When I picked this one up, I didn't realize it was the second in a series, the first being The Night Swim. I listened to a few minutes, and quickly realized I'd enjoy it more if I'd read the first one. So I found The Night Swim and listened to it, then jumped right on into Dark Corners (something I rarely do with books in a series, but it was right there all cued up, so I rolled with it). I'm actually glad I did it that way, especially when I see some of the reviews of Dark Corners. I enjoyed both books, despite the fact that they're different in many ways. Maybe the differences were less jarring for me since I didn't have a fair amount of time and fond old memories of the first - in fact it worked in my favor because had the formats been too similar I'd have been bored. Instead I enjoyed the fact that this was quite different, in their settings, in the type of crimes Rachel was investigating, even in the fact that she didn't do an actual podcast this time around. I liked the different points of view and having a heinous villain giving us his twisted point of view. And I liked the insight into the world of "influencers" and just how ridiculous that world can be. (People who love following influencers on social media might want to steer clear lest they have their bubbles burst.)
One small quibble - this book is set in Florida, where I live. At one point it's mentioned that a victim was left out in the open where it could've been devoured by jackals and other scavengers. That stopped my reading in my tracks - jackals? In Florida? I googled to be sure -the only jackals here (or anywhere in the US) would be escapees from the zoo. There were a couple of other phrases that I'm familiar with because I read a lot of British mysteries/thrillers. "Sleeping rough" isn't a phrase used here. I do wish editors would catch these things - a simple change from jackals to coyotes or buzzards or heck, even gators in this instance, could've worked.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Rachel never turns down an opportunity to get involved in a case or run away when things get dangerous. After a phone call from the FBI, she agrees to travel to Florida to meet with a prisoner. Terrance Bailey has had one visitor in six years, Maddison Logan and now she is missing after requesting an audience with Rachel. There's more to the story than Rachel has been given but what.

This books has a lot going on and a lot characters to keep track of. I loved discovering who Terrance was and his untold story through Rachel's thorough investigation. Some storylines were there for confusion. I was not a fan of the forced romance. Goldin did well inventing a true psychopath and murder.

"Dark Corners" by Megan Goldin is a riveting and suspenseful thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With Rachel Krall, the engaging protagonist from The Night Swim, at the center of the narrative, the story seamlessly blends true crime, social media intrigue, and a chilling cat-and-mouse game that keeps readers hooked.

The author's writing style is crisp and engaging, drawing readers into the world of influencers, podcasts, and dark secrets. Goldin's ability to build tension and maintain a sense of unease throughout the story is commendable, and her exploration of the potential dangers lurking behind the façade of social media is both thought-provoking and timely.

Goldin's exploration of the impact of social media on our lives is a highlight of the book. The portrayal of the influencer culture, with its veneer of glamour and success, is contrasted with the dangers and manipulations that can thrive in the digital realm. This theme adds a thought-provoking layer to the thriller's fast-paced narrative.

"Dark Corners" is a gripping and chilling thriller that seamlessly blends the world of true crime with the perils of social media. Megan Goldin's skillful storytelling, well-developed characters, and tension-filled plot make this book a must-read for fans of suspenseful mysteries. The novel overall delivers an engrossing reading experience that will leave you contemplating the sinister aspects of the digital age long after you've turned the final page.

You cannot go wrong with the Rachel Krall series! I love the writing, the character development, and the cases that Rachel is able to help solve. Book #2 didn't disappoint! I sincerely hope that this author has more stories in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved this book! I read it so quickly, even after a long day of teaching. I had a hard time putting it down, and stayed up way too late to finish it. I didn’t realize it was the second in a series, because it read so well as a stand alone. But it also made me very excited to read the first one!

I was super excited about receiving a copy of this in advance. I loved The Night Swim and how the books are written as a podcast. I thought the writing in Dark Corners was great. I was always wondering what would happen next. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the social media aspect just didn’t do it for me. Some of the characters were just annoying, but imo that means the author did a great job. I’d definitely recommend this.

was so happy to delve back into the world of Rachel Krall after loving Night Swim (IMO, you do NOT need to read Night Swim to enjoy Dark Corners). While I enjoyed this story, I felt like it was a bit repetitive at time and overall predictable. I had a hunch of what was going on from very early on in the story and I was right. While it was enjoyable, it took away some of the mystery.

I really liked the idea of BuzzCon and Influencers being a main storyline. It was interesting to hear about their groups, ideas, and views on social media. I enjoyed that aspect and the fact that Maddison created a persona that was not her true self which is what we see a lot of in today's society.

I didn't really like the romance between Rachel and Martinez. It felt very forced and added into the story for no real reason. The flirting and romance scenes were a bit cringe to me and I just didn't understand the point of it in the story. (view spoiler)

Overall, this didn't wow me, but I did enjoy listening to it. It's set in Daytona Beach which is close to where I'm from so that was also a really cool aspect because Daytona was mentioned quite a bit. A fun little detail for me.

