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Magnolia Steele Mystery #2
Act Two
The second book in the five book USA Today bestselling Magnolia Steele Mystery series.
Magnolia may have escaped arrest for murder, but her troubles are far from behind her. She’s still haunted by two things from her past—her father’s disappearance when she was a teen, and the other...well, her memories of a serial killer have returned, but it’s best left where it belongs—in the past.
Needing closure, Magnolia decides to look into her father’s cold case. Though the town gossips are convinced he ran away with his client’s wife and money, she has always suspected foul play. Talking to a few of his old acquaintances seems harmless enough—until the man she’s arranged to meet turns up dead. There’s evidence someone murdered him to keep him quiet, and she realizes that whatever conspiracy her father was mixed up in is far from over; it’s entering its second act.
If Magnolia keeps digging, she’s not sure she can trust her own mother to help her, let alone her new friends and the police detective who’s eager to woo her, but after years of running, she’s ready to stand her ground.
Magnolia may have escaped arrest for murder, but her troubles are far from behind her. She’s still haunted by two things from her past—her father’s disappearance when she was a teen, and the other...well, her memories of a serial killer have returned, but it’s best left where it belongs—in the past.
Needing closure, Magnolia decides to look into her father’s cold case. Though the town gossips are convinced he ran away with his client’s wife and money, she has always suspected foul play. Talking to a few of his old acquaintances seems harmless enough—until the man she’s arranged to meet turns up dead. There’s evidence someone murdered him to keep him quiet, and she realizes that whatever conspiracy her father was mixed up in is far from over; it’s entering its second act.
If Magnolia keeps digging, she’s not sure she can trust her own mother to help her, let alone her new friends and the police detective who’s eager to woo her, but after years of running, she’s ready to stand her ground.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2016
936 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
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March 5, 2021
Act Two is the second book in the Magnolia Steele Mystery series by Denise Grover Swank. This book definitely takes things up a notch as Maggie finds herself in one threatening situation after another as she tries to uncover long buried secrets from the past.
In one respect, things are a little better for Magnolia Steele. She has found an apartment of her own but in order to afford it, she is working numerous jobs to try to make her rent. She’s working part time for her mother’s catering business. She is also working part time for a local retail business. She’s also been roped in to helping her new landlady as well as doing some singing with Colt. You’d think all of this would keep our Maggie out of trouble but no, trouble seems to find her no matter what.
“It was time to shine some light in the darkness. I’d just have to be ready when the monsters charged.”
Once again, Maggie is front and center when someone dies. Only this time, she’s not a suspect. But evidence keeps disappearing. And there are more questions than answers. Maggie doesn’t know who to trust, if anyone. Even her friend, Colt, seems to have an agenda of his own.
“Some things are better left in the past, Maggie.”
Detective Brady Bennett is persistent with his pursuit of Maggie. But he is constantly torn between his feelings for her and his duty as a police officer. I have to say here that I felt bad for him. I know that Maggie was just trying to do what was right, both protecting him from her secrets and also, protecting herself, but she was pretty blunt with him. I have to give him credit though. He doesn’t waver and continues to try to help her in whatever way he can.
Maggie’s brother, Roy, becomes more disturbing than ever with his actions. I think this was one of the most disturbing things about this book. I have to give Maggie so much credit for standing up to him.
This is another page turner. Our Maggie stands strong against one thing after another. You can’t help but to need to keep going to see what happens next. Needless to say, this series is starting to take over my life! There are so many questions to be answered. And in order to find them, I have no choice but to go right on to the third book, Call Back, to see what this author has planned for these characters next. I’ll see you on the other side!
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...
In one respect, things are a little better for Magnolia Steele. She has found an apartment of her own but in order to afford it, she is working numerous jobs to try to make her rent. She’s working part time for her mother’s catering business. She is also working part time for a local retail business. She’s also been roped in to helping her new landlady as well as doing some singing with Colt. You’d think all of this would keep our Maggie out of trouble but no, trouble seems to find her no matter what.
“It was time to shine some light in the darkness. I’d just have to be ready when the monsters charged.”
Once again, Maggie is front and center when someone dies. Only this time, she’s not a suspect. But evidence keeps disappearing. And there are more questions than answers. Maggie doesn’t know who to trust, if anyone. Even her friend, Colt, seems to have an agenda of his own.
“Some things are better left in the past, Maggie.”
Detective Brady Bennett is persistent with his pursuit of Maggie. But he is constantly torn between his feelings for her and his duty as a police officer. I have to say here that I felt bad for him. I know that Maggie was just trying to do what was right, both protecting him from her secrets and also, protecting herself, but she was pretty blunt with him. I have to give him credit though. He doesn’t waver and continues to try to help her in whatever way he can.
Maggie’s brother, Roy, becomes more disturbing than ever with his actions. I think this was one of the most disturbing things about this book. I have to give Maggie so much credit for standing up to him.
This is another page turner. Our Maggie stands strong against one thing after another. You can’t help but to need to keep going to see what happens next. Needless to say, this series is starting to take over my life! There are so many questions to be answered. And in order to find them, I have no choice but to go right on to the third book, Call Back, to see what this author has planned for these characters next. I’ll see you on the other side!
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...
February 27, 2017
Oh my gosh
What in the world omg. I don't even know what to say or where to begin. All I know is that this is definitely a 5+ star book. I need more answers and I need them know. I can't wait for the next book to come out on the 28th. First of all let me start with the characters, Magnolia, Lila her "mom", Tilly and Belinda are all just perfect I love them. Then there's Brady who is also great. And of course Colt, who I also love, but sadly with Colt, he's is still up in the air. I know we're to find out all about him in the next book, but again I just can't wait. Colt is so funny and does seem sweet like he really does care for, Magnolia.
