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Missing Pieces Mystery #3
A Spirited Gift
As the mayor of Duck, North Carolina, Dae is playing host to twenty North Carolina elected officials attending her first Mayors' Conference Weekend at the Blue Whale Inn. When the body of Mayor Sandi Foxx is discovered the morning after a severe storm, Dae receives a vision through the mayor's ring; that there's a killer among the guests who's as deadly as any hurricane.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 6, 2011
12 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Lavene
78 books646 followersaka 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 18, 2018
Don't know how this is rated so high. I wanted to like it - a touch psychic and ghosts! - but there are way too many story threads, I don't care much about the characters, and if I had to hear one more time about how special "Bankers" are, I was going to throw the book across the room. Couldn't finish it. Bleh.
December 29, 2015
This review is from: A Spirited Gift (A Missing Pieces Mystery Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
This is one of the best paranormal mysteries that I have read. Dae' s abilities have expand and she is now able to see a ghost. Dae is hosting a mayor's conference at the Blue Whale. The week of the conference Duck is hit by the remnants of a hurricane. Everyone seeks shelter in a safe room huddled together during the storm. Upon cleanup after the storm. One of the mayor is found dead under a shed that collapse. The ghost of a notorious pirate appears to Dae and tells her she is descended him.
He wants Dae to prove that he was hung for a crime he didn't commit. Dae has personal problems besides finding out who murdered the mayor during the storm. The subplots are brought together into one story. I responded to the end and brought the next book.
This is one of the best paranormal mysteries that I have read. Dae' s abilities have expand and she is now able to see a ghost. Dae is hosting a mayor's conference at the Blue Whale. The week of the conference Duck is hit by the remnants of a hurricane. Everyone seeks shelter in a safe room huddled together during the storm. Upon cleanup after the storm. One of the mayor is found dead under a shed that collapse. The ghost of a notorious pirate appears to Dae and tells her she is descended him.
He wants Dae to prove that he was hung for a crime he didn't commit. Dae has personal problems besides finding out who murdered the mayor during the storm. The subplots are brought together into one story. I responded to the end and brought the next book.
December 25, 2015
Ghost, Storm And MURDER
This is one of the best paranormal mysteries that I have read. Dae' s abilities have expand and she is now able to see a ghost. Dae is hosting a mayor's conference at the Blue Whale. The week of the conference Duck is hit by the remnants of a hurricane. Everyone seeks shelter in a safe room huddled together during the storm. Upon cleanup after the storm. One of the mayor is found dead under a shed that collapse. The ghost of a notorious pirate appears to Dae and tells her she is descended him.
He wants Dae to prove that he was hung for a crime he didn't commit. Dae has personal problems besides finding out who murdered the mayor during the storm. The subplots are brought together into one story. I responded to the end and brought the next book.
This is one of the best paranormal mysteries that I have read. Dae' s abilities have expand and she is now able to see a ghost. Dae is hosting a mayor's conference at the Blue Whale. The week of the conference Duck is hit by the remnants of a hurricane. Everyone seeks shelter in a safe room huddled together during the storm. Upon cleanup after the storm. One of the mayor is found dead under a shed that collapse. The ghost of a notorious pirate appears to Dae and tells her she is descended him.
He wants Dae to prove that he was hung for a crime he didn't commit. Dae has personal problems besides finding out who murdered the mayor during the storm. The subplots are brought together into one story. I responded to the end and brought the next book.
January 15, 2019
This story takes place during and just after a hurricane brushes Duck, North Carolina. The mayor, Dae O'Donnell finds the body of another mayor who was in Duck for a conference. Dae has the ability to see things when she touches items. At the same time this murder investigation is going on, Dae is being visited by the ghost of a famous pirate who is ancestor of hers. She has to help find the killer and clear the name of her ancestor. The book was a quick easy read.
February 29, 2016
Silly, great fun.
