author I’m familiar with and her work is of great value to me. This being her latest novel was something I was expecting. But I must admit she took it to the next level.

    This is a story written in layers, I was at thirty percent of the novel and I felt wise, oh I thought I had it all figured out. I made such a fool of myself this time!

    She got me invested from the first chapter and I found the story so profound and complex with a character that had so many demons in her head and such a tough relationship with her mother. So tough, so brutal. I felt sorry for her for most part of the book.

    And I want to make a point here, this is not only a thriller, this is the story of how human beings behave when in danger, when betrayed, when seeking for revenge. When they need recognition. It’s story that will trap you and have you turning pages and even re reading.

    I appreciate the extensive research the author must have conducted to create such terrifying experiences, all the small and tiny details and of course, how the story was told.

    Favorite quote:
    ????Kindness hurts—really hurts in a terrible whole-body-aching kind of way.????

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
  • Rachel S.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Took a bit to grow on me
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
    Overall, this is an interesting book with a unique plot and a lot of interesting twists and turns. I did not really care for the characters at first, so I had a hard time getting invested in the story, but I eventually warmed to them. I would recommend to my book club friends who enjoy suspense/thrillers.
  • Mr.Bill
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Swimmer: A Novel - (not really about water sports)
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2024
    WOW. Loreth Anne White is an exceptional writer. If you've not read any of her books by now, you should start by reading The Swimmer: A Novel.
    A good writer can tell a story, but a great writer can pull your emotions into the story. Great character development creates empathy where it belongs, anger when justified, anxiety, pain, and sorrow. These are just a few of the emotions invoked in me as I read The Swimmer.
    Kudos to the wonderful voice talent of Reba Buhr on Audiobook. My 'internal' voice would not have done this book justice. - Mr.Bill
  • MrsLeif
    4.0 out of 5 stars A twisty psychological thriller!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 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

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