Dark Corners is the second novel Megan Goldin has written featuring True Crime Podcaster, Rachel Krall. Even though this is the second book with Rachel as a main character, in my opinion, this can be enjoyed as a standalone. I would recommend the first novel though, The Night Swim, because it is such a great story. Additionally, I would recommend the audiobooks for both of these titles, as the podcasting elements translate so well to that format.

This story begins shortly after Rachel finishes up her investigation that was covered in the first book. She has just returned home and is ready for a little R&R. It's at that time, of course, that she receives an intriguing call from an FBI Agent located in Florida. He's working an active missing person case. It's a bit of an odd case and he is seeking Rachel's help. Unable to resist temptation to learn more about the case, Rachel agrees to meet with him. She packs her bag and heads out.

The missing person in question is Maddison Logan, a young influencer with a huge social media following. She had recently been to visit a man, Terence Bailey, imprisoned on a B&E charge, but long suspected of actually having been responsible for the deaths of six women. Shortly after leaving the prison, Maddison disappears. The FBI have hit a dead end. Maddison's life is a complete mystery. She doesn't even use her real name. How are they ever going to find out more about her?

Thus, Rachel gets shoved into the world of high-profile influencers. Creating a fake Instagram account, Rachel is able to infiltrate BuzzCon, a popular influence conference, which happens to be underway in the local area.
There Rachel learns more about the influencer culture, Maddison and the people she associates with online. Per usual, Rachel is like a dog with a bone when it comes to investigating crimes. She won't give up until she gets answers. The FBI definitely called on the right girl.

I really enjoyed this one. I was a bit nervous going in, because I had read some less than stellar early reviews, but luckily, for me, this was a hit rather than a miss. I became invested in the mystery early and felt the audiobook was an incredible way to experience it. I liked the examination of influencer culture and the convention was a great way for Rachel to immerse herself in that community.

I also found the mystery involving Terence Bailey and Maddison's disappearance so interesting. There were a lot of moving pieces and it wasn't always as easy to make out who was who, but I feel like it had a way of working itself out. There were moments where I would start to get confused amongst the characters, but overall, I feel like Goldin pulled it together as the reveals were starting to happen.

There was a romance subplot, which I'm on the fence about. I could have taken it, or left it far behind. I ended up really liking the love interest, so I'm ultimately okay with it and actually hope they are in future books. With this being said, at no time during The Night Swim did I ever think, 'you know what would make this better? If Rachel had a man?' Never once.

Of course, if that is my biggest meh-moment with this story, I would say that's pretty good. I'm not sure what the plans are for Rachel Krall. If there are going to be more books in this series, or not. I certainly hope so.
I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys taut and compelling mysteries, with a True Crime podcast element. I think these mysteries are well plotted and there are exciting twists and turns along the way.

Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I look forward to more from Megan Goldin!

Megan Goldin is a beautiful writer. I really love her thrillers and I find myself sucked into her plots and her characters. Hope we get more Rachel and Joe in the future.

"The scariest monsters are the ones who hide in plain sight."

Or hide in dark corners! From the start the entertaining often anxiety inducing Dark Corners by psychological thriller author Megan Goldin had my full attention.

Follow closely because the plot is simple in some ways but a bit of a twister (see what I did there 😉). Terence Bailey is getting out of jail for violent crimes in 2 days. A popular media influencer, Maddison visits him and right after goes missing. Now FBI agent Joe Martinez knows Terence didn't take her but maybe an accomplice helped him. See, Joe believes Terence is a serial killer but he can't prove it. He wants to keep him from leaving jail. He brings in true crime podcaster Rachel Krall, who we met in the author's previous thriller Night Swim, because her name came up between Terrence and Madison.

From this point all hell breaks loose, people die, and Terence gets out of jail. What I enjoyed in between reading this standalone book 2 of the Rachel Krall series, was listening to the audiobook where we get Rachel's POV through her podcast. It felt like a real true crime podcast.

Narrators January Lavoy, Andre Santana and Samantha Desz are flawless in their roles definitely amping up the tension. Now there are twists you will see coming but one you will not. The killer's POV is chilling in his belief in the necessity of these murders. He made me shiver.

The chemistry between Joe and Rachel was explosive and I appreciated their moments as a breather in the midst of all the commotion. A lot is revealed at the start of this story but beware, "Always know what you're walking into. Dark corners can be danger points."

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A solid mystery with its own clever twists. Rachel Krall is the main character in this novel and this is the second book that she has starred in. I enjoyed Night Swim a great deal. Even though Dark Corners didn't mesmerize me quite as much, it's still a good read.

This story revolves around the world of influencers. A young influencer is missing and Rachel is pulled into it when she finds out that the girl had left a message for her. Things only get more interesting when there are links made to a man getting ready to be released from prison. Could he be related to the missing influencer? There seem to be too many coincidences.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I also received an early copy of the audiobook and really enjoyed listening to this book. This type of story really lent itself to this format and the narration felt spot on. 4 1/2 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for both early copes of the ebook and audiobook.

