Review of Dark Corners by Megan Goldin

Thank you so much to @stmartinspress for a copy of this one. It was the perfect beach read and I really enjoyed it. I loved how the main character Rachel from Night Swim was brought back in this one. However this one can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I was just a few miles away from Daytona Beach when I read this and so that setting was really fun. I also loved the influencer and podcast angles. There was one big twist I never saw coming. I highly recommend this one!

Synopsis:
Terence Bailey is about to be released from prison for breaking and entering, though investigators have long suspected him in the murders of six women. As his release date approaches, Bailey gets a surprise visit from Maddison Logan, a hot, young influencer with a huge social media following. Hours later, Maddison disappears, and police suspect she’s been kidnapped―or worse. Is Maddison’s disappearance connected to her visit to Bailey? And why was she visiting him in the first place?

When they hit a wall in the investigation, the FBI reluctantly asks for Rachel Krall’s help in finding the missing influencer. Maddison seems to only exist on social media; she has no family, no friends, and other than in her posts, most people have never seen her. Who is she, really? Using a fake Instagram account, Rachel goes undercover to BuzzCon, a popular influencer conference, where she discovers a world of fierce rivalry that may have turned lethal.

When police find the body of a woman with a tattoo of a snake eating its tail―identical to a tattoo Rachel had seen on Bailey’s hand―the FBI must consider a chilling possibility: Bailey has an accomplice on the outside and a dangerous obsession with influencers, including Rachel Krall herself. Suddenly the target of a monster hiding in plain sight, Rachel is forced to confront the very real dangers that lurk in the dark corners of the internet.

Dark Corners by Megan Goldin
Narrators: Andre’ Santana, January LaVoy, Samantha Desz
Rating: 4 stars
Pub Date: 8/8

This second book in the Rachel Krall series has the true crime podcaster searching for Maddison Logan, a missing social media influencer. She was last seen visiting suspected serial killer Terence Bailey in jail just days before his release. When the FBI hit a wall in the case, they called Rachel in to help.

This book was clever, fast paced, and full of twists and turns. When Rachel herself became a target and potential next victim, I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put the book down! I loved learning about the darker side of the life of a social media influencer, and the multiple POV added depth to the story. The ending perfectly wrapped everything up and gave me hope that we’ll see Rachel Krall again.

I’ve always said that I’m not a big fan of true crime podcasts, but this audiobook may have proven me wrong! My favorite parts of this were the podcast portions and everytime they ended I wished there were more! The audiobook has elements that get lost on the page, which makes the listening experience even more enjoyable than the ebook, in my opinion.

This is my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last! I should mention that I didn’t read the first book in the series and it didn’t affect my reading experience at all.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced reader copy and to Macmillan Audio for my gifted ALC.

Read if you like:
*twisty thrillers
*true crime podcasts
*social media influencers
*romantic suspense
*multiple POV

Goldin doesn't disappoint with this one. A GREAT READ and I loved how real the characters felt. Definitely recommend it.

After a brief meeting with an inmate in a correctional facility in Florida, famous influencer Maddison Logan disappears without a trace. The soon-to-be-released inmate, Terence Bailey, though incarcerated for B&E, is a suspect in the murders of six women, though the FBI is yet to prove their case. When a meeting between Bailey and Rachel ends with Bailey’s veiled threats directed towards Rachel, the FBI, sensing that Bailey might target Rachel requests her to fly back home.. Rachel has no idea to get involved in influencers’ voyeuristic lifestyle may put her life in danger. Her firsthand experience may turn her into target of a nasty serial killer! This is my first book by Megan Goldin and she has gained herself a fan. #NETGALLEY #DARKCORNERS

Terence Bailey is about to be released from prison for breaking and entering, though investigators have long suspected him in the murders of six women. As his freedom approaches, Bailey gets a surprise visit from Maddison Logan, a hot, young influencer with a huge social media following. Hours later, Maddison disappears, and police suspect she’s been kidnapped—or worse. Is Maddison’s disappearance connected to her visit to Bailey? Why was she visiting him in the first place?

Another win from Megan Goldin! If the name Rachel Krall sounds familiar, you may remember her from Goldin’s previous book, The Night Swim. If you haven’t no worries! This one reads great as a stand alone.

The FBI turns to Rachel - a true crime podcast host - to try to solve a missing person case. She wasn’t able to get what they wanted out of her visit to Terence Bailey (who is about to be released from prison) and the FBI tries to send her home…. Only Rachel wanted to see the case through. She ends up undercover at a social media influencer conference.

I don’t listen to podcasts, but I always enjoy them in a book. The social media world was interesting from Rachel’s perspective. Good twists and interesting how it all came together in the end. Looking forward to more Rachel Krall mysteries!

I was able to read and listen to this story on audio. Great narration that kept the story moving!

“The scariest monster is the one that hides in plain sight.” Rachel Krall, the true crime podcaster we first meet in The Night Swim has been called to Florida to meet with a suspected serial killer, Terrance Bailey who is set to be released from prison in days. A social media influencer has gone missing after visiting Terrance and the FBI believes he was somehow involved. Rachel’s name came up during their meeting but why? Time is running out before Bailey gets out of prison - what does he want with Rachel? Is she safe as she investigates the missing influencer?

