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Magnolia Steele Mystery #3
Call Back
Third book in the USA Today bestselling Magnolia Steele Mystery series.
When Magnolia Steele started digging into her father's disappearance, she had no idea she'd find so much dirt. The secrets she unearthed have changed the official story of what happened to him. Everyone other than her now believes that he embezzled from a client with the help of several accomplices, one of whom got greedy and killed the rest, but Magnolia's convinced there's more to it. She finds plenty of conflicting evidence, including startling links between several recent deaths and her father's past.
As if she didn’t have worries enough, someone has hidden cameras in her apartment, and the stalker who's been tormenting her amps up his campaign. She wants to trust someone with her secrets, but who? The police are out—there’s someone crooked on the force, and she has reason to believe it’s her maybe-boyfriend’s best friend—and even the people closest to her are suspect. Her sister-in-law and her sinfully attractive friend, Colt, both have agendas of their own; her mother is as tight-lipped as a vault; and in addition to having shady connections, her policeman suitor has a troubling secret.
Before she gets very far in her investigation, a murderer strikes again in Franklin, and this time the victim is someone she knows. The message is clear—step back and keep quiet—but to Magnolia Steele, it’s a call to action.
When Magnolia Steele started digging into her father's disappearance, she had no idea she'd find so much dirt. The secrets she unearthed have changed the official story of what happened to him. Everyone other than her now believes that he embezzled from a client with the help of several accomplices, one of whom got greedy and killed the rest, but Magnolia's convinced there's more to it. She finds plenty of conflicting evidence, including startling links between several recent deaths and her father's past.
As if she didn’t have worries enough, someone has hidden cameras in her apartment, and the stalker who's been tormenting her amps up his campaign. She wants to trust someone with her secrets, but who? The police are out—there’s someone crooked on the force, and she has reason to believe it’s her maybe-boyfriend’s best friend—and even the people closest to her are suspect. Her sister-in-law and her sinfully attractive friend, Colt, both have agendas of their own; her mother is as tight-lipped as a vault; and in addition to having shady connections, her policeman suitor has a troubling secret.
Before she gets very far in her investigation, a murderer strikes again in Franklin, and this time the victim is someone she knows. The message is clear—step back and keep quiet—but to Magnolia Steele, it’s a call to action.
380 pages, ebook
First published February 25, 2017
902 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
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March 6, 2021
Call Back is book three in the Magnolia Steele Mystery series by Denise Grover Swank. I can honestly admit that I never expected the level of involvement I would feel reading this series. The first book hooked me, but the second and now the third have me at the highest level of obsession. I can think of nothing else at this point. I need to read the final book to see how this all ends.
Magnolia wants to know what happened to her father. She continues to dig even though she is warned time and time again to leave the past alone. She and her father had been close before he disappeared. But every secret she uncovers proves that he was not the man she thought he was.
At the same time, Maggie is dealing with her mother’s illness. They have finally gotten to a point where they are sharing with each other. Each has regrets but more important now is how they use the time they have left.
Maggie struggles with knowing who to trust. Is Brady being honest? Is Colt? What about her sister in law, Belinda? Everyone says they care about her, they want to help her or protect her. But in reality, they all have their own agendas. They all have secrets of their own.
“Our life lessons often come with a bitter medicine, but we have to take it to be better people.”
If that’s not enough to deal with, a killer is watching her and lets her know on numerous occasions that he has her in his sights. She has no idea who it is, only that he’s always there, watching.
If I wasn’t reading today, I was thinking about reading. These characters are just about all I think about right now. Magnolia Steele is so brave. She has faced one threat after another and all it does is make her more determined to keep moving forward. I have no earthly idea how this is all going to turn out. So I have no choice but to keep on going with the fourth and final book, Curtain Call. I hope my heart can take it!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Magnolia wants to know what happened to her father. She continues to dig even though she is warned time and time again to leave the past alone. She and her father had been close before he disappeared. But every secret she uncovers proves that he was not the man she thought he was.
At the same time, Maggie is dealing with her mother’s illness. They have finally gotten to a point where they are sharing with each other. Each has regrets but more important now is how they use the time they have left.
Maggie struggles with knowing who to trust. Is Brady being honest? Is Colt? What about her sister in law, Belinda? Everyone says they care about her, they want to help her or protect her. But in reality, they all have their own agendas. They all have secrets of their own.
“Our life lessons often come with a bitter medicine, but we have to take it to be better people.”
If that’s not enough to deal with, a killer is watching her and lets her know on numerous occasions that he has her in his sights. She has no idea who it is, only that he’s always there, watching.
If I wasn’t reading today, I was thinking about reading. These characters are just about all I think about right now. Magnolia Steele is so brave. She has faced one threat after another and all it does is make her more determined to keep moving forward. I have no earthly idea how this is all going to turn out. So I have no choice but to keep on going with the fourth and final book, Curtain Call. I hope my heart can take it!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
March 29, 2017
Wow! Just wow! 5 stars and more! I don't know how to write a proper review about this book without revealing some spoilers. So many lose ends were tied together and secrets were revealed...but still even more questions came up....woah....what a ride!
I couldn't put it down!
As you may know I'm a huge fan of DGS. I love her books so much. Magnolia Steele's third book was no exception. All these twists and turns DGS came up with, left me breathless.
I also have to admit, that Magnolia came a long way since book one, where I was struggling to connect with her. She was so closed off behind a mask of her different roles. Today she is strong and independent, but also capable to admit her feelings and to open up about her secrets and is trying to trust again.
Still almost everybody has his/her own agenda and I'm still wondering who to trust, so I can't wait to read the last book in October and already pre-ordered it.
