Member Reviews
This book is definitely made my mind work. The story was a bit slow moving, although very interesting. What turned me off, so-to-speak, were all the different formats. Some chapters were written in first person, some in third. Multiple points of view. I wasn't confused, just frustrated. Eventually, I just gave up.
I think that most people who have any sort of an attention span and don't mind the alternating formats will love this story and plot!
This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of influencers and their self-engrossed lives as well as introduces an engaging heroine in the character of Rachel Krall, a gutsy and determined podcaster. There's a twisty mystery at the heart of the story involving the discovery of a dead woman, a string of murders from the past, a missing influencer and an imprisoned man suspected of being a serial killer who is coming to the end of his sentence. Rachel, who is called in by the FBI to meet with the imprisoned man, proves herself up to the task of untangling the mess of clues and leads.
This was a well-paced story, marred only by the use of several chapters spaced throughout the story, that seemed to be retelling what we already knew or "infodumping" facts about various characters. There was no specific heading to these chapters indicating who was "telling" us all this information, but I assumed these to be excerpts from Rachel's podcast. I did find them jarring and for the most part, unnecessary. Much of the info could have been woven in along the way.
The ending was satisfactory. Overall a decently engaging book.
I loved this book so much that I went to the library and got the night swim since the ”detective”, aka the true crime podcasters first appears there. This was a quick and suspense filled read for me. I was on the edge of my seat pretty much the whole time. I usually am pretty hard on characters and character development so when I say these characters, especially Rachel and Terrance. I thought the ending was done so well and the descriptions were amazing. I felt like I could smell how terrible the perpetrator smelled. It was disturbing, suspenseful and so brilliantly written. Also loved the trail it sent you on with Terrance and linking him to everything so you really think he’s the bad guy the whole time
I’m a huge fan of Megan Goldin (especially Night Swim) and was so excited to receive an ARC of Dark Corners and it did not dissapoint. This book has everything I love in a thriller. It had a presumed serial killer in jail, a podcast host turned investigator, a smidge of romance and a glimpse into the influencer life (which I think we all agree is fascinating). I did not see the ending coming and can’t wait for my friends who also loved the Night Swim to pick this one up!
UM WHAT. Excuse me for being unable to be eloquent with this review, because this book was so unbelievably good that I am at a complete loss of words. I couldn’t get enough. This is one of the best follow ups I’ve read. If you loved The Night Swim, you need to read Dark Corners. Megan Goldin has a unique talent. There have been few authors who have held my attention and adoration quite as well as she has. Her books get better and better.
True crime podcaster, Rachel Krall, is in need of some down time after her last case but the FBI has other ideas. Prisoner, Terence Bailey, is about to be released from prison. Prior to his release he receives a visit from Maddison Logan a trending social media influencer in which Bailey tells her to contact Rachel. Hours later Maddison appears to have been kidnapped and Rachel finds herself in the middle of the investigation. Rachel must go undercover at BuzzCon, a popular influencer conference, to find out more about Maddison's disappearance but her questions make her the target of a monster out for revenge.
Dark Corners is the exciting new novel featuring the spunky protagonist Rachel Krall. I absolutely loved The Night Swim so I was excited to see a follow up novel featuring her character. I really enjoy this character and I hope the author continues to feature her in future crime-solving thrillers. This time Rachel assists the FBI with an investigation involving the disappearance of Maddison, a popular social media influencer. As Rachel begins to dig into Maddison's past she uncovers a web of lies which also makes her a target for a very unusual serial killer. There were lots of twists and turns in this one that kept me flipping pages to find out what was going to happen next. A must read for 2023!
The Night Swim is one of my all time favorite books. Having the honor to read the second Rachel Krall book Dark Corners was amazing. I hope we continue to see upcoming sequels! I could not put it down and every time I picked it up I jumped right back into the story. Bravo!!!
Bookstagram linked below @booksonbabcock
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I LOVED this book! I was scared out of my mind reading it as it was so real! Love Megan's writing and really hope we see more stories from Rachel in the future! I need to know what happens between her and the hunky FBI agent!
Pre-booksta I read and loved THE NIGHT SWIM so I was excited to see there would be a second book in the Rachel Krall series: DARK CORNERS.
My thoughts:
-easy, quick read
-little bit of a police procedural
-always up for a true crime podcast aspect
-could’ve done without the romance storyline
-a lot going on to keep up with and a lot of characters
-kept me guessing
I might not have enjoyed this one as much as the first but I feel like that’s typical when it comes to a series. I was still satisfied with the ending & am looking forward to more books by Megan Goldin!
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved the first book in the Rachel Krall series, The Night Swim, so when I saw an email that I was given an arc for Dark Corners I was very excited!
