Center Stage by Denise Grover Swank
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Series: Magnolia Steele Mystery #1
Released March 15, 2017
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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 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 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.
Center Stage is the first book in the Magnolia Steel Mystery series by Denise Grover Swank. Although it is a bit slow because the foundation had to be laid, the story did not disappoint. Center Stage will have you intrigued and desperate for more information.
“Something so terrifying had happened to me that my mind had locked it away to protect me.”
Center Stage will give you just enough information that you think you have everything figured out, but at the same time, you are doubting everything you think you know. You are introduced to many characters and you will want to trust me and hate the others, but can you really trust them?
“To my surprise, I realized I was ready to come face to face with my past, ready to face the demons I’d left behind. Even if it would put me at center stage.”
This story has everything I look for in a romantic mystery/ suspense novel. A current murder investigation, a stalker, a love triangle beginning, (not too heavy on the romance) old family secrets coming into play and someone wanting to keep these secrets buried for good.
Magnolia is getting involved in trying to figure out what happened all those years ago that ran her out of town, that had her so terrified that she blocked it out, but someone is trying to run her off again to keep these secrets buried.
There are so many characters and so much happening that I can’t even begin to tell you how confused and hooked I am on Center Stage. If you are need of a romantic mystery hit, Center Stage is the book you need to read.
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