A few feeder bands from a hurricane hits Duck as hard as many full-on tropical systems, catching the residents off-guard. Psychic mayor Dae O'Donnell begins the storm by trying to contact her dead mother with medium friend Shayla. Later, she will find that an ancestor has responded, but it isn't her Mom. Meantime, Dae hurries ot help host a regional mayor's conference being held at Kevin's hotel. The storm blows out the power and a few windows. When the lights come back, Dae relaizes that one of those she was visiting with has vanished. Dae goes looking for her but only finds her assistant and a ring. Her psychic gifts suggests that the missing mayor is in grave danger. As she looks for answers to helping the police solve the poor lady's murder, her pirate ancestor insists she prove publicly that the crime that actually hanged him was a frame. Meantime her competitor for the upcoming election is undermining her support in the town while she tries to organize its recovery from the storm AND her Ne'er-do-well of a father has shown up, needing help after his place is flooded out. Dae's got a lot on her plate, too much really. Its a good thing she has a lot of support sorting out these trials.[br/][br/]The discussion between Dae and the pirate wasn't especially realistic. In fact it reminded me of Peter Ustinov's Blackbeard's Ghost. It was. however, good fun and so was this mystery. You won't regret the time your spent tagging along with Dae and her friends. :D
A few feeder bands from a hurricane hits Duck as hard as many full-on tropical systems, catching the residents off-guard. Psychic mayor Dae O'Donnell begins the storm by trying to contact her dead mother with medium friend Shayla. Later, she will find that an ancestor has responded, but it isn't her Mom. Meantime, Dae hurries ot help host a regional mayor's conference being held at Kevin's hotel. The storm blows out the power and a few windows. When the lights come back, Dae relaizes that one of those she was visiting with has vanished. Dae goes looking for her but only finds her assistant and a ring. Her psychic gifts suggests that the missing mayor is in grave danger. As she looks for answers to helping the police solve the poor lady's murder, her pirate ancestor insists she prove publicly that the crime that actually hanged him was a frame. Meantime her competitor for the upcoming election is undermining her support in the town while she tries to organize its recovery from the storm AND her Ne'er-do-well of a father has shown up, needing help after his place is flooded out. Dae's got a lot on her plate, too much really. Its a good thing she has a lot of support sorting out these trials.[br/][br/]The discussion between Dae and the pirate wasn't especially realistic. In fact it reminded me of Peter Ustinov's Blackbeard's Ghost. It was. however, good fun and so was this mystery. You won't regret the time your spent tagging along with Dae and her friends. :D
April 5, 2015
Mayor Dae is hosting the first Mayors conference at the Blue Whale Inn. An unexpected storm comes ashore and the next morning as damage is being surveyed Dae finds the body of Mayor Sandi Foxx. Was she outside during the storm or was she murdered?
Dae is also dealing with her father who she has recently found out about and a pirate ghost who is a very distant relative.
This was an excellent story with an ending I never expected.
Dae is also dealing with her father who she has recently found out about and a pirate ghost who is a very distant relative.
This was an excellent story with an ending I never expected.
March 3, 2023
In this third volume of the series set in the Outer Banks, Mayor Dae's gift for finding lost things by touching someone has changed into an ability to see her ghost ancestor, the famous pirate, Rafe Masterson. Not only can she see him, but they can converse & he wants her to clear his name so he can have some peace & stop appearing to her. This is going on while she's trying to host a local mayor's convention at her boyfriend's historic inn, where there's a murder that needs to be solved. All of this while a hurricane is brushing by & causing lots of damage to the town. With all these things going on, Dae manages to stay pretty grounded & it's an interesting series.
May 9, 2020
Another excellent hair raising tale set in the Outer Banks! I would love to live in a tight knit community like that of Duck, NC. My family spent many a day at the shores of Duck, when there was a campground there. Joyce and Jim Lavene cooked up another great spirited tale! Conjure up a pirate ghost and nail a killer! Go on a seafaring treasure hunt with Rafe and Dae and set a spirit free.
June 5, 2020
An exciting and engaging plot. But as usual, the lack of continuity disturbs me.
The in Faces the Atlantic squarely, the back then does, then the front again. By page23. Are the bridges open or closed? It seems to vary.
I would love to see these authors use a good continuity editor. Unless perhaps all the candidates run screaming?
The in Faces the Atlantic squarely, the back then does, then the front again. By page23. Are the bridges open or closed? It seems to vary.
I would love to see these authors use a good continuity editor. Unless perhaps all the candidates run screaming?
