Member Reviews

The Night Swim was a 5-star read for me, so when I saw there was a new Rachel Krall book coming it was immediately a highly anticipated read for me. I can now say it absolutely delivered.

Dark Corners brings Rachel into an active case that, as it unravels, reveals its ties to the past. There are twists and turns, and I felt like one of the detectives trying to follow the threads. You can feel that they tie together somehow, and the answer feels just out of reach. The end result is the culmination of an excellently woven story. I have mixed feelings on social media elements being part of books I read, but the influencer scene leant itself so well to representing a different kind of darkness against the evil in this one.

Another thing I want to compliment here is the sensory elements written into this book. It was easy visualize and imagine, and the smells…oh, the smells. Let’s just say, it’s a good thing they don’t actually come off the page. (Also, I may never be completely comfortable in a rideshare vehicle again.)

I’m hopeful that this is not the last we’ll see of Rachel Krall from Megan Goldin.

Was this review helpful?

I am loving the Rachel Krall series!! She’s smart, witty, and easy to relate to.

Megan Goldin is quickly becoming my go-to author in the genre. Everything she writes is gold. And this series (thus far) is my favorite work.

This story was intense. And definitely kept you guessing as to whodunnit. I guessed Maddison’s true identity once the backstory was mentioned, but didn’t understand what made her run…until nearly the end.

I also liked the bit of love interest present here. I don’t require romance in my books, but it did work here.

I only hope there are plans for several more books in this series, but look forward to Goldin’s upcoming works in general!

Was this review helpful?

Thrilling follow-up from author's previous book Night swim. Personally I enjoyed this one better than the previous one without a doubt! It follows the investigation of a missing podcaster both by the FBI and our favorite podcaster Rachel Krall. Is she dead or has she just run away? How is she connected to the inmate whom she met just before vanishing? How is the inmate connected?

It had a dual timeline, serial killings, multiple twists, also some chemistry and romance! My main issue was that few twists were very much predictable and almost a cliche. But it maintains a good pace throughout and the whole conference with all the influencers was so current. The romance between Rachel and FBI Agent Martinez can be a distraction for some readers but I liked that part as well between the killings and suspense. Overall, an entertaining and engaging thriller that I definitely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

I received this book as an ARC and this is my review. Amazing! I loved this story! The characters are flawed - and so interesting. This behind-the-scenes view of the world of influencers while hunting a serial killer is loaded with twists and turns and is fascinating. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy stories with high creep factor and plenty of adventure and action.

Was this review helpful?

Great continuation from The Night Swim. Loved the intensity and I couldn't stop reading to find out what would happen next. While it does feature a MC from the first book, it's not totally necessary IMO to read The Night Swim first!

Was this review helpful?

Great book!! This book had such a twisted story, it went so many different ways than I thought it would! It had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, serial killer, A great who done it and great police work! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I highly recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars rounded up because I enjoyed the book to be honest. I have mixed feelings though. It was fast paced and page turning which I like. The plot twists were good even though some were a bit predictable. The main issue was that some events and conversations were not that realistic and circumstantial. But overall it was a good book!

Was this review helpful?

What a fast paced thriller….loved it!
Dark Corners does the podcaster story that seems to be so popular lately, but Megan Goldin does it well.
Rachel is the podcaster, called by the FBI to travel to Florida to help figure out the next move of a potential serial killer. Not going to give anything away, but it was a wild ride with a great ending!

Was this review helpful?

(2 1/2). This book has lots of ups and downs. A fun protagonist, a sappy love story. A creepy bad guy, a cliched setting. A pretty good amount of action, some bad sequencing. All in all, it was entertaining. I wish it had not been so formulaic but at least it was not the chick lit piece I was worried it was at the start. A decent read while I wait for some better reserves to get in at the library. OK stuff.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC. Dark Corners is the third book I've read by Megan Goldin and she is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors in the suspense/thriller genre. Dark Corners is the second book about Rachel Krall, a journalist/podcaster who assists authorities in cases. She's in her 30's, single and attractive but afraid of intimate relationships. She is asked by FBI Agent Joe Martinez to review a case in Florida as a prisoner suspected of several murders is about to be released. One of the best things about Megan Goldin's stories is that they have characters that aren't unrealistic and Ms. Goldin seems to really know her stuff regarding police procedural. I'm hoping there is another book in the Rachel Krall series and I'm not a regular reader of series.

Was this review helpful?

Listen… this was a wild ride from start to finish, but I have to say: Rachel got kind of mean??! Don’t get me wrong, I’d be cranky too. But Rachel seems to forget that she is just as capable of being the victim as the women she talks about in her podcast - and it would do her well to take her own life and safety seriously especially when it’s not just hers on the line.

I didn’t see the plot twist coming, which is impressive for me! I kept thinking I had figured it out, only to find that there was another little twist I didn’t see coming. I liked the inclusion of the podcast narration to fill in details in a way that would have seemed off or even boring if it was just worked into the regular conversations. It was a good way to shake things up!

Was this review helpful?

Rachel Krall is back. The true crime podcaster and star of Night Swim is back and trouble is following her once more.

Rachel has no idea why the FBI wants to see her, but they are insistent! Sending an agent to take her to the airport and see that she gets on a plane.

All she knows is she is to meet them at the prison. Once there they still aren’t very forthcoming with information but what she does learn will keep her digging.

Terence Bailey is due to be released in a few days. In prison for breaking and entering but suspected of being a serial killer with six women dead. Have the police sent an innocent man to prison over something he did not do? Maybe.