“He wasn’t murdered,” Colt told Belinda, lowering his voice. “But for some reason, Magnolia thinks Elmer Fudd over there killed him.” He picked up his glass and stuck out his index finger to point to Mr. Frey. “What are you doin’?” I asked, pushing his hand and making his beer slosh. “You can’t just point at him. That’s rude.” “So you’re sayin’,” Colt said playfully, licking the spilled beer off his hand, “accusin’ him of murder quietly is polite .” “I didn’t accuse him of anything,” I said defensively. “I only want to ask him some questions.” Colt chuckled. “If you aren’t accusing him of anything, then why were you glaring at him so hard?” I scowled. “I wasn’t.”
I'm just worrying myself to death. I was trying to think to myself what we are going to learn about Colt, and thought I might have a guess to what it will be. But I'm still not sure and doubting myself. I just hope he continues to really be a good person and not, someone bad because I really like him too. One of my favorite things is how silly and funny Colt and Magnolia are when there together, so again I'm praying Colt is a good person because they seem to have a good relationship/ friendship with each other.
The clink of the glass on the wood shot an arrow of pain straight through my head. I pressed my palm into the side of my head. “You suck, Colt Austin.” “Me? What the hell did I do?” “You made me drink all that whiskey.” “I did no such thing.” He ran a hand over his face, then cupped his hand over his mouth and shuddered. “Jesus. My breath smells like Taco Bell farts.” “What the hell is your obsession with Taco Bell?” I asked, getting pissed, which only made my head hurt worse. “Who doesn’t like Taco Bell when they’re drinkin’?” “Me! I don’t like it when I’m drinking! I don’t like it at all!” I said, getting to my feet. “And this most certainly is your fault. You kept refilling my glass.” “Well, you didn’t have to keep drinkin’ it.”
So lastly we can't forget Roy, Magnolia's brother. I still do not like him, he is still a jerk and is actually quite abusive. Not only do you see it towards Belinda, but with Magnolia too, his own sister. It's like he has no heart, I just don't understand it.
“How about I tell you after you tell me why you let my brother beat you?” The color drained from her face. “That’s right. I know. But then, you already knew that. We just don’t discuss it. You may let him hurt you , but I won’t tolerate it, so tell your husband if he shows up at my apartment again, I’ll do a whole lot worse than kick him in the balls this time. Brother or not.”
I feel like there's something off about her brother, and I don't know what it is about him yet either. All I know is I wish someone would just put him in his place for once. So anyways more of the mystery is cleared up with this 2nd book, but still not fully clear, and there is still the mystery with who tortured Magnolia, all those years ago along with the threatening text messages she's been getting.
Good girls keep their mouths shut. Can you continue to be a good girl, Magnolia?
I'm sure they've got to be connected somewhat to everything else that has been happening, just not sure how or why.
Well again this was really good and, I definitely can't wait till the 28th so I can find out more about this awesome mystery. Denise Grover Swank, really rocks!
What in the world omg. I don't even know what to say or where to begin. All I know is that this is definitely a 5+ star book. I need more answers and I need them know. I can't wait for the next book to come out on the 28th. First of all let me start with the characters, Magnolia, Lila her "mom", Tilly and Belinda are all just perfect I love them. Then there's Brady who is also great. And of course Colt, who I also love, but sadly with Colt, he's is still up in the air. I know we're to find out all about him in the next book, but again I just can't wait. Colt is so funny and does seem sweet like he really does care for, Magnolia.
“He wasn’t murdered,” Colt told Belinda, lowering his voice. “But for some reason, Magnolia thinks Elmer Fudd over there killed him.” He picked up his glass and stuck out his index finger to point to Mr. Frey. “What are you doin’?” I asked, pushing his hand and making his beer slosh. “You can’t just point at him. That’s rude.” “So you’re sayin’,” Colt said playfully, licking the spilled beer off his hand, “accusin’ him of murder quietly is polite .” “I didn’t accuse him of anything,” I said defensively. “I only want to ask him some questions.” Colt chuckled. “If you aren’t accusing him of anything, then why were you glaring at him so hard?” I scowled. “I wasn’t.”
I'm just worrying myself to death. I was trying to think to myself what we are going to learn about Colt, and thought I might have a guess to what it will be. But I'm still not sure and doubting myself. I just hope he continues to really be a good person and not, someone bad because I really like him too. One of my favorite things is how silly and funny Colt and Magnolia are when there together, so again I'm praying Colt is a good person because they seem to have a good relationship/ friendship with each other.
The clink of the glass on the wood shot an arrow of pain straight through my head. I pressed my palm into the side of my head. “You suck, Colt Austin.” “Me? What the hell did I do?” “You made me drink all that whiskey.” “I did no such thing.” He ran a hand over his face, then cupped his hand over his mouth and shuddered. “Jesus. My breath smells like Taco Bell farts.” “What the hell is your obsession with Taco Bell?” I asked, getting pissed, which only made my head hurt worse. “Who doesn’t like Taco Bell when they’re drinkin’?” “Me! I don’t like it when I’m drinking! I don’t like it at all!” I said, getting to my feet. “And this most certainly is your fault. You kept refilling my glass.” “Well, you didn’t have to keep drinkin’ it.”
So lastly we can't forget Roy, Magnolia's brother. I still do not like him, he is still a jerk and is actually quite abusive. Not only do you see it towards Belinda, but with Magnolia too, his own sister. It's like he has no heart, I just don't understand it.