I couldn't put it down!
As you may know I'm a huge fan of DGS. I love her books so much. Magnolia Steele's third book was no exception. All these twists and turns DGS came up with, left me breathless.
I also have to admit, that Magnolia came a long way since book one, where I was struggling to connect with her. She was so closed off behind a mask of her different roles. Today she is strong and independent, but also capable to admit her feelings and to open up about her secrets and is trying to trust again.
Still almost everybody has his/her own agenda and I'm still wondering who to trust, so I can't wait to read the last book in October and already pre-ordered it.
February 19, 2017
I don't think Denise has ever written a book I have not loved and while Rose Gardener will always be my number 1 female heroine of Denise's I am loving Magnolia Steel more and more as well even if she does also annoy me at times...lol
I love a character I can feel multiple emotions from because let's face it we are all multi-faceted as humans so it stands to reason we want characters to be multi-faceted as well and Maggies is that and so much more I mean come on 4 chapters in and one minute Maggie is in a strong determined state of mind then she is a simpering little girls that really annoys be but I know Maggie will find her feet she just has to wade through all her crap first and then she will come out stronger than ever.
Colt is an enigma even though he plays at being a ladies man he also hides his depth and plays himself of as funny when he is so much more.
Owen is weirdly protective but I'm still not sure he is a dirty cop and I say weirdly protective because his main focus of protection seems to be brady and thats weird.
Brady has secrets to I wasn't sure at first but I really think there is something he is hiding as well these mysteries are full of more mysteries everyone in town seems to be hiding something and we all know one thing secrets have a way of being found out so in a town full of secrets nothing and no one is safe.
ok,ok seriously I know this is book 3 but it's still only 4 weeks since Maggie came back to town I'm feeling her sense of being overwhelmed greatly and a little claustrophobic both Brady and Colt need to back the hell off I mean come on they have both only known her for 4 weeks and a lot has happened in that 4 weeks Maggie has had trust issues since her dad "left" and then after what happened the night before she left town 10yrs ago I am pissed that both Colt and Brady expect her to trust them even when they are both keeping things from her and yes I know she is keeping things from them but in Maggie's defence what she is keeping from them is her own business but I get the feeling both Colt, Brady and even Owens secrets all have to do with Maggie and her family.
Oh I am really loving this book its a brilliantly layered mystery and reading each of these books is like peeling an onion layer by layer and you get deeper into the mystery and more secrets are revealed it's an awesome puzzle and I love solving puzzles.
I'm kind of thinking in the souther gossips and secrets are one in the same lol so really when gossip is ripe in a small town there really are no secrets someone always discovers or uncovers them and then they just become gossip.
hmmm I'm finding Brady weirder by the page he pushed and pushed for a relationship but once Maggie agreed he just didn't seem as interested or he was just going through the motions but then when Maggie pulled back he just accepted it which just felt off I want to believe he is a good guy but I'm just not completely convinced he actually worries me more than Owen.
I know Lila's death was coming but boy it didn't make it any easier to read seriously powerful words right there and I think I love Belinda the most right now lol that girl has spunk galore.
ok that ending was unexpected I actually thought we would find out who the serial killer was but nope that will come in the next book I loved the twist and turns it kept me turning the pages I couldn't put it down and now I have all these questions running around my head this was an awesome read a really really awesome read.
I love a character I can feel multiple emotions from because let's face it we are all multi-faceted as humans so it stands to reason we want characters to be multi-faceted as well and Maggies is that and so much more I mean come on 4 chapters in and one minute Maggie is in a strong determined state of mind then she is a simpering little girls that really annoys be but I know Maggie will find her feet she just has to wade through all her crap first and then she will come out stronger than ever.
Colt is an enigma even though he plays at being a ladies man he also hides his depth and plays himself of as funny when he is so much more.
Owen is weirdly protective but I'm still not sure he is a dirty cop and I say weirdly protective because his main focus of protection seems to be brady and thats weird.
Brady has secrets to I wasn't sure at first but I really think there is something he is hiding as well these mysteries are full of more mysteries everyone in town seems to be hiding something and we all know one thing secrets have a way of being found out so in a town full of secrets nothing and no one is safe.
ok,ok seriously I know this is book 3 but it's still only 4 weeks since Maggie came back to town I'm feeling her sense of being overwhelmed greatly and a little claustrophobic both Brady and Colt need to back the hell off I mean come on they have both only known her for 4 weeks and a lot has happened in that 4 weeks Maggie has had trust issues since her dad "left" and then after what happened the night before she left town 10yrs ago I am pissed that both Colt and Brady expect her to trust them even when they are both keeping things from her and yes I know she is keeping things from them but in Maggie's defence what she is keeping from them is her own business but I get the feeling both Colt, Brady and even Owens secrets all have to do with Maggie and her family.
Oh I am really loving this book its a brilliantly layered mystery and reading each of these books is like peeling an onion layer by layer and you get deeper into the mystery and more secrets are revealed it's an awesome puzzle and I love solving puzzles.
I'm kind of thinking in the souther gossips and secrets are one in the same lol so really when gossip is ripe in a small town there really are no secrets someone always discovers or uncovers them and then they just become gossip.
hmmm I'm finding Brady weirder by the page he pushed and pushed for a relationship but once Maggie agreed he just didn't seem as interested or he was just going through the motions but then when Maggie pulled back he just accepted it which just felt off I want to believe he is a good guy but I'm just not completely convinced he actually worries me more than Owen.
