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noelkendy's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book to the (hopefully VERY long) Magnolia Steele Mysteries. Denise Grover Swank did a phenomenal job on this one guys! If you loved her Rose Gardner mysteries, you’ll love her Magnolia Steele mysteries! It’s the story of a failed broad-way star returning home, where she isn’t exactly welcomed with open arms because she left so abruptly, but she has no choice being broke, homeless, and jobless. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she’s now a prime suspect in a murder… and she hasn’t even been home for 24 hours! And of course, it wouldn’t be a DGS novel without a little romance! There’s Colt, the super secret, so sexy it “tugs at your ovaries”, there’s Brady, who’s a super cute detective, that ran into Magnolia at a sandwich shop, and there’s her ex, Tanner who’s now engaged. I’m very excited to see how this series plays out, I know its going to be excellent, but I still can’t wait to see what happens! Highly recommend!
book_lady_13's review against another edition
5.0
A great start to another (hopefully) engaging and successful series! As a huge fan of Rose Gardner I was not too sure how to approach another book set in small town, USA where the main characters take it upon themselves to solve mysteries. Mostly I was concerned that DGW wouldn't be able to create wholly new characters and situations after so many Rose Gardner books. And WOW was I wrong to ever doubt!
This book follows Magnolia Steele who is as strong and independent as Rose Gardner was sheltered and unassuming at first. Or is she just a really great actress??
DGW created another cast of uniquely intriguing characters and possible love interests that will no doubt keep readers invested in this series for a while. And the hint of the mystery as to what has had Magnolia too scared to return home all these years plus the twist involving her father's sudden disappearance all those years ago will definitely keep me reading!
Overall Act One is a very promising start to the Magnolia Steele mystery series and while it will never replace my love for Rose Garnder (I am anxiously awaiting to see what she gets into next!) I am so happy DGW is giving me another series to fall in love with.
This book follows Magnolia Steele who is as strong and independent as Rose Gardner was sheltered and unassuming at first. Or is she just a really great actress??
DGW created another cast of uniquely intriguing characters and possible love interests that will no doubt keep readers invested in this series for a while. And the hint of the mystery as to what has had Magnolia too scared to return home all these years plus the twist involving her father's sudden disappearance all those years ago will definitely keep me reading!
Overall Act One is a very promising start to the Magnolia Steele mystery series and while it will never replace my love for Rose Garnder (I am anxiously awaiting to see what she gets into next!) I am so happy DGW is giving me another series to fall in love with.
spowers2627's review against another edition
4.0
I am a huge fan of Denise Grover Swank, so I decided to try this series. This first book of the series has a lot of mystery. From a dead body, to a missing father and a decade old mysterious event that caused Maggie to leave her hometown. Denise writes relationships so well! In this series the relationship between Magnolia and her mom stands out as true to life. I'm interested to see where this series goes, and am starting the second book ASAP!
cloudedsulphur's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve loved everything by Denise Grover Swank that I’ve read and this is no exception. She has a way of creating characters and scenes that stick with you, as if you were there all along. I’m interested to see what happens to Magnolia Steele and her friends and family as the story continues.
sarahmadams's review against another edition
3.0
I love Denise Grover Swank and read all of her Rose Gardner mysteries, but this book didn't do it for me. I'm trying to pinpoint exactly what it was. I think there was just too much going on. The main case was resolved too easily and there was too much focus on things that will be (I think) solved in later books. I actually like cliffhangers, but this was more than a cliffhanger. There was no climax. No satisfying resolution.
That said, the characters were well-drawn and it was an easy and enjoyable read. I'll probably read the next book in the series just because I love DGS so much!
That said, the characters were well-drawn and it was an easy and enjoyable read. I'll probably read the next book in the series just because I love DGS so much!
stephaniek219's review against another edition
5.0
Magnolia Steele left home to escape something she doesn't even remember. Now she's returned under embarrassing circumstances and feeling like a failure. Her past - both from her childhood and NY- haunt her present, and threaten her future.
Old friendships must be rebuilt, new friendships develop, and possible romance teases. And mystery abounds!
Old friendships must be rebuilt, new friendships develop, and possible romance teases. And mystery abounds!
cstenson20's review against another edition
5.0
I stared this book skeptical if it could live up to my love for the Rose Gardener series. A few chapters in and I knew I would love Magnolia just as much. All of her strength and vulnerability all in one - she's amazing. Denise sure knows how to make you fall in love with a character. Every twist and turn keeps you up at night worried about what might happen next, praying the author doesn't go and break your heart! I love that it's not just a single mystery going on. There's mystery's in Maggies past AND her present and I love finding new information with her. I'm hoping Magnolia can find someone to trust implicitly. I will absolutely be reading the rest of the series to answer all of the questions I have.
kduncan's review against another edition
4.0
Good start to a new series. Not sure if I like it as much as the Rose Gardner series but definitely still worth reading!
musingsbysophie's review against another edition
4.0
Great start to what I'm sure will be an amazing series.
For some reason I put off reading this book, maybe it's my love of Denise's other mystery series and main character Rose and worry that the lead in this book would be similar. Why I thought this you ask? I have no clue, as I was completely wrong.
Mongolia is a brilliant character, one who is complex. Her talent as an actress helps her wear different masks, but deep down you know she is a nice person. I like how this novel has started to develop a huge underlining story as well as love interests. I cannot wait for the next book to be released in September... I rate it 4 1/2 stars!
MUST READ!!!
For some reason I put off reading this book, maybe it's my love of Denise's other mystery series and main character Rose and worry that the lead in this book would be similar. Why I thought this you ask? I have no clue, as I was completely wrong.
Mongolia is a brilliant character, one who is complex. Her talent as an actress helps her wear different masks, but deep down you know she is a nice person. I like how this novel has started to develop a huge underlining story as well as love interests. I cannot wait for the next book to be released in September... I rate it 4 1/2 stars!
MUST READ!!!
mrvm's review against another edition
5.0
Denise does it again! I loved this, there are so many mysteries to solve, who is the killer? Why did she leave town so suddenly? What happened to her father? We solved one of these answers in this book, as for the other I have so many theories! This does have some similarities to the Rose books, possible love interest who is a cop, possible love triangle, a horrible sibling, and the !ain character is the town outcast, but that is where the similarities end. This book is all on its own. The characters are interesting, and a little mysterious, with very strong personalities. The mysteries are intense and left me not so patiently waiting for the next book. The story and writing style is, as all of Denise's books are, excellent. I can't wait to see where this new series takes us.