I loved this audio book! The narration plus of course the story were so good! I can’t believe I didn’t know there was a prequel about our main character (but this one is a good stand-alone). I started listening at night and would totally jump at any weird sounds that I would hear! This one was unique to me in that we had two points of view, but then also a side podcast episode that I take it was the future release of Rachel’s podcast series. I thought I had it figured out, but I didn’t guess the twist exactly (no surprise there). Then ending was very neatly wrapped in my opinion. Definitely recommend this one as an audio book!

Loved this audio!!! As the book is about a podcast journalist, when the chapters came where she did her podcast, I felt like I was actually listening to a true crime podcast which I love!! This book had me hooked right away and I had no idea what was coming. Loved all the POVs and of course I am a huge Rachel fan!!! Thank you NetGally for the arc!

Here we go again! Rachel Krall is back!

This time, the FBI needs her help with a case and Rachel can't help but be intrigued. That is until, Terrence Bailey, the suspect Rachel is tasked with interviewing is released and appears to be hot on her tail. Rachel however, doesn't back down. Why? Maddison Logan, a social media influencer has gone missing and Rachel feels compelled to help, even if it costs her.

A thriller that keeps you on your toes, Megan Goldin, knows how to keep readers gripped to the pages. While this wasn't my favorite book by her, I enjoyed it.

A buddy listen with Kaceey.
3.5 Stars

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the arc and Macmillan audio for the alc.

I love this Rachel Karl series. The true crime podcast element is something I love in books and especially the way this series includes it. This time we’re with Rachel in Daytona Beach where she finds herself tangled in another high profile and twisted case. This thriller was fast-paced and gave a glimpse into the word of social media influencers which was very interesting as well. I throughly enjoyed this one and I’ll definitely continue to read this series.

The Night Swim is one of my all time favourite thrillers that I’m constantly recommending so when I found out it was getting turned into a series, I was so excited!

This one takes a bit of a different approach than the first as instead of the podcast angle, we dive into the social media world and get an influencer trope. While I did find this element quite intriguing and really liked the BuzzCon idea, I did find myself missing the podcast and therefore it felt like a little of the magic from the first one was lost.

Goldin continued with a dark and sinister theme and provided us with an abundance of compelling red herrings and misdirections! Rachel continued to be the strong and determined protagonist that we originally met and I enjoyed following along with her journey and investigation.

While the plot was quite complex at times, I liked that I didn’t get confused and I applaud Goldin’s stellar writing for this!

While this can certainly be read as a standalone, by no means do I recommend passing up on reading The Night Swim first!!

I am a big fan of Megan Goldin and her coming back to her series about the podcaster Rachel Krall was an excellent decision. Podcasters and influencer characters are all the rage right now and this one is very well done.

I mainly listened to the audiobook for this one and this is definitely the way to go. This audiobook is so engaging and brings this podcast and story to life. I loved seeing Rachel back in action. I loved The Night Swim and was excited to see Rachel dig into another muder.

I love the short chapters and fast paced storyline. A fun page turner but I liked The Night Swim better.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of Megan Goldin's, 'Dark Corners'. I absolutely loved listening to this book, it felt like I was listening to a TV show or movie. The narrators were fantastic and the background music and sound effects made it sound so real. As far as the story goes, it kept me guessing the entire time and had a few twists that I did not anticipate.

I've enjoyed a few of Megan Goldin's books. I was excited about this book 2 and that it was going to be a series but the main character Rachel got on my nerves in this one. Something about the whole story felt off to me BUT I did end up enjoying the plot line.
“Always know what you’re walking into. Dark corners can be danger points.”

This was a really enjoyable listen! The production was well done, and the story was engaging and intriguing. There were a lot of twists and turns, and the writer held my attention and piqued my curiosity throughout. The characters were well-rounded, believable, and, most importantly, likeable. I would absolutely read another Megan Goldin book and recommend her to other readers and listeners.

Famous true crime podcaster Rachel Krall is back!!

Asked to assist with a case by the FBI, Krall goes undercover as an influencer to help solve the disappearance of influencer Maddison , who was last seen visiting an inmate about to be released. This inmate is suspected of being a serial killer.

Rachel’s unusual way of looking at things will either bust this case wide open or will lead to her downfall. Exellent who done it.