“How about I tell you after you tell me why you let my brother beat you?” The color drained from her face. “That’s right. I know. But then, you already knew that. We just don’t discuss it. You may let him hurt you , but I won’t tolerate it, so tell your husband if he shows up at my apartment again, I’ll do a whole lot worse than kick him in the balls this time. Brother or not.”
I feel like there's something off about her brother, and I don't know what it is about him yet either. All I know is I wish someone would just put him in his place for once. So anyways more of the mystery is cleared up with this 2nd book, but still not fully clear, and there is still the mystery with who tortured Magnolia, all those years ago along with the threatening text messages she's been getting.
Good girls keep their mouths shut. Can you continue to be a good girl, Magnolia?
I'm sure they've got to be connected somewhat to everything else that has been happening, just not sure how or why.
Well again this was really good and, I definitely can't wait till the 28th so I can find out more about this awesome mystery. Denise Grover Swank, really rocks!
November 30, 2016
Magnolia Steele pulling at the threads of her father's disappearance despite receiving warnings from pretty much everyone to let sleeping dogs lie. The bad guy(s) are tying up loose ends and everyone she talks to about her father is showing up dead.
But she continues her investigation in what might be described as pluck...though personally I'm leaning towards 'too stupid to live'.
With corrupt police and pretty much everyone hiding things she can't turn to anyone for help.
When Denise Grover Swank is on her game she's one of my favorite authors. But some of her books don't quite cut it....and I don't even know why. Everything is right about them. They're well written with interesting characters and a good premise but for some reason they don't quite work.
That's this book. It's good enough that I'll give the next in the series a go, but in the back of my mind is the hope that this is a short series.
But she continues her investigation in what might be described as pluck...though personally I'm leaning towards 'too stupid to live'.
With corrupt police and pretty much everyone hiding things she can't turn to anyone for help.
When Denise Grover Swank is on her game she's one of my favorite authors. But some of her books don't quite cut it....and I don't even know why. Everything is right about them. They're well written with interesting characters and a good premise but for some reason they don't quite work.
That's this book. It's good enough that I'll give the next in the series a go, but in the back of my mind is the hope that this is a short series.
September 8, 2016
Some things are better left in the past. How many times can you be told this phrase and let the past go? For Magnolia, infinity! There are still questions unanswered about her fathers disappearance that Maggie needs resolved so she can have closure to that part of her life. Before she can dig too deep, she stumbles across a dead body. That makes two now, but who's counting. Things just aren't adding up with the details of her father's disappearance. She has to contend with a lot of predicaments to progress with the case, and one thing is for sure - she can't trust anyone!
Sometimes when you are reading book two in a series, you get lost or loose momentum with the story, not so with this book. It was fast paced and had me glued from the start. There was so much to take in, and I so wanted Magnolia to find out the truth, especially before her momma passes. Just when you think it is all tied up, another clue is dropped to add to the mystery. The last one being gasp worthy. DGS knows how to keep us intrigued and its not only the mystery but the relationships with these great characters she creates for us.
This book ends with a cliff hanger, and the next book, Call Back, is due in February 2017. I for one will be itching to get my hands on Brady....I mean the book to find out what else is installed for Maggie and the gang.
Sometimes when you are reading book two in a series, you get lost or loose momentum with the story, not so with this book. It was fast paced and had me glued from the start. There was so much to take in, and I so wanted Magnolia to find out the truth, especially before her momma passes. Just when you think it is all tied up, another clue is dropped to add to the mystery. The last one being gasp worthy. DGS knows how to keep us intrigued and its not only the mystery but the relationships with these great characters she creates for us.
This book ends with a cliff hanger, and the next book, Call Back, is due in February 2017. I for one will be itching to get my hands on Brady....I mean the book to find out what else is installed for Maggie and the gang.
January 31, 2017
I love mysteries and when you find a great mystery, it sucks to have to wait in between them to find out more. We get some closure in this book but Magnolia is still getting into trouble and causing chaos wherever she goes. She's like a walking tornado and she just leaves a path of destruction behind. She doesn't mean to, but it's her nature. This story has lots of mystery and some adrenaline inducing moments. I'm also uncertain about a few of the people she's choosing to trust. I think it's going to come back and bite her in the end. That said, I can't wait for the next book!
August 30, 2017
This is the second book of series and all I can say is: Another great book of a brilliant series! (I'm rereading entire series now) As more questions you get answered as more new questions you get! I love this book, I love characters Denise developed, it's so easy to fall in love with them.
Intriguing story with more secrets and danger left me wanting for more.
You must read this!
Intriguing story with more secrets and danger left me wanting for more.
You must read this!
November 14, 2016
The book was gripping until the end. I love Denise's writing. But how could i wait for the next Magnolia Steele book?? There are so many questions and just a few answers. I really don't trust anybody besides Magnolia. Everybody seems to hide something. Hurry up Denise, I need more! Pleeeeease!
September 15, 2017
Only took me 6 months to finish this one because, life. Act Two just moved really slow. Denise's writing was still fun and witty, but the plot was super frustrating and repetitive. Overall, not as good as book one, but I am optimistic that it will pick back up in the next installment.
June 27, 2018
I've yet to be disappointed with a Denise Grover Swank book. This was the first one i listened to and i thought it was done well. You definitely got that it was a southern local, but it wasn't over the top twangy. Its been some time since i read the first one, but it continued smoothly.
