Center Stage

Magnolia Steele Mystery, Book 1

By: Denise Grover Swank

Narrated by: Elise Arsenault

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 treasured 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. She finds herself on her momma's porch, suitcase in hand.

Drama follows Magnolia around like a long-lost friend. She reluctantly agrees to help her momma'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 finds not only 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 big bad 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.

©2016 Denise Grover Swank (P)2016 Tantor

DGS Books

I love this narrator on this books I think she did awesome. DGS did it again. I can't wait till next next book!

Center Stage

I read this story hoping! it might be at least half as good as the first one I've had & can happily say I finally found a new favorite author. Time to start the next novel. I HIGHLY recommend this author as a 10!!

Slow story initially, wish book was a bit longer

The book had a bit of a slow build, but gets much better towards end. I wish the author went into a bit more detail with the mystery side of the story.

Denise Grover Swank has come a long way.

The first books that I read of Denise Grover Swank were really good. Kept my attention from page 1. This book was much better. The characters have more depth and the story is so much more. The narration was really very well done also.

Captivating

Denise never disappoints on a captivating story makes you keep listening to find out what happens with all the twists and turns!

Mystery

I enjoy the mystery and intrigue of this story. I enjoyed the different characters in this book.

Must read

Must ready all three. I couldnt stop listening they were so great. Who doesn't love a great love story.

Surprisingly good

This is the first book By this author that I have enjoyed. I already bought the next 3 bioks in the series. Elise Arsenault did a good job bringing the characters to life.

Slow start and meh for a while...

Although I didn't necessarily struggle to keep listening, I can't say I was completely invested until about halfway...or maybe further.

I would say it felt like the exposition was drawn out, but I that's not really true. The main mystery of this story does, in fact, get underway fairly quickly; I think the issues are: first, it takes a lot of time -- and effort -- to warm up to the main character; and, second, I found the subplot more interesting than the main story. Obviously, this subplot will be further explored throughout the series, to which I greatly look forward.

But, back to the matter of the main character being hard to love... Magnolia is often prickly, bordering on downright unfriendly. I understand this is a defense mechanism, legitimately warranted by her history. I also suspect Magnolia's flaws are probably a deliberate aspect of her character arc, and, to be fair, she does become (even if only slightly) less tedious by the conclusion. Still, by the end, I can't say I quite love her yet, but I don't hate her, either. I'm cautiously hopeful about Magnolia as a character; as for the plot, I am very intrigued and eager to move on to the second book.

great book

totally enjoyable great characters 👍 can wait to see if there is another. fun.
.