Center Stage

Magnolia Steele Mystery, Book 1

By: Denise Grover Swank

Narrated by: Elise Arsenault

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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!!

Captivating

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

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!

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.

great book

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

Frustrated by the non-ending

This is one of those series where you have to read four books to get the answer. I found the characters and story to be interesting . I wish it wasn’t a serial that was introduced as a series.

Loved it, can’t wait to read them all

Love these books, so far I’ve listened some of Denise Grover Swanks books and so far have loved them all! I won’t lie, they are a tad predictable but they are really good! :) her characters are so likable, and it’s easy to get invested! Can’t wait to listen the next in this series!

And one more note, I really love the narrator! She has such a soothing voice and she’s good at inflection. Makes it easy to listen too and like I said earlier...easy to get invested!

Well Written Mystery ... and country music.

What did you love best about Center Stage?

It's well written, flows naturally and doesn't feel contrived.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

If it was another author I probably would have thrown the book out the window. But for Denise Grover Swank I'm willing to hold off on my final judgement.

What does Elise Arsenault bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Has a reasonably good vocal range but struggled a little with male characters.