April 11, 2022
I've never really been into reading paranormal, but I found that I like this series very much; though not quite sure into believing the "gift" nor how it's expanded. It is a well-written series, and enjoyable to read.
June 30, 2017
I did like this Missing pieces mystery, set in the outer banks.....good ghost interaction...
July 23, 2017
I enjoyed every page of this book and I'm more in love with this series than ever. The characters, story, setting, and atmosphere are all fantastic. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
June 2, 2018
I'm enjoying this series, and hope there will be many more books!
November 28, 2018
This series just seems to get better with each book . Once again Dae is on the hunt for a killer but has the help of a spirited family member who is literally a spirit.
June 22, 2020
Love the ghost, his character is funny, touching, and a bit flip. Quite a twist right at the end.
July 8, 2020
The ending or last 10-20 pages were very abrupt and disjointed compared to the bulk of the book.
October 30, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters especially Dae and the pirate. I would read more in this series.
May 17, 2023
Another cute story in this series. Book 3 and I enjoyed it. I really like the setting and the characters. It kept me guessing til the end.
June 27, 2024
Formulaic, but an enjoyable. relaxing read. I love the building of the gifts with each new book!!
February 4, 2012
Dae O’Donnell, mayor of Duck, North Carolina, decides to hold a two-day mayor’s conference at the Blue Whale Inn. The conference is just getting started when a severe storm moves in, forcing everyone to hunker down at the inn, which is owned by her boyfriend Kevin Brickman. After the storm, Dae finds a ring belonging to Mayor Sandi Foxx. Dae has a gift that enables her to find lost things others are looking for as well as learning about missing objects by touching them. When Dae picks up Sandi’s ring, she has a disturbing vision. Soon, she finds Sandi’s body, but is Sandi a victim of the storm or of something much more sinister?
Poor Dae has her hands full. She is helping Kevin with an inn full of guests with no power and limited food and a possible murder. As mayor, she must also help the town deal with the aftermath of the near hurricane-force storm that has done considerable damage. In addition, Dae has an unwelcome companion of a ghostly presence that seems to be following her around ever since her friend Shayla held a séance to try to contact the spirit of Dae’s mother. All these things are almost too much for Dae and they are almost too much for the reader to keep track of as well. Eventually, a pirate ghost appears to Dae, and he ends up playing a large role in the story. At first, this seems strange and an unwelcome element being crammed into an already full story. However, the way the pirate ultimately fits into the story won me over and this storyline became one of my favorite parts of this book.
I have mixed feelings about Dae. I like her take-charge personality. She is decisive and takes action when she has a problem. She feels responsible for Sandi’s death since the mayor’s conference was her idea and she is determined to find out the truth behind her death. What I find strange about Dae is she has a shop with antiques and unique items, but will only sell the item to someone if she thinks the person is right for the item. This sounds more like placing dogs for adoption instead of selling antiques. Dae is proud of the fact that if anyone asks the price of an item, she will charge a steep price reasoning that if someone is really right for an item, the person wouldn’t ask the price. Maybe this is supposed to show Dae’s sensitivity, but it comes across as arrogance to me. There are plenty of things I would appreciate owning, but I definitely have to ask the price before buying them!
This is the third book in this series, but there is enough background information given for new readers to enjoy the story. I read one prior book in the series, and I was glad to see the character of Shayla had been “toned down” a bit and isn’t as devious or as pushy and comes across as much more likeable this time. I think it’s a little strange that at the beginning of the book, supporting character Trudy says she is Dae’s best friend, but they only have one other scene together n the whole book. Dae doesn’t confide in Trudy about many things going on in her life because Trudy is uncomfortable with Dae’s visions. It sounds like Dae may need a new best friend if there is such a large part of her life, her visions as well has her quest to contact her mom’s spirit, that she is unable to share with Trudy. Since Dae and Kevin are preoccupied with the storm, there isn’t a lot of romance happening in this book. There is also a bombshell at the end which casts a shadow on the future of their relationship.
Whether you are new to the series or not, "A Spirited Gift" is a good, light cozy with something for everyone. It has the small-town atmosphere of author Ellery Adams with some of the magic of Annette Blair.
