Such a wonderful thriller!!

Rachel Krall is a podcaster who becomes involved in the search for a killer. The FBI interviews her and the police hall her in for questioning. She goes undercover at an Influencer event to try to find out why girls are disappearing. I found this book to be a page turner and I plan to read more by Megan Goldin.

Dark corners definitely prove to be danger points in this thriller from Megan Goldin! The famous podcaster Rachel Krall is back again to help the FBI solve a serial killer case. This book is filled with great storytelling and many twists and turns!

3.5⭐️s

I was very excited to get an ARC for this. I’ve loved all of Megan Goldin’s novels and this one did not disappoint. A follow up to Night Swim, which brings back true crime podcaster Rachel Krall to find a social media influencer who has disappeared after visiting a suspected serial killer in jail. She joins forces with an FBI agent and their dynamic is fantastic. There are plenty of twists and turns with an inside look into the influencer world (which had my eyes rolling plenty). I loved Rachel’s determination for justice and her never back down attitude. Overall a very enjoyable thriller that comes together very nicely at the end. I look forward to others in this series. If you liked Night Swim I highly recommend this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Podcaster and crime solver Rachel Karl returns in Dark Corners, the second in this quirky, compelling series. Terrence Bailey, suspected of being a serial killer, is about to be released from prison. Because he was never charged with a serious crime, his six year sentence is almost up. It has been a lonely six years without visitors until influencer Maddison Logan comes to see him. A glitch prevents the visit from being recorded but a camera shows Bailey writing a message on the table. “Bring me Rachel Krall.”

And we’re off! Off on the wild ride that is Dark Corners! Maddison Logan goes missing almost immediately after her visit to Terrence Bailey. Rachel agrees to help the FBI search for Maddison as she is sure the woman may have been kidnapped. A twisted trail leads her to an influencer’s convention where followers are found, traded and bought. Rachel quickly realizes that Maddison is not the only one whose life is in danger.

Dark Corners has everything you want in a thriller! Rachel Karl is a strong, independent woman with an unusual and interesting career. The fast paced plot keeps surprises coming. The developing attraction between agent Joe Martinez and Rachel is a perfect addition to this series. I can’t wait to see what happens next! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Megan Golden for this ARC.

This book was phenomenal. While it was a sequel to The Night Swim, you learn plenty about Rachel throughout the book. I loved the set up of the different points of view and the time jumps. The story had me hooked from the beginning, and I needed to know all about Terrance, Maddison, and everyone else. The story wrapped in a great way, with plenty of tied up story parts, but not so “perfect” that it seems fake. Loving Agent Joe Martinez and I want him back for future books.

I felt like this was way too long to get to the climax to find out what was going to happen and what was going on. However I really enjoyed this read!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Omg, I LOVED bring back in Rachel Krall’s world. I forgot how much I enjoyed The Night Swim.

The style of this story is written a bit differently than The Night Swim, meaning there are no podcasts but chapters for an obvious set up of a future podcast from the events taking place in this story.

Rachel comes to Florida with the suggestion of the FBI to meet a prisoner named Terrance Bailey who mentions her name to a visitor. This sparks a whole new true crime journey for our MC.

We get 3 POVs in third person: Rachel’s, Special Agent Martinez, and a killer. I thought this was an interesting plot.

There’s other things taking place in the book besides a missing girl and Terrance being accused of having an accomplice to the recent murders and kidnapping.

Rachel dives head first into the world of influencers. This was an interesting insight into the glamorous lives of instagrammers and how not everything is as it seems. I also didn’t realize how cutthroat it all is.

There’s many revelations and a couple lot twists throughout the story. I enjoyed following along Rachel in trying to get answers. There’s also a bit of an attraction and spark with a certain someone and I am here for it.

The only thing I can say I didn’t like was the abrupt ending.. I’m hoping that will change when the book is released. Other than that, I loved it and I want more Rachel with more podcast episodes and true crime to solve!