The FBI knows Bailey is familiar with Rachel’s podcast and is also a fan. They hope to use her to get information about a popular social media influencer who visited him and was never seen again. Although she did leave a message on Rachel’s machine.

When Rachel finds out there is a huge influencer event in town, she decides to stay and investigate herself.

Rachel needs to find Maddison and find out why she was visiting Bailey. What is she playing at?

That is all I want to say about that. You just have to read it. Very on trend for social media influencers right now. This does and has happened before and it is scary. That is what makes it a good thriller, the fact that it is possible.

Always a pleasure!

NetGalley/ August 8th, 2023 by St. Martin’s Press

Was this review helpful?

Rachel Krall is back and this time finds herself a suspect after her name pops up during a visitation at a prison in Florida. Rachel reluctantly partners with the FBI as they try and find a missing person and hopefully solve a string of cold case murders.

My first 5 star read for 2023 and I honestly cannot give enough praise to this book.

It completely consumed me, thank goodness I started it on a Saturday because once I started it was unputdownable. Sorry to anyone I had Saturday plans with an cancelled.

The way the mystery’s slowly start twisting together but fast paced enough to keep me absolutely captivated was perfection. I needed more answers until the last page when I was finally satisfied and everything wrapped up nice and tidy.

The little pieces of romance tucked into the story between Rachel and The FBI agent were great. I truly loved it all. I hope this isn’t the last of Rachel Krall and Guilty or not!

Was this review helpful?

When true crime podcast host Rachel Kralls name comes up in an active FBI investigation, the FBI is hoping this is a good turn of events. And Rachel being Rachel, can’t turn down a chance to help the FBI and cover the case on her podcast.
Dark Corners is the second in the Rachel Krall series, however it can be also read as a stand alone.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the ACR. #Netgalley #DarkCorners

Was this review helpful?

4 5⭐️ Rachel Krall is back! While we don't get her in her actual podcast, we do find her working with the FBI to help solve murders and disappearances. It almost felt like we were getting the research that goes into the material for her podcast. I really liked how there were explanations of events as you went along instead of trying to explain it all at the end. Megan Goldin has become a favorite of mine, and this one did not disappoint. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-ARC of Dark Corners, scheduled for release in August 2023.

What does a missing social media influencer have to do with a suspected serial killer in maximum security? When even the FBI is stumped by the connection, the agency enlists the services of podcaster Rachel Krall to assist with their investigation. When her meeting with Terence Bailey, the accused, doesn't unfold in the way her and the agency had hoped, she's determined to stay in Daytona Beach, Fl., until she has the answer because it's no longer the missing influencer's life at stake. By meeting with Terence, she's inadvertently placed herself in his crosshairs, and it's only a matter of days before his release.

Fans of The Night Swim are sure to enjoy this anticipated sequel but I wouldn't say that it lived up to its predecessor. There's lots to enjoy about the novel, from the short chapters that keep you anxiously turning the pages, to the twists and turns that unfold. However, a few things distracted me from the mystery, including the romance between Rachel and FBI Agent Martinez. It didn't add anything relevant. Second, there are several chapters that remain in Rachel's point-of-view that supposedly indicate she's recording her newest podcast but there's no clear confirmation as such. Finally, I didn't mind it but if you're not a fan of social media or influencer marketing, you'll have a difficult time remaining interested in the book.

Was this review helpful?

“The scariest monster is the one that hides in plain sight,”

This is the second book about Rachel Krall. I really hope this becomes a continuing series. The second half of this book was non stop action.

This whole story was a guessing game and even when you think you have things figured out your WRONG!!
The FBI asks Rachel to talk to an inmate about a missing woman then tell her to go home but she’s not leaving without answers. Investigating a series of murders puts her in danger.

We really find out that social media influencers are a cut throat bunch that’s for sure. I love that Rachel and Joe hooked up and look forward to more from them in the future.

Was this review helpful?

So good! I love a good mystery and this one kept me up. I’d love to read more from this talented author!

Was this review helpful?

Megan Goldin is becoming a must read whenever she releases a new book. Every single one of her books have been fantastic and this one is no exception. Suspenseful, thrilling and unnerving are just some of the words that can describe this book. Rachel Krall is the main character of this book and was in her previous book, Night Swim. I was so thrilled that Megan brought her back into this book and this one was as good as the last. This one has to go to the top of to be purchased piles for readers. Fantastic book and I cannot wait for the next one!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

SO much better than the first one! I don't typically say that when it comes to sequels especially thriller sequels but I loved this book!

Rachel Krall is back and is searching for a famous influence, Maddison, who went missing after visiting a suspected serial killer in prison. Police have long tried to prove he was the killer of six women but without any evidence to hold him, Terence Bailey is set to be released in days. As Rachel and the FBI start looking into the disappearance of Maddison they try to figure out how she knew Terence and what their connection to each other could be. As they begin to dig deeper into the world of influencers and the background of Terence, they soon learn that everything is more connected, including the murders of other victims.

I was hesitant to read this book at first after giving The Night Swim 2 stars. I had enjoyed Megan Goldin's other book The Escape Room but something about The Night Swim honestly bored me and I wasn't particularly interested in the sequel. I'm so glad I decided to pick it up, I honestly couldn't put it down and finished it in less than 24 hours. It was suspenseful, clever, twisty, and I loved every minute of reading it. I loved the romance between Rachel and a certain FBI agent, I loved how some of the plot twists I never saw coming. Overall it was a fantastic read and I really hope that Rachel gets another book or two.

Thanks to St. Martins Press for the copy for my review.

Was this review helpful?