4.75⭐️

I had the audiobook read by André Santana, January LaVoy, Samantha Desz. I love this production quality. Plus the music added tension.

I loved Night Swim with true crime podcaster Rachel Krall, so was keen to try the murder mystery sequel. Here Rachel is summoned by the FBI to help with investigating the disappearance of a popular influencers not long after she met an incarcerated suspected serial killer.

Bullets points for Dark Corners
📕a cast of narrators
📕a sequel of Night Swim
📕enters the world of social media influencers
📕good plot complexity

The world of social media influencers was an interesting theme, the plot has good complexity and layers. There’s always plenty of interest with a good pace, the audiobook production quality combined with great storytelling made this a great listen.
I found Rachel and Joe likeable, and enjoyed their chemistry.

It’s an audiobook that I’d highly recommend.

4.5 - I enjoyed this book way more than The Night Swim, the first book in Megan Goldin’s Rachel Krall series. For me, the different parts of the story came together in a more satisfying whole than in The Night Swim. In this book Rachel is called in by the FBI because Madison, a young influencer, has gone missing after visiting Terence Bailey, a suspected serial killer, in prison. Rachel’s name came up in their visit and the FBI hopes they can use her to find out more information about what might have happened to Madison.

As with the first book I loved the way that Rachel’s podcast is incorporated into the story, especially when listening to this as an audiobook. The little bits of music, background noise, and different narrators really bring that part of the book to life. With changing opinions about the ethics of true crime content, I appreciated that there’s a point in the book where Rachel makes a point to focus on highlighting the victims and their lives as opposed to giving the spotlight to the killer.

With Madison being an influencer, there’s also a lot of commentary about social media and the ways that people portray themselves online. Rachel has to end up attending an influencer convention undercover to try and get more information about what happened to Madison and if any of the other influencers are to blame.

I really hope that Megan Goldin writes more books following Rachel Krall. She’s an interesting character and the podcast element gives the books an interesting angle to tell stories. Definitely check this one out.

I love this book! I plan to go back and read the first one. Rachel had such an interesting personality. I loved how we got little pieces along the way. The main killer was so crazy. The smell thing really was an extra bit that made him hate-able. Love the social media aspect of the book. The special podcast reports really made it special on the audio.

Megan Goldin is a master of suspenseful storytelling. From the opening page I was hooked and quickly trying to turn the pages to see what would happen next- the opposite of a slow burn.

The second book in the Rachel Krall series and wow has our main character grown. She has developed a stronger backbone and a sarcastic tongue that serves her well. In Night Swim Rachel was outside the action, observing and reporting on the drama. In Dark Corners she is inside the story and at the center of the drama. It was a bit jarring at first but so well done that it was believable.

We have a social media conference and a serial killer. This could have easily turned dark comedy but the exceptional writing made those two extremes plausible. The mystery had me guessing (incorrectly) the outcome but I was completely satisfied when it was finally revealed.

The format was the same, a dual storyline between a pressure filled mystery and an objective podcast that felt like a mini vacation from the suspense.

The narrators are fabulous and added to my enjoyment of this book especially Samantha Desz. The inflection differences between the story and the podcast scenes were so well done.

“There’s an old rule of thumb in prison’s, actually it’s more of a life lesson. Dark corners can be danger points.” I LOVE THIS! The author, Megan uses a great scenario to introduce the title.

The author has different narrators playing the different points of view, of the antagonist, Thomas and protagonist, Rachel. The multiple characters with different narrators was really entertaining and I loved the music that played throughout the chapters. The main narrator made sure that she used clear tonal notes to differentiate between male and female characters.
Captured my attention right away and never let go!
The podcast angle is quite interestingly diverse from any other books I’ve read or listen to. You’re going to have to get the book to know what I’m talking about!
Rachel special reports - HOW VERY INGENIOUS! I’ve never read a novel that included a cool way to be so different! I enjoyed the typing music feeling when bringing the reports into a new chapter.
I felt for the antagonist and could relate to the bullying situations so I understood why he’s flipped out! Megan did an excellent job at making me feel for the personalities.
An Intriguing and nail biting thriller definitely worth listening to as well as reading this book! I’m giving this 4 stars only because the author rushed the romantic interest a bit.

This was a phenomenal follow up to The Night Swim and I have to say I enjoyed this one so much more! I was hooked right away and I enjoyed following along as Rachel and the FBI worked to solve a string of murders and disappearances and the focus on social media and influencer culture felt relevant and interesting. It was also kind of eerie that I read this at the same time there was a break in the Long Island serial killer/Gilgo Beach murders where sex workers were also some of the victims. I mostly listened to the audiobook which was great but would periodically switch to the e-book. Highly recommend if you enjoyed The Night Swim, true crime podcasts or just fast-paced, mysterious, unsettling thrillers. 4.5⭐️

I loved this book so much! I had to get it all my book of the month luck! Her books never fall to intrigue me

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of Dark Corners. I really enjoyed Night Swim, the first book in the series. But this one wasn’t quite as good. I don’t think I will read anymore from the Rachel Krall series. But, just like Night Swim, the audio version was well done!

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

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!

Macmillan Audio does incredible justice to any book that has a podcast. Just like the previous book in the series, the audio was absolutely fantastic. As for the story, I felt less invested to it than The Night Swim, but I still very much like the characters. I think this can easily be read as a standalone if you haven't read The Night Swim yet.

