The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White

You know that feeling when you’re standing at the edge of a murky lake, peering into the depths, and you catch a glimpse of something moving just beneath the surface? That’s the sensation that permeates Loreth Anne White’s latest psychological thriller, “The Swimmer.” It’s a story that starts with a seemingly tranquil neighborhood and slowly reveals the dark currents swirling underneath, pulling readers into a whirlpool of secrets, obsession, and murder.

The Deep End: Plot Overview

Set in the moody Pacific Northwest (because where else would you set a story about secrets and murder, right?), “The Swimmer” introduces us to Chloe Cooper, a socially awkward bartender and dog walker who’s got a penchant for… well, let’s call it “people watching.” When the glamorous Jemma Spengler and her surgeon husband Adam move in across the street, Chloe’s interest is piqued. But what starts as harmless curiosity takes a sinister turn when Chloe witnesses a brutal murder on a foggy beach.

As the investigation unfolds, we’re dragged into a labyrinth of lies, where everyone seems to have something to hide. Is Adam the perfect husband he appears to be? What secrets is Jemma keeping behind her Instagram-worthy smile? And Chloe… oh, Chloe. Let’s just say she’s got more layers than an onion, and peeling them back is enough to make your eyes water.

Characters: Swimming in Shades of Gray

White doesn’t give us heroes and villains here. Instead, she serves up a cast of characters so morally ambiguous, you’ll feel like you need a shower after spending time with them. But damn if they aren’t compelling:

• Chloe Cooper: Our unreliable narrator extraordinaire. Is she a misunderstood loner or a dangerous stalker? Maybe both?
• Jemma Spengler: The seemingly perfect influencer with a past murkier than the Burrard Inlet.
• Adam Spengler: A successful surgeon with a god complex and wandering eye.
• Detective Maeve Havers: The no-nonsense cop trying to untangle this mess of lies and half-truths.

Themes: Treading Water in a Sea of Deception

White dives deep into some heavy themes here:

• The masks we wear in public vs. our true selves
• The toxic nature of obsession and jealousy
• The lengths people will go to protect their secrets
• The blurry line between victim and perpetrator

It’s like peeling an onion, folks. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, another layer reveals itself, and you’re back to square one, eyes stinging.

Writing Style: A Riptide of Suspense

If you’ve read White’s previous works like “The Maid’s Diary” or “Beneath Devil’s Bridge,” you know she’s got a knack for building tension. In “The Swimmer,” Loreth Anne White cranks it up to eleven. The prose is tight, the pacing relentless. It’s like being caught in a riptide – you know you should try to swim parallel to the shore, but you’re powerless against the current pulling you deeper into the story.

White employs multiple POVs and timelines, weaving together a narrative tapestry that’s as intricate as it is unsettling. She’s got this way of dropping little breadcrumbs of information that seem insignificant at first, but come back to wallop you over the head later. It’s the literary equivalent of that moment in a horror movie when the character walks into a dark room, and you’re screaming at the screen, “Don’t go in there!”

Atmosphere: Fog and Mirrors

The Pacific Northwest setting isn’t just window dressing here. White uses the region’s notorious fog and rain to create an atmosphere of claustrophobia and unease. The weather becomes almost a character in itself, shrouding the truth and blurring the lines between reality and perception. It’s like trying to navigate through pea soup—you’re never quite sure what’s lurking just out of sight.

The Good, The Bad, and The “Oh No She Didn’t”

What Works:

• The intricate plot: Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, White pulls the rug out from under you.
• Character development: Even the secondary characters feel fully realized.
• The atmosphere: You can practically feel the damp chill seeping into your bones.
• The pacing: It’s a page-turner in the truest sense of the word.

What Might Not Work for Everyone:

• The unreliable narrators: If you prefer your protagonists squeaky clean, this might not be your cup of tea.
• The multiple timelines: It can be a bit disorienting at times.
• The dark subject matter: This isn’t a cozy mystery, folks. It gets gritty.

Comparisons: Swimming in the Same Lane

If you enjoyed the unreliable narration of “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins, the neighborhood drama of “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty, or the twisty plots of Gillian Flynn’s works, “The Swimmer” will be right up your alley. White’s style is reminiscent of these authors, but with her own unique flavor that sets her apart.

Final Verdict: Sink or Swim?

“The Swimmer” by Loreth Anne White is a psychological thriller that lives up to its name. It pulls you in with its seemingly calm surface, then drags you into depths that will leave you gasping for air. White has crafted a story that’s as addictive as it is unsettling, populated by characters you’ll love to hate (and hate to love).

Is it perfect? Nah. But its flaws are like those of a natural pearl—they add character rather than detract from the overall beauty. If you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you up way past your bedtime, wondering if that noise you just heard was the wind or something more sinister, “The Swimmer” is your ticket.

So, grab your metaphorical swim cap and dive in. Just don’t be surprised if you come up gasping, wondering what the hell just happened. And maybe think twice before you start people-watching your new neighbors. You never know what you might see.

Who Should Read This?

• Fans of psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators
• Anyone who loves a good “whodunit” with plenty of red herrings
• Readers who enjoy complex, morally ambiguous characters
• Those who don’t mind their mysteries with a side of “I need to sleep with the lights on now”

Who Should Skip It?

• Readers looking for a light, cozy mystery
• Those who prefer clear-cut heroes and villains
• Anyone triggered by themes of stalking or domestic abuse

The Bottom Line

“The Swimmer” by Loreth Anne White is like that one friend who always convinces you to do something crazy—it might make you uncomfortable, it might push your boundaries, but damn if it isn’t exhilarating. Loreth Anne White has delivered a thriller that’s as refreshing as a plunge into a cool lake on a hot day… if that lake happened to be hiding some very dark secrets beneath its placid surface.

So, are you ready to take the plunge? Just remember, once you start, there’s no turning back. You’re in for a wild ride that’ll have you questioning everything – including whether you should invest in some better curtains. After all, you never know who might be watching.