Center Stage for Murder: Magnolia Steele Mystery #1

Denise Grover Swank

Mar 2016 · Magnolia Steele Mystery Book 1 · DGS

About this ebook

First book in the four book USA Today bestselling Magnolia Steele Mystery series by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Denise Grover Swank.

Ten years ago, Magnolia Steele fled Franklin, Tennessee after an incident that left her with hazy memories and a horror of the place where she had been born and bred. Though her abrupt departure destroyed most of her relationships, she vowed never to return . . . until she has no choice. When Magnolia’s breakout acting role in a Broadway musical ends in disgrace, there’s only one place she can go.

Magnolia reluctantly agrees to help her mother’s catering company at a party for a country music star, only to find herself face-to-face with a sleazy music agent from her past. After a very public spat, Magnolia not only finds him dead but herself center stage in the police’s investigation. Now she must scramble to prove her innocence, relying on the help of acquaintances old and new.

But the longer Magnolia stays in Franklin, the more she remembers about the incident that chased her away. The past might not be finished with her yet, and what she doesn’t remember could be her biggest danger.

 

 

 

Ratings and reviews

I am a huge Denise Grover Swank fan and I've read pretty much everything she wrote. So of course I couldn't wait to get my hands on this latest mystery novel of hers. And let me tell you, it is simply extraordinary (like every single one of her books). The characters are definitely intriguing and you will simply fall in love with the heroine. The story in itself is full with twists and turns that will keep you on your toes, the whole time and once you read the last page it will just leave you wanting more. If you've read a DGS book before now, you know that you are up for a great read. But for those of you who haven't, here is a little bit of what you should expect. Magnolia is a woman who lived through a tragedy or two in her life that left deep scars and fears. And years ago, running from her home time was the only escape she could find. And it took her years and her life crashing down to finally go back home. Even though, her demons are still there, haunting her from the shadows. Keep in mind that this is a pretty suspenseful read, that will keep you awake till you read the last page. And after that, it will probably keep you awake craving the next book in the series :) So, yes, this is a great read and I can guarantee that you will love it. And if you aren't already a DGS fan, you will be after this book. The book has everything that will make your heart bleed for the heroine. This is simply a heartbreaking story full with mystery and suspense. Definitely an amazing and recommended read :)

Wow, another great series from Denise Grover Swank!! I didn't think I could love another of Denise's characters as much as I love Rose Gardner, but I think Magnolia Steele is sitting right there next to Rose. First of all, EVERY SINGLE book that Denise has written captures my attention and my heart from the very first pages. Center Stage is no different, your heart goes out to Magnolia as she is dealing with both her recent humiliation in New York City and the fear she feels from the events that happened 10 years ago, events that she can't remember but knows they were terrifying and caused her to leave Franklin, TN the very next day. The action kicks up rather quickly as a murder occurs, and of course Magnolia is in the wrong place at the wrong time and becomes the lead suspect. She takes it upon herself, along with some new friends and family, to investigate the crime and clear her name. Along the way, she finds herself in some awkward, scary, and surprising situations. Being home brings back more memories of the terrifying experience that caused her to leave 10 years ago, and some anonymous communications warning Magnolia to essentially keep it buried leave you at the edge of your seat to find out what happened on that fateful night. Seeing and interacting with people from her past leaves you feeling the guilt, sadness, and even anger that Magnolia is experiencing. I really enjoyed the fact that the new people that come into her circle give her a sense of happiness, belonging, and even possible romance. While the murders seem to be resolved by the end of this installment, I am not so sure that's the end of it. There is certainly many things left to explore, especially the characters and what happened since she left, potential love interests, the mystery of the fateful night all those years ago, and I almost forgot her DAD...I am so excited to see how these things play out and what adventures Magnolia is sure to get in as the series evolves. I am already impatiently waiting for the next book!!

This is a brand new series by Denise Grover Swank, and my believe is, it will be her best yet. Denise is a master at creating characters that you either want to love and hug or just plain slap. You fall for every emotion whilst reading her books and this one especially. Some tender moments between a mother and daughter is touching. There are a couple of central characters, but the main one being Magnolia Steele, a twenty-eighty year old woman returning home after fleeing ten years earlier. She just made her debut lead role on Broadway, in spectacular fashion, and runs to the only place she can, her Momma's. But her nightmare's are starting to feel all too real. Things happened ten years ago, that Magnolia can not remember but being back home is slowly bringing it all to light. And not everyone is happy to see that Magnolia has reappeared, one of them being her brother. I love the way that Denise can have a serious issue of murder but add enough humor into her writing that you will be giggling at times. Of course, you will feel for Magnolia on her quest to find the truth and to clear her name. Be warned, this is a series and not all answers will be revealed in the first book but I can assure you, you will get hooked in wanting to know what is next for Magnolia Steele.

About the author

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank has released over thirty novels and novellas and has sold over two million books. She writes mysteries with romance, humorous romance, light-hearted young adult romance, and urban fantasy. She lives in Blue Springs, Missouri with her three naughty dogs and six imaginative children. You can find out more about Denise at www.denisegroverswank.com.