Book Review: Dark Corners ✨

⁉️: What do you think of social media platforms? Do you watch YouTube shows made by influencers?

This underlying theme is at the heart of Megan Goldin’s Dark Corners - one of the most anticipated novels, and her second on the Rachel Krall series.

The story begins when the FBI fly out true crime podcaster Rachel Krall to find out why serial killer Terence Bailey has been calling her name as his release dates from the prison nears. At the same time, van life influencer Maddison Logan, suddenly goes missing. As the plot unfolds, we follow Rachel going undercover at Buzzcon, a social media conference and soirée where we Goldin paints a competitive world of influencers who make their daily decisions based on how each moment in their life - from breakfast to dinner - would be represented on the social media platform, and there are a few of them who are bloodthirsty for the Influencer of the Year award.

While this was a sub-plot, the entire discourse on social media was perhaps the most fun to read in the novel. I have seen influencers on YouTube who have either been strategic and business-like like Mark Weins and Mikey Chen who have shaped successful and lucrative businesses from their brand names, and I have seen a lot of the people I enjoy slowly invest too much of their time and money only to fizzle out or even sacrifice their family for the fame and monetary success that these spaces can potentially provide. But, ultimately, it’s like the entertainment industry and requires a lot in the beginning and in case, one is lucky and strategic, your channel might get picked up.

Although I could see the twist in the novel, I enjoyed it a lot as a thriller that addressed not just solving a murder mystery, but I adored the author’s writing style. It’s been a while since I saw a good episode of Law and Order: SVU, and original, and this novel fulfilled this desire, A solid 5 stars ✨ from me, and is out!

Thank you @megangoldinauthor and @stmartinspress for the gifted copy of the e-arc, and my bookish friends for the physical arc.

This was my first Megan Goldin novel that I read for #2023NetgalleyChallenge hosted by @bookstasamm, @readingwithjon, and @bookbybethw.

#MeganGoldin #DarkCorners #StMartinsPress #SMPinfluencers #SMPinfluencerprogram #RachelKrall

I’ll admit that I kept putting off reading this, as I didn’t love the night swim. But I’m really glad I picked it up. Dark Corners is the second book in the Rachel Krall series, however it could definitely be read on its own. This grabbed my attention right from the beginning. I loved the short chapters, and the pacing was perfect. It made me race through this in one day. I was fully invested in piecing together this mystery.

The influencer aspect of the story was a bit cringe and I didn’t love the romance bit that was thrown in- it felt rushed/forced and not authentic.

The story wraps up nicely with a satisfying ending. Overall solid thriller, very entertaining.

If you love crime podcasts and social media influencers behaving badly, then this one is for you!

Much like The Night Swim, I was absolutely hooked on this “true crime” thriller right from the start. The jumping perspectives + the actual podcast really made me fly through this book! The touch of romance definitely didn’t hurt at all!

I absolutely hope we get more from Rachel Krall in the future!!

I read and loved THE NIGHT SWIM by this author. It was the first book in this series buy you do not have to read it first to enjoy this one. They can each definitely be a standalone. This author is very good at weaving a thriller that keeps you turning the pages.

There are quite a few characters in this book. Not in a confusing way but as main and secondary characters. I enjoyed getting to know five or six of them. Rachel and Maddison the two influencers/podcasters. Thomas McCoy the ride share guy. Terrance Bailey the prisoner. And Joe Martinez the FBI agent. While I disliked some there were some that I really loved. Like Joe. I think he was a good guy even though he's law enforcement. I even like Terrance. I didn't much like Thomas at all. He just got on my last nerve so to speak.

I guessed a lot of things in this book. Figured out fairly early on who the killer/killers was. I figured out who Maddison was and where she most likely was. I was correct. Now that did not take away from this book at all. I think it's because I read so many thrillers like this that I figure out who did what to whom. Or I'm just that perceptive. I don't know for sure. I do know that this is one good story. It contains quite a few things to keep you wanting more. Keeps you wondering if this killer is ever going to be caught or if some other innocent person might pay for the killers crimes. Maybe the two are working together. I can't tell you that.

This book is very good. I won't tell you what it's about because the synopsis does that for you. I will say that it has some crazy things going on. The people that are at the convention for influencers are a bit out there for sure. I don't think it sounds very fun to be an influencer if you have to do all they do. Some of them are nice but most seem very stuck up. At least to other influencers.

There are a couple of abductions and a few murders in this book. Only a couple of the murders are described and those not in to much detail. A burial place where they are kept. A dark basement. A few suspects. All the makings for a good serial killer story.

