Dae's Christmas Past

Missing Pieces Mystery #6

by Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene

Book #6 in the Missing Pieces Mysteries set in Duck, NC with protagonist Mayor Dae O'Donnell who is able to tell where people have lost items by touching them and able to find lost people by touching their things.
Dae's good friend, Jake Burleson, is accused of killing the director of the wild horse rescue group in Corolla. She believes there is more to the story and investigates with the help of pet psychic Mary Catherine Roberts.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Paranormal Mystery, Holiday, Ebooks, Southern

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2014

About the author

aka Elyssa Henry and Joye Ames, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant

Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[LuAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been reading my reviews this year, you probably know that I am a fan of Joyce and Jim Lavene's work. That can work for or against an author (or an author team). Of course, you expect everything they do to be golden, so it builds anticipation and a predisposition to like whatever comes off the press next. It also puts pressure on authors to keep hitting the mark.

Luckily for the mystery reading public, this couple must have been taking archery lessons (maybe from someone in their 'Renaissance Faire Mysteries', because Dae's Christmas Past is another proverbial bull's-eye mystery!

The word 'cult' is such a emotionally charged word, both for those who believe in the paranormal and those who claim not to believe in such phenomena. So the talk of a long-ago horse cult and demon horses is sure to make anyone's little neck hairs stand on end...at least a little.

I particularly liked the interactions between and amongst the characters in this book. Most people in small towns really care about their friends and neighbors, extending to most of the locals. I see it in my own life, where it is de rigueur (lookit this ole country gal with her big words! *lol*) to acknowledge people driving in the opposite direction as you anywhere within 5 miles of your house. I also see it in Dae's town of Duck, NC.

I'd love to see any all off the Lavenes' series (including all the pseudonyms) come out as boxed sets. Of course, I may need to add on a library to my family's house for that, as they have authored more than 70 books! (I know. *FAINT*)

If you haven't fallen in love with Dae and Duck already, the upcoming 'holiday season' would be the perfect time. And if you've been a really good boy or girl this year, maybe Santa will send some of the previous "Missing Pieces Mysteries" in your Christmas stocking this year!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demon Horses

This book # 6 Joyce Lavene's Missing Pieces series a paranormal tale. While there is a background of Christmas, the book is about The Horse Cult and the Demon Horses. Somehow an evil has been brought out of the fire and the Demons horses must return to the fire. When the Demon Horses run. Someone is found dead with a horse print in the 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?

[April Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did Jake kill Tom to stop the excavation of the horse cult site on his land? He has been acting very strangely but does that make him guilty? There is more to the story between Jake and Tom's fight but, can Dae find out the truth before Christmas? After all, not only is she Jake's friend, she's the mayor of Duck. And according to Mary Catherine, pet psychic, the wild horses aren't very happy about the excavation either...

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. It was a great book to read and it was nice to see how Dae has progressed with her abilities. Plus, there were some nice surprises as well. I won't give it away cause that will ruin the surprise for other readers but, I will say that I was very pleased.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Christmas time on the Outer Banks and Dae is having to contend with demon horses. Dae has the ability to see things when she touches objects. Her power is growing and changing and she is not sure how to control it. The book was a quick easy read.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I gave this book 4 stars, something felt off about it. I normally like these authors, I've read 6 of their mystery series and a number of their stand alone books because of it. But their most recent books just haven't been as engaging. (You can check out my review of the most recent Peggy Lee book to see my take on the changes that have been happening in that series.)

The first thing that felt off in this book was all the cross over appearances from other series. First it's Mary Catherine from the Pet Psychic book (a series that was either abandoned or didn't take off since only one book was published). I was ok with the pet psychic since the lead in from the last book made it obvious that this book would be about the horses and Jake's find. But then to have a cameo from main characters from the Ren Faire series was a bit much.

Then their was Dae's relationship and interactions with Kevin. Maybe it has been too long since I read the previous book, but Kevin came across as over protective and a jealous jerk. This was the first book where I really didn't like Kevin. He just didn't seem as supportive or as understanding as he has been previously. Even after Dae publicly chooses him, Kevin acts like a jealous kid where Jake is concerned.

I'll probably keep reading the series for now, but I glad I didn't buy this book.


