Dae's Christmas Past (A Missing Pieces Mystery)

This Missing Pieces cozy/paranormal series has been one of my favorites from its inception. I love the small town setting of Duck, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks and how the authors have woven the area's history into the storylines. Joyce and Jim Lavene also do a wonderful job in showing what it's like to be mayor of a small town in troubled financial times, and how people in a community can come together to make the town-- and their lives-- better. Normally readers pick up books like these and read about the problems, but don't see much in the way of finding and implementing solutions.I've also come to care a great deal for Dae, her grandfather, her boyfriend, and other characters in her circle of friends and acquaintances. The paranormal hook appealed to me as well: Dae's ability to hold objects and "see" their history, or to have people come to her for help in locating missing things and her being able to find them simply by touching the person. We even have a new character in Dae's Christmas Past: Mary Catherine Roberts, who first appeared in the Lavenes' The Telltale Turtle. Roberts can talk to and listen to animals, and in this book, flocks of them have plenty to say to her. I liked Mary Catherine, but other than providing a romantic interest for Dae's grandfather, she really didn't have all that much to do. Telling us several times throughout the book that the animals were worried and afraid doesn't make her vital to the plot. It will be interesting to see how her role adapts in future books.I've been telling you about all the things I've liked about this book and the series as a whole, but I've been avoiding the elephant in the room. (Mary Catherine would've told you what the elephant had to say by now.) I'm more than willing to go wherever authors want to take me. I like to see how they introduce new elements and how they can push the envelope. More often than not, I enjoy these changes-- but sometimes I don't, and this is one of those times.The plot hinges on a prehistoric horse cult on the Outer Banks. This was introduced a book or two ago, and I have to admit that I eyed it nervously. I was right to, at least for me. Dae's developing psychic abilities and her testing their boundaries has kept me interested, but I just could not buy into this horse cult. When the ringleader of the reborn cult was revealed and began to spout rhetoric, the character sounded straight from a James Bond film-- just another megalomaniac trying to take over the world. It just didn't fit. It just wasn't Duck.There's still a lot that I like about this series, but I have to admit that I'll be looking forward to the next book, not only with anticipation, but with a big dollop of apprehension as well.

Dae O’Donnell had just been re-elected for her second term as mayor in the little town of Duck, North Carolina. Her good friend Jake Burleson, owner of land in the nearby town of Corolla, cared for and rescued wild horses, where they were housed on his property until they could be released back into the wild. But there were excavations happening on his property, and he was trying to put a stop to it. He knew nothing good would come from digging up the past.But it was when Dae’s extraordinary gift led her to realise there was trouble ahead in a big way, that frightened her. All the townsfolk wanted was to enjoy the lead up to Christmas; get their decorations on their shops, ready for the competition, and stay warm. When one of the people from Jake’s farm was killed, trouble accelerated in a terrible way. Could Dae, along with her psychic friend MC Roberts discover what was happening in their town?Dae’s Christmas Past by Joyce Lavene is an intriguing cosy mystery, blended with the paranormal. It’s #6 in the Missing Pieces series and although I haven’t read any others, I had no trouble reading this one as a stand-alone. Filled with animals, birds, demon horses and evil, Dae’s Christmas Past is one I recommend.

Another nice visit with some of our favorite friends---even some unexpected friends, which was quite fun and made me smile!We pick up shortly after the previous Missing Pieces book. It isn't necessary to have read the previous books, but in my opinion, it makes it more enjoyable because it's a continuation of what's going on in Dae's life. To me, reading these books are like visiting with friends.There are some mysterious goings on in Duck related to an ancient horse cult, and eventually there are a couple of deaths. It's up to Dae, with help from other Duck residents, to not only solve the murders but stop this ancient phenomenon.I've never had a problem with Dae's ability to find things or "see" things. That's part of the fun of these books. The thing with the horse cult in this one isn't really my thing, but it certainly didn't keep me from enjoying this book. In fact, I can't wait for the next installment to see what's going on with Dae & Kevin and all the good people of Duck. Hope it won't be a long wait.

Especially when they take place nearby in my own state. I'm hooked on Duck and Dae and all the adventures!

This book # 6 Joyce Lavene's Missing Pieces series a paranormal tale.. While there is abackground of Christmas, the book is about the The Horse Cult and the Demon Horses. Somehow an evil has been brought out of fire and the Demons horses must return to the fire. When the Demon Horses run. Someone is found dead with a horse print in back of his head. Dae learns a great deal more about her family. Will Dae see the horses back into the fire before she disappears in this life.

A great read! Finished what the previous novel hinted at.. This authors do a good job with various venues- and they have several. They get into the heads of their characters and make them come alive. I recommend the entire series as well as their other ones. This also came in a really good condition. Gave it to the local library since they didn't have this one, so others can enjoy it as well.

Loved the book. I've really enjoyed the entire series.

Love the characters and plot line. Excellent series and location. This one was a stand out! Read them all! Fantastic!

Wonderful series, I love the setting, the characters and the storylines always get me hooked. If you like cozy mysteries this series is a must.

Weak storyline and awkward new size of book. I had enjoyed this series, but with will be my last purchase.