I know Lila's death was coming but boy it didn't make it any easier to read seriously powerful words right there and I think I love Belinda the most right now lol that girl has spunk galore.
ok that ending was unexpected I actually thought we would find out who the serial killer was but nope that will come in the next book I loved the twist and turns it kept me turning the pages I couldn't put it down and now I have all these questions running around my head this was an awesome read a really really awesome read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2017
Another five stars oh yeah
Oh my gosh, O M G... seriously this was AMAZING. I just hate that we have to wait till October to read the last book. I don't know if I can wait that long lol. Like the last book, I need more and I need it know. I'm still in so much shock from more of the stuff that's revealed. I also still have many questions to whether Owen is trustable at all or not and is Brady really trusting. I always thought he was from the beginning but with the start of this book now I'm not sure. Yes he seems to care and worry about Magnolia, but there hasn't been something 100% like we got with Colt putting him in a situation showing us that he's really as he seem. And magnolias dad the twists and turns just keep coming at you. Was he really a part of something wrong and is he really still alive or not? I also wonder how Belinda knew about some of the stuff that she did. And of corse again Roy her brother is still the worst person ever. The way he treats Magnolia and even Belinda is so horrible. I just don't understand what ever went wrong with him. I even was shocked when he went off on Tilley, his own mothers best friend. I couldn't believe it. But no Tilley just basically put him right in his place. I was high fiving her on that one lol.
"I barely had to wait before Tilly launched into him. She pointed her finger into his chest. “Don’t you dare start with me, Roy Michael Steele. I have more of a right to be here than you do. I knew your mother before you were even thought of. I changed more of your diapers than I can count and got an eyeful of the itty-bitty dick you were born with, the one you’ve been trying to compensate for your entire life.”...
“Your mother coddled you, and for the most part, I kept my mouth shut. I knew why she did it. It was no secret that Brian doted on your sister, but you turned sullen and entitled and just downright mean. Your poor mother didn’t realize the damage she’d done until it was too damn late. I love your mother more than anyone God’s seen fit to put on this earth, but she’s far from perfect. After she lost your sister, she was so desperate to keep you in her life that she gave you anything and everything you wanted—worse, she looked the other way when you showed your ugly side. I may not be your mother, Roy Steele, but I’m pretty damn close, and I’m not putting up with this bullshit anymore.”
So of course we find out in the very beginning that Lila isn't well, but in this book it just really breaks my heart. I feel so bad for Magnolia, all that time she was away to come home and find out her mother was sick just sucks. I would be such a mess.
One good thing though in this book was finally finding out more about Colt. You see a sweet and caring side to him. I just love when Magnolia and he are together, Colt can be quite funny. I think he can make anyone fall for him. I also like how protective he is and not just to, Magnolia but towards Lila and Tilly too.
Now I just can't wait to finally find out who really tortured Magnolia and the full truth about her dad along with who's trustable and who's not.
Great book and 100% must read.
Oh my gosh, O M G... seriously this was AMAZING. I just hate that we have to wait till October to read the last book. I don't know if I can wait that long lol. Like the last book, I need more and I need it know. I'm still in so much shock from more of the stuff that's revealed. I also still have many questions to whether Owen is trustable at all or not and is Brady really trusting. I always thought he was from the beginning but with the start of this book now I'm not sure. Yes he seems to care and worry about Magnolia, but there hasn't been something 100% like we got with Colt putting him in a situation showing us that he's really as he seem. And magnolias dad the twists and turns just keep coming at you. Was he really a part of something wrong and is he really still alive or not? I also wonder how Belinda knew about some of the stuff that she did. And of corse again Roy her brother is still the worst person ever. The way he treats Magnolia and even Belinda is so horrible. I just don't understand what ever went wrong with him. I even was shocked when he went off on Tilley, his own mothers best friend. I couldn't believe it. But no Tilley just basically put him right in his place. I was high fiving her on that one lol.
"I barely had to wait before Tilly launched into him. She pointed her finger into his chest. “Don’t you dare start with me, Roy Michael Steele. I have more of a right to be here than you do. I knew your mother before you were even thought of. I changed more of your diapers than I can count and got an eyeful of the itty-bitty dick you were born with, the one you’ve been trying to compensate for your entire life.”...
“Your mother coddled you, and for the most part, I kept my mouth shut. I knew why she did it. It was no secret that Brian doted on your sister, but you turned sullen and entitled and just downright mean. Your poor mother didn’t realize the damage she’d done until it was too damn late. I love your mother more than anyone God’s seen fit to put on this earth, but she’s far from perfect. After she lost your sister, she was so desperate to keep you in her life that she gave you anything and everything you wanted—worse, she looked the other way when you showed your ugly side. I may not be your mother, Roy Steele, but I’m pretty damn close, and I’m not putting up with this bullshit anymore.”
So of course we find out in the very beginning that Lila isn't well, but in this book it just really breaks my heart. I feel so bad for Magnolia, all that time she was away to come home and find out her mother was sick just sucks. I would be such a mess.
One good thing though in this book was finally finding out more about Colt. You see a sweet and caring side to him. I just love when Magnolia and he are together, Colt can be quite funny. I think he can make anyone fall for him. I also like how protective he is and not just to, Magnolia but towards Lila and Tilly too.
Now I just can't wait to finally find out who really tortured Magnolia and the full truth about her dad along with who's trustable and who's not.
Great book and 100% must read.
March 10, 2017
I have never been a person that needs the latest and greatest when they first come out, until I started reading books. I want to read them straight away because I just can't wait any longer to know what is going to happen after reading the synopsis. It can come back and bite you if it is a series and you have to wait longer for answers, but it is a great feeling when you have loved the book, and spent the afternoon trying to work out what is coming next. Case in point......Call Back.
