A note before I get into my review: while this is technically the second in a series, this can absolutely be read as a standalone. There are a few references to The Night Swim, and both stories feature Rachel Krall, but the stories themselves are separate. Honestly, I didn’t even realize this was technically a sequel until after I read it.
The Night Swim Review
An investigation into the missing influencer Maddison Logan, has the FBI calling Rachel Krall to help the investigation. When current prisoner Terrance Bailey claims he’ll only talk to Rachel about the murders he’s suspected of committing, Rachel finds herself at the certain of a story much bigger than she ever anticipated.
While I enjoyed The Night Swim, I liked this story more but liked Rachel Krall less. I felt that she had a much stronger and forceful personality here. Normally I like that in a female lead, but Rachel seemed to just come off aggressive and slightly rude. I just remember her being much nicer and emphatic in the last book, but it has been a while since I read it. Regardless, while we get mutiple POVs, Rachel’s narration is the dominate voice and I was certainly hooked on the story.
The podcast format is different in this book compared to The Night Swim. While I read this one, I think the way each of the sections are delivered, it would make a great audiobook.
I could have used less from the Influencer conference and found those portions to run a bit long. They seemed to take away from the greater mystery at play and I could have done without a few of those red herrings.
This was definitely an enjoyable thriller. It’s perfect for summer since it’s set primarily in and around Daytona Beach. Even though I felt Rachel had a different personality, I’ll certainly be reading more future books.
Dark Corners comes out August 8, 2023. Huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof.books.
The Night Swim Review
Too many mysteries to read