I was a big fan of The Night Swim and was very excited for Dark Corners. Unfortunately, it just didn't have the same feel as the first one. The story was a bit drawn out at times, and other times things just didn't make sense. Maddison's whole backstory makes little sense when you get all of the information (spoiler: why would someone who knows a potentially killer is after them take on an online persona?). I am hopefully that a third in the series get back the magic of the first one!

Rachel Krall is back again in this fast paced thriller by Megan Goldin!

Rachel, a famous true crime podcaster, heads down to Florida to assist the FBI on a high profile case. A missing woman with no traceable past and a handful of unsolved murder cases has Rachel fighting the clock to put the missing pieces together before the suspected killer is freed from prison.

I really enjoyed “Dark Corners”! It was fast paced with lots of action that kept me guessing until the end. The romance at the end felt very forced. It felt like it was just out of the blue and didn’t totally make sense to me. There was also a few loose ends that seemed to be rushed in the ending.
Personally I enjoyed “The Night Swim” (#1 in the series) more than “Dark Corners”. But I’m excited to read more of Rachel Krall!

Note: you do NOT have to read “The Night Swim” first. There are a handful of references to it at the beginning of this book but you won’t be confused if you read “Dark Corners” as a stand-alone.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the e-ARC of “Dark Corners” by Megan Goldin.

This was one of my anticipated reads of 2023 - I read The Night Swim with my book club, loved it and was excited to hear a second book was coming out featuring the crime podcaster Rachel Krall.

I ate this book up - I went between the ebook and audiobook at first but in the end opted for the audio because of the podcast element. The podcast wasn't as present in this one but I still liked that it was included. The narration of this book was also excellent!

I always get sucked into Goldin's books and I like how her books are all very different (well the ones I've read are so far anyways lol). Here we get to experience how social media fame isn't always as glamorous as it seems and I think the influencers were a fun touch to this book. We definitely have some stereotypical behaviour there but it brings up a lot of good discussion points about the impact social media has on our lives and the idea of image versus identity.

I've been seeing several reviews mentioning how rude/grumpy Rachel is in this book versus The Night Swim but I didn't feel this way. There is also a romance aspect to to this book, which I didn't hate but also didn't feel like it was entirely necessary.

All in all the story is fast paced, twisty and a good read. I'm definitely hoping there's going to be another book in this series but if not, looking forward to what Goldin will write next!

Content warnings: Murder, kidnapping, drug abuse, stalking, confinement, suicidal thoughts, grief.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio, St-Martin's Press and Netgalley for the audio and ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own.

I got pretty excited realizing this was going to be a sequel to Night Swim! It did not disappoint! I think it started a little slow and I was a little confused with timeline at first but as I continued to read it all fell into place. I can’t say I was super surprised by the reveals at the end but it was very well executed. I also loved the tiny touch of romance and I’m advocating for more of Rachel and Joe!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐⭐⭐/5

• influencer thriller
• unlikable FMC
• fun misdirection

I'll preface this by saying: I wasn't the biggest fan of Stay Awake (⭐⭐) and I haven't read The Night Swim (the first book in this series). It was an intriguing premise but I felt it was repetitive at times. I switched between the digital copy and the audio - I enjoyed the audio, especially the podcast chapters. They felt so real!

🗣️ Thank you to @netgalley, St Martins Press and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and review this book via both gifted eARC and audio! All opinions are honest and my own.

"Dark Corners" by Megan Goldin is one wild ride! Though it is a follow-up to "The Night Swim," it can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel. I don't typically read thrillers, my preferred genre is literary fiction, but her novels are not run-of-the-mill thrillers; Goldin's novels are well-written with finely-crafted characters and deeply-developed, multi-layered storylines. I think this is her best novel yet! I was thoroughly entertained and the twists and turns kept me guessing and turning the pages; I didn't want to put this book down! Rachel Krall is a great heroine and I hope to see more of her in future books.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Megan Goldin for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this riveting book. Five stars!

Incredible Book! One of my favorites this year. Can't wait to recommend this one to others! Megan Goldin has become my new must-read author.

Positives:
A strong female protagonist
Terrific setting with an exclusive "influencer" conference at a 5-star resort
Mutiple perspectives with the podcast and the current mysterious timeline
The theme of "dark corners" and "scary monsters in plain sight" reoccurs throughout
All around entertaining and everything is tied up neatly in the end

Negatives:
A bit of suspension of disbelief at the end-but it did not ruin the book for me.

I really hope this "series" continues

Rachel Krall became a podcasting sensation for her reporting on innocent men behind bars and a more recent case. Prisoners are reaching out to her in hopes that she’ll feature their story and perhaps find another wrongful conviction. When she gets a call from the FBI to go down to Florida to meet with an inmate she is pulled into a cold case for a killer who may still be on the loose.

I enjoyed the first Rachel Krall book, but this one felt strange to have her a part of. I don’t feel like her past/history did anything to help the story along and she seemed to get in the way more than help. I think this could have been a book separate from her with different perspectives and I would have liked it more!