This is book three, and there have been many questions answered up till this point but as we know how wicked Denise's mind works, there is plenty left unanswered to bring the fourth book to a smashing finish. It is hard to write a review and not give away any spoilers, so I will try and tell you how clever this book and series is. Each book is setting up for the grand finale but there are also little mysteries within that get solved. There are twists that I didn't see coming and quite a few gasps. So all in all, a great mystery series.
The characters are superb. I just adore Maggie (Magnolia) and how her mind works. She is a strong spirited woman who found out in this book that she is more like her mother than she anticipated. She is independent but also very vulnerable to her insecurities and phobias. Who cares she can't really cook, she can sing like an angel. Then we have the sexy detective, Brady who is trying to solve a murder case but has to keep secrets from Maggie because of his job. Belinda, Mags' sister in law, seems to have her own agenda in this book. I can see them being BFF's by the end of book four. And of course, we can't forget Colt........ah Colt......the blonde haired blue eyed jack of all trades singer. If these two were real life people, I would want to go and see their concert! Nashville here I come!
As stated, this is book three so you will have to of read the first two before start this one. If you have read books one and two and were wondering if you should carry on.....hell yeah! So many layers get peeled and the last ones are going to be a doozy. I can't get enough of this series - the settings, the characters and the mind ticking entanglements. And lastly, I never choose a book by its cover, but I simply love these!
This is book three, and there have been many questions answered up till this point but as we know how wicked Denise's mind works, there is plenty left unanswered to bring the fourth book to a smashing finish. It is hard to write a review and not give away any spoilers, so I will try and tell you how clever this book and series is. Each book is setting up for the grand finale but there are also little mysteries within that get solved. There are twists that I didn't see coming and quite a few gasps. So all in all, a great mystery series.
The characters are superb. I just adore Maggie (Magnolia) and how her mind works. She is a strong spirited woman who found out in this book that she is more like her mother than she anticipated. She is independent but also very vulnerable to her insecurities and phobias. Who cares she can't really cook, she can sing like an angel. Then we have the sexy detective, Brady who is trying to solve a murder case but has to keep secrets from Maggie because of his job. Belinda, Mags' sister in law, seems to have her own agenda in this book. I can see them being BFF's by the end of book four. And of course, we can't forget Colt........ah Colt......the blonde haired blue eyed jack of all trades singer. If these two were real life people, I would want to go and see their concert! Nashville here I come!
As stated, this is book three so you will have to of read the first two before start this one. If you have read books one and two and were wondering if you should carry on.....hell yeah! So many layers get peeled and the last ones are going to be a doozy. I can't get enough of this series - the settings, the characters and the mind ticking entanglements. And lastly, I never choose a book by its cover, but I simply love these!
February 28, 2017
4.5 stars
KABOOM! What's that, you ask? That's the sound of my mind being blown again by Denise Grover Swank. She's an expert in the art of messing with the minds of her readers, and she sure as heck delivers with this latest installment in the Magnolia Steele Mysteries. What you thought you knew? ... you don't. You think you know who Magnolia should trust and who she shouldn't? ... you don't. I sure as heck don't... and I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I got some answers to some of my questions, but now I have EVEN MORE questions... in the most fantastic way. There are some major revelations in this one, guys. All I can really say is... HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS. You're in for a wild ride. I can't wait to see what happens next. NO REALLY. I can't wait. DGS... this fall?! Come on! I have to wait until the fall?! How about March? I could wait until March.... April, even. but this fall? Not so much...
KABOOM! What's that, you ask? That's the sound of my mind being blown again by Denise Grover Swank. She's an expert in the art of messing with the minds of her readers, and she sure as heck delivers with this latest installment in the Magnolia Steele Mysteries. What you thought you knew? ... you don't. You think you know who Magnolia should trust and who she shouldn't? ... you don't. I sure as heck don't... and I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I got some answers to some of my questions, but now I have EVEN MORE questions... in the most fantastic way. There are some major revelations in this one, guys. All I can really say is... HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS. You're in for a wild ride. I can't wait to see what happens next. NO REALLY. I can't wait. DGS... this fall?! Come on! I have to wait until the fall?! How about March? I could wait until March.... April, even. but this fall? Not so much...
August 30, 2017
Denise had me on the edge of the seat again! I should know it by now. There are not enough words to put my thoughts and feelings into to describe how much I love this book! I've got answered some more questions about Maggies past events, about her father's disappearance and more questions came up with more danger lurking from shadows.
Love those well written characters as if they are real people becoming your friends!
Can't wait the next book which is the last one..
Love those well written characters as if they are real people becoming your friends!
Can't wait the next book which is the last one..
March 2, 2017
I am a sucker for a mystery. I enjoy suspenseful novels and Magnolia Steele stories don't disappoint. There are a lot of mysteries coming to light in the 3rd book of the series. Just when you think that you have something figured out WHAM!! the story takes a new turn and whomps you with a totally different idea. I haven't been able to figure anything out prior to it being revealed, which I consider a grand slam for a story. I don't like to be able to guess what is happening or who is responsible for the mystery beforehand.
There is some romance in this story but nothing over the top or extremely raunchy. Everything is done tastefully and I appreciate it! :) Sometimes having too much romance or sex in a story can ruin it for me. I expect a story labeled "mystery" to be heavy on the suspense and mystery and not so much on the love portion. There is a perfect balance in this story and I'll tell you that Magnolia Steele has her hands full! I know who I like in the story but it's hard to trust anyone that isn't her with all of the stuff that is going on. I suggest you get the first book in the series and see what I'm talking about.
