I will admit that I’m kind of tired of the true crime podcaster solving a mystery trope. Maybe it’s because I spent almost two years working on a true crime podcast, and I’m over it. The premise of the book definitely captivated me, though, so I decided to give it a try, and I am glad I did.

This is the second book focusing on Rachel Krall, a true crime podcaster. I considered reading the first book before reading this one. I ended up not doing it, and from what I can tell, there were no spoilers from the first book in this one. It was also its own story, so you don’t have to have read the first book to enjoy this one, though I do plan to go back and read it because I do really like the character of Rachel.

This is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that kept me engrossed and on the edge of my seat for most of the book. What I especially liked was that I didn’t spend the entire time trying to figure out whodunnit. The bad guy is called out from the top of the book, so we spend the entire time figuring out why and how everyone and all of the craziness is connected, which makes for a very enjoyable read.

The character development in Dark Corners is superb. Rachel Krall is a complex and compelling protagonist who is forced to confront her own fears and vulnerabilities as she delves deeper into the world of social media influencers – something she’s never seen herself as despite having a world-famous podcast. I’ve never fully understood what an influencer does (or why), so it was interesting to dive deep into the life of an influencer and how cutthroat it all is.

In addition to Rachel, the supporting characters in this book are also well-written and multifaceted. From the enigmatic Terence Bailey to the ambitious Maddison Logan and the super creepy “big bad,” each character has their own unique motivations and secrets that kept me guessing. Goldin expertly weaves their stories together, creating a web of deception and intrigue that left my head spinning just enough to keep me engaged but not so much that I grew frustrated.

The pacing in Dark Corners is top-notch. Goldin knows exactly when to ratchet up the tension and when to give readers a moment to catch their breath. The short, punchy chapters kept me engaged and made it nearly impossible to put the book down. Each twist and turn in the plot had me eagerly flipping the pages.

Goldin’s writing style is also a major highlight of this book. I felt like I was right there with Rachel as she infiltrated the world of social media influencers. Goldin’s attention to detail and ability to create a tense atmosphere is truly impressive.

Another thing that Goldin handles expertly is the intricate plot. There are so many crazy things going on and so many disappearances and deaths that it teetered on the verge of becoming over-convoluted, but I never found myself lost or confused, and everything made sense when all was said and done.

Overall, Dark Corners is an addictive and compelling read that will leave you wanting more. Goldin’s masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters make this book a standout in the thriller genre. Whether you’re a fan of true crime or just love a good mystery, this book is sure to satisfy you.