The story is a definite page turner with a little bit of a slow start. But once it got going I flew through it and really enjoyed it! The influencer angle was a fun angle to the plot and I loved the suspense that each chapter brought.
Dark Corners is definitely not as dark and emotional as the first book. Even if you haven’t read The Night Swim, it’s okay as the series acts as a stand alone.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this review copy in exchange for my honest
review!
This was a decent thriller- the writing was engaging and the pace was not too fast or too slow! I didn’t really connect with the main character (and there’s a romance side plot that felt totally unnecessary) or the side characters, and that took away from my enjoyment. Overall, I wouldn’t call this especially twisty or surprising, but it also wasn’t all totally predictable. The things that happened just made sense as they were revealed. The chapters are from multiple POVs, which definitely helped raise the suspense.
This wasn’t my favorite thriller ever, but it wasn’t all bad. I’d recommend if you like the author or thrillers that focus on influencer culture, but otherwise this might be one you’re okay skipping.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This is a wild ride for sure! Rachel is a podcaster. Joe is an FBI guy. Owen is a park ranger. Tommy is a ride-share driver. Bailey is soon to be released from jail, and Maddison is a social media influencer who is concerned with her "likes". How all their lives become inter-connected is a whirlwind that is this novel! There are deaths, abductions, and assaults; my favorite is the Ouroboros (the snake eating its own tail) tattoo. How are these all connected? I raced through this one as I couldn't put it down! I've loved Goldin's others and this one was just as awesome. Don't make other plans. Just read it!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
I was very excited to be granted an ARC of this follow-up to The Night Swim by Megan Goldin! Books about podcasters investigating murders/mysteries have become very popular and it’s easy to see why – ever since Serial came out in 2014 podcasters have become a new form of “investigator” in many cases, civilians using their skills and passion to examine cases along with the general public.
In Dark Corners, Rachel Krall is drawn into a murder mystery involving the release of a suspected serial killer and the disappearance of a social media influencer. The combination of a podcast and an influencer makes for very timely and current topics as the story unfolds. (I have to wonder in 20 years, will we still have social media influencers the way they operate now? Will it look totally different?)
Overall, this was a very serviceable and easily read thriller that I finished in just one day. There were only mild surprises in my opinion, but it didn’t take away from my interest. I did get a little confused at times with keeping straight the various characters being referenced and coming in and out of the story, and I didn’t fully comprehend some of the perpetrator’s motivations for his actions in the climax of the book. Still, I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoyed Megan Goldin’s previous books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the published for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love this author!! Megan Goldin creates wonderful thrilling mysteries. Every story of hers has been a winner and this one is no exception. In this novel, she brings back the true crime podcaster, Rachel Krall from Night Swim. She is brought to Florida under the guise of getting access to a case being run by the FBI. Actually, the FBI is using Rachel to find a new lead since her name came up in their investigation. During a prison visit between suspected serial killer Terence Bailey and upcoming social media influencer, Maddison Logan, there was an exchange that they needed to contact Rachel. No one knows why, including Rachel. In addition, Bailey is set to be released from prison having never been charged for murder and has also never had a visitor until Madison arrived, days before his release. And now Madison has gone missing. The FBI was hoping Rachel's meeting with Bailey would help, but perhaps instead, it has put her in danger. Told to go home, she of course does not and instead uses an old insta tag to immerse herself in the midst of the ongoing Buzzcon social influencer conference. As one of them, she is able to get more information than the police. Although she shares her info with lead police detective Joe Martinez, who she's feeling some electricity with, she does insert herself inside the investigation much more in this story. And there is A LOT going. on...there is the social influencer lifestyles being captured with Rachel acquiring information on those that surrounded Madison, the background on Bailey, why the police believe he is a serial killer, the disappearance of girls a few years a go and now Madison, a suspected accomplice of Bailey, and the sparks that may or may not be flying between Rachel and Martinez. The reader definitely needs to keep track of the time line
Told mostly in Rachel's POV, there is also future podcast story telling and a man with unclear intentions, It is much different from the storytelling that was created in Night Swim when the reader learning of Hannah's background and fate through. her POV
Nevertheless, this plot twist/mystery was different and unexpected. Quite enjoyable. Even with the different approach, Goldwin has created a winner. She is
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital copy.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of Dark Corners by Megan Goldin, publisher St. Martin's press
I just loved this novel, great plot, amazing characters, lots of uncovering who dunnit and why. Awesome story line, i didn't want to put this book down. Love how that characters all come together at the end. This is my 2nd novel by Megan, I will read more
Main character Rachel Krall has been asked to help with an FBI investigational she is a well known media influencer and they think she can help them get much needed information from prisoner Terrence Bailey. She meets with FBI agents who give her a briefing and after she meets with the prisoner, they regret asking her to come as they feel she now may be in danger. Rachel decides she is going to stick around for a while and does some investigating of her own, she stays in touch with Agent Martinez and keeps him up to date on her findings.
