Curtain Call: Magnolia Steele Mystery #4 Paperback – September 29, 2017

Wow. After 4 books, somewhere around 1600 pages, this conclusion to the Magnolia Steele series was everything I hoped it would be. I knew who the killer was before the reveal. I realized it early on in this book, but it was the first time I had guessed this person since starting the series. There were still a lot of surprises in this novel though, and some things I truly didn’t expect.Honestly, the killer could have been any number of people, based on the vast array of suspects and motivations. This story was like a much more complex version of the board game Clue. There were a couple times I wasn’t 100% sure of the different characters connections, but in the end I understood the gist and the key elements of why everyone was involved.Word to the wise that there is more violence in this last novel as the killer (and potentially more than one killer) is revealed, and there is some disturbing elements (as to be expected with a serial killer on the loose who tortures women). However, I’ve read novels that were much more graphic when it comes to crimes (e.g. Michael Connelly, James Patterson), so I found this to be pretty tame in comparison.There’s a lot of death and a lot of distrust (both in previous novels in the series, and especially in this novel), so there may be times when you feel like you’ve been hit by an emotional truck. But all in all, I enjoyed the wit, pacing, dialogue, and general development of the story. I’m glad that I read this series and will read more by Denise Grover Swank.

Great book. Fantastic finish to the series, too.No spoilers here. You'll have to settle for knowing that Denise Grover Swank is at the peak of her game, and is giving us fantastic stories written to perfection. Swank fills Magnolia's story with love and heartbreak, there's joy and sadness, money and talent, a terrific cast of characters and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through. And surprises, too! Several of them.The denouement is masterfully, perfectly executed.If you haven't read the entire Magnolia Steele series, you should definitely get right on it. This is a wonderful series with real heart and soul and it's worth reading. If you have read the series, then know that this is just as good a story as the other three books, and that you will not be let down by the resolution to the storyline. Totally worth the time to read!

I waited to write a review till finishing all 4 books ... which means this story and these characters kept me engaged for 4 books in a row, which is a pretty great testimonial right there. I liked all the characters - each was believable and unique. A lot of people had big or eccentric personalities and many authors would write them as either kooky or one-dimensional; this author writes them as interesting and complex. The mystery and suspense aspects are very well written and the pace is pleasingly fast and engaging.I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because, across the 4 books there was some rambling sections as well as some minor inconsistencies. Plus, I’m not a big fan of books that don’t actually conclude. This series is not full of cliffhangers per se, but x the many plot threads mostly build over the first 3 books and fully resolve in this 4th.

Curtain Call is the fourth and final book in the Magnolia Steele series and it was absolutely fantastic! I am sad that this series has come to an end but the story was wrapped up perfectly and did not leave unanswered questions. The twists and turns throughout the series kept me unsure of how the story would end but this book did a great job at ensuring everything was explained. There were some surprising reveals in this book and I cannot wait to reread it to help piece everything together again.Magnolia is a character that I have truly grown to care about and I am thankful to Denise for writing another great mystery series. She grew throughout the series and learned a lot about herself and her family and friends. I also loved seeing the development of the other characters and learning all about their pasts and secrets. This book was another quick read because I could not put it down but part of me was bummed because I did not want it to end.

I soooo didn't want this series to end but alas as all good things must come to an end.Denise Grover Swank did not disappoint in this grand finale to the Magnolia Steele series.The build up to the surprising end was a shock and brilliantly delivered. The story was well crafted and keeps u on the edge of your seat. Just when u think who the sick, devious and demented killer is your thrown for a loop.Magnolia has had enough of being scared, the damsel in distress and following the death of mother. She's ready to confront all the demons of her past and to hear hard devastating truths that have been kept hidden for so long. But who can she truly trust and will she be able to do the one thing she's been trying to all along. Find the man behind her nightmares and years of hiding or he finally do what he said would do.......I absolutely love this series and hate for it to end. Denise has done amazing job at creating a world with these colorful characters to say the least and making you feel like your a part of their realm. Thank you for sharing your amazing gifts.

This was the 4th book in the series. I must say it’s been a long time since I have read such an excellent book. The twists and turns were unbelievable and it seemed that once you figured out who the serial killer was he would be eliminated time and time again. I highly recommend this series.

This has been an excellent series and a brilliant last book. Sad to lose these characters but really good end.

You will not guess who it is. This is a great last book of the season. Magnolia rounds out the truth about her father. She also finds out who the serial killer is. I did not see it coming. I love this book, as all the mystery and twists. This is a very gripping book.

What a fantastic ending to a remarkable series.I can not recommend this series enough

You can't go wrong with any of these books. Each new story line is amazin