There is some romance in this story but nothing over the top or extremely raunchy. Everything is done tastefully and I appreciate it! :) Sometimes having too much romance or sex in a story can ruin it for me. I expect a story labeled "mystery" to be heavy on the suspense and mystery and not so much on the love portion. There is a perfect balance in this story and I'll tell you that Magnolia Steele has her hands full! I know who I like in the story but it's hard to trust anyone that isn't her with all of the stuff that is going on. I suggest you get the first book in the series and see what I'm talking about.
July 18, 2023
5 Stars:)
February 28, 2017
Denise never disapoints, and this book shows why. A masterly written, well woven intricate mystery that leaves you on the edge of your seat, turning pages, unsure what the next page will bring. It inspires a wide range of emotions: love, frustration, heartbreak, excitement, fear, anticipation and dread. Characters so well written you will be messaging your friends to talk about them as if they are real people, and a mystery so in depth you will be wondering if you can trust your own mother....
And you will want more.
And you will want more.
February 19, 2017
Wow! As the third installment of the Magnolia Steele series, this book was packed with suspense and action. The story proceeded with several unexpected turns and plot twists that kept me riveted to the edge of my seat. Denise is a master story-teller and her characters are so real it's impossible not to get emotionally involved with them. The anger, the tears, the laughter - you will definitely share the emotions with the characters.
February 20, 2017
This is the third book in the Magnolia Steele series !!! This book lets us find out a lot more about Magnolia and her past. There were a lot of twists and turns in this book and It kept me on the edge of my seat. Denise is such a great story teller. All of her Character feel like family to me. I laughed, I cried, I even got angry at some point. Can not wait for the final book this fall.
February 27, 2023
*This book is the 3rd in the Magnolia Steele series. Make sure you read Center Stage (book 1) and Act II (book 2) before reading this one or you will be lost! *I received an ARC for my honest opinion. Call Back is plum full of action, suspense, answers to previous questions, and new questions yet to answer! Denise Grover Swank's character development is phenomenal! Such a complicated story, yet so well written it is not confusing. My digital highlighter (to mark those snippets of clues along the way!) got a real workout. Now I'm anxiously awaiting the final book!
March 11, 2017
Loved it!
I kept wondering what was the secret, what was I missing. During the whole book I was trying to guess what secret there was...I totally did not see it coming. I absolutely loved it...I wish I didnt have to wait so long for the next one. Denise is definitely my favorite author.
I kept wondering what was the secret, what was I missing. During the whole book I was trying to guess what secret there was...I totally did not see it coming. I absolutely loved it...I wish I didnt have to wait so long for the next one. Denise is definitely my favorite author.
September 28, 2017
WOW! Call Back absolutely blew me away!
Let me just tell you right now. I DON'T TRUST A SINGLE PERSON IN THIS BOOK.
Not a soul. Everyone is keeping secrets from everyone. We have a few answers at the end of the book, but honestly. I don't know that I believe that is all they were hiding. There was too much happening and things are not fully resolved. We still have one book left after Call Back and I can't wait to see how this high-octane series will end.
Call Back had me in tears, anxious and ticked off. Although there some happier and sexier moments in this book, those emotions were overtaken by my need for answers. I wanted to scream everytime someone told Magnolia that they want to protect or that they can't tell her something. Everyone expected her to tell them all of her secrets, but no one wanted to give her theirs.
I don't know who I trust. I don't know who is good and who is bad. I just. DO. NOT. KNOW. I am in desperate need of the conclusion of this story and I need lots of answers.
If you are looking for a fabulous mystery with a side of romance this series will more than deliver on all fronts. So grab Call Back and hold on, because this is a wild ride.
Let me just tell you right now. I DON'T TRUST A SINGLE PERSON IN THIS BOOK.
Not a soul. Everyone is keeping secrets from everyone. We have a few answers at the end of the book, but honestly. I don't know that I believe that is all they were hiding. There was too much happening and things are not fully resolved. We still have one book left after Call Back and I can't wait to see how this high-octane series will end.
Call Back had me in tears, anxious and ticked off. Although there some happier and sexier moments in this book, those emotions were overtaken by my need for answers. I wanted to scream everytime someone told Magnolia that they want to protect or that they can't tell her something. Everyone expected her to tell them all of her secrets, but no one wanted to give her theirs.
I don't know who I trust. I don't know who is good and who is bad. I just. DO. NOT. KNOW. I am in desperate need of the conclusion of this story and I need lots of answers.
If you are looking for a fabulous mystery with a side of romance this series will more than deliver on all fronts. So grab Call Back and hold on, because this is a wild ride.
March 2, 2017
An excellent addition to the Magnolia Steel series, Call Back moves the story along nicely, while also developing all of the characters involved.
If you enjoy a good mystery, a nice romance, some humor and great writing, you need to be reading the Magnolia Steel series. Denise Grover Swank is an outstanding writer, with a vivid sense of place and an ability to craft intricate mysteries that will keep you guessing.
Maggie Steel is still looking into the death of her father and the circumstances surrounding a rash of serial killings over the past years. Having survived an encounter with the man who marks and murders young women, she is obsessed with finding out who he is and why he let her live. Her father is another story. Is he the wonderful, perfect daddy she held him to be, or is he a criminal and a fraud who embezzled and stole and abandoned her for a new life?
There is romance, of course. Will Maggie ultimately end up with the safe, steady cop or with the womanizing bad boy? And, can she trust either one of them, since they both seem to have their own agenda where she is concerned.
