Rachel Krall is a true crime podcaster and she is asked by the FBI to come down to a jail in Florida, she goes in without any further information and gets caught up in the disappearance of a social media influencer, Maddison, who lives and travels in her van.

I was caught up in the story right away and I really like Rachel, but she was pretty stubborn when the FBI didn't want her getting involved and she still threw herself into the mix wholeheartedly. I'm no FBI agent/investigator/ police officer but A LOT of information was shared with Rachel, who is basically a civilian.

To be honest there wasn't a lot to figure out in this one, we get chapters from the real killer, we just don't his name and why exactly he is killing people. I found it entertaining, I was on edge trying wanting to know the next part even though I expected a lot of it

I enjoyed this but wasn’t overall wowed. I think I should go back and read the previous book and try again. Regardless I like her writing style and look forward to future books.

This was an atmospheric, well plotted thriller, which, though a little slow at times, held my attention from start to finish. There were a few unexpected twists, too, which I enjoyed. Recommended!

I didn't actually know that this was the second in a series when I requested it, but you didn't need to read the first to follow the story, which was nice. The book was well written and the audiobook was well produced. I did enjoy the addition of the podcast excerpts, I thought that was a good touch. The story on its own was entertaining and I enjoyed the multiple perspectives, though I did think that there were a few times it got confusing just for the sake of making things overly-complicated, trying to throw the reader off the trail. I also, and this is solely a personal opinion, didn't love the commentary about social media influencers. I understand that it is a group of people that can come across in a very negative way, but I also think that it went a little over the top and it made me roll my eyes a few times. But I did really love that the author talked about consumption of true crime and how we so often focus on the perpetrator of these crimes and forget about the victims. I do think that I would read more by this author as well as more books within this universe.

3.5 stars rounded up

I didn't realize going in that this was book 2 in a series and had not read Night Swim. Good news is that it wasn't a big deal and I didn't feel like I was lost or confused by skipping straight to hook 2. I'm sure there were references back or other tidbits that would have hit more with the background but if you too, like me, pick this up on a whim and wonder if you need to stop and go back, you'll be fine starting here.

I really enjoyed reading DARK CORNERS by Megan Goldin! I loved The Night Swim so I was really excited to read this sequel which also follows podcaster Rachel Krall. This time she’s searching for a missing influencer in connection with a prisoner about to be released from prison. I really enjoyed the BuzzCon influencer convention setting and multiple POVs. I enjoyed the whole journey as the past was revealed to show how these two lives intertwined. I didn’t love the romance thrown in but it would make an easy jump if there’s another book in this series. I loved that there’s three narrators on the audiobook. I’d definitely be interested to read Rachel Krall # 3!

✨RATING: 3.5⭐️

🎤QUOTE: “Always know what you’re walking into. Dark Corners can be danger points.”

✨REVIEW: Thank you @netgalley for the audiobook! The FBI lured Rachel Krall into a case with false pretenses when a social media influencer goes missing after visiting an inmate due for release. Rachel ends up basically undercover as an influencer at a big conference and trying to scope out the ins and outs of where Maddison could have gone - was it by choice? Or does the suspected murderer in prison have anything to do with it?
I didn’t read Rachel Krall #1 and didn’t feel confused at all. Maybe reading it could’ve helped my rating because of deeper understandings? But I didn’t feel it to be necessary at all. I enjoyed this story overall, but didn’t feel a deep connection or “need” to know. If you’re interested in the influencer world and podcasts, then this might be just the right book for you! Personally, it isn’t enough of an interest to hook me.

✨PROS: it’s only single POV, BUT it is her current situation alternating with her podcast so does change up the writing which I enjoyed. “True crime” ish. Easy to follow along audiobook and clear which format (current or podcast) we are in!

I believe in the review I said that I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Rachel Krall series, so it was no surprise to me that I felt the same about Dark Corners! I really love the premise of a mystery/psychological book surrounding a true crime podcast and Megan Goldin seems to have it down to a T, how to successfully incorporate it into the story! I am incredibly impressed with her writing! I love this story just as much as I loved Night Swim and it seems like I'll love her next book, just as much! Now THAT, my friends, is some author/writer!

