I previously read and enjoyed The Night Swim, featuring true-crime podcaster Rachel Krall. I remember her as being intelligent, with great empathy and investigative skills. This book presents her as rude, stubborn, and rejecting advice. She seems to consider herself invulnerable and takes unnecessary risks when warned of dangers. With these personality flaws, I could not connect with her character or behaviour

The book was well-constructed with short, fast-paced chapters. There were a lot of threads involving living, missing and murdered people, which were cleverly explained and resolved by the conclusion.
Terrence Bailey will be released from prison in a couple of days. He was charged with petty theft and received a sentence of two years. The police have always been suspicious that he was guilty of the serial killing of six women but couldn't prove it. After defending himself in a prison fight, four more years were added to his sentence. A famous popular social influencer, Maddison, visited him in prison recently and vanished after talking to him. The reason for her visit and their conversation was unknown, but he asked for a visit from Rachel Krall.

The FBI's attempt to find Maddison has been futile, and FBI agent Joe Martinez persuades Rachel to come to Florida and interview Terry Bailey. They have no information on Maddison's family, friends, background, or personality. Maddison was a false identity invented for her internet persona, and she gained a massive social media following. If she is still alive, it will be almost impossible to rescue her, knowing nothing about her life except what she posted online. Little was learned from Rachel's interview with Terry; he had made cryptic threats toward her as she left the interview.

Martinez now worries that he may have put Rachel's life in danger and tries to persuade her to return home. Terry will be released from prison in two days and may act on his threats. Rachel argues with him and refuses to agree to any of his suggestions. She decides to go undercover at a conference for social influencers to learn about Maddison.

She enters a world of self-absorbed snobs and witnesses their vicious rivalry, arrogance, and jealousy. Their time is spent with exhausted photographers as they constantly pose for photos to post online. A body thought to be that of Maddison has been discovered sunk in a nearby mud pit, and a male influencer has been found murdered. We learn the story of two teenage girls who disappeared when Terry was imprisoned. Did he have an accomplice on the outside?
In the present, we learn of a creepy man using a drive/share to pick up victims. Surely he is working on orders from Terry? Rachel continues to argue with Martinez, but a romantic interlude develops, which seems out of place in this complex crime story. There are a lot of twists, misdirections, dangers, and surprises leading to clarity and a satisfactory conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this intriguing ARC. The publication date is August 8.

Dark Corners by Megan Golden is a thriller about podcaster Rachel Krall who is asked to help with another crime case that has gone somewhat cold. Terrence Bailey is in prison but almost finished with this sentence, even though he is a prime suspect for a string of killings in Florida. When an influencer named Maddison visits Bailey in prison mentioning Rachel Krall and then goes missing a few days later, Krall seems to be the only person who can help the case. Will Rachel be able to find Maddison before she is murdered like the others? Or is it already too late and a dangerous serial killer is about to be set free?

Overall, I did enjoy this book. It was fast-paced with short chapters that allowed you to fly through this book. I really enjoyed the influencer lifestyle as an aspect to this book. It was a new and innovative idea for a thriller and It was different from any other thrillers that I have read. I find myself fascinated with the inner workings and lives of the influencer “elite,” so I enjoyed reading the inner workings and even somewhat dark aspects of the life of an influencer.

At first, when I started, I did not realize that this was actually a “sequel” for the book The Night Swim– which is my favorite book by Goldin. It still haunts me. In that book you are introduced to Rachel Krall and her crime podcast. I really did enjoy the references to The Night Swim and enjoyed reading a book with Rachel Krall again. I like her as a main character. I think the books pair well together, however, you can totally read this book as a standalone novel as well, in my opinion.

Despite the fact that you know who the killer is fairly early on, you’re not sure how all of the characters connect throughout the story and there are some twists and connections that I didn't see coming. There was one aspect of the killer (a medical issue) that was a bit over the top for the story especially as a means to catch the killer. Also, at first the timelines and characters were a bit hard for me to follow. There were a few chapters that had a different font and I had difficulty understanding whether it was her podcast? Or just more of an all-knowing narrator. Eventually the story did piece together for me and I really loved how all there were no loose ends at the end of the book.