I was excited to get an advance audio by @macmillan.audio for Megan Goldin‘s newest Dark Corners !
This book followed true crime podcast host Rachel Crall as she is being contacted by the FBI because her name has come up in connection with an older and potentially colder series of disappearances and murders - now reignited with a more recent disappearance. She is first reluctant but then quickly intrigued and builds a trust relationship with FBI Agent Joe Martinez and „infiltrating“ an influencer conference which the police and FBI have a hard time getting useful information from. She gets these successful influencers to divulge some of their secrets but as soon as she starts one of the influencers turns up dead … this thriller pulled me in and I wanted to figure out what was going on as quickly as possible. The audio format worked exceptionally well for this book because podcast segments with a starting jingle and all were interspersed with the chapters from alternating POVs and gave the reader/listener background or additional knowledge. The book moved quickly and the thrilling component of action, believable potential culprits and the investigative element with peeling back layers and revealing where previous investigations had gone awry made for fascinating reading and listening - this was a fun escapist thriller ! The escapist element helped by the fact that the setting is a fancy resort hotel in Daytona, Florida and their are runs and walks on the beach, swimming and beautiful drinks and fabulous breakfast buffets !

Dark Corners starts with Terence Bailey about to be released from prison for breaking and entering, though investigators have reasons to suspect him in the murders of six women. Bailey, who never gets visitors, gets a surprise visit from Maddison Logan, a hot, young influencer with a huge social media following. Oddly after the visit, Maddison disappears, and police suspect foul play? Hmm… is her disappearance connected to her visit to this suspected serial killer and just why was she visiting him in the first place? He couldn’t have kidnapped Madison. because he’s locked up, right? Oh but could there be an accomplice on the outside?

The FBI is at a wall in the investigation and reluctantly asks Rachel Krall, the popular true crime podcaster for help. Maddison seems only to exist on social media, with 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 deadly rivalry.

Welcome to the dark corners of the Internet.,

Thus slow burn thriller was great as an audio. The different narrator voices added to the drama as did the music and background sounds, like the crickets and birds.

I recommend Megan Goldin’s well written book and particularly the audio version. Dark Corners is #2 in her Rache Krall series but reads fine as a stand-alone.

As Terence Bailey's release from prison draws near, investigators' suspicions about his involvement in six unsolved murders of women intensify. Things are further complicated when Madison Logan, a popular social media influencer, visits Bailey and then goes missing soon after her encounter with Baily. What has happened to the young woman?

Enter crime podcaster Rachel Krull. Layered in amongst this thrilling missing person case is a deeper look at the impact of social media on our everyday lives. The audiobook is narrated by a cast featuring a full cast lead by André Santana, January LaVoy, and Samantha Desz. This was a fun thriller with twists and turns I didn't see coming and recommended for anyone who loves thrillers.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s press for this ARC audiobook. I was really excited for Megan’s second novel. I read the night swim two years ago and loved! Maybe it was the format, maybe it was the multiple characters & type of thriller this was, but it was just okay for me. I never felt the “ I can’t wait to read more” but more excitement to finish it for my TBR. I’ll probably try more of hers, but change the format to a physical copy.

4.5 stars, rounded up

Kudos to Megan Goldin on another good thriller! Goldin has shown us that she can consistently write foreboding, twisty, creative but mostly believable, and very creepy thrillers. What more do we need, really??

Dark Corners is a second installment featuring podcaster / sleuth, Rachel Krall, though, I don’t think you have to have experienced book one to enjoy this novel. This story is just the right amount of twisty - no predictable, but the twists aren't so unexpected that we have wandered into downright unbelievable territory. I really enjoyed the flow of this story and felt like it went along at a great pace. Additionally, contrary to some other books, I felt like the the multiple points of view contributed well and that the various lenses helped to up the darkness and creep factor quite a bit.

I have some very minor grievances with this novel, including Rachel planting herself into Camp Risky Behavior quite firmly, and our getting into the Influencer culture weeds just a bit. BUT, all in all, I found both of these to be pretty fleeting and minor.

I would pretty broadly recommend this one. In particular, I think fans of the “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder…” series would like this - it has the same vibe but make it adult.

For audio listeners: the voice actors were fantastic! (To be fair, I could probably listen to January Lavoy read a phonebook and enjoy it immensely.)

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for this free review copy! #DarkCorners #netgalley

I highly enjoyed this suspenseful crime novel. I was unsure if I would be able to fully connect with the story and characters as this was my first book in the Rachel Krall series. Fortunately, the author included enough backstory to understand Rachel’s actions and motivations without having read the first book of the series (although now I am adding it to my TBR). I liked how the author weaved in the characters’ stories throughout causing the reader to reevaluate preconceived notions.

The influencer side of things was an interesting perspective. Using everyday activities such as posting on social media or booking a ride share made the story eerily relatable. My only critique would be that there was a lot of lead up to a quickly resolved action. Not that I would want any less for my characters, but I was expecting a little more in that department.

Thank you to Megan Goldin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced audiobook! I enjoyed the production quality especially the podcast parts of the book which included music, different narrators, and background noises. This was a nice touch that made it feel like a real podcast and added to the heart of Rachel’s story.