Dark Corners by Megan Goldin

This is the second in a series about true crime podcaster Rachel Krall. I really enjoyed the Night Swim and will definitely continue reading these books if there are more coming! This one is about a missing influencer named Madison who is somehow connected to a potential serial killer who is set to be released form prison in a matter of days.

Although I found some of this one far fetched (is the FBI really allowed to disclose that much detail of a case with a reporter?) and some big coincidences that seemed unrealistic, overall I was still sucked in to the story. I was surprised with the ending and found it to be unique and interesting. The narrators were captivating and helped with the pace of the story. I was definitely on the edge of my seat in some moments!

Thank you to @macmillan.audio for the audiobook and @stmartinspress for the ebook! This one is out on August 8th!

Dark Corners by Megan Goldin

I enjoyed this one! It was entertaining and kept my attention throughout, which is what I mostly ask for.

True crime podcaster Rachel gets involved with an FBI case when an influencer goes missing and the dark sides of social media are exposed. There are moving parts of an incarcerated inmate that reaches his release date, a huge influencer event with endless people that will do just about anything to increase their likes/followers, and bodies showing up.

It was a quick read with enough going on that I never felt bored or slow-moving. I also tend to like some plots with some wild influencers 😂 would detectives really just bring in a podcaster and tell her everything and have her help with the case? Probably not. So you have to suspend belief a bit, but it was still enjoyable.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for a copy of this e-audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up

The narrators did a great job. I liked how there was a multicast to make it easier to follow along with the characters.

I read The Night Swim by Megan Golding a couple of years ago and loved it. I was super excited to get my hands on an early copy of Dark Corners. I loved this book even more! The chapters were short and concise. It made the flow of the book perfect. I like how chapters jumped from different perspectives and storylines. I think there was the perfect amount of suspense leading up to the end where some readers may have guessed it, but others might take longer to get the twist. The only complaint I have was that the podcast aspect felt glanced over. There were about 5 chapters where she was filming the podcast. I would have loved that incorporated more. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to any mystery fans.

I was so excited that I was able to listen to this on audio and got an advanced copy. Let me tell you, this was such a good audio book. It reads so well. The narrators are amazing and honestly it doesn’t feel like a book you’re listening too.

The suspense and thrill was also great. The build up was perfect and I could not stop listening. I listened to this in a day and a half.

I loved this more than the night swim—it felt smoother and written better.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

✨ARC Book Review: Dark Corners✨

Publication Date: August 8th, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

“Dark corners can be dangerous points…”

Y’all, I really liked The Night Swim, but I loved this book! Twists and turns all the way though! My favorite part about the writing was how the reader broke the fourth wall and knew who the killer was the whole time…it was the characters who didn’t know!

Dark Corners begins when Terrance Bailey receives a visitor in prison days before his release. This visitor is famous social media influencer, Maddison Logan. Why is she there in the first place? Well, no one gets a chance to ask her before she suddenly goes missing! That’s what the lovely Rachel Krall is brought on the case. She flies to Daytona Beach to meet with Terrence as well to get to the bottom of this crime. Little does she know, her investigation will lead her to not just one, but many missing people and buried bodies. How are they all connected?

The book focuses on the crime, and has a murder mystery/true crime podcast vibe, with a little hint of romance between Rachel and Detective Martinez. My husband and sister love true crime podcasts, and after reading this book, I am probably going to become a fan as well!

Thank you @netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. I read and listened to this book and highly recommend the audiobook. The narrators are truly fantastic!

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I have enjoyed all of Goldin’s books and this one was up there for me. I love books that feature true crime podcasts and I thought this incorporated that aspect very well. Six women are dead and the one suspect believed to be behind their murders is about to be released from prison for breaking and entering. The FBI reaches out to ask for Rachel Krall’s help when influencer Maddison Logan goes missing shortly after visiting suspect Terence Bailey in prison. This was suspenseful, gripping, and I loved the fast pace that held steady from beginning to end.

Technically the second book in the Rachel Krall series, this can easily be read as a standalone. January LaVoy is one of the narrators in the audiobook so you know it was fantastic, and André Santana and Samantha Desz did a wonderful job also. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this one and it needs to be on your list when released on 8/8.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC to review.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. I was excited to get this book because I read Night Swim by this author and really enjoyed that book. Another bonus for me was that fact that this book had the same main character as the previous book. This book was filled with so many twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the entire book. I was pleasantly surprised with the premise of social media influencers and learning about how much they do to keep up their images. The plot of this story seems to be well thought out and it delivers but in my opinion it was missing something. I was looking for more, searching for more answers. However, I enjoyed it and will continue to follow this author and read additional material.

