I've been a fan of author Megan Goldin since devouring her 2019 novel The Escape Room. She followed up that standalone thriller with The Night Swim, a searing portrait of a small-town rape trial and a cold case that cast a shadow over the entire city. When I learned she was writing a sequel to that work, I jumped at the chance to read it. Goldin's publisher provided me with the audiobook of Dark Corners. As I hit play, I was immediately immersed in the podcast, consumed by the crime and the story that was about to unfold.
As Terence Bailey's release from prison for breaking and entering draws near, investigators' suspicions about his involvement in six unsolved murders of women intensify. Are they seriously about to let this man walk free? Things are further complicated when Madison Logan, a popular social media influencer, visits Bailey. The details of their meeting aren't known, but Madison goes missing soon after her encounter with Baily. Investigators fear she may have been kidnapped or, worse, murdered. What has happened to the young woman? More troubling, why was she meeting with Bailey?
Crime podcaster Rachel Krall isn't exactly surprised when she gets a call from the FBI. A few years ago, she covered a high-profile rape trial that spiraled into a cold-case murder investigation. Her little podcast became a national sensation, skyrocketing the reach of her work. She is surprised, though, at what they are calling her about. With Rachel's social media popularity, the FBI seeks her help to uncover answers about the missing Madison Logan. In exchange for her assistance, Rachel will receive unprecedented access to the active missing persons case.
The case becomes even more perplexing as Maddison seems to exist solely within the realm of social media, with no trace of her offline identity. Undeterred, Rachel takes on an undercover persona using a fake Instagram account to delve into the world of influencers at BuzzCon, a significant influencer conference. As Rachel immerses herself in this fiercely competitive community, she discovers that the secrets and rivalries run deep. The discovery of a body with a disturbing tattoo raises fears that Bailey might have a dangerous accomplice and an alarming obsession with influencers, including Rachel herself.
Dark Corners sees Megan Goldin continue the story of her most intriguing character Rachel Krull. While this is a continuation of the story that began in The Night Swim, this book can be read as a standalone. Goldin provides enough backstory to fill in any gaps you may have missed from the prior novel. Where that book focussed on small-town politics and the haunting of the past, this work is much more rooted in the present. Layered in amongst the thrilling missing person case is a deeper contemplation on the impact of social media on our everyday lives. The line between reality and the persona we see on an app is called into question, adding a unique level of suspense to the story. The audiobook is narrated by a cast featuring André Santana, January LaVoy, Samantha Desz. They breathe life into the characters, and the podcast sections specifically feel ripped straight from reality. Megan Goldin is a standard setter in the world of thrillers, and Dark Corners continues to set that very high mark in the genre.
For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads.
(2023, 46)
Have you read Stay Awake? That's the one I've got on my TBR list, although all of her thrillers do sound like fast and fun reads.
ReplyDeleteI have! It is probably the weakest of her books, but still a solid thriller. I remember really enjoying the unreliable narrator aspect of it, but I did grow tired of how repetitive that made the plot.
DeleteOk, I need this one.
ReplyDeleteYou do! Have you already read The Night Swim?
DeleteI like the sound of this one and the premise.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good one!
DeleteIt's good you got to listen to this. I had read Sadie a while back which also featured a podcast, and I heard that the audiobook was amazing. I can imagine this was similar
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be a rising trend to feature podcasts in a book. LR Dorn has a couple thrillers out that follow the same idea.
DeleteI was thrilled to hear we'd be getting another Rachel Krall mystery since I loved The Night Swim! Such a compelling read! I really enjoyed this latest installment too! The audio was fantastic. The world of influencers is something else, right? I'm not sure if it's realistically portrayed, but I wouldn't be surprised.
ReplyDeleteI think there are probably levels to influencers, and those at the very top are probably similar to the characters portrayed in the book. Some may even consider you and I influencers in that we share our thoughts about the books we read and potentially influence our readers. That always makes me kind of chuckle when I think about it, though.
DeleteI really need to give this author a try. I have The Night Swim on my shelf and I think that this book sounds like something that I would love. It sounds like the audiobook was really well done and would probably be the way to experience this story.
ReplyDeleteBoth books are excellent. Easily the strongest novels she's written thus far.
DeleteI am so excited to read this. I got a copy from BOTM so hopefully soon. I loved The Night Swim.
ReplyDeleteLauren @ www.shootingstarsmag.net
I'm certain you'll love it!
DeleteJust requested The Night Swim at the library. Then I'll give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteNice! I'm eager to see what you think of them.
DeleteThe Night Swim already came in at the library, so I am picking it up this afternoon. I'm 24th on 8 copies for this one. I can't wait to read them!
DeleteThat's not too bad at all!
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