This was by far my most anticipated read of the year and sadly, it was a huge letdown. I was so excited to see it as a Read Now on Netgalley after I literally stalked the site every day looking to request this book! I don’t know what the heck happened, but it feels like the first book in the series was written by an entirely different author. I didn’t recognize the Rachel in this book at all. I almost feel like I need to re-read Night Swim now to make sure I am not crazy. Not only did this not seem like the same character, we didn’t get *much* of her. Yes, she is the main character, but there is zero substance or character development or backstory. She just kind of exists in the book. Another really strange thing is that I felt like this was a UK edition. There were several words and turns of phrase that were off for a story set in Florida: Trainers? No one in America uses that expression. Sneakers, tennis shoes, or athletic shoes. Air con? Nope. We say air conditioner or AC or central air. The I-95? No. Just I-95. There was one more towards the end but it escapes me now. I actually had to look up the author’s bio at one point because it was making me insane. She lives in Australia, so maybe? I honestly don’t know, but I have read every single one of her other books and never noticed this before.

So, all of that being said, this story is very different from Night Swim. Rather than Rachel doing her podcast in conjunction with a trial, she somehow gets wrapped up in helping the FBI solving a crime. This one is kind of messy. There are several missing people, and a couple murders. There is also a whole influencer side story going on. It really didn’t hold my attention at all and I am so bummed about it. It did pick up and get better towards the end but again it was messy and there was a lot going on. Hopefully all these issues get sorted out and changed before the publishing date in August.

I’d love to read another book with Rachel in it but hopefully something that feels more like her and the first in the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Let’s make this clear: I COULD NOT put this book down. Sleep? Who’s she? Refills of iced matcha and a good fluffing of pillows kept me refreshed enough to devour this read in hours.

creepy serial killer: check
true crime podcaster looking to solve a case: check
hot FBI agent who, of course, has the hots for said podcaster: check
the influence of social media and how terrible and crippling it can be: check
twists and turns and having no idea what might come next: check
dark corners: CHECK

When I say I had no idea where this book was taking me, (in the best possible way) I mean it. And that’s what I love about Megan Goldin’s writing and storytelling - girl knows how to keep you on your toes until the very end.

I enjoyed the characters and really felt like I got to know them throughout the story; I had some hunches about a couple things I ended up being right about (spidey senses in action) and loved the buildup of those arcs.

This was such a good read, and I genuinely hope the author, Megan, continues the Rachel Krall series. Now excuse me while I go read her other novels. Please do not disturb.

5 stars !! The second book in the Rachel Krall series was super good and kept me interested. Definitely kept me guessing all the way to the end !

🔍Book Review - Dark Corners🔍
Publish date: August 8, 2023

True crime podcaster from The Night Swim, Rachel Krall, is back! Dark Corners can definitely be read as a stand-alone though. There were plenty of twists and turns in this one, and although I thought the big a-ha moment was somewhat predictable, there were still some surprises along the way! Overall, this was a super fun read with some great characters. If you’re looking for some mystery and suspense, pick this one up!

Thank you to @netgalley, St. Martin’s press, and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rachel Krall is a true crime podcaster that has a knack for solving cold cases. This is the second book featuring her. I did not read the first novel and did not feel like I was missing anything, so don't think it is necessary to have read that one to enjoy Dark Corners.

This is a 5 star read. My reasons: the writing draws you in, keeps you engaged, gives you just enough to keep you guessing without dragging on and on, the twists are believable and the ending is satisfying. Rachel is summoned by the FBI to talk to a prisoner in Florida to see what he knows about the disappearance of a famous blogger. Rachel doesn't know either the prisoner or the missing blogger but she quickly gets up to speed. For some reason, the prisoner wants to talk to her and she just doesn't know why. Along with FBI agent Joe Martinez, she works to infiltrate BuzzCon, an influencer conference, to find out more about Maddison, the missing blogger and also tries to figure out her possible connection to the prisoner Terrence Bailey, who is a suspected serial killer (no proof) and will be getting out of prison soon. Throughout, we also meet a rideshare driver, Thomas, and have to figure out how he fits in. Why is Rachel here--to solve a crime, or become a victim?

Highly recommend this fast paced thriller.

