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vereadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The Night Swin is one of my favorite thrillers. I wasn’t expecting another book about Rachel Krall. So, I was very excited to listen to her podcast again. That’s why I immediately grabbed the book.
In this book, we follow our favorite crime podcaster to Daytona Beach. There, Rachel helps FBI agent Martínez investigate the disappearance of well-known influencer Madison Logan, who disappeared hours before visiting a serial killer in prison.
Dark Corners is an intriguing, fast-paced thriller that grabs you from the start. The story explores the world of influencers and adds some interesting social commentary on how influencers portray a perfect life on social media. And this is not always a faithful reflection of their reality. However, I didn’t like this part of the plot and found it boring.
Rachael is a likable character, intelligent, and easy to follow. Her role in this story is more active than in The Night Swin. Here, we discover the woman behind the popular true-crime podcast. In this book, we learn more about her and see a small romance between her and the FBI agent. Also, in this book, Rachel becomes the protagonist of her case.
The book has 3 different points of view (Rachael, The FBI agent, and the murderer) and the Podcast chapters. I didn’t like the killer’s POV. It would have worked better if the author introduced his POV later in the story.
Unlike The Night Swin, where the podcast integrated smoothly with the story, here the podcast feels detached from the initial events of the book. Then, as the plot progresses, it becomes integrated into the main story.
The book does not disappoint. I hope the author continues this series. She has in me a loyal fan of the podcast and Rachael Krall.
In this book, we follow our favorite crime podcaster to Daytona Beach. There, Rachel helps FBI agent Martínez investigate the disappearance of well-known influencer Madison Logan, who disappeared hours before visiting a serial killer in prison.
Dark Corners is an intriguing, fast-paced thriller that grabs you from the start. The story explores the world of influencers and adds some interesting social commentary on how influencers portray a perfect life on social media. And this is not always a faithful reflection of their reality. However, I didn’t like this part of the plot and found it boring.
Rachael is a likable character, intelligent, and easy to follow. Her role in this story is more active than in The Night Swin. Here, we discover the woman behind the popular true-crime podcast. In this book, we learn more about her and see a small romance between her and the FBI agent. Also, in this book, Rachel becomes the protagonist of her case.
The book has 3 different points of view (Rachael, The FBI agent, and the murderer) and the Podcast chapters. I didn’t like the killer’s POV. It would have worked better if the author introduced his POV later in the story.
Unlike The Night Swin, where the podcast integrated smoothly with the story, here the podcast feels detached from the initial events of the book. Then, as the plot progresses, it becomes integrated into the main story.
The book does not disappoint. I hope the author continues this series. She has in me a loyal fan of the podcast and Rachael Krall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Murder, Gun violence, Stalking, and Kidnapping
lololovesthings's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
4 stars!
Megan Goldin's "Dark Corners" is a gripping, thrilling novel that I could not put down. It is fast-paced, extremely well written, intriguing, and kept me guessing until the very end. It's full of drama, death, and a unique commentary about podcasting, our society's obsession with true crime, and influencer culture. I hope there is going to be another Rachel Krall novel because I will absolutely read it. As Rachel attempts to discover what's going on with a soon to be released prisoner by the name of Terence Bailey and his possible connection to six murdered women. Bailey has never had one visitor in all the time he has been in prison, except for a few days before he set to be released when a van-life influencer named Madison Logan visits him. It's a race against the clock as the FBI ask for Rachel's help after she is roped into the case. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this book. Please give us more Rachel Krall, Megan!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Megan Goldin, and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.
Megan Goldin's "Dark Corners" is a gripping, thrilling novel that I could not put down. It is fast-paced, extremely well written, intriguing, and kept me guessing until the very end. It's full of drama, death, and a unique commentary about podcasting, our society's obsession with true crime, and influencer culture. I hope there is going to be another Rachel Krall novel because I will absolutely read it. As Rachel attempts to discover what's going on with a soon to be released prisoner by the name of Terence Bailey and his possible connection to six murdered women. Bailey has never had one visitor in all the time he has been in prison, except for a few days before he set to be released when a van-life influencer named Madison Logan visits him. It's a race against the clock as the FBI ask for Rachel's help after she is roped into the case. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this book. Please give us more Rachel Krall, Megan!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Megan Goldin, and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Stalking, and Kidnapping
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I was so excited to pick this up because of how much I enjoyed "The Night Swim" last year.