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! The narrator was perfect! I loved Rachel’s podcast voice & music. This is a perfect audio book! It made my heart race & I couldn’t get enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advance audio copy of Dark Corners! This is the 2nd Rachel Krall book. So for the crime podcast fans out there, this hits home. Rachel is a true crime podcaster who is known for helping prisoners who have been wrongly prosecuted. The FBI reluctantly asks for Rachel's help again when a well known influencer goes missing after visiting a suspected serial killer in prison. There are extenuating circumstances surrounding his release and it has everyone's attention. This book ties current events like Buzzcon and people like social media influencers and current technology into events from the past while solving a crime that is 6 plus years old.
This is a fast paced and exciting book that will leave you waiting for the next book in the series. I have to know what happens to Rachel and Joe!
There were multiple voices for this audio presentation. I am not a huge fan of audio books, but this cast did a great job and kept me listening even when I needed to pay attention outside of the book!

3.5/5 stars

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy!

Moments after Rachel Krall finishes covering a rape trial in Annapolis, she's called to Florida for her unexpected involvement in an FBI case. Terence Bailey is about to be released from prison, much to the FBI's chagrin. Arrested for breaking and entering, Bailey is thought to be responsible for six unsolved killings of young women. After being visited by young, hot and famous influencer, Maddison Logan, and her sudden disappearance, the FBI is doing everything to investigate as quickly as possible to avoid Bailey's release from prison. When Rachel gets involved through her own investigation, suddenly she's at risk, too.

One of my biggest complaints about this one was the choice in narration. Like Rachel Krall #1, THE NIGHT SWIM, January LaVoy did a fantastic job narrating for "podcast Rachel," and Samantha Desz did a great job from Rachel's main POV. However, unlike in the first book, there was no third narrator for our other main character and this got super confusing to me at times. I think an additional narrator for FBI Agent Joe Martinez would have made this book stand out like the first one did.

Other than that, I mostly enjoyed this one. Like the first book, I enjoyed the inclusion of podcasts and the unique layout, though I felt this one was a little more clunky thank the first. I was still drawn in from the very beginning and enjoyed the journey through this story. There were some great twists, big and small, but on the whole slightly less shocking than in THE NIGHT SWIM. DARK CORNERS was definitely more slow-burn, so if that's your thing, this is a great one for you! Even though I was ~slightly~ disappointed by this one, I would still pick up anything by Megan Goldin, especially if it was in the Rachel Krall series.

Dark Corners is the highly anticipated follow up to The Night Swim by Megan Goldin. In this sequel Rachel Krall is pulled into another mystery and once again finds herself in a fight for her life. When her name comes up in an FBI investigation Rachel is called to consult. The ensuing investigation proves that not everyone is what they seem and that some monsters hide in plain sight.

This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I enjoyed the way the story unfolded. I did not read The Night Swim before this one but I was able to follow this as if it was a stand alone since the references to the first book were explained. The mystery in this novel is compelling and I thought that the majority of the twists were interesting and unexpected. I liked Rachel as a main character and thought that she was strong and independent. I also enjoyed the parts of her special report that were included in the story.

I did not love the romance aspect of this book. I liked her love interest but the relationship happened so fast that it just felt random and out of place. I also didn't love the parts that focused on the influencers. They are narcissistic and unlikeable, however, they turned out to be important to the plot.

The audio version of Dark Corners is narrated by Andre Santana, January LaVoy and Samantha Desz. All three narrators did an amazing job!

I love this series so much! And the audio really just makes it even better. Listening on audio you get the real feel of the podcast interludes. I love the little music included to make it feel like a real podcast. Dark Corners lacks some of the visceral uncomfortableness of The Night Swim because of the mystery being a serial killer/missing person versus sexual assault but does give us the perspective of a killer which was new. These are neither good nor bad things, just differences between the books in this series. I feel like you could definitely read Dark Corners without having read the Night Swim and not be lost. Dark Corners does seem to be setting up a potentially more broad world for the series and introduces characters that might be coming back (Looking at you Martinez) I really enjoy how Megan manages to always include multiple narratives and mysteries whether they all tie together or not in the end. While Dark Corners is more of a standard mystery than the cultural indictment The Night Swim was, I still thoroughly enjoyed it!

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!

Wow! How is it possible that Dark Corners is even better than Night Swim??? Well it is.
Rachel gets summoned by the FBI to Florida because an inmate named Tarrence writes her name on a table to someone named Maddison then Maddison goes missing. The FBI wants to know what Rachel knows. Maddison is an influencer, while Tarrence is convinced for breaking and entering with a suspicion of being a murder, they just don’t have solid proof.
When the FBI finds out Rachel doesn’t know Maddison, they try to send Rachel home. Rachel hangs out in town and starts investigating on her own. This story has mystery, drama, humor and even a little romance.
I thought the influencer aspect was fun, the ride share aspect was interesting and it wouldn’t be a Rachel book without the podcasts. I listened to the audiobook version and it was very well done. I enjoyed the full cast of narrators and the music on the podcast chapters. I felt like I was actually listening to a podcast.
The story itself was very intriguing. I kept wanting more. I would throw out my own predictions and I liked how I had to keep guessing.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This audiobook was hands down amazingly done! I gave it 4.5 stars!!!

Another great read!! Well...listen. I think these books are best via the audiobook but that's just my opinion. I am loving this series and hoping for many more. The book hooked me from the beginning yet again and kept me interested throughout the entire book. I wanted to know what was going to happen and who connected to who. I love the chapters that sound like podcasts. It just gives it a fun twist from a regular audiobook. I loved how I could tell right away who the bad guy was but I couldn't tell how he connected to the story being told until the end. It kept me interested and wanting more. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

I love Goldin’s books - especially on audio. This one was as good as I hoped. The plot was interesting and I never expected the ending. Megan is for sure an auto buy/auto listen for me now.