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strolling down the boardwalk in beautiful Duck, NC, Dae is surprised to spy someone else out this early. As they approach one another, Dae thinks the lady looks familiar, but can't quite place her. The woman tells Dae that she used to own a shop there, in fact it was the one next to Dae's. The woman identifies herself as Mrs. Mary Catherine Roberts, she used to own the Spiritual Reader shop.
Planning to attend a round of parties to congratulate Dae on her mayoral win, Gramps and Dae insist that Mrs Roberts attend with them as they have all ready invited her to stay in their home while she's there. Kevin, Dae's boyfriend and owner of the Blue Whale Inn has a big surprise for Dae. The last thing Dae expected,in front of the whole town, was for Kevin to propose to her! But he did, and did it very well, including making her engagement ring by himself.
As Dae waits on the veranda, for Kevin, so they can go on to the next party, she is approached by Jake Burleson, who practically shoves an old horse statue into her hands. Those of us who know and love the series, knows what this means to Dae. But, I will not ruin it for the rest of you. Take my word for it, horses do take a role here.
Mrs. Mary Catherine Roberts decides that she enjoys her old hometown, and makes a decision to stay for a while. Gramps is happy about this decision, maybe we'll see a bit of romance there. Mrs. Roberts has talked to Dae about taking over her old shop again, but no more spiritual reading for her, perhaps a nice, quiet little pet shop.
If any of you are new readers of Jim and Joyce's work, please do yourself a favor and start reading all of their books. They are so appreciative of their fans and show us in many ways.

A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

I have enjoyed Dae's Christmas Past. It is the first Missing Pieces book that I have read. It can stand alone. I did notice the cameo from another series they write though. Because all the characters were new to me I was open to anyone being the guilty party.

I like the small community of Duck. Located in the outer banks. and it's neighboring towns.

The characters were a variety of people and animals. Dae can touch things and be drawn into their history and passes out. She just won Mayor for the second term. Dae also owns her own business selling old items and calls it Missing Pieces.
Dae lives with her grandfather.

Kevin is her boyfriend who owns the Blue Whale inn and is a ex-FBI Agent

Jake wants Dae for himself. He works with wild horses on his ranch. They are having a dig on his property. The archaeologists wants his ranch turned over for their project. He is acting strange.

Mary Catherine Roberts is a pet psychic who can communicate with animals and they flock to her.

I would love to go back and read other books in this series. It is fun to read. Had some scary parts of story with the horse cult believers. Lots of drama, relationships with small town life. It was a good mix I thought. It is also a clean read.

I have read a few stories of Joyce and Jim Lavene this past year or so and plan to keep reading them. They are good mix of cozy mysteries.

I was given this ebook to read so I could give a honest review and be part of their blog tour of Dae's Christmas Past.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mayor Dae O'Donnell has just been reelected for another term and is getting ready for her celebration parties. Waiting for her in front of her shop, Missing Pieces, is former Duck resident and renowned pet psychic radio personality, Mary Catherine Roberts. She tells her that the wild horses and their ancestors are asking her for help. Recently Dae's friend, Jake, had unearthed an historical dig containing horse statues, smaller ones and one large statue. The problem is there is contention between taking over this dig which would force Jake off his property and away from the wild horses he loves and protects and Jake's wishes to be left alone. Since Jake knows of Dae's ability to find lost things and learn about their past with a touch, he begs her to touch the smaller horse statues to see where they come from. But Dae is reluctant to do so, sensing an overriding aura of evil in them. And when he tricks her into holding one, she is transported to another time. The town is in for a wild ride as mysterious herds of phantom horses plow through the streets, leaving at least one dead body behind. Can Dae uncover this mystery and save her friends and the town? I enjoy this series and the characters in it. I liked the cameo visit from the Ren Faire series, and enjoyed the introduction of the new pet psychic character and her cat, Baylor. Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the newly re-elected Mayor Dae O'Donnell who is being visited by Mary Catherine Roberts who use to have a magical shop in Duck, NC. Now she is back to warn Dae that evil is in Duck and that Dae will have to do something about it. Jake a friend of Dae's is also trying to get her to give a reading so to speak on a miniature horse, that Dae doesn't want to touch due to the vibes she gets from it. What is going on in Duck? How can Dae fix her community?

This book had so much going on with excavating a huge horse statue on Jake's property and the vibes Dae gets from it. Also there is Mary Catherine being in town, is she going to start a relationship with Dae's grandfather or are they just friends? Then of course there is the relationship between Kevin and Dae which seems to be moving forward. Also the politics with the election over two seats need to be filled with the council will Dae allow Mad Dog back in his old spot or is time for some young blood to spruce up the town?