"Dark Corners" is the next installment in the Rachel Krall series. Rachel Krall runs a very successful crime podcast and is responsible for solving several cold cases. Maddison Logan is a very successful influencer, who has recently gone missing after visiting Terence Bailey in prison. Terence is about to finally be released after serving his time for a breaking and entering crime, but the FBI believe he is also responsible for the death of six women. The FBI invite Rachel to Florida in the hopes that she can help keep Terrence behind bars and help to find Maddison alive.
This book was kind of a disappointment. What I had loved about Rachel in "The Night Swim" seemed to have vanished in this story. Rachel seemed like she got lucky with the "clues" to uncover what truly was going on, and it bothered me because I wanted to see her think more critically and highlight that she does have the mind to think creatively to solve crimes. She was just kind of a puppet that characters shared things with and Rachel in turn shared with the FBI. It felt like the FBI would have solved the case without her, and they were really only one step behind. Additionally, RACHEL DID NOT NEED A ROMANCE. This added nothing to the story and just annoyed me as a reader.
The crime and mystery were fine, but I did not think it was anything super special or interesting. We did get to read from the killer's perspective at times, which was an interesting writing tactic, but it kind of killed the mystery of what was going on.
I do not know if I really desire to read more from this world, but I would be inclined to pick up more from Megan Goldin in the future.
"Dark Corners" is the next installment in the Rachel Krall series. Rachel Krall runs a very successful crime podcast and is responsible for solving several cold cases. Maddison Logan is a very successful influencer, who has recently gone missing after visiting Terence Bailey in prison. Terence is about to finally be released after serving his time for a breaking and entering crime, but the FBI believe he is also responsible for the death of six women. The FBI invite Rachel to Florida in the hopes that she can help keep Terrence behind bars and help to find Maddison alive.
This book was kind of a disappointment. What I had loved about Rachel in "The Night Swim" seemed to have vanished in this story. Rachel seemed like she got lucky with the "clues" to uncover what truly was going on, and it bothered me because I wanted to see her think more critically and highlight that she does have the mind to think creatively to solve crimes. She was just kind of a puppet that characters shared things with and Rachel in turn shared with the FBI. It felt like the FBI would have solved the case without her, and they were really only one step behind. Additionally, RACHEL DID NOT NEED A ROMANCE. This added nothing to the story and just annoyed me as a reader.
The crime and mystery were fine, but I did not think it was anything super special or interesting. We did get to read from the killer's perspective at times, which was an interesting writing tactic, but it kind of killed the mystery of what was going on.
I do not know if I really desire to read more from this world, but I would be inclined to pick up more from Megan Goldin in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Bullying, Murder, Stalking, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Blood
Moderate: Gun violence
soobooksalot's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
You don't need to read The Night Swim to enjoy Dark Corners - the twists are waiting and can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for my eARC for review!
Podcaster Rachel Krall is back, and even more famous since her coverage of the sexual assault case depicted in The Night Swim.
Rachel is asked by the FBI to meet with inmate Terrance Bailey, as her name came up during his meeting with visitor Maddison Logan. Maddison is an influencer and went missing after visiting the prison, and Rachel appears to be the next target.
I've seen some mixed reviews on this one, yet personally I enjoyed it, though not quiteas much as The Night Swim. There's a lot going on, from missing persons and murder investigations, a uniquely creepy rideshare driver, BuzzCom event for content creators, and Terrence Bailey's release back into society.
Recommended!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for my eARC for review!
Podcaster Rachel Krall is back, and even more famous since her coverage of the sexual assault case depicted in The Night Swim.
Rachel is asked by the FBI to meet with inmate Terrance Bailey, as her name came up during his meeting with visitor Maddison Logan. Maddison is an influencer and went missing after visiting the prison, and Rachel appears to be the next target.
I've seen some mixed reviews on this one, yet personally I enjoyed it, though not quiteas much as The Night Swim. There's a lot going on, from missing persons and murder investigations, a uniquely creepy rideshare driver, BuzzCom event for content creators, and Terrence Bailey's release back into society.