This review was originally written for The Season E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Poor Dae has her hands full. She is helping Kevin with an inn full of guests with no power and limited food and a possible murder. As mayor, she must also help the town deal with the aftermath of the near hurricane-force storm that has done considerable damage. In addition, Dae has an unwelcome companion of a ghostly presence that seems to be following her around ever since her friend Shayla held a séance to try to contact the spirit of Dae’s mother. All these things are almost too much for Dae and they are almost too much for the reader to keep track of as well. Eventually, a pirate ghost appears to Dae, and he ends up playing a large role in the story. At first, this seems strange and an unwelcome element being crammed into an already full story. However, the way the pirate ultimately fits into the story won me over and this storyline became one of my favorite parts of this book.
I have mixed feelings about Dae. I like her take-charge personality. She is decisive and takes action when she has a problem. She feels responsible for Sandi’s death since the mayor’s conference was her idea and she is determined to find out the truth behind her death. What I find strange about Dae is she has a shop with antiques and unique items, but will only sell the item to someone if she thinks the person is right for the item. This sounds more like placing dogs for adoption instead of selling antiques. Dae is proud of the fact that if anyone asks the price of an item, she will charge a steep price reasoning that if someone is really right for an item, the person wouldn’t ask the price. Maybe this is supposed to show Dae’s sensitivity, but it comes across as arrogance to me. There are plenty of things I would appreciate owning, but I definitely have to ask the price before buying them!
This is the third book in this series, but there is enough background information given for new readers to enjoy the story. I read one prior book in the series, and I was glad to see the character of Shayla had been “toned down” a bit and isn’t as devious or as pushy and comes across as much more likeable this time. I think it’s a little strange that at the beginning of the book, supporting character Trudy says she is Dae’s best friend, but they only have one other scene together n the whole book. Dae doesn’t confide in Trudy about many things going on in her life because Trudy is uncomfortable with Dae’s visions. It sounds like Dae may need a new best friend if there is such a large part of her life, her visions as well has her quest to contact her mom’s spirit, that she is unable to share with Trudy. Since Dae and Kevin are preoccupied with the storm, there isn’t a lot of romance happening in this book. There is also a bombshell at the end which casts a shadow on the future of their relationship.
Whether you are new to the series or not, "A Spirited Gift" is a good, light cozy with something for everyone. It has the small-town atmosphere of author Ellery Adams with some of the magic of Annette Blair.
This review was originally written for The Season E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2012
First Line: "I'm nervous."
Dae O'Donnell has good reason to be nervous. As mayor of Duck, North Carolina, she got the bright idea of inviting twenty small town mayors as well as their spouses and assistants to the Blue Whale Inn for her first Mayors' Conference Weekend. Unfortunately a storm got its own bright idea of becoming a hurricane and heading right for Duck, contrary to what every weather forecast predicted. With the power out and trees crashing through windows, there's little time for Dae to keep track of so many people.
The next morning the body of one of the mayors is found in what's left of the inn's toolshed. Although police believe the woman's death was caused by the storm, Dae knows it's not because she found Sandi's ring in the ballroom the night before, and the vision she had showed Sandi being held at gunpoint.
I have really enjoyed the Missing Pieces series up to this point. I love the setting on North Carolina's Outer Banks (incidentally, the town of Duck is a real place), and Dae's ability to touch an object and be able to see parts of its history fascinates me. Dae is a likable and sympathetic character as is her romantic interest, former FBI agent Kevin Brickman. However, from a promising beginning, the series began to sag into complacency a bit. Dae and Kevin's relationship has remained static, and Dae seldom uses her gift to any degree-- especially in solving crimes. Mostly she seems to put on her big mayor's smile and take care of Duck's business, and although I like the place, I don't read these books to find out how to run a small town on the Outer Banks.
The mystery in A Spirited Gift never became anything but lukewarm to me for two reasons. One, the victim didn't generate much interest. She wasn't a particularly admirable person, but I couldn't even work up a good dislike towards her. The second reason the story never really took off for me is the fact that I spotted the killer the very first time the character was described. Many times this does not sound a book's death knell for me, but when I couldn't get interested in other parts of the book, it was tough going here and there.
Fortunately I did read the entire book because at the very end, the authors made it abundantly clear that major changes are in the works for Dae O'Donnell. The timing is fortuitous, and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book in this series. No, I'm not ready to give up on Dae-- I like her that much!