I have read almost all of Goldin’s books and none of them have disappointed me. I look forward to her next books to be written and she is definitely an auto-buy author for me. I would recommend this book especially if you are fascinated by the world of influencers!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First off, let me say that the twist in the story really did surprise me and that is VERY hard to do. With that being said, I had some issues with some of the plot points in this story.
Rachel is about the dumbest female MC like, ever. She has precisely zero situational awareness and she demonstrates no caution in situations that she should KNOW to be dangerous. However, a huge portion of this book only works if our main character is this dumb.
On the other hand, Rachel is also supposed to be so unbelievably smart in that she's putting puzzle pieces together SO easily. She memorizes massive amounts of information like it's nothing and remembers everything perfectly. Like, really? No person actually has a memory that good.
This is more of a personal preference, but I really dislike romance in thrillers and there is definitely some romance in the book, but I feel that it doesn't add much to the story. If you cut those scenes/chapters you would have essentially the exact same story.
I also got to the end, and kept swiping on my kindle because I couldn't believe the book was over. Extremely abrupt ending which felt a little like whip lash to me. An epilogue would've been really nice for this one.
Towards the beginning, I was confused by the number of narrators and perspective changes we got, but it did start to make sense towards the end. I would say that I also appreciate chapter headings to know if we're jumping back in time, getting a different narrator, or changing scenes. It's not a huge deal, but I think it would've helped me follow the story better.
Overall, I didn't hate this one, but there were several aspects that are making me withhold a four- or five-star review.

This review (or an abbreviated version) will be posted on my bookstagram @leannaslittlelibrary on the publication day 8/8/23
Thank you for letting me read!

This novel keep me guessing until the end on some of its mysteries. The main character is Rachel, a true crime podcaster previously seen in Night Swim. She helps the FBI with a case of a missing influencer. It was interesting to read about an influencer’s conference. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

This engaging read starts off shortly after The Night Swim, but it could be read as a standalone because there's enough information included in this one to not be confused.
We meet Rachel Krall again who has been asked by the FBI to meet with Terence Bailey, whom the FBI and police believe to be a serial killer. Another girl has gone missing and Rachel’s name came up when the girl had met Terence in jail. Because of the crime, Rachel decides to do some sleuthing on her own and with the FBI agent Martinez to figure out what really happened to Maddison and if Terence is the killer the police believe him to be.

If you’re looking for…an intriguing mystery with a timely true crime angle, then this one’s definitely for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If I could give this book 10 stars it would be this book. Loved this book. Its about a serial killer that they can't seem to find. This book had we in suspense the whole time.
First time author for me. I couldn't put it down. Read it in 2 days, it was that good.

Great job Megan truly appreciate your mind in this book.

Fresh off of her last case, Rachel Krall is summoned to Florida to assist the FBI with a missing persons case. Rachel meets with suspected killer Terrence Bailey who is set to be released from jail in two days. As Rachel gets more involved in the case, the more questions she has. She goes “undercover” at an influencer convention and finds out information she and the FBI never saw coming. As Terrence’s release is looming, it is clear that Rachel is in danger. However, is Terrence the only one behind this crime or does he have someone assisting him on the outside? Rachel is soon to find out and her life will never be the same.

Right off the bat, this one was SO much better than the first book. To be honest, I can’t even remember much of The Night Swim because it didn’t really do it for me. But Dark Corners blew my mind and gave me whiplash with every twist. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was completely wrong. The story is told through multiple viewpoints but doesn’t get confusing at all. I actually appreciated these multiple viewpoints! If you liked The Night Swim, you’ll LOVE this one! I could not put it down and was pleasantly surprised.

I have enjoyed all of Goldin’s books and this one was up there for me. I love books that feature true crime podcasts and I thought this incorporated that aspect very well. Six women are dead and the one suspect believed to be behind their murders is about to be released from prison for breaking and entering. The FBI reaches out to ask for Rachel Krall’s help when influencer Maddison Logan goes missing shortly after visiting suspect Terence Bailey in prison. This was suspenseful, gripping, and I loved the fast pace that held steady from beginning to end.