Read if you like:
- Multiple POV
- Podcast aspects
- Influencer lifestyles
- Social Media storylines
- Daytona Beach
- Investigations

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, the author, and Netgalley for an ARC of this book before it's publishing date. All opinions are my own.

Very good thriller! Would recommend, with limitations. Loved the writing, the plot, the characters. This is my 2nd book by this author and she is now an auto buy author for me.

Book two in the Rachel Krall universe. This was more police procedural than thriller but it was still an enjoyable puzzle to watch come together! The most unrealistic part was the romance subplot, which also was random and felt last minute to me. Overall, I would recommend if you were a big fan of the first book.

Dark Corners ~ Rachel Krall, book 2 ~ Megan Goldin
A long suspected killer, in jail for B&E , get a visit for a social media influencer, a few days before his release. Hours later she goes missing. The FBI asks Rachel for her help in the investigation. This tense page turner does not disappoint. And that ending will leave you gobsmacked. Five stars all around. Megan Goldin weaves a tale and pulls you into her web.
#NetGalley
#DarkCorners
#BookTok

True-crime podcaster Rachel Krall is brought in to a Florida state prison to visit Terrence Bailey. After influencer Maddison Logan goes missing after a surprise visit to Bailey, Rachel is the only link the FBI has. Rachel begins to investigate the missing persons case on her own.

I really love Megan Goldin's writing. The first 20-25% of this was hard to put down, but there was a lull in the middle. I thought the ending was also a little predictable and Rachel came on a little too aggressively at some points, which made her a little less likeable. Overall, the story was still enjoyable, and I'll continue to read anything Goldin writes.

This was my first book by Megan Goldin. A podcaster gets roped into a missing persons case. The dual POV were very well done and kept me interested. A solid thriller and I can't wait to read more from this author!

Rachel Krawl is back and now the FBI is requesting her help on a case. I liked this story more than the first. Involving the world of influencers, small-minded cops, a man who smells like garbage and a potential love interest for Rachel!

Thank you to SMP for my complimentary arc to review.

True crime podcaster, Rachel Krall, is back! Dark Corners is the second book in the Rachel Krall series but could easily be read as a stand-alone. I was skeptical about liking this book. Anything that has to do with social media influencers usually turns me off. However, I've been a big fan of Megan Goldin’s books and this one did not disappoint. Great characters and a believable plot. An influencer's life is never what it seems on social media. It's all just an illusion. This is fast paced with a suspenseful mystery. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Megan Goldin for an ARC of Dark Corners.

Megan Goldin continues to make me believe in Rachel Krall, the unlikely detective. I continue to root for her while solving mysteries and falling in love.

I was so excited for this one and it was everything I wanted it to be! Love Goldin's writing style, and couldn't get enough of this one! Definitely recommend!

Was hoping for so much more since I loved the first one!

Maybe I’m just not into the detective type thrillers. It was too slow for me but I did like a lot that happened in it 👀 the twists were great.

Thank you so much Netgalley for my copy in return for my honest review!

Wow. This was a really solid mystery/thriller! A lot of thrillers I definitely get the popcorn comparison - goes down easy, not much substance - but this one really seemed more solid.

I really enjoyed the story and the mystery of it. It had the tension and the twists of a thriller, but it also gave us enough information as the story went along to try to play along as the mystery unraveled.

I thought the writing was well-done and the story came together nicely. I did read the first in the series, Night Swim, but I didn’t remember anything about it, so I’d say you could definitely read this as a stand-alone. I’ll definitely be keeping Goldin on my radar in the future!

Dark Corners was one of my most anticipated thrillers releasing this summer after reading absolutely loving The Night Swim, and it did not disappoint! I've been craving a solid thriller and this one did the trick for me! I was immediately hooked when I started reading this one and I enjoyed spending more time with Rachel Krall, whose character I really like.

While the podcast wasn't featured as much in Dark Corners compared to The Night Swim, I still really enjoyed this element of the story. I also thought the social media and influencer aspect to be an interesting addition to the story. While the middle was a little bit slower for me, I was still engaged while reading the entire time. I was so intrigued to see how all the pieces of the story would come together and did not guess the major twist.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and rated it 4.5 to 5 stars! If you are looking for thriller that will hook you from the start that features a serial killer, a podcast and social media influencers, check out Dark Corners (out now!). I don't think you need to read The Night Swim first before this one, however I highly recommend doing so since I really enjoyed both. I can't wait to work through the rest of Goldin's backlist (The Escape Room will be the next one for me!) and am looking forward to seeing what she writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The audiobook was well done and easy to listen to as I went about my day. The story kept my attention while the twists and turns kept me surprised. Excellent writing.