I loved Rachel Krall in the Night Swim, so I was very excited to see her back in Dark Corners helping the FBI locate a missing social media influencer Maddison, a woman with no history/no background anywhere. Krall using an old profile of her own attends BuzzCon, a conference for social media influencers. The people at the conference are only interested in posting better more exciting social media content than anyone else at the conference. The conference attendees are vain, arrogant and really unlikable people.
Special Agent Joe Martinez of the FBI is interested in Krall’s help with a prisoner (Bailey)who is getting ready to be released from prison. He is completing a six year term for breaking and entering. Martinez and the local police believe that Bailey is really a serial killer. In addition, Bailey had a visit at the prison from the missing Maddison; during that visit he specifically asks for a visit from Krall.
What ensues is a game of cat and mouse. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to a third installment of Rachel Krall.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Authors of thrillers take note: THIS is what a thriller should be! A coherent plot with a boatload of twists, some of which I figured out which kept me engaged, but the overall arc kept me guessing throughout. The ending was satisfying as hell. A little romance thrown in because we love that. Characters with personalities that I give a crap about. Writing strong and gripping. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I’m sad it’s over. I wish I could read it again! I loved Night Swim and I was psyched to be approved for Goldin’s next book, and I am beyond thrilled that she knocked this one out of the park as well.

A thriller through and through. Still waiting for my heart to return to its normal rhythm. 5/5 stars and already can’t wait for Goldin to publish again 🤣.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

Dark Corners takes place right after The Night Swim as Rachel is called down to Florida to help the FBI with a complicated investigation. Murders, influencers being having badly, hunky FBI agents and more show up in this mystery, making it a little convoluted. This book has less of a focus on the MC's true crime podcast, which is one of the reason's I enjoyed the first one so much.

I enjoyed how easy it was to read and it did keep me wanting to know what the heck was going on with all these people and how they were connected. I also enjoyed the chemistry between Rachel and Joe, the FBI agent. That being said it wasn't twisty or thrillery to me and some of the chapters flash forward to the future as Rachel talking about what happened on her trip but it took several paragraphs to orientate yourself in those chapters.

Overall this one was decent and I'm glad I read it but it didn't pack as much of a punch to me as some of her other books.

This could definitely be read as a standalone story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Corners is the sequel to The Night Swim. Once again, we get to see true crime podcaster, Rachel Krall in action! This time, instead of following a trail, she's got a front row seat.

I enjoyed the look into the world of influencers. I found the narcissistic and cutthroat persona quite entertaining!

I was very satisfied with the storyline and the ending. I can't wait to see what Megan Goldin has in store for Rachel Krall next! I have my fingers crossed a certain FBI Agent will make an appearance.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for this eARC.

This one had me intrigued from the moment I started.
Rachel Krall, (#2) is a true crime podcaster that is summoned by the FBI for help in the case of a missing social media influencer, Maddison. The FBI thinks Maddison’s disappearance is linked to a suspected serial killer. The only problem, he’s currently behind bars. Rachel inserts herself into the influencer world in hopes to help the FBI with the investigation.
This book will keep you turning pages right up until the plot twist. I hope Goldin continues the Rachel Krall series, I really enjoy it!

Thank you @stmartinspress and @megangoldinauthor for this gifted copy! It was the perfect motivator for my early mornings on the treadmill.

Rachel Krall is the familiar voice behind a well-known true crime podcast, whose name comes up during a visit between Maddison, a popular social media influencer and a prisoner suspected of multiple murders. When Maddison goes missing only days later, the FBI call Rachel in for questioning. Determined to find Maddison before it's too late, Rachel follows her investigation to dangerous places, drawing the monster's attention right to her.

Like so many others, I am a true crime podcast fan, so I was definitely into this. The writing moved along at a nicely quick pace and a good amount of characters - but not too many! - are introduced, keeping it interesting the whole way through. I was kept guessing to the end and loved being pleasantly surprised at who was/was not involved. (Let me tell you, I was wrong!) There's even a bit of romance in here so lovey-dovey readers aren't disappointed.
If you love crime thrillers/mysteries, I totally recommend!