Recommended!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Drug use, Murder, Alcohol, Death, Infidelity, and Kidnapping
astoriareader's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
SYNOPSIS:
- Shortly after meeting with Terence Bailey, an inmate in a Florida prison, Maddison Logan, a popular #vanlife influencer, disappears. In the meeting, Rachel Krall’s name came up, so the FBI flies Rachel to Florida.
- Rachel is a popular true-crime podcaster, and she has made a name for herself in the podcasting world.
- Terence Bailey will be released in a few days. He is a suspected serial killer, but there’s no evidence to tie him to any of the killings. He went to jail when he was twenty-one years old, and now, he’s twenty-seven years old.
MY THOUGHTS
- I hadn’t read book 1 (Night Swim) before, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. It was good as a stand-alone book.
- I read this one in less than 24 hours, and I found myself thinking about it in the moments I put the book down.
- Really enjoyed the character development. Rachel is a capable, strong-willed, smart character.
- Multiple POVs, including Rachel’s, one scary dude, & a podcast transcript.
- Loved the ending and the many twists throughout that kept me in suspense
- I liked the romantic aspect in the book, but felt the chemistry between the characters.
- Excellent writing. Complex plot, but well-plotted and easy to follow.
- Short chapters, which I love.
- The commentary on influencers throughout was timely, observant, and interesting.
TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 stars rounded to 5, as I finished in less than 24 hours. Solid thriller with a well-written, capable woman as the MC.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. It will be published on August 8, 2023.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Confinement, Kidnapping, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent and Stalking
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the kind of book you want to bring to the beach with you. It’s a pop thriller that’s easily bingeable and keeps your interest throughout. With a Daytona Beach setting, you can feel the sand beneath your toes and the humid heat seep through the pages. I think this book really shines on audio, as there are multiple narrators and interesting musical stings to delineate the podcast Rachel from present Rachel’s internal monologue. January LaVoy I is one of my favourite narrators, so it’s always a pleasure to hear her do her thing.
While I liked this book, it wasn’t my favourite of Megan Goldin’s. So much of this book seems so unrealistic, so you really have to suspend your disbelief for some of the plot points, including the inciting incident. It’s also missing some of the journalistic intrigue that she brings to the earlier book in the series, The Night Swim. And I really didn’t like the parts about the content creators. I felt that the scenes came across as just moments to judge those who make a living on social media, which were shoehorned in without really adding much to the story.
I’d recommend this book to those who enjoy
- Books with podcast elements
- Thrillers filled with red herrings
- Beat the clock police procedural’s
Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada and Netgalley for an advanced listeners copy of this one. Overall, I liked it, and it kept my attention throughout, having read it in under a week!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Kidnapping, Death, Toxic relationship, and Grief
naturallynoni's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Murder
bookshelf_al's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Murder
Minor: Grief
gretchenplz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Megan comes through with another SMASH!
I was sucked into this book and was unable to put it down! The number of things that were just lovely distractions from the true plot was expert-level.
I admit that I was a bit scared to read this because of how heavy The Night Swim was, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really admire Megan's dedication to bringing awareness to issues, like the lack of attention the missing POC women and men get in the media.
Honestly, the people mad about the depiction of influencers in this book crack me up — that's exactly how they are and I thought it added a layer to the story that enhanced the mysteriousness of the plot. You never knew who at BuzzCon was actually being sincere!
Now all I need is a Joe Martinez book! Give it to me!
I was sucked into this book and was unable to put it down! The number of things that were just lovely distractions from the true plot was expert-level.
I admit that I was a bit scared to read this because of how heavy The Night Swim was, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really admire Megan's dedication to bringing awareness to issues, like the lack of attention the missing POC women and men get in the media.
Honestly, the people mad about the depiction of influencers in this book crack me up — that's exactly how they are and I thought it added a layer to the story that enhanced the mysteriousness of the plot. You never knew who at BuzzCon was actually being sincere!
Now all I need is a Joe Martinez book! Give it to me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Kidnapping
Minor: Drug use and Drug abuse
imfixintoread's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
I have mixed feelings about this book--I read it quickly and found it entertaining or interesting at parts. Other parts fell flat for me. One thing I found difficult was the influencer angle. While there were parts with truth to the culture, other parts were awkwardly stereotypical. I felt like some of the plot was watered down and the ending felt really fast. All that to say, I did enjoy it and have already loaned to a friend whose interest was piqued.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Kidnapping