“The scariest monster is the one that hides in plain sight.” Rachel Krall, the true crime podcaster we first meet in The Night Swim has been called to Florida to meet with a suspected serial killer, Terrance Bailey who is set to be released from prison in days. A social media influencer has gone missing after visiting Terrance and the FBI believes he was somehow involved. Rachel’s name came up during their meeting but why? Time is running out before Bailey gets out of prison - what does he want with Rachel? Is she safe as she investigates the missing influencer?

While I enjoyed Dark Corners I didn’t find it as engrossing as the Night Swim. It was a still a page turner, but it just didn’t have tension I felt with her previous book. All in all I would recommend, but not as strongly as her other book.

First off, this is book 2. I did not know that when requesting it, but it didn’t take away from this novel. I may have liked it even more if I had more backstory on Rachel Krall.

This was a great thriller. Absolutely loved it. Following along with an influencer was a nice change of pace with most books. I loved the characters, their personalities, and the passion behind right and wrong.

Rachel is a smart influential character. She uses her skills and knowledge to trust her instincts and solve the crime. Getting herself in danger comes without asking as she’ll risk herself for justice.

This book had me on the edge of my seat afraid of what was coming next. I loved the fear and thrilling grasp I had with each new chapter. Now to read the first book, Night Swim, so I can appreciate this even more.

Dark Corners
Set not long after Megan Goldin’s previous work “The Night Swim”, “Dark Corners” picks up with Rachel Krall getting a unexpected call from the FBI to fly to Florida to help with the investigation into missing influencer Madison Logan. Krall is asked to speak with soon-to-be released inmate Terence Bailey as he just saw Madison days earlier when she visited him randomly in prison. The FBI have no leads on Madison, as she appears to only exist on the internet and are hoping Krall can provide some clues. Rachel reluctantly agrees to help, and speaks with Bailey, and attends an influencer convention, BuzzConn. There she learns about true world of influencing and how this world of fierce rivalries might have just turned deadly.

Goldin’s “Dark Corners” is a perfect sequel to “The Night Swim”. While there’s not much need to read the first book before this one as they are two separate stories, it’s helpful to understand who Rachel Krall is and how she works. The book follows multiple characters including Rachel, the rugged yet mysterious FBI agent Joe Martinez, and a few others to uncover what really happened to Madison. You’ll never see the twist coming to hold onto your seats - 5/5 stars.

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!

Contemporary thriller lovers will really enjoy Dark Corners. A follow up to The Night Swim, Terence 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 release date approaches, he gets a surprise visit from Maddison Logan, a popular influencer. Hours later, Maddison disappears, and police suspect the worst. Is Maddison’s disappearance connected to her visit to Bailey? And why was she visiting him in the first place? Rachel Krall is on the case!

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!

This is a super fast paced thriller! There was a lot going on, but it was all very well developed & explained, so it wasn't too much. I loved the twisty ending!!

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the night swim and was so happy to get an ARC for the sequel. But something about it just didn’t hit the same for me. I will continue the series if there is another book but for now this was a miss.

Dark Corners takes us back into the world of true crime podcaster Rachel Krall. This book could be read as a standalone there were no spoilers from The Night Swim though having read that previously made you feel more familiar with the main character. This was a quick read once it got going a little slow in the set-up. I enjoyed all the behind the scenes looks at the influencer life and felt it was a solid mystery. Would rate it 3-3.5 stars and would definitely recommend. I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Corners is the second book focusing on the popular true crime podcaster Rachel Krall. Rachel is called to Florida by the FBI to assist in a case of a prisoner soon to be released, who is suspected to be a serial killer. When a popular van life travel influencer vanishes after visiting the prisoner, Rachel puts her own life in peril while she races against time to outwit the deadly criminal. Will she be able to find the missing influencer and stop a killer?

What I liked about the book:
-the glamorous, posh setting of an influencers conference in a luxury Daytona beach hotel
-the world of influencers
-strong female character of Rachel Krall
-snippets of the podcast added dimension to the storyline
-multiple POV
-misdirection coupled with twists and turns
-the killer’s medical condition and POV
-enjoyed the ‘monster in plain sight and dark corners’ aspect in book

What I disliked about the book:
-at times it was suspend your disbelief but it still managed to keep me entertained
-unnecessary romance that didn’t add to the storyline

My rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5 I took a ½ star rating off due to the unrealistic romance storyline

My final takeaway: Megan Goldin created a fun, thrilling read that immerses the reader into the world of podcasts, influencers, and serial killers. I recommend this for fans who like twisty thrillers, with strong female protagonists.

Trigger Warning: gore, violence, stalking, abduction

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC which will be published August 8 2023.

A prisoner getting close to being released sends an influencer to Rachel Krall dragging her into a long running missing women case. I enjoyed learning about the influencers world and become engrossed in the missing women's story. Looking forward to the next story for Rachel.

This is an adult, mystery thriller set in today’s world of podcasts, social influencers, and many of the dark places on the internet. If you like crime thrillers this one will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Terror surrounds Rachel Krall when the FBI approach her for assistance in solving a series of murders linked to a prisoner who is about to be paroled from prison after being convicted on a charge of breaking and entering . The FBI is certain he is involved in the murders of t least six women. They are working tirelessly to prove his guilt but are missing badly needed proof. Did he act alone? Terence Bailey is brilliantly created and the story evolves that will totally absorb and frighten the reader. All of the characters are carefully created and deeply involved in the story. Megan Goldin is a super talented author and will have you guessing all the way through the book. If you like crime novels you will not want to miss this one. I did think it ended abruptly and it left me wanting more but I do recommend this one.