Technically the second book in the Rachel Krall series, this can easily be read as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and it needs to be on your list when released on 8/8.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.

“Dark corners can be dangerous points.”

Podcaster Rachel Krall gets invited to a prison visit by the FBI and she has no idea why. After the visit she decides to look further into the disappearance of Madison Logan, a social media influencer, by going undercover at a local influencer conference. I was thankful the influencer parts were limited, not super in depth but did add to the investigation. Chapters rotate from Rachel’s point of view, some history timeline and of a rude share driver, Thomas. This is written excellently and wraps everything together perfectly. I did not have any trouble following the story and definitely didn’t want to put this one down. I hadn’t read the first Rachel Krall book and that didn’t hinder my ability to understand this one at all.

“We’re so desensitized to evil, so obsessed with finding out what makes the likes of (killer) tick, that we forget about the victims. Not just those they kill, but those they leave behind.”

Thanks to Netgalley, Megan Goldin and St Martins press for my advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to St. Martins Press for providing me a copy of Dark Corners by Megan Goldin. I have read several books by Megan Goldin and was happy to be approved to read this book. People were uncertain if you had to read the Night Swim by her, yes some of the same characters but a different story line. Rachel is the same character but, no courtroom drama. I found the book to be sort of choppy writing it was hard to keep my interest.

This book was so good! It had me on my toes the whole time. I like that this is a second book in a series, but you don’t necessarily have to read the first one to read this book. Even though I did read both books, not having to read a first book is just always a win for me. I actually just bought a physical copy of this book so I’d have it for my collection. This is such a great book and I’m sure I will read this again for sure

I did not read the first Rachel Krall book, but felt like I could jump right into Dark Corners without any confusion. We start with Rachel being called to assist the police/fbi in a missing persons case (with suspected foul play)

Maddison, a high profile influencer, has vanished. Interestingly enough, they can’t find much about her past. She met with an inmate the day before she vanished, and now Rachel Krall, podcaster, might be the key to solving the whole ordeal… but can she do it before the possibly dangerous inmate is released? Or is Rachel going to make herself a target and end up in danger?

While the plotline was exciting, and had a “ticking time bomb” feeling with Bailey being released from prison, but I found it to be pretty predictable. I also didn’t think Rachel was not very likable. She was bossy, stubborn, and combative. But everyone in the book seemed quite taken with her. And the ending seemed a little rushed (albeit exciting! I love an action-packed ending!)

Overall, I give Dark Corners 4 stars!

Thank you @stmartinspress @macmillanaudio for a copy of this book. I am so glad to have Rachel, a true crime podcaster, back with another story. This time Rachel is recruited by the FBI to help with a case of a missing influencer after she meets with a prisoner about to be released. Like Night Swim, the story is part what is happening and what Rachel shares in her podcast. I enjoyed the audio which included music intro to her podcast. The story was paced well with lots of subplots which I enjoyed.
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I really enjoyed this one! I liked the multiple POVs, and that they were all distinct. I was hooked from the start and even though I guessed some things correctly along the way, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story!

Thank you so much to St Martin's Press for an advance copy!

This is my 3rd summer of reading a Megan book and truly I am on a ride each and every time! I was HOOKED into this story from the moment I started reading it. I knew Goldin was going to take me on a ride.

"Always know what you're walking into. Dark corners can be danger points."

This book had 3 different point of views and each were very distinguished. You had the present day, Thomas McCoy and the podcast. Each would rotate in quick short chapters (which also made this book very bingeable) that just kept you wanting more.

Rachel Krall is such a force and I absolutely love her character so much! She has such boss girl energy that you can't help but root for her in all cases. She really puts herself deep into the crimes & you never know if she is going to make it out but somehow she does. She has such a way with people that people end up just spilling the beans - intentionally and unintentionally.

Goldin did such a wonderful job writing Thomas McCoy's character. As a reader, you could tell that something was just off about him but not quite sure what. Same for Terence Bailey - the man who has been in jail for years & was about to be released but also could be a killer that would be set free. Thriller writers have a tendency to make characters unreliable so you just don't know who you should be trusting. Pretty much everyone gets a side eye from me until the end.

"Burnout is high in the world of influencers."