Topics from southern ladies' hospitality to domestic abuse, to marital infidelity, and cancer are all met head on with Swank's excellent ability to turn a phrase that will make you laugh or cry, and with her fine sense of family, loyalty, and determination.
Maggie Steel and the people in her world are wonderful characters with more to them than just their relationship with our heroine. No one is flat, dull, or one dimensional, and every character has a voice.
Read Center Stage and Act Two first, of course, because it will certainly make following this story easier. And be prepared, knowing that this book, while not exactly a cliff hanger, will leave you with as many questions as it answers. But read this series, and this story. Because it's fun and funny, smart and sexy, and just good. Good writing, good plot, good everything.
If you enjoy a good mystery, a nice romance, some humor and great writing, you need to be reading the Magnolia Steel series. Denise Grover Swank is an outstanding writer, with a vivid sense of place and an ability to craft intricate mysteries that will keep you guessing.
Maggie Steel is still looking into the death of her father and the circumstances surrounding a rash of serial killings over the past years. Having survived an encounter with the man who marks and murders young women, she is obsessed with finding out who he is and why he let her live. Her father is another story. Is he the wonderful, perfect daddy she held him to be, or is he a criminal and a fraud who embezzled and stole and abandoned her for a new life?
There is romance, of course. Will Maggie ultimately end up with the safe, steady cop or with the womanizing bad boy? And, can she trust either one of them, since they both seem to have their own agenda where she is concerned.
Topics from southern ladies' hospitality to domestic abuse, to marital infidelity, and cancer are all met head on with Swank's excellent ability to turn a phrase that will make you laugh or cry, and with her fine sense of family, loyalty, and determination.
Maggie Steel and the people in her world are wonderful characters with more to them than just their relationship with our heroine. No one is flat, dull, or one dimensional, and every character has a voice.
Read Center Stage and Act Two first, of course, because it will certainly make following this story easier. And be prepared, knowing that this book, while not exactly a cliff hanger, will leave you with as many questions as it answers. But read this series, and this story. Because it's fun and funny, smart and sexy, and just good. Good writing, good plot, good everything.
February 25, 2017
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
Oh where or where to begin with this Review? Let me start with what I can tell you... You will not be disappointed, not at all! You will also need tissues. There is also very twisty parts, things that I never saw coming and things that I thought would be so far out in left field that it couldn't happen, but guess what...A TWIST! Here is something that I can't tell you.... I bet you thought I was going to give you a secret! Well, nope you will just have to read Call Back.
Denise creates works of art when she writes. Call Back hits really close to home for me. When I tell you that you are going to need tissues, you will need tissues. Magnolia has been told by several people to stop digging up the past, but sometimes the past comes back to find you. I want to say so much more about this book, but I feel that if I put anything else in this review, I will be giving important things away. I can tell you that this leaves you needing more, like right now. So if you are like me and need more right now, you can always go back and re-read the other books in the series and put the whole story together! You will not want to miss this book!
Oh where or where to begin with this Review? Let me start with what I can tell you... You will not be disappointed, not at all! You will also need tissues. There is also very twisty parts, things that I never saw coming and things that I thought would be so far out in left field that it couldn't happen, but guess what...A TWIST! Here is something that I can't tell you.... I bet you thought I was going to give you a secret! Well, nope you will just have to read Call Back.
Denise creates works of art when she writes. Call Back hits really close to home for me. When I tell you that you are going to need tissues, you will need tissues. Magnolia has been told by several people to stop digging up the past, but sometimes the past comes back to find you. I want to say so much more about this book, but I feel that if I put anything else in this review, I will be giving important things away. I can tell you that this leaves you needing more, like right now. So if you are like me and need more right now, you can always go back and re-read the other books in the series and put the whole story together! You will not want to miss this book!
February 28, 2017
Break out the hankies!
*Warning: Do not read this book unless you have read Center Stage (Magnolia Steele Mystery #1) and Act Two (Magnolia Steele Mystery #2)
Call Back takes place less than a week after the end of Act Two and we are thrust right into the drama that is Magnolia Steele
Maggie is being pulled in many directions and is not sure what role to play or who to trust. Officer Brady Bennett has been the steady presence for her to lean on, but she cannot deny her attraction to Colt Austin. There was a lot of “I want Brady. No I want Colt but I like Brady” that there were times I wanted to tell Magnolia to get her head out of her butt and make a decision. I can sympathize with her dilemma but I felt bad for the two men vying for her affection.
My favorite parts of the book are when Magnolia and her momma, Lila, are together. Their relationship has been strained for decades and with her cancer getting worse, Lila has opened up in a way that is as beautiful as it is gut-wrenching. I dare you to read those passages and not tear up!
Magnolia is still investigating what happened to her father and seems to have an ally in the most unlikely of people. The more Maggie learns, the more questions she has. Just when I think I have it figured out, Denise throws in such a twist that I had to pause and say, “wait! Did that just happen? Holy crap, it did!”
A multi-book mystery can often drag with filler content and too many tangents that it becomes annoying. You do not have to worry about that with this series. Denise has the amazing ability to construct story lines that beautifully crafted and are interwoven in a way that keeps you begging for more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I laughed, I cried, I became angry and I cheered. I cannot wait to see what happens in Curtain Call (Magnolia Steele Mystery #4).
*Warning: Do not read this book unless you have read Center Stage (Magnolia Steele Mystery #1) and Act Two (Magnolia Steele Mystery #2)
Call Back takes place less than a week after the end of Act Two and we are thrust right into the drama that is Magnolia Steele
Maggie is being pulled in many directions and is not sure what role to play or who to trust. Officer Brady Bennett has been the steady presence for her to lean on, but she cannot deny her attraction to Colt Austin. There was a lot of “I want Brady. No I want Colt but I like Brady” that there were times I wanted to tell Magnolia to get her head out of her butt and make a decision. I can sympathize with her dilemma but I felt bad for the two men vying for her affection.