Thank you in advance to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I've read all of Megan Goldin's books and this one did not disappoint. We get to revisit with Rachel Krall from Night Swim. Rachel has a podcast that helps to solve true crime. She receives a cryptic message from social media influencer Maddison Logan asking for help. Rachel heads to Florida to attend a conference on social media influencers and hopes to meet Maddison. She realizes a prison inmate may have some answers. Terrance Bailey is not very forthcoming with information. He is due to be released from prison soon and doesn't want to take any chances of his release being held up. While Rachel is in Daytona to attend the convention she learns Maddison is missing. She meets FBI agent Joe Martinez. This story is told in several points of view. You meet new characters and the mystery continues to increase. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved the twists and surprises throughout the book. Once again Ms. Goldin kept me reading until the early hours of the morning. I was tired at work today but it was definitely worth it. I love this author. I sure hope we get to hear more of Rachel Krall in future books. There is still alot of story to tell. Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book. Get it on release day you won't be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book.

Goldin’s The Night Swim from a couple of years ago was one of the best books I had read that year. The plot and the characters have stayed with me. So I was very excited to see the protagonist from that novel return in this sequel.

In this, the second entry in what I hope will be a series, podcaster Rachel Krall finds herself summoned to Florida by the FBI: they want to watch her engage with a man about to be released from prison—a man authorities suspect is a serial killer, though they were not able to prove those claims when he went to jail on a more minor charge years ago. Now a young influencer is missing and the FBI thinks Rachel might be able to help them before it’s too late.

I enjoyed this a lot. I found it to be a real page turner and had to work to put all the disparate pieces together. I also am interested in the potential love interest Rachel might have in the FBI agent who handled her (pun intended) in Florida. One criticism might be that the end wrapped up too quickly, explaining away otherwise convincing character traits and red herrings that had been dropped throughout the novel. Also, after the incredible emotional roller coaster of the first novel in the series, this felt a bit different. But that’s to be expected.

Final thought: this one doesn’t pack the same powerhouse punch as did the first in the series, but it’s a good read all the same. I can’t wait to see what Rachel’s next podcast—and adventure—will be about.

Love love love this author. Her writing style flows so nicely and her character development makes me feel as though I personally know them. I was hoping this would be more podcast like the Night Swim and slightly disappointed that it was not, but nonetheless loved the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It's scheduled for an August release date.

When I saw that Dark Corners was the second in a series about a true crime podcaster named Rachel Krall, I decided to read the first book, The Night Swim, before starting this one. You definitely don't have to, however. The trial Rachel follows in The Night Swim is only mentioned two or three times and there are no spoilers.

I did enjoy Dark Corners, but not quite as much as The Night Swim. I had a hard time keeping the timeline straight at first until I realized that the chapters aren't titled. In The Night Swim, Hannah's chapters as well as the Guilty or Not Guilty podcast transcripts were written in first person. Rachel's were written in third. In Dark Corners, there was periodically a chapter that was written in first person (from Rachel's perspective) that I can assume will eventually be labeled as being part of her podcast. The rest were written in third person. I was perhaps 20% through the book when I finally made the distinction. If I hadn't read The Night Swim beforehand I don't know if I would have ever figured out what those first-person chapters were supposed to be telling me other than randomly receiving some background information. (I'm assuming/hoping they'll be titled prior to publication).

The story itself is fine. There are a lot of seemingly unrelated puzzle pieces thrown at you that somehow all get explained right before the end. There's also a love interest for Rachel introduced. It doesn't take over the story but at the same time, I don't really feel it was necessary for the narrative so feel free to skim that page or two if that's not really your thing.

When Rachel Kralls name comes up when a soon to be released prisoner gets his first visitor in 6 years, the FBI thinks she is the key to nailing Terence Bailey, the prisoner, for murder. Rachel flies go Florida and becomes mixed up in BuzzCon, a conference of influencers, all while tracking down what really happened to Terence Baileys alleged victims, as well as the missing influencer that was Baileys visitor just days before. A twisted tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat!

This definitely kept my interest. Good twists, a fast paced plot, overall a fun read. I’ve been hit or miss with this author but this one was a 4 star

Found out this is second in a series after I read it. Since I haven’t read the first I’m not sure if there’s any information that I missed. That being said I still really enjoyed this book. This was quite the mystery with an inside look at the influencer lifestyle. I kind of wish there was other POV’s but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

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

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press for this gifted eARC of the newest thriller from Megan Goldin! This new read is the follow up to Goldin’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘚𝘸𝘪𝘮. I haven’t read that one yet but that didn’t prove to be a problem, as 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 can be easily read as a stand-alone.

“𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶‘𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰. 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴.“

Here, we are reintroduced to Rachel Krall, a true crime podcaster who comes to the aid of detectives searching for a social media influencer who has recently gone missing. It was very interesting to delve a little into the world of these “celebrities” and peek behind the veil of popularity & influence. Things are definitely not all they appear to be, as Rachel soon discovers.

I loved this book! I love the concept a a true crime podcast with a sexy, smart, brave, host who doesn’t take no for an answer. It was fun reading about current pop culture especially the things I know very little about. It brought things like “influencers” into the story showing us how it worked without being annoying or making them into these truly special individuals with great taste the media wants you to think they are. I loved the way I was able to put little pieces together along the way without totally cracking the case. It was neat how she incorporated a medical condition most people haven’t heard about into feature of the killer, overall this was a fun easy read with great character development.

3.8/5
Rachel Krall, a true crime podcaster, gets tricked into helping the FBI with a missing persons investigation. Maddison Logan, a well known young influencer disappears hours after visiting Terence Bailey, who is days away from being released from prison. To find out more about the popular but mysterious Maddison, Rachel goes undercover to BuzzCon, an influencer conference happening in the city where Maddison disappear. However, the more Rachel finds out the closer she is to real danger.

I loved Night Swim, the first introduction to Rachel Krall. So I was incredibly excited to read this book.

First, I thought the whole mystery and plot was well developed and thought through. I liked how, like a puzzle it all fit and made sense once you had all the information. Rachel is a great character and I was glad we got to explore more of her history too.

Now, I did have a couple of things that did not allow me to enjoy this book completely. First, was the many points of view. I think they were all good except for the FBI agent. The story would have been fine without it. I found it repetitive and that it didnt add much to the story. Second, SPOILER (kind of) the romance between the agent and Rachel seemed forced and unnecessary. I found it got in the way of the story too. There were segments were I was so into the story and the mystery and then there would be something about the romance... so out of place. These are the two reasons why this wasn't a 5/5 like her other books.

Having said that, I can't wait for Megan Goldin's next book!

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Rachel Krall, the true crime podcaster from Night Swim, returns to search for a famous social media influencer who disappeared after visiting a jailed serial killer. The FBI asks Rachel for help after she is linked to the serial killer putting her in danger. The story explores the world of influencers as Rachel searches for clues to the disappearance, which made for some good eye-rolling moments.

Megan Goldin led us down a few red herring paths while creating suspense and tension, and I clicked the pages as fast as possible. Plenty of twists and turns kept me on my toes, trying to figure out who was involved and with whom. At times it felt like a few too many red herrings, and I wasn't a bit fan of that; however, Megan pulls it all together with a satisfying ending that wraps up well.

Traveling Friends read

I read and loved The Night Swim and Stay Awake so I was thrilled to receive an e-ARC of this book. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The fast pace and short chapters had me flying through this and there was even a twist toward the end that I didn’t see coming. (Always love when that happens!) Highly recommend this book if you’re looking for your next thriller/murder mystery. Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC!! I can’t w

After reading Night Swim I was on a quest to find as many books like it as possible but none quite measured up. I was so excited to see there would be a sequel and couldn’t read this book fast enough. It is every bit as good as the first book and I hope there are more to come in this series. While it is a sequel it can be read as a stand alone. We find Rachel in the middle of a missing persons/serial killer investigation. All the twists kept me guessing and loved the way everything wrapped up nicely at the end.

A very well written murder/mystery. Great story line that kept me entertained through the whole book.

This is the third novel by Megan Goldin I've read for review, and I've enjoyed each book. Goldin writes well and her plotlines are unique.

In Dark Corners we follow Rachel Krall in her second appearance as a true crime podcaster when she assists an FBI search for a missing social media influencer. Goldin's contemporary world of podcasters and influencers put a fresh spin on the amateur sleuth mystery genre. There's a hint of romance in the story that leads us to wonder if Rachel and her FBI agent will team up in future installments. There are red herrings and enough twists and turns in this tale to keep us guessing until the last page. An enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for providing an ARC to read and review. This review will appear on Bayside Book Reviews at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*