I loved this book it dragged you in and really had you wondering what was going on in Duck. I also was interested in who was committing murder twice. It made me want to read just to solve the mystery! I love Joyce and Jim Lavene and what they dish up they are fabulous with their story telling ability!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, this is book six in the Missing Pieces Mystery series, however, it can be read as a standalone book, since each story is different. Dae O’Donnell has just been re-elected as Mayor in Duck, NC. Dae also has an ability to touch things and can see what has happened to that object. Dae’s friend Jake is being accused of killing his best friend because they had a disagreement over the ancient horse statue they found on Jake’s property. Jake asks Dae to touch pieces of the statues because he believes they are evil. Dae also meets former resident of Duck Mary Catherine Roberts, a pet psychic who tells Dae that there is trouble because the wild horses are telling her they need help. This book had me hooked from the first page until I finished it. I stayed up all night reading it because I didn't want to put it down until I found out what happened. This book has it all, romance, mystery, suspense, humor, and some special abilities. I can’t wait for the next book!

A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a heck of a time even laying hands on this book. Not a single library in our multi-library system (most libraries in Colorado or Wyoming) owns it. When I finally tracked down a copy, it was a huge let down. I felt this was the weakest of the series. Dae's gift was interesting enough, the authors didn't need to throw in another "odd ball" character (Mary Catherine) and an even odder Cult with absolutely over the top "powers."

I lost interest by chapter two, when Jake started to pressure Dae to read the horses he's dug up and apparently become obsessed with. By chapter 4, I hated the guy. And really that's when the ridiculousness began with the demon horse and cult.

Not sure if I will be reading anymore of the authors' books after this and the bizarre twist their other series, the Peggy Lee Gardening mysteries, took between books 5 & 6. I'm not a huge fan when authors feel like they've run out of ideas so they throw in a big, bizarre twist, and both of the series have now done that and it leaves me cold.

[Fermentum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dae’s Christmas Past
By Joyce and Jim Lavene

I absolutely LOVE ….. ALL……the books they have written. In ‘my’ opinion, this is one of the best in this particular series. It was a really good mystery to relax with and a fast-paced fun read. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but this is a really good read. Talk to “animals”? LOVE IT!

I buy ALL the books they write, in all their series… Haven’t missed a one!

Full Disclosure - A copy of THIS book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

[Josette Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyce and Jim Lavene have done it once again with their newest book in the Missing Pieces series!! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! This book blends mystery with paranormal perfectly! As usual, Dae finds herself smack dab in the middle of all the trouble going on, only this time she has some help from a new, unexpected friend with the ability to speak with animals. This intricate story has many twists and turns, plus a couple of surprising yet familiar guests, and will keep you guessing until the end. I've just finished it yet I can't wait for the next one to come out!!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a disappointment. I've pretty much enjoyed the Missing Pieces books up to now but this one, not so much. I thought the storyline was, in a word, ridiculous and the way people reacted to Dae's ideas and observations was not even close to reality. The writing came across to me as unsophisticated and simplistic. Finally, I nailed the murderer very, very early in the book which does not bode well for me being happy with the story. I'm currently reading a sample of the next book "A Watery Death" but it isn't looking so good right now. Maybe Dae O'Donnell has run her course with me.

[Sanderella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newly 're-elected Mayor Dae O'Donnell of Duck, NC, doesn't get to enjoy her many celebration parties, as she gets swept up in murder and mystery. An ancient wild horse statue gets unburied and evil phantom horses plague Corolla and Duck. Who or what is behind this mystery?? Dae intends to find out with the help of a new friend, who talks to animals, and a great cast of characters.
I got totally lost in this exciting new book by the Lavenes.

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked it, and although I'm not a fan of crossovers, at least the pet psychic fit into the story. Also a quick mention of the ren faire people. Overall, it was a great plot (although not to difficult to figure out) and nice to see other story lines moving along, too. Great addition to a great series.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but it definitely had a different feel to it than the previous books in the series. It brings in actual magic (rather than paranormal talents), and has much more of a focus on good and evil, which makes it a slightly different proposition to its predecessors.