Dae O'Donnell has good reason to be nervous. As mayor of Duck, North Carolina, she got the bright idea of inviting twenty small town mayors as well as their spouses and assistants to the Blue Whale Inn for her first Mayors' Conference Weekend. Unfortunately a storm got its own bright idea of becoming a hurricane and heading right for Duck, contrary to what every weather forecast predicted. With the power out and trees crashing through windows, there's little time for Dae to keep track of so many people.
The next morning the body of one of the mayors is found in what's left of the inn's toolshed. Although police believe the woman's death was caused by the storm, Dae knows it's not because she found Sandi's ring in the ballroom the night before, and the vision she had showed Sandi being held at gunpoint.
I have really enjoyed the Missing Pieces series up to this point. I love the setting on North Carolina's Outer Banks (incidentally, the town of Duck is a real place), and Dae's ability to touch an object and be able to see parts of its history fascinates me. Dae is a likable and sympathetic character as is her romantic interest, former FBI agent Kevin Brickman. However, from a promising beginning, the series began to sag into complacency a bit. Dae and Kevin's relationship has remained static, and Dae seldom uses her gift to any degree-- especially in solving crimes. Mostly she seems to put on her big mayor's smile and take care of Duck's business, and although I like the place, I don't read these books to find out how to run a small town on the Outer Banks.
The mystery in A Spirited Gift never became anything but lukewarm to me for two reasons. One, the victim didn't generate much interest. She wasn't a particularly admirable person, but I couldn't even work up a good dislike towards her. The second reason the story never really took off for me is the fact that I spotted the killer the very first time the character was described. Many times this does not sound a book's death knell for me, but when I couldn't get interested in other parts of the book, it was tough going here and there.
Fortunately I did read the entire book because at the very end, the authors made it abundantly clear that major changes are in the works for Dae O'Donnell. The timing is fortuitous, and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book in this series. No, I'm not ready to give up on Dae-- I like her that much!
February 3, 2012
A Spirited Gift by Joyce and Jim Lavene
This is the first book that I have read written by this dynamic partnership. Dae is the mayor of Duck, North Carolina and has planned a weekend convention of nearby mayors. Dae also has a gift. Until recently, she could return lost items to their owners, simply by touching the owners or the lost item.
In addition, she believes that it may be possible to contact spirits and has been attempting to contact her mother each year on the anniversary of her death. She has not made any contact with her mother in fifteen years and is ready to give up.
Instead, things go wrong for Dae, from the minute she and her medium (and BFF) attempt contact.The weather is turning nasty. Strange balls of lights appear and one seems to be following her. Then she gets a call from her city manager, all hell is breaking loose at the hotel where the convention is being held. After handling the convention problem, Dae gets ready to speak at her appointed time. As Dae begins her speech, the weather, already nasty, becomes mess with wind, rain, and debris wreaking havoc on the small town.
Windows break shattering glass throughout the conference room. With it comes rain ravaging the room. Dae, the police chief, and the fire chief decide that a smaller area would be safer until the storm passes. Shortly thereafter, Dae finds a ruby ring and when she touches it, all she can see is a woman looking straight into the muzzle of a gun. Dae isn’t sure who was in such danger but she would have to find out.
Supported by her significant other, the locals, and her grandfather, Dae begins to investigate. Oh, did I forget to mention that the light that follows her is a long, long, long dead ancestor, who wants Dae to prove that he was hanged unjustly. Dae’s not too sure if she’s up to this one.
The book was well written. It took only a couple of pages to get me hooked. This appears to be the third book in a series, but this book is a stand-alone story. The Lavenes keep a tight handle on what becomes a multifaceted mystery. Nothing is forgotten. All loose ends are tied up except one…will Dai’s beau remain or is there a new woman in town with claims of her own?
This is the first book that I have read written by this dynamic partnership. Dae is the mayor of Duck, North Carolina and has planned a weekend convention of nearby mayors. Dae also has a gift. Until recently, she could return lost items to their owners, simply by touching the owners or the lost item.
In addition, she believes that it may be possible to contact spirits and has been attempting to contact her mother each year on the anniversary of her death. She has not made any contact with her mother in fifteen years and is ready to give up.