Rachel krall is back! I loved the night swim so I was super excited that we were getting more from podcaster Rachel krall! I thought after finishing the night swim for the first time I could see it being a series but now I can officially say it!

What I enjoy about these books is the podcast elements (& specifically on audio!!) the way the audiobook gives multiple narrators for the podcast and music! I reread the night swim just in case but I can say this can completely stand on its own. I also enjoyed getting more of Rachel. In the night swim, the book is focused on all the other characters and not specifically on her. This book gives some more background on her and grows her as a character. The twist at the end wow I didn’t see it coming (specifically the people in trying to be vague here!!) Megan got me there!!

As for things that didn’t work, I didn’t think it was necessary to give Rachel a love interest. And maybe that’s unfair to say but I honestly didn’t feel any connection to them as a couple. I also felt like we just forgot about Patrick (her producer) it played more of a role in the first book and the beginning of this one but then by the end I feel like he completely was forgotten. I also preferred the podcast in the first book vs the “special report” in this one. I hope if the series continues that it will go back to the full series podcast format!

Overall, I’m not disappointed in this sequel. I do prefer the night swim but I’m happy this is a series now and I hope it continues bc they are very fun books with a podcast twist!

Thank you @stmartinspress @macmillanaudio for a copy of this book. I am so glad to have Rachel, a true crime podcaster, back with another story. This time Rachel is recruited by the FBI to help with a case of a missing influencer after she meets with a prisoner about to be released. Like Night Swim, the story is part what is happening and what Rachel shares in her podcast. I enjoyed the audio which included music intro to her podcast. The story was paced well with lots of subplots which I enjoyed.

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for an advance copy!

The audio was absolutely fantastic!

This book had 3 different point of views and each were very distinguished. You had the present day, Thomas McCoy and the podcast. Each would rotate in quick short chapters (which also made this book very bingeable) that just kept you wanting more.

I had regret not doing the audio for the first book in the series as I had heard the podcast part really brought to life the text. And it definitely did for this one! I love how we got to listen as if it was her actual podcast with the different narrators chiming in as if it was a conversation.

If you enjoy a podcast element in thrillers, a bad-a$$ podcast host, influencer tie in and a down to the wire chase - give this. read! Perfect for a day at the pool!

4.75

Social media. A tantalizing monster of real and virtual life. What happens when this monster becomes more than a torment to our psyche? It becomes murderous. This book follows a podcaster as she assists in an investigation. Written in a book and podcast format, the reader takes a deep dive into the ideals of our social media world and influencers. I was intrigued by all the twists and turns plus the very real social media aspect. The narrator delivered a solid performance and I’m sure I would not want to indulge in this book any other way!

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and author Megan Goldin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Megan Goldin is on my must-read list. Dark Corners does not disappoint. This tense page-turner is packed with exquisite suspense and a touch of romance.

Rachel Krall is back and in fine form. This novel will keep you on the edge of your seat, just when you think you can relax, Goldin ramps things up to the next level.

Loved both the eBook and the audio.
Run, don’t walk for this one.

🎤 Book Review 🎤
• Name: Dark Corners
• Author: Megan Goldin
• Genre: Thriller
• Rating: 4 ⭐️
• Pls search up the TW before proceeding!
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🎤 Thoughts 🎤
I absolutely love the audiobook for this one because the music background as well as the audiobook cast did a fantastic job with this book! The book itself was fast paced and twisty and I highly recommend listening to the audiobook because the podcast aspect in audiobook hit different HAHAHAHA. You can read this one as a stand alone but I would say to read Night Swim first because it introduces Rachel Krall (the fmc and the Podcaster) and shows her growth and development and her strengths are depicted more in Dark Corners. The story focuses on social media influencer and social media and it was a fun read!
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🎤 Appreciation 🎤
Thank you Netgalley, MacMillan Audiobook, Megan Goldin for both the e-ARC and audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

LOVE LOVE LOVED this audiobook!!! The narrators voice was so captivating and I absolutely loved how they made the chapters on the podcast, really sound like a podcast. Megan Goldin's writing style is so unique and this book was another great one by her. I loved hearing more about Rachel Krall's life. This book could be read as a sequel to "Night Swim" or a stand alone. Can't wait to read more of Megan's books!!

Megan Goldin continues her story of true crime podcaster Rachel Krall with Dark Corners. Rachel is brought to a Florida prison where the FBI ask her questions about a suspected murderer, Terence Bailey, who is about to be released from prison for a lesser crime. Rachel is confused as to why the FBI thinks she would know anything about their suspect, but when she finds out that Bailey asked a missing social media influencer, Maddison Logan, to bring Rachel to him, Rachel needs to figure out what is going on, even though the FBI has directed her to go home. Rachel goes undercover and puts her life in danger to solve a mystery of missing girls.