My favorite parts of the book are when Magnolia and her momma, Lila, are together. Their relationship has been strained for decades and with her cancer getting worse, Lila has opened up in a way that is as beautiful as it is gut-wrenching. I dare you to read those passages and not tear up!
Magnolia is still investigating what happened to her father and seems to have an ally in the most unlikely of people. The more Maggie learns, the more questions she has. Just when I think I have it figured out, Denise throws in such a twist that I had to pause and say, “wait! Did that just happen? Holy crap, it did!”
A multi-book mystery can often drag with filler content and too many tangents that it becomes annoying. You do not have to worry about that with this series. Denise has the amazing ability to construct story lines that beautifully crafted and are interwoven in a way that keeps you begging for more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I laughed, I cried, I became angry and I cheered. I cannot wait to see what happens in Curtain Call (Magnolia Steele Mystery #4).
February 27, 2017
With most movies and books, I often find sequels lacking compared to its predecessor. I can honestly say that this isn't a problem with Denise Grover Swank's books. From Rose Gardner to the Wedding Pact Series, I always have a genuine problem choosing my favorite out of her series. This definitely was the case with this new addition to the Magnolia Steele Mystery series.
In the last book, Magnolia found the gold along with a note that was addressed to her and told her to trust no one. She also realized that the people around her seem to be hiding secrets. In this book, if you're anything like me, you'll find it hard to trust anyone, including my favorite characters like Colt and Belinda. It had me conflicted the whole time! Denise definitely surprised me with their connections to everything. You will finally find out the crazy pasts that some of the characters have.
Besides the mystery, the book had shocking moments, it had sad ones, and it had parts that made me smile. Starting this book, I was leaning towards Brady for Magnolia but now I have to admit that I love Colt. Their chemistry is definitely taken up a notch in this book and I absolutely loved their moments despite the parts where I wanted to smack Colt for keeping secrets. As for the other characters, Lila's condition breaks my heart but I love how her relationship with Magnolia has turned around. I hated Roy and LOVED Tilly. She made me laugh! I think that Brady is hiding something and I don't trust Owen.
This book is even more cool if you've been to Franklin, TN. Having lived there for awhile, it was fun to read about places that I would see everyday. Definitely check it out if you've read the first two books. If you haven't, do you yourself a favor and start them! I can't wait for the next book!
In the last book, Magnolia found the gold along with a note that was addressed to her and told her to trust no one. She also realized that the people around her seem to be hiding secrets. In this book, if you're anything like me, you'll find it hard to trust anyone, including my favorite characters like Colt and Belinda. It had me conflicted the whole time! Denise definitely surprised me with their connections to everything. You will finally find out the crazy pasts that some of the characters have.
Besides the mystery, the book had shocking moments, it had sad ones, and it had parts that made me smile. Starting this book, I was leaning towards Brady for Magnolia but now I have to admit that I love Colt. Their chemistry is definitely taken up a notch in this book and I absolutely loved their moments despite the parts where I wanted to smack Colt for keeping secrets. As for the other characters, Lila's condition breaks my heart but I love how her relationship with Magnolia has turned around. I hated Roy and LOVED Tilly. She made me laugh! I think that Brady is hiding something and I don't trust Owen.
This book is even more cool if you've been to Franklin, TN. Having lived there for awhile, it was fun to read about places that I would see everyday. Definitely check it out if you've read the first two books. If you haven't, do you yourself a favor and start them! I can't wait for the next book!
March 4, 2017
Denise Grover Swank is an author I trust. She never ceases to amaze me with her prose, and Call Back is no different. Being the third installment of the Magnolia Steele Mysteries, stakes are REALLY high for Maggie. She's stuck in a web of danger that looks impossible to get out of. On top of that, who can she trust? Personally, I'd trust absolutely no one in this universe. One character is revealed to have shady, if not down right creepy intentions. I feel vindicated in my complete distrust of said character as soon as he was introduced earlier in the series. On the other hand, two characters I haven't trusted much are starting to earn more respect from me. I'm sure that'll all change with the final book. As the "Scream" saying goes... everyone is a suspect and anyone can die.
Call Back even surprised me a couple of times, and that's a lot for someone who usually figures out the "twist" of a story early on. There's little I can complain about, because the story is crafted so well. I do have to say that I find Maggie's decision making skills rather lacking, but what else would expect of someone under extreme duress? I am DYING to see how this series will unfold with the final installment, Curtain Call, later this year. If I could time travel to get the 4th book right now, I would! Bravo, Denise! I absolutely love this series. *****FIVE STARS*****
Call Back even surprised me a couple of times, and that's a lot for someone who usually figures out the "twist" of a story early on. There's little I can complain about, because the story is crafted so well. I do have to say that I find Maggie's decision making skills rather lacking, but what else would expect of someone under extreme duress? I am DYING to see how this series will unfold with the final installment, Curtain Call, later this year. If I could time travel to get the 4th book right now, I would! Bravo, Denise! I absolutely love this series. *****FIVE STARS*****
March 6, 2017
OH. EMM. GEEE....Holy cow....what just happened!? My exact thoughts as I finished this book! If I could, I'd give this book 10 stars!
Denise is an extremely talented author and I always find myself in her books, not just reading them. And this book was no exception. I literally had anxiety at times, as the book was quite suspenseful.