After solving a huge case in Night Swim, Rachel is trying to take it easy when the FBI contacts her and wants her help in another case. She really just wanted to lay low after all of the limelight from her two previous cases that she worked on, but couldn't help herself from getting involved in this one, especially when she found out the background of the mysterious disappearance of social media influences Maddison Logan. This story, from start to finish, will not only keep you guessing, but keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time! You also can't help but root for Rachel!

Dark Corners is narrated by an incredibly stunning cast consisting of André Santana, January LaVoy, and Samantha Desz. I absolutely LOVE when a book has multiple narrators because I feel like it adds to the depth and connection of it all, and it does just that with this book! And these narrators seem like they were a natural fit! Absolutely stellar performance for all three, which of course, is nothing unusual for January LaVoy, as she is one of my favorite narrators! The other two a quickly rising the ranks to the same position!

Overall, I am super excited about Megan Goldin's writing and not only am I anxiously awaiting a new release in the Rachel Krall series, because folks...this series is actually AMAZING, but also look forward to any other releases by her in the near future!

I would like to offer a HUGE thank you to Megan Goldin, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of Dark Corners which has allowed me to contribute this honest and unbiased review!!

Well, what can I say besides I didn’t love this audiobook. I found the storyline was decent but the actually story itself felt boring to me. The narrator was like able and I tend to be pretty picky about narrators voices.

So happy to have gotten an early release of this one via book of the month and the audio version through NetGalley. If you aren’t a big fan of audio books, this could be the one to change your mind. Great audio book!
If this is not on your list to read, you need to add it ASAP. This was my first Goldin novel and I was not disappointed. I also was not aware that this novel picks up where Goldin’s last book “The Night Swim,” leaves off, however, it is a stand alone and you do not have to read these in order.
The famous true crime podcaster, Rachel Krall, returns to once again to assist the FBI. When a famous influencer, Madison, goes missing Krall is asked to meet with inmate Terrence Bailey who is on the verge of being released and a suspected serial killer. Krall then goes undercover at a huge influencer conference to get to the bottom of Madison missing and how it may connect to Terrence Bailey.
I absolutely flew through this novel. Some of the influencer nonsense was a bit annoying and hard to push past, but overall I really enjoyed this book!

The night Swim was one of the first mysteries I read a few years ago. I really enjoyed it, so there was no question if I would pick this up.

The set up was interesting and intriguing. Sadly it just missed something for me. Still an okay read.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick. Our library purchased and our patrons have been checking out and and enjoying the book. I see it is a popular book club choice as well we hope to have more oppurtinies to support authors like them

I received an e-arc of this book in return for an honest opinion.

Megan Goldin is becoming a very reliable author for me. I don't know that I have to run out and get her books as soon as they are released, but I know when I pick one up I will have a good time. Dark Corners is a sequel to Night Swim, a very popular book from a few years ago, thanks in part to the podcast element. In this follow up Rachel is called to Florida by The FBI for help in a missing woman case. The main suspect is a man who is already in jail and he says he will only talk to Rachel with the information that he has on the case. The missing woman is an influencer in Florida for a conference, which opens up a side plot with another murder for Rachel to figure out. Rachel is also falling for lead FBI investigator Joe Martinez, and they both struggle with their feelings for each other.

I just find Goldin's writing to be so pleasant. If there is not a lot of flowery language doesn't make you a bad writer, it could be an indicator that you are not a pretentious tool. The pacing of the book is fantastic with enough information to keep me on the edge of my seat, without being bored or rushed. Now I will admit that I am pretty stupid when it comes to mysteries, I never figure them out but the ending to this really did surprise me. It was just twisty enough to throw me off without being unbelievably ridiculous.

I will say the only part of the book that help me back was the influencer side plot. I am tiring of the trope very quickly, because no one is saying anything interesting or nuanced about the culture. As an influencer you can either be self-obsessed and vapid or calling all the other influencers self-obsessed and vapid. Personally I think social media is the devil incarnate that has a net negative effect on the social discourse, but I understand that not everyone who participates in it is evil. If you can't say something interesting about the topic I think we should just put this one to bed.

oh i really don't need to be reading books about influencers lol. i loved the night swim but this one was a bit cringe, though I was happy that good stuff actually happened for our beloved MC.