[Shelley Giusti · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dae is re-elected to her second term as mayor in Duck. The outer banks are quiet with Christmas in the offing. There are plans afoot to bring more people to the area during the holidays with Christmas in the OBX being advertised and a town counsel vote to allow a gambling ship to dock in Duck. And then the wild horses are running through town leaving fences and gardens trampled and hoof prints burnt into the road. And no one sees the horses, they can only be heard……could it have to do with the excavation of the horse cult artefacts in near by Corolla. Dae’s first days in office are busy.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still liking this series & going to read the last one, but this one was hard to read because of the editing. Apparently the last 2 in the series are self-published & the editing is atrocious. Sorry, but it was so bad, I kept getting distracted. Extra words, missing words, punctuation here, there, & everywhere. It was very frequent, as in every 3-4 pages. So Dae, Kevin, & gang were hard to follow as the archeological dig at Jake's wild horse rescue ranch unleashes demon horses & there's a death. As the main characters try to discover how to stop the ancient horse cult, an old friend who speaks to animals returns to town.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have read the other 5 books in this series. The authors have really stretched Dae's powers along the way. Thought some of this was a little far-fetched. These are small towns. with small town jails. They would have a hard time getting Duran's 50 followers in one jail. Also, and I say this about almost every book I read, why don't they proof read the manuscripts before they print them!!!! It's not simple typos. It's sentences with missing words or extra words that don't belong. Maybe I'm the only one this bothers.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery in the Outer Banks! Having spent many wonderful summers and family trips in the Outer Banks, Joyce and Jim bring back some fantastic memories for me in their tales of Missing Pieces Mysteries. Incorporating the well known wild horses into the story line was a great way to showcase some of the history of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I hope to visit again some day soon!

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been years since I read one of these. The library never got the last books in the series, and I just never thought to look on kindle. I really enjoyed this, and am glad there is at least one more book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these cute little escapes

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

[Cathy Cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Eric Saidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

They've done it again! Joyce and Jim Lavene write wonderful stories that are fun, comfortable and relaxing to read. Their books definitely stand on their own, but it's much more fun, in this reader's opinion, to read them in order. The characters are familiar, interesting, and you really feel like you get to know them. Joyce and Jim love their characters, and it really comes through in their writing! Each time I pick up one of the Missing Pieces books, it brings me back to Duck, NC, one of my favorite places on the Outer Banks. It's been a long wait since reading A Finder's Fee, but worth every minute!

We're back in Duck, NC with Mayor Dae O'Donnell, who is also the owner of Missing Pieces, an eclectic thrift shop filled with unique items that she has found. This time she is on a quest to help Jake Burleson find out the history of the horse artifacts found on his property, which sits north of Duck, and to uncover the mystery of the death of Tom Watts, who just happens to be the director of the nearby wild horse rescue. You see, Dae has a special gift - when she touches things, the history of the item becomes known to her, which gives her an uncanny ability to find missing things and missing people. Dae can't seem to stay out of trouble, and of course it's Christmas time in Duck, so the release of this couldn't have come at a more perfect time! In addition, this book features Mary Catherine Roberts, Pet Psychic! This character is also featured in The Telltale Turtle and Fruit of the Poisoned Tree... it's so clever and fun the way they've used her to connect their other book series!

You'll fall in love with the characters, and I guarantee you'll be waiting for the next book!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm trying to fully decide how I feel about this book. In this entry to the series, Dae is working to help clear her friend Jake of murder charges while dealing with a ghost shaman and demon -- yes, demon -- horses. This mystery was started in the previous book, A Finder's Fee, when Jake found a cache of horse figurines carved by ancient peoples buried on his farm.

I know this is a paranormal series, but demon horses??? I just didn't expect this from this series. Dae is psychic, but usually her gift is limited to finding lost items and reading the history of items she touches. In the last book she shared her consciousness with a ghost. Now she's seeing ghost shamans and dealing with demon horses. Plus, Dae finds she can visit her grandmother in the past (foreshadowing for things to come, I'm sure).

There is one more book to the series. (Sadly the authors passed away this year.)

[Theresa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Without Speech", a line from the Seinfeld show. This is how I felt reading volume #6 in the Missing Pieces Series. What caused this feeling was how this very talented couple intertwined other books/characters for their other series into this book, and I had continual anticipation who or what would appear next I this book. If you have not read the Missing Pieces series, the story takes place in Duck, NC. The Protagonist is Dae, the Mayor of the town who has unusual psychic abilities that she has possess for the positive, not the negative, which makes this series delightful. Dae, her gramps, her beau, and the other characters of Duck keep you on the edge of your seat so you want to return every year to Duck to see what new and exciting adventures await us!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the books in the Missing Pieces series have been well-written but this one was exceptionally interesting, with an intriguing plot and believable characters. The main character in this series, Dae O'Donnell, newly reelected mayor of Duck, NC, is a great character whom you want to have as your own mayor. The introduction of pet psychic Mary Catherine Roberts is a great addition and I hope she continues in future books.

This book was hard to find. I discovered it just by accident. Possibly the authors are self-publishing?