I wish to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Absolutely Brilliant!!!

I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book and what a absolutely brilliant book it is!

This is the second book I have by Megan Goldin and both books exceeded my expectations! I loved The Night Swim and Dark Corners was Absolutely Brilliant!

I hope Megan continues with Rachel Krall’s stories! I’m rapidly becoming a fan!

Storytelling at its Best! This book has it all, witty banter, suspense with a sprinkle of romance and incredible character development!

This masterpiece that kept me engaged the entire time!

Pick up this Phenomenal book today!

No spoilers with my review! This is a must read for 2023!

If I could give more than 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I would!

The second Rachel Krall novel does not disappoint, if I had to say, it's even better than the Night Swim. A social media van influencer - you know the type that roams without abandon in their camper van from coast to coast with tiktoks of sunsets and perfect photos of breakfasts, goes missing after visiting an inmate in a prison. The only thing? The inmate mentions to bring Rachel in. The FBI gives Rachel backstage access to podcast her little heart out during the investigation to find the girl, there's more twists in this than a pretzel. I was thoroughly impressed with the pacing. I read it in one sitting. I would love to hear the audio book (the podcast portion would probably be awesome) This thriller keeps you on your toes and itching for the next page.

Thank you to St Martin's for the galley! (it in no way affects my review, I legitimately love Megan Goldin's writing style)

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀
• influencer life
• fast paced
• fade to black romance scene
• you already know whodunit but the characters don’t

I dove into this book immediately after devouring The Night Swim so I was fresh off the Rachel Krall “Guilty or Not Guilty” Podcaster/journalist/cold Case solver. These two stories can definitely be red stand alone, as there aren’t any spoilers from the previous.

I would say Dark Corners was a tad disappointing next to The Night Swim. I felt a little all over the place with Dark Corners and the mystery here wasn’t so tied together, so it took some time to warm up to. It was a fast read with plenty of “huh” moments, but the romance seemed a little thrown in and wooden. It was all a little disjointed, and a lot of names thrown around as if to try being obvious red herrings. I also preferred the way the podcast chapters were organized in the previous book so if you’re listening on audio, you might get caught off the first couple times it switches.

Edit: I hear the audio and finished copies have better indicators of when the podcast chapter is so that’s great!

I was a big fan of The Night Swim and was very excited for Dark Corners. Unfortunately, it just didn't have the same feel as the first one. The story was a bit drawn out at times, and other times things just didn't make sense. Maddison's whole backstory makes little sense when you get all of the information (spoiler: why would someone who knows a potentially killer is after them take on an online persona?). I am hopefully that a third in the series get back the magic of the first one!

Rachel Krall is back again in this fast paced thriller by Megan Goldin!

Rachel, a famous true crime podcaster, heads down to Florida to assist the FBI on a high profile case. A missing woman with no traceable past and a handful of unsolved murder cases has Rachel fighting the clock to put the missing pieces together before the suspected killer is freed from prison.

I really enjoyed “Dark Corners”! It was fast paced with lots of action that kept me guessing until the end. The romance at the end felt very forced. It felt like it was just out of the blue and didn’t totally make sense to me. There was also a few loose ends that seemed to be rushed in the ending.
Personally I enjoyed “The Night Swim” (#1 in the series) more than “Dark Corners”. But I’m excited to read more of Rachel Krall!

Note: you do NOT have to read “The Night Swim” first. There are a handful of references to it at the beginning of this book but you won’t be confused if you read “Dark Corners” as a stand-alone.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the e-ARC of “Dark Corners” by Megan Goldin.

This was one of my anticipated reads of 2023 - I read The Night Swim with my book club, loved it and was excited to hear a second book was coming out featuring the crime podcaster Rachel Krall.

I ate this book up - I went between the ebook and audiobook at first but in the end opted for the audio because of the podcast element. The podcast wasn't as present in this one but I still liked that it was included. The narration of this book was also excellent!

I always get sucked into Goldin's books and I like how her books are all very different (well the ones I've read are so far anyways lol). Here we get to experience how social media fame isn't always as glamorous as it seems and I think the influencers were a fun touch to this book. We definitely have some stereotypical behaviour there but it brings up a lot of good discussion points about the impact social media has on our lives and the idea of image versus identity.

I've been seeing several reviews mentioning how rude/grumpy Rachel is in this book versus The Night Swim but I didn't feel this way. There is also a romance aspect to to this book, which I didn't hate but also didn't feel like it was entirely necessary.

All in all the story is fast paced, twisty and a good read. I'm definitely hoping there's going to be another book in this series but if not, looking forward to what Goldin will write next!

Content warnings: Murder, kidnapping, drug abuse, stalking, confinement, suicidal thoughts, grief.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio, St-Martin's Press and Netgalley for the audio and ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own.

I got pretty excited realizing this was going to be a sequel to Night Swim! It did not disappoint! I think it started a little slow and I was a little confused with timeline at first but as I continued to read it all fell into place. I can’t say I was super surprised by the reveals at the end but it was very well executed. I also loved the tiny touch of romance and I’m advocating for more of Rachel and Joe!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐⭐⭐/5

• influencer thriller
• unlikable FMC
• fun misdirection

I'll preface this by saying: I wasn't the biggest fan of Stay Awake (⭐⭐) and I haven't read The Night Swim (the first book in this series). It was an intriguing premise but I felt it was repetitive at times. I switched between the digital copy and the audio - I enjoyed the audio, especially the podcast chapters. They felt so real!

🗣️ Thank you to @netgalley, St Martins Press and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and review this book via both gifted eARC and audio! All opinions are honest and my own.