February 27, 2017
4.5 stars
DGS is a master in the art of the cliffhanger. She has a way of dragging you in and then always leaving you wanting more by the end of the book (but in a good way). That being said, I do have SOME answers from book 1. Let's start with the most important one (the one where I wondered when Magnolia would punch Roy in the nose)- annnnnndddd the answer was in Act Two! (ok, so it was a knee to the groin, but really, that's even BETTER. YAAASSSS. GO MAGNOLIA!) We also see more Brady (so yay!), and then DGS does an excellent job of taking people you *think* you trust within the story and planting a little seed of doubt there in your mind so that you don't know if you completely trust them anymore. That being said, I DON'T KNOW WHO TO TRUST ANYMORE! And more importantly, WHO IS THE KILLER FROM GRADUATION NIGHT?! I need to know! ... is it February yet?!
DGS is a master in the art of the cliffhanger. She has a way of dragging you in and then always leaving you wanting more by the end of the book (but in a good way). That being said, I do have SOME answers from book 1. Let's start with the most important one (the one where I wondered when Magnolia would punch Roy in the nose)- annnnnndddd the answer was in Act Two! (ok, so it was a knee to the groin, but really, that's even BETTER. YAAASSSS. GO MAGNOLIA!) We also see more Brady (so yay!), and then DGS does an excellent job of taking people you *think* you trust within the story and planting a little seed of doubt there in your mind so that you don't know if you completely trust them anymore. That being said, I DON'T KNOW WHO TO TRUST ANYMORE! And more importantly, WHO IS THE KILLER FROM GRADUATION NIGHT?! I need to know! ... is it February yet?!
September 15, 2016
Things picked up in this book. I finished book one and immediately downloaded book 2. Now I'm a little irritated with myself because I have to wait until 2017 to read the next one. I really should only read series books when the series is complete. I liked this book better than the first, but that's common. A lot of questions we answered but of course a lot more were brought up. At times Maggie drives me crazy and I just want to say, "Tell someone the entire truth!!!" At times I feel she is too flighty and indecisive and she sometimes bugs me. But obviously I keep reading and waiting to see what else happens. Now I have to wait until 2017... sigh......
October 18, 2016
I wanted to like it more, I really did. But holy crap, everyone in this book is annoying. I get that Magnolia is supposed to be an actress, and I get that she is determined to get to the bottom of everything, but having to read what "part she would play" whenever she got nervous was obnoxious, and who the fuck hides the *thing* in the *place*?! I can't clarify more, spoilers and all that.
June 25, 2020
Resumes where Centre Stage ended. To recap, three weeks ago, Magnolia had been poised to make her debut as the lead in the hottest new musical to hit Broadway in a decade, when her lover Griff, the director whom she’d been living with was discovered—cheating with her understudy . . . to say her reaction was volatile would be a vast understatement.
She returns home after a ten year absence, under a cloud of anger, resentment and secrets.
She and Colt are friends. Her time in Franklin has taught her a renewed self-awareness.
She’d gone to the Franklin police station to report the events as she remembered the night of her high school graduation. They had assigned Brady to talk to her. She had no solid information to share, there was no body, no open case, and any evidence had gone cold a decade ago. The murderer had threatened her family, and the texts she received were proof she was being watched.
Brady had insisted on taking a walk with her — as her friend, not as a police detective—he hadn’t realised her connection. Once he did, he told his partner all of the things she had shared—incriminating details. She was initially attracted to Brady Bennett, until he betrayed her trust, thinking he was a genuinely nice guy, until realising he had an ulterior motive.
Her father was a financial planner and partner with an Investment firm, working for thirty plus years. She was fourteen at the time of his disappearance, when he began acting strangely, paranoid about six months before.
Her father became concerned he was being watched and started attending secret evening meetings. He took Magnolia to the firing range stating she needed to learn to protect herself.
His disappearance was officially ruled and he was declared dead about seven years ago. She recalls a day he took her to a new dentist without her mother’s knowledge and he and the dentist spoke. She was given headphones to watch the telly to distract her, as her father and the dentist spoke. The appointment was a ruse.
Roy her brother is a psychopath — a monster. He was going to beat her and shoved her harder, until she released another cry of pain.
“Why do you hate me so much?”
“I’ll stay out of your life and you stay out of mine.”
“If only it were that easy, but you seem incapable of it.”
That sounded ominous, I lifted up my knee and rammed his crotch as hard as I could. He grunted and hunched over, no longer blocking me in.
“I’m going to kill you, Magnolia,”
“Get out of my apartment, Roy,” I swung my purse at his head with my left hand, but pain shot through my shoulder from the spot where he’d pinned my arm. He easily deflected my weak swing, but it was enough to catch him off guard as I flipped the tab on the top of the metal cylinder. I held it up and took a step back.
“Get the hell out of my apartment, or I’ll spray the shit out of your face.”
He lifted his hands in surrender. “Calm down, Magnolia.” “Calm down?” I shrieked. “You show up at my apartment and hurt me and threaten to kill me, and now you’re telling me to calm down? Get the f-k out!”
Her father, Walter Frey, Geraldo Lopez (the dentist)—and Christopher Merritt (the accountant) all knew about the embezzlement. Frey was Steve’s attorney. Her father was his financial planner. The accountant handled his money and the dentist, uncertain. All four knew he was dirty, and they were planning to take him down. Shannon was helping them and Steve found out. Magnolia’s father went to meet Walter Frey. The police never looked into Steve Morrissey and the other three refused to talk. They knew Steve would have them killed.
She is repeatedly reminded to leave the past where it belongs. As events unfold, her fathers words remain ‘Trust no one’. This snowballed into conspiracy theories, coverups, police corruption...murder.