This was an awesome thriller with just enough romance, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Lots of characters that are introduced at decent intervals, well described, it all comes together at the end
Social media influencer Maddison Logan has gone missing, and the FBI has gotten involved to help locate her. They have run out of leads and contacts podcast host Rachel Krall to assist in the investigation. Maddison last spoke to suspected serial killer Terrence Bailey before her disappearance and they think bringing Rachel in to speak with him may assist with developing leads. Time is running out because Bailey is releasing in a couple of days. During Rachel’s own investigation, she discovers BuzzCon is happening, a popular influencer convention and Rachel has been invited. She decides to go undercover at the con to try and get some answers from some of Maddison’s peers.
There are multiple POVs that helps unravel the story to include an FBI agent that oversees the investigation. What happened to Maddison? What is the link with Bailey and did he kill the women he is accused of? And is there chemistry happening between Rachel and FBI agent Martinez?!
This was a 4.5* read! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the EArc and the chance to review it!
I loved this book! Dark Corners is the second installment by Megan Goldin featuring Rachel Krall. The book begins with a whirlwind trip to Florida for Rachel, organized by the FBI. Her name was mentioned in a conversation between a social media influencer and an inmate who was imprisoned for one crime but suspected of killing several girls. After their meeting, the influencer goes missing and Rachel's there to see if she can figure out why her name was mentioned.
Rachel is intrigued, as true crime podcasters are wont to do, and stays in Florida. She is able to stay because she was invited there for a social media influencer conference! I found it amusing that even social media influencers have conferences, but reading the details that Goldin puts in about the whos, whats, and whys of the conference and the influencers, it makes total sense. In any event, Rachel stays and (of course) gets in deeper in and deeper with the mystery she was asked to consult on and more.
This book was great. I think a big part of why I enjoyed it so much was because it lifted the veil behind influencers. I'm too old for TikTok and so the constant updating of one's life is bizarre and foreign to me. Goldin clearly did a lot of research on this world that we all see but few understand. And of course, the mystery was tight and interesting. Really enjoyed this one!
Rachel Krall, the podcaster from Megan Goldin's book Night Swim is back! I really loved this book, and I actually was not a huge fan of Night Swim. But this book kept the pages turning for me!
Ms. Krall returns to help the FBI the search for a missing social media influencer who had just reached out to her for help prior to her disappearance. The first suspect is suspected serial killer, Terrance Bailey, who is just about to be released from prison! After meeting with Mr. Bailey in prison and not learning much, Rachel decides to attend BuzzCon, the social media influencer conference going on that weekend, where the missing girl was actually last seen. Rachel discovers that the world of social media influencers may not be as innocent as they seem, and some will stop at nothing to get what they want.
I loved this book, the twists and turns, and all the different characters. I thought the social media part was done well and kept the book very entertaining and engaging. If you like Night Swim, then you will definitely love this book. I read this book in a couple of days and was kept riveted until the very end.
Special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the pace of this book. It worked perfectly with the flow of the storyline. The characters were well thought out and likeable. Suspense galore with a bit of a romance blossoming with in. I love books where no one is really who they seem to be, it’s like peeing the layers of an onion to find out what’s really going on.
The ending was breakneck speed, terror suspense.
The plot was well written. Overall this was a dive right in and keep turning pages kind of read.
It only lost a star from me as some of the character changes and segues were a bit choppy.
True crime podcaster Rachel Krall is back. This time, because she's summoned by the FBI in Florida to talk to an inmate there; an inmate who's suspected of killed two women, and possibly more, but who has never been charged with any murders. And then one day, just before he's due to be released from prison, a young woman who is a social media influncer visits the prison and comes out with instructions to find Rachel Krall. Now the Feds want her help to figure out why, especially when the girl goes missing. But as Rachel navigates an uncooperative inmate, FBI agents who may have unwittingly brought her into a dangerous situation and a convention of social influencers who may tie in to the whole deal, she may find herself on the radar of a serial killer who is still out there.
This was another engaging and interesting thriller from Megan Goldin. The format was different than her first novel with Rachel Krall, and while that was mainly due to how the previous novel was told, I kinda of liked that there was more of the story told in podcast episode style in that one. Here, it came across more like as a second thought. I'd say it really keeps you guessing, I but as the clues revealed themselves I guessed a lot of the plot twists long before the truth was revealed. But it was still entertaining and a fairly well written novel.