Madison Logan, a travel blogger, has gone missing and true crime podcaster Rachel Krall has been called by the FBI to come to Florida to help. Soon it becomes clear to the reader, a serial killer is at large and while the FBI’s focus is on Terrance Bailey, a felon being released imminently from prison (and someone Madison visited right before she went missing), the reader has the perspective of an additional narrator, a sociopathic Uber driver with an odd affliction - body odor that smells like rotting garbage.

I went back and forth between the audio and the book and really enjoyed it since this book was based on a podcaster and the “special reports” were much more fun on audio. That being said, I was glad I had both since there were a lot of details that I think would have been lost if I just had the audio. I enjoyed the investigative aspect of the book and thought the pace was right on track. I did not realize this was the second in a series (I don’t think they need to be read in order) and I will definitely be reading the first book.

This was a 3.75 star book for me, rounded to 4

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review

Dark Corners is book two of the Rachel Krall series and while I’ve not read Night Swim, I didn’t feel lost at all. A spin on true crime podcast host living a real life detective moment, the story takes you on a series of twists and turns that leave you trying to piece the puzzle together.

In a world so immersed in social media, this was incredible relatable and harrowing to navigate. With three story lines woven together, the journey flows well and was able to be picked up quickly.

The second installment in the Rachel Krall series, Dark Corners takes you on a chilling journey through a maze of secrets and deception. I opted for the audio version, expertly done by @macmillianaudio, while simultaneously reading the e-book. Let me tell you, it was an immersive experience that I highly recommend!

The narration was captivating, bringing the characters to life and amplifying the tension in every scene. If you're looking for an audio experience that enhances the story, Macmillan Audio won't disappoint.

Dark Corners was my first foray into Megan Goldin's writing, and I was thoroughly impressed. The plot felt like a true crime podcast, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Goldin's ability to craft suspense and evoke a sense of being a fly on the wall is truly enjoyable.

What made Dark Corners even more enthralling is its relevance to the age of social media and influencers. The story revolves around a string of murders and an influencer who mysteriously disappears. Goldin expertly explores the dark underbelly of social media and the consequences of living life in the spotlight. It's a timely and thought-provoking theme that adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially to this book influencer wannabe. 😂

I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Rachel Krall series. Megan Goldin has gained a new fan in me, and I can't wait to explore more of her thrilling and addictive storytelling. If you're a fan of crime fiction, true crime podcasts, or just enjoy a gripping page-turner, this book is a must-read!

This was my first Megan Goldin book, and as soon as I finished this one I ordered The Night Swim! Rachel Krall is a crime podcaster who is investigates unsolved or unique cases. She is flown down to Daytona Beach, FL by the FBI to assist with a missing persons case and it was a wild ride from page 1. At first I was worried there might be ‘too much’ happening because there were current and past cases being explored, but Goldin kept the writing clear and brilliantly wove together the mixed plot lines and narratives. I especially enjoyed having the unique serial killer POV! Part thriller, part police procedural, part romantic suspense, part social commentary on the dark side of being an influencer; I loved every twisty, turning, pulse-pounding page of this book! I highly recommend listening to the audiobook while reading as you get the unique ‘live action’ podcast segments for extra affect!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for my advanced copies in exchange for my honest review. Social Media post will be made closer to pub date.

Thank you to Netgalley, Megan Goldin, and ST. Martins Press for an advance copy of Dark Corners in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely devour anything Megan Goldin writes and I was so excited to once again get to hang out with Rachel Krall from The Night Swim. I truly love the podcast element in books and this one was no exception. I loved that Goldin brought in elements of life today (social media influencers, podcasts, social media brand events, etc) into this novel. I totally thought I had the book figured out about halfway through but of course I didnt and I was thoroughly pleased with the twist. This one needs to join your TBR and bookshelf when it comes out on August 8th! 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for GR.

3.5, rounded up.

This is the second in a series, but it's perfectly readable on its own. I did read the first book back when it was being released, you can even find my review of it, but I didn't remember enough of the story, so for a moment when they gave us the background for Rachel, the podcaster who investigates crimes, for a moment I though they were talking about the first story and that I remembered even less of it. Turns out it wasn't, they did mention it a couple of paragraphs later, but very superficially, in a way that your only spoiler is that Rachel is still alive. So, not only can you understand it all without the feeling of missing out, but you won't get any important information to stop you from reading the other one later, in the "wrong" order.

And that is possible because Rachel will investigate the crime, she'll expose the story on her podcast, but she isn't the main story. Personally, I don't mind it when the character doing the investigation is a part of the plot—and I think Rachel in this second book gets more tangled in it than I remember her doing it in the first—, but I've read people say they prefer when they get less involved. That's probably for the best when you don't want to get involved with the whole series, and just read the books you want to pick, so this is a good choice (although as I said, Rachel ends up getting deeper into things for this second). There's not plot spilling from the first or into the third one that will make you need force you to keep following.