Thank you #NetGalley, #MeganGoldin, #StMartinsPress for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book. It was also my BOTM choice.

Five big stars and a high recommendation if you like a good dark thriller.

I could not have been more excited when I found out that we would be getting even more of Rachel Krall, but Dark Corners fell so flat for me especially compared to The Night Swim. The storyline seems far fetched, Rachel's character is very arrogant, and the little romance bit just felt weird? Some of the story regarding social media and influencers was too much and so stereotypical that i found myself just skimming through it.

Overall, definitely not my favorite, but i am willing to give Megan Goldin another chance!

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4.25⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: mystery/thriller📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
I enjoyed this one more than Night Swim, it was entertaining and I was hooked on solving the mystery.

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Twisty thrillers
True crime podcasts
Social media influences
Unlikable FMC
Entertaining and suspenseful reads

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
The side of romance
The little “distractions”

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
It was receptive at times
I found influence aspect a little annoying after awhile

𝙵𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚀𝚞𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜:
★ “The scariest monster is the one that hides in plain sight.”

When I saw that Megan Goldin had a sequel to The Night Swim, I knew that I needed to get my hands on a copy! I loved the first novel featuring true crime podcaster Rachel Krall -- it was one of my Top 5 books of 2020.

At the FBI's request, Krall returns to search for a popular van life influencer who disappeared after visiting a suspected serial killer in prison, Terence Bailey.
 Though Bailey is a few days away from being released for breaking and entering, local authorities have suspected him in the murders of six women. Hours after visiting Bailey for reasons unknown to the FBI, Maddison disappears without a trace. Is her disappearance connected to her visit to Bailey? And is Krall putting herself in danger by investigating the circumstances around Maddison's disappearance?

While the beginning starts off a bit slow for me, I stuck with it and was glad I did. I wasn't entirely thrilled with the influencer aspect, but it ties together solidly at the end. This was a great follow-up to the first book, and I hope we'll see more featuring Krall in the future (as well as the FBI lead, Joe Martinez).

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced e-copy of this book for my honest review.

True crime podcaster Rachel Krall is back again, but not by her choice. When she is tricked into flying to Florida by the FBI, she gets entangled in a case regarding a serial killer. The cops are pointing to Terrance Bailey and haven't really looked at any other suspects. But did he commit the crimes they are trying to pin on him? Rachel will find the truth even if it puts her in harm's way. Another fun mystery by Goldin. I did figure it out long before the end of the book, but that did not make it any less enjoyable. 4 stars. Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC.

I really loved Megan Goldin's first story about Rachel Krall, a true crime podcaster. This one was good, too-but still loved the first one better. This one took me a while to get into, but about 40% in, I could not put it down. Rachel is asked by the FBI to talk to a prisoner about a missing woman. The prisoner is just about to be released, and the FBI and police believe he had a hand in some murders that occurred before he went to jail. They are trying to pin him down and keep him from being released. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story--I could not guess some of the connections and twists, so that made for a fun ride. I will continue reading about Rachel Krall if the author writes more!

really good book and kept me on my on my toes of what would happen. really enjoyed the characters and their journey and would read this author again.

When podcast host Rachel Krall is asked by the FBI to fly to Florida, she's immediately on the next flight. With seemingly no connection to the case, the FBI is ready to let her go until another young girl disappears. When convicted criminal, Terance Bailey, mentions Rachel's name during a visit with a famous influencer, everyone is puzzled at the connection. An influencer, felon, and true crime podcast host? With seemingly no connections? When said influencer disappears, the FBI has no choice but to ask Rachel to step in and help. Working together, the pieces of the crime start to fall into place and reveal a history no one saw coming.

Another win by Megan Goldin. I LOVE Rachel's character. She's raw, real, and honest and I love that she has a love interest in the book. I can't wait for another story with her as the lead!

"Dark Corners" by Megan Goldin takes the suspenseful world of investigative podcaster Rachel Krall to a new level. Goldin's exploration of the influencer culture is a timely and thought-provoking aspect of the book. Goldin keeps her cards close to her chest and strategically lays out red herrings to keep readers in a perpetual state of confusion. When she finally throws all her cards onto the table, you'll find yourself appreciating the expertly crafted suspense that leaves no room for error. Special Agent Joe Martinez's inclusion adds a compelling dynamic to the investigative team. Martinez's character adds depth to the story, both in terms of romance and investigative prowess, and I genuinely hope he becomes a permanent fixture in the series.