Characters
Colt Austin, fellow Southern Belles employee and womanizer—though not necessarily in that order
Brady Bennett, detective with an ulterior motive and personal interest in her
Roy - her violent brother
Belinda - his wife
Lila - Magnolia’s mother
Tilly -Lila’s best friend, business partner and second mother to Magnolia
This is a series of four books interconnected. Read in order (concurrently) will help the reader to appreciate the plot and past events. Act Two is the second in the series...the gold serial numbers match the million dollars worth of gold that was embezzled and gone missing.
She returns home after a ten year absence, under a cloud of anger, resentment and secrets.
She and Colt are friends. Her time in Franklin has taught her a renewed self-awareness.
She’d gone to the Franklin police station to report the events as she remembered the night of her high school graduation. They had assigned Brady to talk to her. She had no solid information to share, there was no body, no open case, and any evidence had gone cold a decade ago. The murderer had threatened her family, and the texts she received were proof she was being watched.
Brady had insisted on taking a walk with her — as her friend, not as a police detective—he hadn’t realised her connection. Once he did, he told his partner all of the things she had shared—incriminating details. She was initially attracted to Brady Bennett, until he betrayed her trust, thinking he was a genuinely nice guy, until realising he had an ulterior motive.
Her father was a financial planner and partner with an Investment firm, working for thirty plus years. She was fourteen at the time of his disappearance, when he began acting strangely, paranoid about six months before.
Her father became concerned he was being watched and started attending secret evening meetings. He took Magnolia to the firing range stating she needed to learn to protect herself.
His disappearance was officially ruled and he was declared dead about seven years ago. She recalls a day he took her to a new dentist without her mother’s knowledge and he and the dentist spoke. She was given headphones to watch the telly to distract her, as her father and the dentist spoke. The appointment was a ruse.
Roy her brother is a psychopath — a monster. He was going to beat her and shoved her harder, until she released another cry of pain.
“Why do you hate me so much?”
“I’ll stay out of your life and you stay out of mine.”
“If only it were that easy, but you seem incapable of it.”
That sounded ominous, I lifted up my knee and rammed his crotch as hard as I could. He grunted and hunched over, no longer blocking me in.
“I’m going to kill you, Magnolia,”
“Get out of my apartment, Roy,” I swung my purse at his head with my left hand, but pain shot through my shoulder from the spot where he’d pinned my arm. He easily deflected my weak swing, but it was enough to catch him off guard as I flipped the tab on the top of the metal cylinder. I held it up and took a step back.
“Get the hell out of my apartment, or I’ll spray the shit out of your face.”
He lifted his hands in surrender. “Calm down, Magnolia.” “Calm down?” I shrieked. “You show up at my apartment and hurt me and threaten to kill me, and now you’re telling me to calm down? Get the f-k out!”
Her father, Walter Frey, Geraldo Lopez (the dentist)—and Christopher Merritt (the accountant) all knew about the embezzlement. Frey was Steve’s attorney. Her father was his financial planner. The accountant handled his money and the dentist, uncertain. All four knew he was dirty, and they were planning to take him down. Shannon was helping them and Steve found out. Magnolia’s father went to meet Walter Frey. The police never looked into Steve Morrissey and the other three refused to talk. They knew Steve would have them killed.
She is repeatedly reminded to leave the past where it belongs. As events unfold, her fathers words remain ‘Trust no one’. This snowballed into conspiracy theories, coverups, police corruption...murder.
Characters
Colt Austin, fellow Southern Belles employee and womanizer—though not necessarily in that order
Brady Bennett, detective with an ulterior motive and personal interest in her
Roy - her violent brother
Belinda - his wife
Lila - Magnolia’s mother
Tilly -Lila’s best friend, business partner and second mother to Magnolia
This is a series of four books interconnected. Read in order (concurrently) will help the reader to appreciate the plot and past events. Act Two is the second in the series...the gold serial numbers match the million dollars worth of gold that was embezzled and gone missing.
March 16, 2018
Act Two is the second book in the Magnolia Steele Mystery series. It is the continued story of Magnolia who is a curious women wanting to discover exactly what happened to her father. This curiosity brings her into many dangerous interactions. Magnolia Steele is the main character who is a strong minded women who will not stop what she is doing until she gets the answers that she wants. Overall, Act Two teaches readers the danger in being overly curious, but more importantly, it shows how complicated trust is and to be careful in who you trust. Magnolia is conflicted on who it is safe to trust and who around her cannot be trusted.
Denise Grover Swank writing style keeps readers interested, intrigued, and wanting to continue reading the book as the mystery unfolds. The book is told from the point of view of Magnolia as she looks into her father's disappearance. It is a wonderful mystery intertwined with a small amount of romance with an overall effect of making readers not be able to put the book down. This book is great for anyone who loves a mystery story with light romance, and it is also great for readers who enjoyed the first book in the series.
Denise Grover Swank writing style keeps readers interested, intrigued, and wanting to continue reading the book as the mystery unfolds. The book is told from the point of view of Magnolia as she looks into her father's disappearance. It is a wonderful mystery intertwined with a small amount of romance with an overall effect of making readers not be able to put the book down. This book is great for anyone who loves a mystery story with light romance, and it is also great for readers who enjoyed the first book in the series.
January 5, 2018
Act Two wasn’t exactly what I had in mind! Like I said, I wanted to know more about the night Magnolia left, but this book didn’t focus on that at all. Act Two starts with Magnolia trying to uncover the real reason behind her father’s disappearance. More bodies start turning up the more she asks questions, and despite the constant warnings, Magnolia insists on finding the truth.