I loved The Night Swim! Loved it. And in this book, Rachel Krall, the renowned true crime podcaster, is back! This time she’s collaborating with the FBI to uncover the mystery of Maddison Logan’s disappearance. Maddison, a popular social media influencer, went missing after visiting Terence Bailey, a suspected serial killer in prison. Bailey, about to be released for breaking and entering, has long been under suspicion for more sinister crimes. The question is, why did Maddison visit Bailey, and what compelled him to summon Rachel Krall?

The FBI seeks Rachel’s assistance due to her uncanny knack for uncovering clues where others falter. Maddison remains an enigmatic figure, her background shrouded in mystery. She encounters a group of individuals more focused on curating impeccable content and photos than forging meaningful connections.

As the discovery of a body raises questions about whether Bailey had an outside accomplice, Rachel’s dynamic with FBI agent Joe Martinez takes center stage.

Initially, I was unsure about this book, finding it hard to connect. However, as I rread more, the story fully engaged me.

I relished how all the pieces of the puzzle ultimately fell into place. I will happily read another book with Rachel Krall!

Thanks to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved The Night Swim by Megan Goldin, so when I was approved for an advanced copy on NetGalley, I was stoked to say the least and more than ready to dive into another 5 star thriller.
Unfortunately, as much as it pains me to say this, it fell flat for me.
I am already not a huge fan of the podcast trope, and find that it's been horribly overdone in the past few years, but like I said, I enjoyed The Night Swim and was ready for more Rachel Krall.
However, in this second novel the format was changed, and not for the better. I really did miss the courtroom drama and the podcast episodes. We see much more of Rachel this time around, as she is working with the feds and I didn't particularly enjoy her as a character. Any part to do with the FBI cooperation storyline just about bored me to no end, which I mainly attribute to the pacing. The beginning started off strong, but the middle was incredibly slow, uneventful and way too long, while the ending felt a little too rushed.
I also did not enjoy the Influencer subplot, but that is mostly on me, as I'm probably too old for this type of stuff, and cannot relate to the obsession with average Joes and Janes and their respective opinions.
All this to say, that while the book didn't work for me, subjectively, it wasn't a bad book by any objective means.
This is probably the right book for people (maybe a little younger than me), who enjoy both podcasts as well as internet Influencers, and aren't looking for courtroom drama.
On the plus side, the audio production was absolutely fantastic and helped me finish the book when I otherwise might have put it down for a more thrilling thriller.

Dark Corners
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Megan Goldin

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley. St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: Terence Bailey 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 freedom approaches, Bailey gets a surprise visit from Maddison Logan, a hot, young influencer with a huge social media following. Hours later, Maddison disappears, and police suspect she’s been kidnapped—or worse. Is Maddison’s disappearance connected to her visit to Bailey? Why was she visiting him in the first place?

When they hit a wall in the investigation, the FBI reluctantly asks for Rachel’s help in finding the missing influencer. Maddison seems only to exist on social media; she has no family, no friends, and other than in her posts, most people have never seen her. Who is she, really? Using a fake Instagram account, Rachel Krall goes undercover to BuzzCon, a popular influencer conference, where she discovers a world of fierce rivalry that may have turned lethal.

When police find the body of a woman with a tattoo of a snake eating its tail, the FBI must consider a chilling possibility: Bailey has an accomplice on the outside and a dangerous obsession with influencers, including Rachel Krell herself. Suddenly a target of a monster hiding in plain sight, Rachel is forced to confront the very real dangers that lurk in the dark corners of the internet.