This book is the 3rd in its series. Magnolia Steele continues to try to find answers regarding her father and the past, but there is still someone out there who doesn't like her looking around. I was in a whirlwind of emotions as I read this book and I'm still in a mild state of shock. I CANNOT wait until the next and final book. Thanks for another amazing read DGS!!
Denise is an extremely talented author and I always find myself in her books, not just reading them. And this book was no exception. I literally had anxiety at times, as the book was quite suspenseful.
This book is the 3rd in its series. Magnolia Steele continues to try to find answers regarding her father and the past, but there is still someone out there who doesn't like her looking around. I was in a whirlwind of emotions as I read this book and I'm still in a mild state of shock. I CANNOT wait until the next and final book. Thanks for another amazing read DGS!!
March 14, 2017
Omg DGS never disappoints. Could not put it down!!!!!
March 13, 2017
Enjoyed the series!
Read all three books in the series and can't wait for the fourth to come out.
The twist in the plot kept my interest and became vested in the characters stories.
Read all three books in the series and can't wait for the fourth to come out.
The twist in the plot kept my interest and became vested in the characters stories.
March 8, 2017
Seriously can't go wrong with this series! The books just keep getting better and better!
Magnolia is back, still in danger, and still a magnet for attention, especially from our favorite men of Franklin, TN. After a brutal beating and the death of many of her fathers associates in the last book, you may be thinking we are getting close to having some answers...well think again!
Call Back left me with more questions than answers (what good book doesn't though?) and really pulled at the heartstrings with the scenes between Magnolia and Lila. (Be ready to cry). Make sure you have some free time before you start this one because you will not want to put it down!
Magnolia is back, still in danger, and still a magnet for attention, especially from our favorite men of Franklin, TN. After a brutal beating and the death of many of her fathers associates in the last book, you may be thinking we are getting close to having some answers...well think again!
Call Back left me with more questions than answers (what good book doesn't though?) and really pulled at the heartstrings with the scenes between Magnolia and Lila. (Be ready to cry). Make sure you have some free time before you start this one because you will not want to put it down!
March 2, 2017
I absolutely love this series. Magnolia Steele is such a wonderful character. She is a strong confident woman with a hint of vulnerability to herself. She has a lot of secrets that she is beginning to share with certain people. There is a lot of mystery in this little town outside of Nashville and it all started when Magnolia was a child. She is following clues that are decades old and some people don't like things coming out. Magnolia is trying to figure out who she can trust and just which man she actually wants. With a dying mother, a secret form her teen years, and trying to find out exactly what happened the her father all those years ago, Magnolia has to have a spine of Steele to continue. I cannot wait to read the next book. My only complaint is that the author plans to end the series after one more book.
February 25, 2017
I just finished Call Back, it's the third book in the Magnolia Steele mystery series, and it didn't disappoint. I love Maggie, she's been through so much and she's still trying to figure out who she is and understand her past.
Call Back picks up where Act Two left off. Maggie was trying to uncover the past. She's trying to find out what happened to her father while trying to come to terms with her own mysterious past. She still doesn't quite understand what happened to her on the night of her graduation and she doesn't understand why. But every time she seems to get any answers to that, or about her father, she seems to have more questions. She's also getting answers to questions she didn't even know she had.
Magnolia is trying to figure out who she can and cannot trust. She has her suspicions about everyone she comes in contact with. But will she be able to put her fears aside and trust the right people, people who will be able to help her instead of hurt her? Will Maggie be able to uncover the horrible secrets from the past before it's to late? Will Magnolia be able to put her differences aside to fix her relationship with her mother before it's to late?
The Magnolia Steele Mysteries are amazing! When you start reading you won't want to put it down. So what are you waiting for?
Call Back picks up where Act Two left off. Maggie was trying to uncover the past. She's trying to find out what happened to her father while trying to come to terms with her own mysterious past. She still doesn't quite understand what happened to her on the night of her graduation and she doesn't understand why. But every time she seems to get any answers to that, or about her father, she seems to have more questions. She's also getting answers to questions she didn't even know she had.
Magnolia is trying to figure out who she can and cannot trust. She has her suspicions about everyone she comes in contact with. But will she be able to put her fears aside and trust the right people, people who will be able to help her instead of hurt her? Will Maggie be able to uncover the horrible secrets from the past before it's to late? Will Magnolia be able to put her differences aside to fix her relationship with her mother before it's to late?
The Magnolia Steele Mysteries are amazing! When you start reading you won't want to put it down. So what are you waiting for?
March 8, 2017
This book is just fantastic! It was probably my favorite book of the Magnolia Steele Mystery series so far. It had parts where you may cry, parts where you may laugh, and parts where you may just drop to the floor with a heart attack because of all the twists and turns!! I am still in shock and I finished it the day before I posted this. I can not wait for the next book and all the twists and turns it will bring!
March 9, 2017
REALLY good series. I'm looking forward to Curtain Call, the 4th and final book in the series (10/17/17).
March 11, 2017
Loved it!
Couldn't put this story down! Love Maggie and her story. I am so bummed there is only 1 more book and I have to wait until October for it!!
Couldn't put this story down! Love Maggie and her story. I am so bummed there is only 1 more book and I have to wait until October for it!!
February 23, 2017
This book was amazing. I can't believe all the stuff that was packed into it and still there is more story. I hate that Magnolia has to go through so much and can't trust nobody. She is still tangled into a big mess of poop. I don't think she ever finds the real trusting person threw the whole story. I was surprised but expecting something to happen at the end. I like the way the story is going and look forward to the next book. Everyone should start at the beginning and read these books they will not be disappointed.
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