Megan Goldin has given us another wonderful book!
Rachel is a famous crime podcaster. When she’s asked to come to Florida for a meeting with the FBI, she learns about a convicted serial murderer who has requested an interview with her.
Thus begins her search for the victims, and truths.
As a serious reporter, she gets involved with some interesting scenarios and scary people.
This book was well written, kept me involved, and was told by several different characters.
I enjoyed it immensely! 4 stars! Thank you NetGalley and St Martins press for the ARCcon return for my honest review.

I tried to start this book several different times but struggled to get into it. I ended up DNFing. I did not read the first book in this series and I think that was the problem. The first chapters all reference back to prevoius events and I didnt feel like I was able to get a good feel for the main character. I do plan to go back and read the first book, then will give this another shot. I loved her book Stay Awake, it was one of my top reads of 2022.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a follow up novel to Megan Goldin’s Night Swim. There’s always something about a podcaster investigating vs a cop or detective novel.

Rachel Krall delves into the world of social media at BuzzCon to find out what happened to Maddison Logan when Maddison disappears after meeting a convict in prison who is set to be released soon.

Rachel teams up with an FBI agent who surprisingly needs Rachel’s help navigating the world of influencers. When another body surfaces Rachel finds herself at the center of it all.

I have to admit that I don’t normally like sequels compared to the first especially in novels that could also stand on their own but I’d argue that Dark Corners is better than Night Swim. It’s been a while since I read Night Swim so I can’t honestly say you don’t need a reread or to have even read Night Swim if you want to dive into Dark Corner.

I’m hoping Megan has more in store for Rachel.

I loved Megan Goldin's last few books, so was very excited to get my hands on her new one early! This was a quick, twisty story that I flew through because I had to know what was happening. I read (and loved!) The Night Swim a couple of years ago and didn't remember much, but found it easy to pick back up with Rachel. She was less likeable in this one, but I still enjoyed her unraveling of the mystery and her rapport with Joe. Different POVs sometimes feel clunky, but I think this one worked! There were some red herrings, and while I guessed one of the twists, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. Ultimately, there were a few unresolved/disjointed plot holes that are driving me nuts, but I definitely enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what the author comes out with next! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Loved this tale and the parallel world of true crime podcasting in the midst of an active crime spree. Gripping and dark, I love the hardened female character.

Rachel Krall, the true crime podcaster heroine of “Night Swim” returns in Megan Goldin’s “Dark Corners.” Her podcast has made her famous, although she keeps her face off the internet — it’s her mellow, silky voice and intelligent commentary that keep her fans engaged. But she didn’t choose her current predicament — a Florida felon who’s about to be released told his only visitor in years, a mega-social influencer, to contact Rachel. The pseudonymous Maddison Logan/@JustMaddie, of #vanlife fame, never got the chance to talk to Rachel. Maddison disappeared immediately after visiting Terence Bailey in prison. Only because the FBI was watching does Rachel get a plea from them to meet up with Bailey, also a suspected serial killer, to figure out what he and Maddison talked about. Neither the FBI (including Agent Martinez of the onyx eyes and equally mellow voice) or Rachel get much out of the jail visit. Rachel decides to stick around for BuzzCon, a social media influencer/frenemies convention where Maddison was attending in nearby Daytona Beach to find out more. Then a young woman’s body is discovered in quicksand close to the prison. Is it Maddison?

This is a twisty thriller with a solid, strong female protagonist that you can’t help but root for (and also be worried that she's getting into the mystery too deep). I also loved the behind the scenes look at media influencers which was fascinating. I read “Dark Corners” in one sitting — it’s that good. 5 stars!

We definitely need another installment in the series with Rachel and her FBI buddy, Joe. They make a great team!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES The main character, Rachel, has “green-flecked” eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO There are some azaleas being fertilized by a buried body.

I never read The Night Swim, but luckily it doesn't seem that you have to read it before Dark Corners. This book was a little clunky for me, but it was okay. I didn't find Rachel to be a likable character.