This book dragged a little bit! I was starting to question Magnolia’s ability to judge the seriousness of any situation, because I felt like she didn’t take things seriously enough. Her decision making was flawed which is something I liked. Characters aren’t supposed to be perfect and our Magnolia definitely wasn’t perfect. She was lost and confused. She didn’t know who trust, who was telling the truth, who was hiding what and so on.. I liked both Brady and Colt, and even though I’m pretty sure they have their own agenda, I’m sure they’re trustworthy. I didn’t like Balinda’s character very much, I’ve always felt that she’s a bit of fake but I’m not sure why.
Full Review: http://letters-on-canvas.com/2018/01/...
This book dragged a little bit! I was starting to question Magnolia’s ability to judge the seriousness of any situation, because I felt like she didn’t take things seriously enough. Her decision making was flawed which is something I liked. Characters aren’t supposed to be perfect and our Magnolia definitely wasn’t perfect. She was lost and confused. She didn’t know who trust, who was telling the truth, who was hiding what and so on.. I liked both Brady and Colt, and even though I’m pretty sure they have their own agenda, I’m sure they’re trustworthy. I didn’t like Balinda’s character very much, I’ve always felt that she’s a bit of fake but I’m not sure why.
Full Review: http://letters-on-canvas.com/2018/01/...
August 13, 2024
One of my favorite authors. She knows how to keep you reading.
5 stars for D.G. Swank
5 stars for D.G. Swank
June 11, 2019
After reading the first book I just never wanted to be without these characters! Lucky for me, I stumbled onto this series when all four books were already printed! Book 2 is just as good if not better than book1. Act Two keeps the reader guessing as the reader is finding our information on a cold case right along with our main character. Great writing, relaxing and fun with just enough suspense and mystery!
November 19, 2016
I could not have written a review any better than Angela Shockley did from Amazon---it summed up this book very well----and these lists will help me remember things in February 2017 :)
Writing this review and not revealing any spoilers is a truly difficult task. . This book has a little bit of everything: murder, mystery, fun, badass heroines, and a touch of romance. By a "touch" I mean a dash, just the tiniest bit of romance sprinkled here and there. Totes sweet, no steam.
What I liked:
1) Magnolia
2) Belinda
3) Detective Brady Bennett (I *really, really, really, really, really, REALLY* didn't want to like him.)
What I didn't like:
1) Roy
2) Whomever the stalker/murderer from Magnolia's past is (I've got a couple of theories still in play after the completion of this installment!)
3) Det Owen Fraiser
4) Ava Milton
Who I don't trust:
1) Everyone in the "didn't like" list.
2) Colt Austin (he's sweet, but I don't trust him.)
3) Franklin police
4) Brady (yes, I like him, but I don't trust him.)
What surprised me:
1) Magnolia finally saying something to Belinda about Roy
2) Roy (holy cannoli!)
3) Magnolia and Colt singing (that's not really a spoiler, is it?)
4) The fast succession of murders (also not really a spoiler, this is a mystery series after all!)
You do have to read the 1st novel (Center Stage) 1st. This book did take me awhile to read--only because I had snuck 2 other novels in between. Waiting for the 3rd book (Call Back) to be released in February 2017.
Writing this review and not revealing any spoilers is a truly difficult task. . This book has a little bit of everything: murder, mystery, fun, badass heroines, and a touch of romance. By a "touch" I mean a dash, just the tiniest bit of romance sprinkled here and there. Totes sweet, no steam.
What I liked:
1) Magnolia
2) Belinda
3) Detective Brady Bennett (I *really, really, really, really, really, REALLY* didn't want to like him.)
What I didn't like:
1) Roy
2) Whomever the stalker/murderer from Magnolia's past is (I've got a couple of theories still in play after the completion of this installment!)
3) Det Owen Fraiser
4) Ava Milton
Who I don't trust:
1) Everyone in the "didn't like" list.
2) Colt Austin (he's sweet, but I don't trust him.)
3) Franklin police
4) Brady (yes, I like him, but I don't trust him.)
What surprised me:
1) Magnolia finally saying something to Belinda about Roy
2) Roy (holy cannoli!)
3) Magnolia and Colt singing (that's not really a spoiler, is it?)
4) The fast succession of murders (also not really a spoiler, this is a mystery series after all!)
You do have to read the 1st novel (Center Stage) 1st. This book did take me awhile to read--only because I had snuck 2 other novels in between. Waiting for the 3rd book (Call Back) to be released in February 2017.
September 12, 2016
This is only the second book in this series but I have already become so attached to the characters. The storyline and twists have my mind thinking 20 different thoughts. I really thought I knew where things were going with the end of Book 1, that changed a few chapters into Book 2, then it changed again, and again...well you get the idea. I literally started reading and could not put it down, it's a page turner for sure!
Not only is Magnolia dealing with current day murders, she's very much tied up with the two "events" that have shaped her life - her father's leaving and the nightmare she witnessed on her high school graduation night. At times, I wonder if there is some connection as the two seem to blend (e.g her texts), but I think this is all in the grand plot line of the story and it sure did grow with this book. As well as the introduction of key players in her father's disappearance as well as new faces who seem to know a whole lot of what goes on in Franklin.
This next installment also made me question some of the folks she has developed relationships with and what exactly is it that their secret is too, seems a lot of people in Franklin have them. All I know is that I cannot wait for the next book as I was left wanting more as soon as I finished the last sentence.