As for the story itself... I think the police is a mess in this one. We're talking about the FBI, and there's a lot that Rachel uncovers that they don't but they should have. Unfortunately, it's not because the police are doing a lousy job because the writer said they are (in some parts they are on purpose though), and that hurt a little my suspended belief. To be honest, I'm not sure why they needed Rachel, they just needed people doing their jobs.

Another flaw, I think, is a part that was maybe supposed to be a red herring, but it takes so much of the book, it made me feel frustrated. I was wondering if maybe there wasn't something bigger behind it, for the book to give it so much focus, and then there wasn't and that was it. I apologize if only by saying this it is easier to know what I mean, and I'll refrain from saying more not to spoil anyone.

That aside, it's a fun read. I mean, it's still heavy, some parts made me sad—I do remember having the same feeling during the first book, though the story there was heavier—, but it kept me intrigued, I couldn't wait to know what was going to happen, even more than finding out what had happened. This is not so much a whodunnit.

I spent so much of this review talking about how you don't need to keep following the series, and yet, here I am, looking forward for book number 3.


Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

I enjoy Megan Goldin's writing and liked the various characters and points of view.

Unfortunately, the story lacked the twists and surprises that I normally look forward to in a suspense thriller. While the premise was solid, I found that the events in the latter half of the story were easy to anticipate.

Rachel Krall is back and the podcaster is helping the FBI find missing influencer, Maddison Logan. She was last seen visiting Terrence Bailey who is in prison for breaking and entering, though police suspect he is a murderer. Rachel goes undercover at BuzzCon, a popular influencer conference, to learn about Maddison and finds rivalries can be deadly. Does Maddison’s disappearance have to do with influencers or the prisoner that is about to be released? Rachel finds herself directly in the crosshairs as she tries to put the pieces together.

I was so happy that Rachel Krall was getting another book as I absolutely loved The Night Swim. Told from multiple viewpoints this book goes deep into the lives and deaths of social media influencers and the killers who walk amongst us. This book kept me guessing as to all the connections of characters and wrapped up nicely at the end. This book can be a standalone as you don’t have to have read the first Rachel Krall book to dive right into this one. This is a perfect summer read!

Wow, wow, wow! Dark Corners was the perfect sequel to The Night Swim. I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and let me tell you, it didn't disappoint. The narrators did a fantastic job in the story-telling. I couldn't stop listening! Perfection is exactly what we've come to expect from Megan Goldin and we got it. 5 huge stars!

Rachel Krall is back! I do love a podcast mixed in with an intriguing mystery. And this one is intriguing! Megan Goldin weaves together a complicated trail with many leads and details to keep track of. I appreciate this as it makes my brain work overtime trying to figure out who did what. At times I thought I had the plot figured out and then a new lead would be found and I was left guessing again. There are a couple characters in this book that made my skin crawl and I do like it when a book brings out such emotion in me.

I look forward to reading more from Rachel and hope to see a third book in this series. The collaboration between Rachel and the FBI would be awesome to see again as I liked Joe and think they make a good partnership.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

When our intrepid podcast host accepts an invitation from the FBI to visit a prison in Florida, events kick off that both risk her life and offer the opportunity to provide answers.

I enjoyed the first book featuring Rachel, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. The action starts almost immediately, and as the reader, I just hung on for the adventure. There are quite a few tangentially related crimes happening, but I could not stop until I reached the end of the story. (I tandem read/ listened at the beginning and when my eyes were tired just kept listening straight through to the end.) The audio was excellent as well. I loved the Daytona Beach setting, and the side characters and the author kept me guessing for most of the plot.

Thank you @netgalley @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for my #eARC and #ALC

Dark Corners is a thrilling book that captivates readers with its engaging writing, well-developed characters, brisk pacing, and the addition of the podcast element. While the book had its strengths, it falls short in certain areas, leaving the overall reading experience somewhat lacking.

One of the standout aspects of Dark Corners is the author's writing style, she draws the reader into the story. It flows smoothly and creates an immersive atmosphere that adds tension and suspense.
The characters, particularly Rachel Krall, the podcast host and investigative journalist, are one of the book’s strong suits. Rachel’s determination and tenacity shine through. Megan Goldin skillfully explores Rachel’s personal growth, making her relatable and compelling.

The pacing in this novel is commendable. The author keeps the story moving and intersperses chapters with podcast excerpts which provide unique insights and enhances the suspense. The alternating perspectives and the tension-building structure help to maintain the reader’s engagement, ensuring that the story never loses momentum.

However, Dark Corners does have its shortcomings. The central mystery fails to fully engage the reader, leaving them somewhat disconnected from the unfolding events. The lack of investment in the mystery impacts the book, preventing it from reaching its full potential.

Additionally, the portrayal of influencers in this book can be seen as overly negative. While exploring the darker side of influencer culture can be compelling, this book tends to generalize and portray all influencers as bad people, lacking nuance and depth.

Lastly, some of the plot conflicts could have been resolved if certain characters had more open communication and shared information. This lack of communication becomes frustrating at times and feels contrived, impeding the story’s progression and believability.

In conclusion, Dark Corners is still worth the read. Although it may not capture the same magic as the first book in this series, The Night Swim.