Instead, things go wrong for Dae, from the minute she and her medium (and BFF) attempt contact.The weather is turning nasty. Strange balls of lights appear and one seems to be following her. Then she gets a call from her city manager, all hell is breaking loose at the hotel where the convention is being held. After handling the convention problem, Dae gets ready to speak at her appointed time. As Dae begins her speech, the weather, already nasty, becomes mess with wind, rain, and debris wreaking havoc on the small town.
Windows break shattering glass throughout the conference room. With it comes rain ravaging the room. Dae, the police chief, and the fire chief decide that a smaller area would be safer until the storm passes. Shortly thereafter, Dae finds a ruby ring and when she touches it, all she can see is a woman looking straight into the muzzle of a gun. Dae isn’t sure who was in such danger but she would have to find out.
Supported by her significant other, the locals, and her grandfather, Dae begins to investigate. Oh, did I forget to mention that the light that follows her is a long, long, long dead ancestor, who wants Dae to prove that he was hanged unjustly. Dae’s not too sure if she’s up to this one.
The book was well written. It took only a couple of pages to get me hooked. This appears to be the third book in a series, but this book is a stand-alone story. The Lavenes keep a tight handle on what becomes a multifaceted mystery. Nothing is forgotten. All loose ends are tied up except one…will Dai’s beau remain or is there a new woman in town with claims of her own?
December 23, 2011
This is the third book in the A Missing Pieces series. It's always enjoyable to visit Duck, NC and Mayor Dae and the interesting residents and this was no exception.
Mayor Dae and Duck, NC is hosting the first Mayors' Conference at the Blue Whale Inn. But as everyone is assembling for the weekends activities an unexpected hurricane comes ashore. The next morning as they are surveying the damage, Dae comes across the body of Mayor Sandi Foxx. At first it is thought that she was outside when the storm hit and was killed when a tool-shed was ripped apart. But it is soon learn that she was murdered. This doesn't come as too much as a surprise for Dae, as she had a vision of someone threatening Foxx with a gun.
Mayor Foxx is attending the conference with a male staffer with whom she is having an affair. Supposedly the affair was over. The staffer becomes the prime suspect, but Dae has her doubts. The husband who could have found out about his cheating wife, seems to have a good alibi.
In addition to trying to find the murderer, Dae is also dealing with her father, who she has just found out recently is still alive and living in Duck. In the beginning Dae is meeting with a medium, trying to get in touch with her mother, instead she makes contact with a pirate who had been hanged some two hundred years ago. The pirate, who is a very distant relative of Dae's, wants her to prove that he was wrongly hung. And he can be a pain in her backside.
Needless to say Dae has her hands full trying to bring all three of these important matters to a resolution.
An excellent story and oh what a surprise ending. Can't wait for the next book to see how the ending plays out.
Mayor Dae and Duck, NC is hosting the first Mayors' Conference at the Blue Whale Inn. But as everyone is assembling for the weekends activities an unexpected hurricane comes ashore. The next morning as they are surveying the damage, Dae comes across the body of Mayor Sandi Foxx. At first it is thought that she was outside when the storm hit and was killed when a tool-shed was ripped apart. But it is soon learn that she was murdered. This doesn't come as too much as a surprise for Dae, as she had a vision of someone threatening Foxx with a gun.
Mayor Foxx is attending the conference with a male staffer with whom she is having an affair. Supposedly the affair was over. The staffer becomes the prime suspect, but Dae has her doubts. The husband who could have found out about his cheating wife, seems to have a good alibi.
In addition to trying to find the murderer, Dae is also dealing with her father, who she has just found out recently is still alive and living in Duck. In the beginning Dae is meeting with a medium, trying to get in touch with her mother, instead she makes contact with a pirate who had been hanged some two hundred years ago. The pirate, who is a very distant relative of Dae's, wants her to prove that he was wrongly hung. And he can be a pain in her backside.
Needless to say Dae has her hands full trying to bring all three of these important matters to a resolution.
An excellent story and oh what a surprise ending. Can't wait for the next book to see how the ending plays out.