I think those in the bookstagram/booktok world would enjoy this because of the connection it has to community. There is a storyline that focuses on content creators and the pressure to constantly be feeding content to the public and that image is everything. Granted I am not at the level that is described in the book, I still felt some of the things mentioned were relatable in my micro influencer life.

One storyline that I was unsure about is her relationship to Agent Martinez. Of course I want Rachel to have love in her life but I really hope this relationship continues into the next book otherwise I'm not sure if it served a purpose. If it doesn't continue, I think having it be a Florida fling would have been better. But we shall see! I truly hope it continues because they had great chemistry and because they could understand each other due to having parallel professions.

With that being said above, I truly hope Goldin has more Rachel books planned! I truly enjoy reading how she intertwines her life & uses her knowledge and skills to get to the bottom of crimes.

If you enjoy a podcast element in thrillers, a bad-a$$ podcast host, influencer tie in and a down to the wire chase - give this. read! Perfect for a day at the pool!

4.75

The story opens with a chilling retelling of how three different families set up camp in a deserted campground and their fast exodus out.

Rachel Krall finds herself on a plane at the FBI's request but has no idea why she's been summoned. When she arrives at the state prison, she learns that she is supposed to talk to a killer. Terence "Terry" Bailey has had only one visitor during his prison time and is to receive his second. The FBI is counting on Terry being a fan of Rachel's true crime podcast, that he'll be more forthcoming and reveal the motive behind the request of his first visitor.

When Rachel's visit doesn't go as intended, and a parting remark by Terry is viewed as a threat, Joe Martinez wants Rachel on the first flight out of Daytona. Rachel isn't so easily persuaded and will use her undercover as an influencer to ask questions. As she gathers information, time is ticking to Terry's release, and the FBI are no closer to solving their case.

I was pulled into the story to learn why the three families turned around and left in such a hurry. Rachel is the perfect person to mingle with a crowd of influencers, as she is the voice behind a microphone and keeps pictures of herself out of the media. Although the bad guy is evident, there are a lot of missing facts that keep the reader guessing. This was a definite 5-star read for me!

I received an advance reader's copy and voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one in the series, but it was long enough between readings that I had forgotten some of the previous incidents that Rachel was involved in. She was pretty much lied to when asked to take an immediately flight to Florida to investigate in promise for the story. Turns out she was somewhat involved in it. More than a little creepy!

This is the fourth book I’ve read by the author, so I’m obviously a fan. Rachel Krall is back. Terrence Bailey was busted on breaking and entering, but was always a suspected serial killer. He is now sitting in a Florida prison. Influencer, Maddison Logan, met with Bailey two days ago in prison and is now missing. Rachel’s name came up in the FBI investigation, so they fly her to Florida to meet with Bailey. They are hoping she can figure out why Maddison met with Bailey and, if alive, where she might be. Nearby in Daytona Beach, BuzzCon, a conference for social media influencers is gearing up. Rachel decides to go, under an alias, so she can continue to investigate Maddison’s disappearance. While the investigation of Maddison’s disappearance is ongoing, a couple more dead bodies are found. Overall, this is fast-paced thriller with short chapters that keep things moving along. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn’t stop turning pages at the end. I liked that everything comes together at the end; and all the loose ends are tied up.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Corners was the gritty, but not too dark summer mystery I needed! This was my first by Megan Goldin and haven't read Night Swim (but want to now!), but this is easily read as a standalone. Rachel Krall has been summoned to Florida by the FBI as an influencer has gone missing and she has been connected to the case. This story has lots of twists and turns and eventually, Rachel ends up at BuzzCon, an influencer conference occurring in Daytona. I loved the various crimes and threads to this story and the different perspectives of characters that the author gives the reader. The podcast chapters also gave a a bit more background information to the story as it goes along. Goldin delivers with the conclusion and wraps up the threads with satisfaction. I look forward to going back and reading previous works from this author including Night Swim and can't wait to see what happens next to Rachel!

Rachel will not stop until she finds the killer before he strikes again in this story. I found it hard to put it down and thoroughly enjoyed this thriller! Loved the romance, the mystery, and the suspense!