I loved Megan’s book Stay Awake, so reading this right away was a no brainer for me. I actually liked this better than The Night Swim, which is the first Rachel Krall book. I think the story and suspense were better with there being more of a threat to Rachel and having her right in the middle of a case involving a suspected murderer. Her investigative skills really came out in this book, and it was nice to see her relationship with Special Agent Martinez. This book has a lot of twists and turns and had a creepy factor to it, which I loved. I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed the narration. Of note, you do not have to read The Night Swim before reading this book, it can be read as a stand alone.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and @NetGalley for an advanced copy of another GREAT book!

📖🎧 Dark Corners by: Megan Goldin | 📅 Pub Day: Tuesday August 8, 2023

(Swipe⬅️ for the synopsis)

Let me start by saying this book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023, after reading
(AND LOVING) The Night Swim (the first book in the series) in 2020! Unfortunately this book fell a little flat for me. That being said the audiobook definitely saved this one from being a DNF for me as the narration was just too good to not continue on!

Some pros:
✨Absolutely loved the clear delineation of the podcast parts! (🎧📖)
✨Super fast-paced (📖)
✨I loved the “meta-ness” of the podcast, the influencers, the whole internet world inside the book (actually my favorite part and what made it such an anticipated read for me)(📖)
✨The true crime aspects were extra sinister and creepy thanks to the audiobook and the narrators.(🎧📖)

Some cons:
✨ There were a lot of different characters, elements and plot points introduced at any given time, making it hard to keep track of what was really going on and what I should focus in on(📖)
✨The FMC and detective Rachel Krall as a character, seemed like a completely different person from books 1 to 2 which was in the back of my mind the whole time and added to the disjointed nature of the whole book for me (📖)
✨It just simply felt long and was kind of repetitive when reality it was no longer than any run of the mill thriller book


All in all, the book was definitely entertaining and I did want to keep listening to see how the book would end! I’d definitely recommend this book (the audiobook in particular) would be great for people who like a fast paced suspense thriller, with slowburn mystery aspects, set in the current social media climate of (Instagram vs reality), and then a dash of a true crime documentary podcast! I was also able to adequately listen at 2.0x speed which for me is a hallmark of a great audio book!

And though this book wasn’t for me this time, I will for sure continue reading and listening to Megan Goldin books and audiobooks because I am a sucker for her writing!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review


3.25⭐️

Audiobook: 3.75⭐️
Book Content: 2.75⭐️

Ooooooh this one was just as good, maybe better than book 1: The Night Swim. I highly recommend this audiobook. It is a whole experience. There are extra sounds like the crunch of pine needles while they are hiking in the woods, heavy breathing, the sound of waves, etc. You feel like you are there. I love how some chapters are Rachel Krall’s podcasts. If you love murder mystery podcasts, you will love this audiobook. Sometimes Rachel’s unsafe decisions bothered me, but it made the book more excited so she is forgiven. My biggest question is, what happened to the puppy?!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I loved the podcast aspect. It really gave the book character and I felt more in tune with the story because of the podcast. I love that there was some romance in it even though it shocked me a bit with how intense it is was with trying to determine where a character was and the murderer, etc.

I listened to the audiobook version and it really had me immersed into the story. The narrator did amazing with the different voices and even the spooky mysterious voice for the podcast chapters. The narrator did amazing!

I recommend this to anyone who loves a good podcast but is also a reader. If you love disappearing people and helping the FBI solve a case then this is it for you!

Last year, Megan Goldin’s novel was one of my favorite summer reads. I was SUPER excited to see she released a new book Dark Corners, based around the same main character Rachel Krall. I was lucky enough to listen to the audio book which I LOVED and HIGHLY RECCOMEND DOING because it really feels like you are listening to a true crime podcast instead of a traditional audiobook. In my opinion, it really brought the book to life.
Rachel Krall is the host of a true crime podcast, and when a famous influencer is assumed to be kidnap, FBI brings in Rachel’s investigatory skills to help them. The last person the famous influencer visited was Terrence Bailey, who is currently in jail patiently awaiting his time of release. Is Bailey being wrongfully suspected? Or does he have help from the outside? Rachel and her true crime followers are motivated to solve this crime.
Although I am glad, I listened to the audiobook, this story felt a little long to me. It is a slow burn and repetitive throughout most of the story, and all the action happens at the end. I love Rachel’s character; however, I could not connect with any of the other characters. I also could not get into the influencer characters and portion of the book. 3 out of 5 stars.

Dark Corners is one of the best thrillers I have read this year! I loved that scripts from the podcast were included in the narrative, I appreciated the ending, and I really liked the characters. This was a suspenseful read and while I had successfully predicted one of the twists, there were several others that took me by surprise. This was a super enjoyable read!