You cannot go wrong with this series, there's a lot of mystery, some romance, maybe even a love triangle, a host of interesting characters, and a whole lot of story left to tell.
Not only is Magnolia dealing with current day murders, she's very much tied up with the two "events" that have shaped her life - her father's leaving and the nightmare she witnessed on her high school graduation night. At times, I wonder if there is some connection as the two seem to blend (e.g her texts), but I think this is all in the grand plot line of the story and it sure did grow with this book. As well as the introduction of key players in her father's disappearance as well as new faces who seem to know a whole lot of what goes on in Franklin.
This next installment also made me question some of the folks she has developed relationships with and what exactly is it that their secret is too, seems a lot of people in Franklin have them. All I know is that I cannot wait for the next book as I was left wanting more as soon as I finished the last sentence.
You cannot go wrong with this series, there's a lot of mystery, some romance, maybe even a love triangle, a host of interesting characters, and a whole lot of story left to tell.
January 14, 2018
I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one, perhaps because Magnolia is starting to wear on me a little bit. I think this is a prime example of where 'show, don't tell' needed to be exercised. Because I swear, if Magnolia said one more time "I had to decide what role to play, this time I would play the role of the ______," I was going to scream. We have established that Magnolia is an actress. We have established that she has secrets to hide. It therefore wouldn't be that big of a stretch for us to watch Magnolia react in a certain way and assume that she's trying to fake her way through something by acting with more confidence, innocence, whatever, then she is actually feeling. I feel like, having established the theater theme, this was the only way the author felt she could keep it going through the second book, and it got more than a little annoying.
The story does move along quickly, with twists and turns and shocks. This is not great literature, but again, it fills the niche of mindless read quite nicely. Still, I find myself not quite caring as much about the final two books and the resolution of the different mysteries that have been set up.
The story does move along quickly, with twists and turns and shocks. This is not great literature, but again, it fills the niche of mindless read quite nicely. Still, I find myself not quite caring as much about the final two books and the resolution of the different mysteries that have been set up.
September 16, 2016
Act Two was worth the wait. We got more answers than I anticipated...
Magnolia was once again thrown into a murder investigation and she was at a loss of who to trust and the farther she delved into the past the more confused she became. It was obvious that everyone she spoke with wanted her to let sleeping dogs lie. Of course when you get a stubborn southern woman you know that can't happen.
She is still being pulled between two men, Colt and Brady, although I personally wouldn't consider it a love triangle even if they both have feelings for Magnolia, one has made it apparent and I still don't about the other. Although, we still don't know if should trust them, or who we can really trust. It seems everyone in this town has a secret that they want to take to their grave.
If you love mystery with a dash of romance along with murder and high stakes situations you will enjoy this book.
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Magnolia was once again thrown into a murder investigation and she was at a loss of who to trust and the farther she delved into the past the more confused she became. It was obvious that everyone she spoke with wanted her to let sleeping dogs lie. Of course when you get a stubborn southern woman you know that can't happen.
She is still being pulled between two men, Colt and Brady, although I personally wouldn't consider it a love triangle even if they both have feelings for Magnolia, one has made it apparent and I still don't about the other. Although, we still don't know if should trust them, or who we can really trust. It seems everyone in this town has a secret that they want to take to their grave.
If you love mystery with a dash of romance along with murder and high stakes situations you will enjoy this book.
https://www.facebook.com/HEANovelThou...
https://heanovelthoughts.wordpress.com/
March 9, 2017
I am actually rather disappointed with this novel. I was so excited to read it after book one, went straight to iBooks and downloaded it, but . . . the progress of this story is so slow. I was bored. I like the writing, and I still really like the characters, but this book should have been edited down by at least a third. To then have another two books to come, we're only halfway, (I grabbed the sample of book 3 and it is more of the same, SO repetitive) and book 4 doesn't release until the end of the year, so I'd get to the end of 3 and just ____________________________________ well I can't be bothered. If I even remember the series by the time the last book comes out I may consider it, as I'd love to see Magnolia and Brady get together, although I don't really care too much about the mystery as it is too slow-paced. Shame. Time will tell.
September 8, 2016
Ah! Loved the first book and this one is even better. Magnolia just can't seem to stay out of trouble. I so love Cole but there's something about him that worries me. And Brady...love love him.
Great story. Fast paced read. Non stop action. Such a great book.
Great story. Fast paced read. Non stop action. Such a great book.
March 27, 2017
Definitivamente me encantan los Misterios de Maggie. No imaginas quién es el asesino. Continúas leyendo porque deseas saber. Sólo tengo una queja, la parte romántica. El coqueteo podría ser más profundo...
Definitely I like Maggie’s Mysteries. You can’t imagine who is the murderer. You continue reading because you want to know. I only have one complaint, the romantic part. The flirting part could be more profound...
Reseña completa… / Complete review
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Definitely I like Maggie’s Mysteries. You can’t imagine who is the murderer. You continue reading because you want to know. I only have one complaint, the romantic part. The flirting part could be more profound...
Reseña completa… / Complete review
https://buscandoesealgoblog.wordpress...
October 24, 2019
This honestly could have been a 5 star but I completely forgot to write a review and now I can’t remember all the particulars enough to know. Suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series.
September 19, 2016
3.5 stars
October 12, 2017
"Act Two" is another spectacular read in the Magnolia Steele series. This time Magnolia decides she and her mother cannot spend another day living together nor can she continue to do any work in the kitchen of her mother's catering business. Let's just say she is "cooking impaired." So, her friend Colt helps her find a job at a dress shop and an apartment above a garage at the home of her mother's number one nemesis.