While I enjoyed Dark Corners I didn’t find it as engrossing as the Night Swim. It was a still a page turner, but it just didn’t have tension I felt with her previous book. All in all I would recommend, but not as strongly as her other book.

First off, this is book 2. I did not know that when requesting it, but it didn’t take away from this novel. I may have liked it even more if I had more backstory on Rachel Krall.

This was a great thriller. Absolutely loved it. Following along with an influencer was a nice change of pace with most books. I loved the characters, their personalities, and the passion behind right and wrong.

Rachel is a smart influential character. She uses her skills and knowledge to trust her instincts and solve the crime. Getting herself in danger comes without asking as she’ll risk herself for justice.

This book had me on the edge of my seat afraid of what was coming next. I loved the fear and thrilling grasp I had with each new chapter. Now to read the first book, Night Swim, so I can appreciate this even more.

Dark Corners
Set not long after Megan Goldin’s previous work “The Night Swim”, “Dark Corners” picks up with Rachel Krall getting a unexpected call from the FBI to fly to Florida to help with the investigation into missing influencer Madison Logan. Krall is asked to speak with soon-to-be released inmate Terence Bailey as he just saw Madison days earlier when she visited him randomly in prison. The FBI have no leads on Madison, as she appears to only exist on the internet and are hoping Krall can provide some clues. Rachel reluctantly agrees to help, and speaks with Bailey, and attends an influencer convention, BuzzConn. There she learns about true world of influencing and how this world of fierce rivalries might have just turned deadly.

Goldin’s “Dark Corners” is a perfect sequel to “The Night Swim”. While there’s not much need to read the first book before this one as they are two separate stories, it’s helpful to understand who Rachel Krall is and how she works. The book follows multiple characters including Rachel, the rugged yet mysterious FBI agent Joe Martinez, and a few others to uncover what really happened to Madison. You’ll never see the twist coming to hold onto your seats - 5/5 stars.

Thanks so much for this arc!!

Megan Goldin does it again! I loved The Night Swim and requested this instantly when I saw the author!

Rachel Krall is back in Dark Corners. The FBI contacts her as a last resort. A prisoner (due to be released) who may have kidnapped 6 woman may have struck again. He was visited by a social media influencer & now she has disappeared. Rachel is called in to see what info she can get out of him, as her name was brought up.

This story goes back and forth through the investigation & Rachel’s podcasts. She ends up infiltrating a social media conference to see what the influencers know. Even more strange things happen then! Rachel turns out to be a better detective than most on the force. She uncovers so much through her journeys.

I loved the social media aspect- it made this book feel so up to date. I’m sure Goldin is on point with the kinds of things that go on with influencers. I could not get enough of this story. I had to keep going to see what would happen! It was hard to put down. Even though I figured out a big twist it didn’t bug me. I loved Rachel’s relationship with the main detective- a nice add on to this mystery.

I hope she keeps up with this series. The podcast aspect is so well done! What a fun way to read a mystery/thriller!

Contemporary thriller lovers will really enjoy Dark Corners. A follow up to The Night Swim, Terence is about to be released from prison for breaking and entering, though investigators have long suspected him in the murders of six women. As his release date approaches, he gets a surprise visit from Maddison Logan, a popular influencer. Hours later, Maddison disappears, and police suspect the worst. Is Maddison’s disappearance connected to her visit to Bailey? And why was she visiting him in the first place? Rachel Krall is on the case!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and Megan Goldin for the complimentary advance readers’ edition of DARK CORNERS for an honest review.

DARK CORNERS is the second book in the Rachel Krall series following THE NIGHT SWIM. Rachel is an investigative reporter and the star of a true crime podcast Guilty or Not Guilty. In this novel she is drawn into the world of social media influencers. Popular influencer Maddison pays a visit to a man in prison. In the hours afterward she goes missing without a trace. The main clue the FBI has is Rachel’s name.

Rachel is brought in to help with the investigation, meeting with the prisoner and using her own influence to connect into Maddison’s world. With potential dangers on multiple fronts, Rachel winds up in the crosshairs.

I really loved THE NIGHT SWIM so was thrilled to learn there would be another book following Rachel. I think I still liked the first book more, but this was a fantastic read and great on audio as well! In this case there wasn’t an initial intent to make a podcast so the podcast elements naturally felt a little less at the center of the story, but I still enjoyed the way it was incorporated.

Rachel is a smart and interesting character to follow. I certainly wouldn’t have put myself into her shoes, but I did think she made a lot of sense in her decisions given her character and the situation. There were multiple questions overlapping as well which kept things interesting. The BuzzCon influencer conference was an interesting backdrop as well. The rivalries and the money on the line with such a thing were wild!

I really enjoy Megan Goldin’s books and I am glad that this lived up to my hopes! I look forward to more from her in the future!