Megan Goldin has proven herself to be a master of suspense, and I can't wait to see where she takes Rachel Krall next. If you're looking for a suspense novel that keeps you guessing and delves into the dark corners of both the internet and the human psyche, "Dark Corners" is a must-read that promises a thrilling and thought-provoking experience.

I LOVED this book! I listened to it on audio nonstop for a day and couldn’t bring myself to pause.

I love the podcast clips intertwined with the storyline and I appreciated how they all became connected!

Five stars from me!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Dark Corners" by Megan Goldin and would give it a solid 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating. This gripping mystery/suspense/thriller had me hooked from the very beginning. The combination of a podcaster, a serial killer, and a missing social media influencer made for a compelling storyline that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of the book was its well-crafted and complex characters, with Rachel being a particular favorite. Goldin's writing is impeccable, and the narrative flows seamlessly, making it hard to put the book down. I especially appreciated the interspersed podcast chapters, which added an intriguing layer to the story.

I would wholeheartedly recommend "Dark Corners" to fellow suspense and mystery enthusiasts. Special thanks to #NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Megan Goldin for providing me with an ARC of this book. My opinions are entirely my own and given voluntarily.

I absolutely loved The Night Swim when I read it a few years ago and had no idea a sequel was in the works! Dark Corners can be read as a standalone, but I wouldn’t pass up reading The Night Swim first. As a big fan of true crime, I loved the podcast element featured in the books but definitely wish more of the transcripts had been included in Dark Corners! Also I don’t know what it is about books with short chapters but it always makes me read so much faster. Loved the fast pace of this book and the twists were so good! Rachel Krall is probably one of my all time favorite characters. She’s so intelligent, strong, and incredibly clever! If you’re looking for a twisty thriller, add this one to your TBR immediately. Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press, Megan Goldin, and NetGalley for my gifted e-ARC!

I hope it won't be as long for the next adventure of Rachael Krall and new possibilities. I enjoyed the book and her previous books but all those influencers and their shenanigans were not my favorite part of the story. The story is intricately woven around the influencers, Rachael-a podcaster, the FBI agent Martinez, a soon to be released from jail man with a questionable criminal history along with snatches from the real killer and other affected parties. A lot of people to keep up with and all the events happen over a few days time. It will keep you reading into the night. Keep pushing through the detail, you'll finally make it to an ending. Good read. I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book but was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

I devoured The Night Swim three years ago, about podcaster / journalist Rachel Krall. I was excited that Megan Goldin was continuing her story in a second book with a new case to follow.

Dark Corners was a slow build up of these various people and stories that you knew were connected but we’re trying right along Rachel to figure it out. Around 75% I feel like the dots were connecting and I could not put the book down.

I hope this series continues and continues because I am not done reading about Rachel and all her podcasts (and maybe a glimpse of Joe too!).

Thank you for Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

I read this while also listening to an audiobook version and it really added to the experience of the book! While I could tell the parts that had been changed in the published copy, I did find the small changes (mainly wording or adding more details) I noticed defintely helped clarify some things that may have left the reader confused or not understanding what was happening completely.

I cannot recall if I read Night Swim by the author, but even though this is the second book with Rachel Krall, I did not find I was missing out too much from not reading/remembering Night Swim. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the social media conference was so relevant to all these TikTok and Instagram influencers you see everywhere. I found I was kept on my toes trying to figure out exactly what was going on and who was the actual bad guy. Defintely recommend to any thriller fan out there!

Rachel Krall, host of a popular true crime podcast is enlisted by the FBI to look for Maddison Logan, an influencer who goes missing after visiting suspected serial killer Terence Bailey in prison. Although the beginning was somewhat intriguing, this one was all over the place. I found myself wondering how it would all tie together and by the middle I just did not care. Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, you do not need to read The Night Swim before opening up this book. I read The Night Swim years ago, forgot what happened and was still able to enjoy this book.

Second of all, I loveddddd the influencer aspect of this book. As a book influencer myself it made me appreciate our little corner of the Internet more because this can be a wild and competitive field to be in when you really look at it. I thought it was all really well written as well as eye opening.

Next, I enjoyed this book! The mystery wasn’t exactly a mystery for me and I wish we got more clarity on the “why” aspect, but I still enjoyed learning about what was happening towards the end. I don’t feel the romance was necessary, but it was sweet at the end of the book.

I did the audio of this one and I enjoyed the theatrical aspect of the podcast parts of the book. I actually preferred listening to this one rather than reading it!