As Maggie manuevers through shark infested while attempting to investigate her father's mysterious disappearance she finds herself once again stumbling upon body after body. To make matters worse, he brother proves he is nothing more than a worthless bully. Of course, things are becoming to heat up between Detective Brady Bennett and Maggie but they just cannot seem to get over their mistrust of one another.
Maggie's mother refuses to talk to her about her cancer but wants to discuss her impending death. Maggie wants nothing to do with that discussion. It's all a big mess with intrigue and danger peeking around every corner and I loved every minute of it. So, if I enjoyed this read so much why didn't I give the read 5 stars? The problem for me is Maggie's inability to reveal the things she should and not face some issues head on. She is strong and independent but continually makes poor choice but I guess that can be said of any of use when we were twenty four.
Things are heating up and I am anxious to see what book three reveals before book four, the final book is released in a few days. Way to keep everyone on their toes Ms. Swank.
As Maggie manuevers through shark infested while attempting to investigate her father's mysterious disappearance she finds herself once again stumbling upon body after body. To make matters worse, he brother proves he is nothing more than a worthless bully. Of course, things are becoming to heat up between Detective Brady Bennett and Maggie but they just cannot seem to get over their mistrust of one another.
Maggie's mother refuses to talk to her about her cancer but wants to discuss her impending death. Maggie wants nothing to do with that discussion. It's all a big mess with intrigue and danger peeking around every corner and I loved every minute of it. So, if I enjoyed this read so much why didn't I give the read 5 stars? The problem for me is Maggie's inability to reveal the things she should and not face some issues head on. She is strong and independent but continually makes poor choice but I guess that can be said of any of use when we were twenty four.
Things are heating up and I am anxious to see what book three reveals before book four, the final book is released in a few days. Way to keep everyone on their toes Ms. Swank.
June 10, 2025
I just finished Act Two and whew—I have so many thoughts. Magnolia Steele is one of those characters you root for even when she’s a hot mess (which, let’s be real, she often is in the best way). After everything that happened in Center Stage, I was really hoping she’d find some peace in this one. Spoiler: she doesn’t—but not for lack of trying.
This book dives deep into the mystery of her father’s disappearance, and while she does get a few answers, it just opens up so many more questions. The tension is real—between her and her momma, the town that won’t let her forget the past, and even the detective who clearly wants to be more than just helpful. And then someone winds up dead? Yeah, things get real fast.
DGS nails that perfect blend of suspense, heart, and southern sass. I love how Magnolia is trying to stand her ground and stop running, even if trusting people doesn’t come easy. Honestly, I didn’t want to put this one down—every time I thought I had something figured out, another twist popped up.
If you love small-town secrets, messy families, and stubborn women who won’t stop until they get answers, Act Two is totally worth the read. Just be warned: it’ll leave you with even more questions—and itching for the next book.
This book dives deep into the mystery of her father’s disappearance, and while she does get a few answers, it just opens up so many more questions. The tension is real—between her and her momma, the town that won’t let her forget the past, and even the detective who clearly wants to be more than just helpful. And then someone winds up dead? Yeah, things get real fast.
DGS nails that perfect blend of suspense, heart, and southern sass. I love how Magnolia is trying to stand her ground and stop running, even if trusting people doesn’t come easy. Honestly, I didn’t want to put this one down—every time I thought I had something figured out, another twist popped up.
If you love small-town secrets, messy families, and stubborn women who won’t stop until they get answers, Act Two is totally worth the read. Just be warned: it’ll leave you with even more questions—and itching for the next book.
September 18, 2019
Magnolia is back and still in trouble!
As memories of Magnolia's past continue to haunt her, she continues to push back her deepest secret and ends up trying to get to the bottom of what really happened to her dad when she was younger. The local story is that he had an affair and ran off, but Magnolia doesn't buy it.
Again, Magnolia is such an amazing character. I love getting to see her continue on in Tennessee, even though it wasn't exactly what she expected. Her guarded relationships with those around her are written so well that you can physically feel the turmoil she's going through in her mind. Denise Grover Swank is such a storyteller. The way she fuses together the past and the present is immaculate. Not a detail is missed.
Like I said about Center Stage, I would totally recommend this series. If you like DGS's Rose Gardner/Neely Kate books or her Darling Investigation books, you should definitely give Magnolia Steele a chance!
As memories of Magnolia's past continue to haunt her, she continues to push back her deepest secret and ends up trying to get to the bottom of what really happened to her dad when she was younger. The local story is that he had an affair and ran off, but Magnolia doesn't buy it.
Again, Magnolia is such an amazing character. I love getting to see her continue on in Tennessee, even though it wasn't exactly what she expected. Her guarded relationships with those around her are written so well that you can physically feel the turmoil she's going through in her mind. Denise Grover Swank is such a storyteller. The way she fuses together the past and the present is immaculate. Not a detail is missed.
Like I said about Center Stage, I would totally recommend this series. If you like DGS's Rose Gardner/Neely Kate books or her Darling Investigation books, you should definitely give Magnolia Steele a chance!
October 18, 2017
This is a second book and I bought it right away after finishing the first as one mystery was solved (maybe?) but there were still several threads the needed pursuing. This book takes up right where the other left off...as in just days later. And off we go with another plot that provides some answers and asks more questions. Needless to say I am hooked and just got book three. Characters are appealing and yet all have their secrets. The thrill of the hunt for the answers to those questions keeps the reader guessing which is why I find it so appealing. This is no easy to concern plot as the author has a long term well connected plot and carefully releases a few hints/answers as the series moves on. Highly recommend
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