My Thoughts: This is book no. two in the Rachel Krall series. I listened to “Night Swim” a few months ago in anticipation of this novel. Rachel has a true crime podcast that has blown up since we last met her, she is even famous, so much so, that she has to keep a low profile. Rachel gets a call from FBI to assist them without any details over the phone, just the name Terrance Bailey. Rachel’s interest is piqued and after an interview with nothing gained, the FBI is sending her back home. Rachel does not do well being told what to do and decides to hang out at BuzzCon to get some additional information on a missing influencer. BuzzCon is a huge convention for influencers and also where they announce the influencer of the year award, which comes with a financial awards, a streaming platform, and bragging rights for a year. The further Rachel digs, the more danger she is in. A danger cat and mouse game ensues.

The story is narrated primarily by Rachel with some other surprise narration. In the beginning, Rachel seems very defensive, lacks situational awareness, engages in unnecessary risky behavior, and even at times, was unlikable. However, towards the end, she warmed my heart again. The characters were created with depth, with our MC being expanded on, had some witty moments, were mysterious, creative, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was complex, a little fun, while still suspenseful and twisty, and engaging. The story unfolds by introducing and building up our characters, layering the plot in twisty ribbons weaved throughout the story with a fabulous ending. Goldin has a way with words that pulls you in and you just get lost in the story, she is brilliant, and intelligent.

I had the privilege of having the ARC for both the digital and audio formats. I got a little behind on reviewing when I had surgery but am almost caught back up. The narrator on this one had the perfect audiobook voice and handled the voice narration like a pro, easy to listen to, and really brings Rachel Krall to life, along with the other characters. I adored the first one but I felt like this one did not live up to the first one. Do not get me wrong, it was still a good read/listen that I enjoyed, I was just hoping for more. However, I would definitely recommend this one and “Night Swim” to other readers.

What I Like:
✨Rachel Krall: I loved this badass true crime podcaster in Night Swim (book one and one of my favorite thrillers from 2020), and she doesn't back down in Dark Corners. She’s tough, methodical, and passionate about righting injustices. She works with Detective Joe to help solve a missing persons case. A romance develops between them, which feels a little like insta-lust. Personally, I could do without the romance, but I know other reviewers love the romantic suspense element.
✨Twisty Plot: Goldin plants plenty of red herrings. Some of the twists I guessed; others, I was dead wrong. I do think the reader needs to suspend some belief to make the twists work.
✨Narration/Audio production: I highly recommend this format! The narrators create tension and suspense while the production team nails the podcast feel!

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick read. There were lots of characters to keep track of, they were dealing with a possible serial killer so the names of possible victims were often mentioned. I liked the main characters well enough. The story moved at a pretty good pace. I got sort of bored with the influencer angle just since those characters were annoying as are most influencers.

This said it was the second book in the series. I didn't read the first and was still able to follow the story so it seems like it can be done as a stand alone.

There was more than one narrator, but they all did a good job of emoting and changing voices.

3.5 ish

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

I enjoyed Night Swim by Megan Goldin and was so excited when she announced another Rachel Krall book.

Rachel Krall finds herself embroiled in the mysterious disappearance of Maddison, a popular influencer. Things get interesting when they discover that Terence, a soon-to-be-released prisoner with a possible connection to the murders of several women, was one of the last people Maddison visited. Stuck in their investigation, the FBI calls Krall. Can she discover Maddison's whereabouts before it is too late?

Dark Corners was a lot of fun. While I did find part of the mystery to be a bit predictable, several things kept me on my toes. The ending was full of tension and a bit of a nail-biter.

I read other reviews that Rachel seemed out of character in this installment, some noting they felt like she was rude. I didn't notice this. However, I read Night Swim a while ago. I am not sure I remember her characterization enough to note any changes.

For me, the downsides were mostly due to my personal preferences. I am not a huge fan of social media/influencers in books. It just doesn't do much for me. One thing I liked about Night Swim was the courtroom drama, and there is none of that here. Also, I do think it was a bit long, and there was some repetitiveness I could have done without. However, I still enjoyed Dark Corners, and recommend it to fans of Rachel Krall, mixed media, true crime podcasts, mysteries, and thrillers.

I highly recommend this as an audiobook. The podcast sections bring the story to life. All three narrators do a fantastic job. One of them is January LaVoy, who I love.

Further, this is technically book two in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.