This is a super fast paced thriller! There was a lot going on, but it was all very well developed & explained, so it wasn't too much. I loved the twisty ending!!

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the night swim and was so happy to get an ARC for the sequel. But something about it just didn’t hit the same for me. I will continue the series if there is another book but for now this was a miss.

Dark Corners takes us back into the world of true crime podcaster Rachel Krall. This book could be read as a standalone there were no spoilers from The Night Swim though having read that previously made you feel more familiar with the main character. This was a quick read once it got going a little slow in the set-up. I enjoyed all the behind the scenes looks at the influencer life and felt it was a solid mystery. Would rate it 3-3.5 stars and would definitely recommend. I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Corners is the second book focusing on the popular true crime podcaster Rachel Krall. Rachel is called to Florida by the FBI to assist in a case of a prisoner soon to be released, who is suspected to be a serial killer. When a popular van life travel influencer vanishes after visiting the prisoner, Rachel puts her own life in peril while she races against time to outwit the deadly criminal. Will she be able to find the missing influencer and stop a killer?

What I liked about the book:
-the glamorous, posh setting of an influencers conference in a luxury Daytona beach hotel
-the world of influencers
-strong female character of Rachel Krall
-snippets of the podcast added dimension to the storyline
-multiple POV
-misdirection coupled with twists and turns
-the killer’s medical condition and POV
-enjoyed the ‘monster in plain sight and dark corners’ aspect in book

What I disliked about the book:
-at times it was suspend your disbelief but it still managed to keep me entertained
-unnecessary romance that didn’t add to the storyline

My rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5 I took a ½ star rating off due to the unrealistic romance storyline

My final takeaway: Megan Goldin created a fun, thrilling read that immerses the reader into the world of podcasts, influencers, and serial killers. I recommend this for fans who like twisty thrillers, with strong female protagonists.

Trigger Warning: gore, violence, stalking, abduction

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC which will be published August 8 2023.

A prisoner getting close to being released sends an influencer to Rachel Krall dragging her into a long running missing women case. I enjoyed learning about the influencers world and become engrossed in the missing women's story. Looking forward to the next story for Rachel.

This is an adult, mystery thriller set in today’s world of podcasts, social influencers, and many of the dark places on the internet. If you like crime thrillers this one will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Terror surrounds Rachel Krall when the FBI approach her for assistance in solving a series of murders linked to a prisoner who is about to be paroled from prison after being convicted on a charge of breaking and entering . The FBI is certain he is involved in the murders of t least six women. They are working tirelessly to prove his guilt but are missing badly needed proof. Did he act alone? Terence Bailey is brilliantly created and the story evolves that will totally absorb and frighten the reader. All of the characters are carefully created and deeply involved in the story. Megan Goldin is a super talented author and will have you guessing all the way through the book. If you like crime novels you will not want to miss this one. I did think it ended abruptly and it left me wanting more but I do recommend this one.

I wish to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Absolutely Brilliant!!!

I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book and what a absolutely brilliant book it is!

This is the second book I have by Megan Goldin and both books exceeded my expectations! I loved The Night Swim and Dark Corners was Absolutely Brilliant!

I hope Megan continues with Rachel Krall’s stories! I’m rapidly becoming a fan!

Storytelling at its Best! This book has it all, witty banter, suspense with a sprinkle of romance and incredible character development!

This masterpiece that kept me engaged the entire time!

Pick up this Phenomenal book today!

No spoilers with my review! This is a must read for 2023!

If I could give more than 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I would!

The second Rachel Krall novel does not disappoint, if I had to say, it's even better than the Night Swim. A social media van influencer - you know the type that roams without abandon in their camper van from coast to coast with tiktoks of sunsets and perfect photos of breakfasts, goes missing after visiting an inmate in a prison. The only thing? The inmate mentions to bring Rachel in. The FBI gives Rachel backstage access to podcast her little heart out during the investigation to find the girl, there's more twists in this than a pretzel. I was thoroughly impressed with the pacing. I read it in one sitting. I would love to hear the audio book (the podcast portion would probably be awesome) This thriller keeps you on your toes and itching for the next page.

Thank you to St Martin's for the galley! (it in no way affects my review, I legitimately love Megan Goldin's writing style)

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀
• influencer life
• fast paced
• fade to black romance scene
• you already know whodunit but the characters don’t

I dove into this book immediately after devouring The Night Swim so I was fresh off the Rachel Krall “Guilty or Not Guilty” Podcaster/journalist/cold Case solver. These two stories can definitely be red stand alone, as there aren’t any spoilers from the previous.

I would say Dark Corners was a tad disappointing next to The Night Swim. I felt a little all over the place with Dark Corners and the mystery here wasn’t so tied together, so it took some time to warm up to. It was a fast read with plenty of “huh” moments, but the romance seemed a little thrown in and wooden. It was all a little disjointed, and a lot of names thrown around as if to try being obvious red herrings. I also preferred the way the podcast chapters were organized in the previous book so if you’re listening on audio, you might get caught off the first couple times it switches.

Edit: I hear the audio and finished copies have better indicators of when the podcast chapter is so that’s great!