June 24, 2013
Mayor Dae and Duck, NC is hosting the first Mayors' Conference at the Blue Whale Inn. But as everyone is assembling for the weekends activities an unexpected hurricane comes ashore. The next morning as they are surveying the damage, Dae comes across the body of Mayor Sandi Foxx. At first it is thought that she was outside when the storm hit and was killed when a tool-shed was ripped apart. But it is soon learn that she was murdered. This doesn't come as too much as a surprise for Dae, as she had a vision of someone threatening Foxx with a gun. Mayor Foxx is attending the conference with a male staffer with whom she is having an affair. Supposedly the affair was over. The staffer becomes the prime suspect, but Dae has her doubts. The husband who could have found out about his cheating wife, seems to have a good alibi. In addition to trying to find the murderer, Dae is also dealing with her father, who she has just found out recently is still alive and living in Duck. In the beginning Dae is meeting with a medium, trying to get in touch with her mother, instead she makes contact with a pirate who had been hanged some two hundred years ago. The pirate, who is a very distant relative of Dae's, wants her to prove that he was wrongly hung. And he can be a pain in her backside. Needless to say Dae has her hands full trying to bring all three of these important matters to a resolution.
A TRULY ENTERTAINING STORY!!!
A TRULY ENTERTAINING STORY!!!
December 28, 2011
Always trying to be innovative, Dae O'Donnell hosts twenty North Carolina town administrators at the first (and hopefully annual) Mayors' Conference Weekend at the Blue Whale Inn in Duck.
But a rainstorm that unexpectedly turns into a hurrican strands the visitors on the island. The next morning, Dae finds one of the mayors, former news anchor Sandi Foxx, dead in the rubble of the inn's toolshed.
Having found Sandi's ring a few hours earlier, and receiving a vision of Sandi being threatened with a gun, Dae is fairly sure that the other mayor's death was not accidental. But despite the storm, there are many candidates for the role of killer.
Meanwhile, Dae's being followed by a pirate ghost, who wants her to help him "cross over". He's driving her crazy, and Dae doesn't know which task to take care of first.
Joyce and Jim Lavene write a fantastic paranormal mystery that's not at all frightening, and even leaning towards the hilarious. Dae os am appealing protagonist, and the residents of Duck and its environs are suitably varied.
The book ends abruptly with a cliff-hanger which leads the reader to hope that the next installment in the series will be released in a timely manner.
But a rainstorm that unexpectedly turns into a hurrican strands the visitors on the island. The next morning, Dae finds one of the mayors, former news anchor Sandi Foxx, dead in the rubble of the inn's toolshed.
Having found Sandi's ring a few hours earlier, and receiving a vision of Sandi being threatened with a gun, Dae is fairly sure that the other mayor's death was not accidental. But despite the storm, there are many candidates for the role of killer.
Meanwhile, Dae's being followed by a pirate ghost, who wants her to help him "cross over". He's driving her crazy, and Dae doesn't know which task to take care of first.
Joyce and Jim Lavene write a fantastic paranormal mystery that's not at all frightening, and even leaning towards the hilarious. Dae os am appealing protagonist, and the residents of Duck and its environs are suitably varied.
The book ends abruptly with a cliff-hanger which leads the reader to hope that the next installment in the series will be released in a timely manner.
January 2, 2012
This novel has us following pirates, chasing murderers, enduring hurricane bands, rebuilding Duck, NC, and dealing with personal issues like finding lost Fathers, and do you really know your boyfriend?
Our sleuth, Dae O'Donnell, the Mayor of Duck, NC, is busy trying to contact her Mother's spirit on the anniversary of her death. Mother doesn't come through, however, some unusual 'spirit balls' do and cause a sense of dread in Dae. However, Dae hasn't time to dwell on the lack of communication as she is hosting a mayoral conference at the Blue Whale Inn and to add to the sense of darkness coming, a series of bands of rain from a moving hurricane is changing it's course to aim at her town.
Nature is nature and the bands hit causing severe damage to the hotel and entire town. In the midst of the chaos, Dae finds a ruby ring and 'knows' her friend, Mayor Sandy Foxx is in danger or worse!
There are so many surprises in this novel that I'm not going to tell you any further hints. I always enjoy this series and this book was a treat to read. We are left with unanswered questions and it makes me eager to read the next installment.
This is a lovely gentle paranormal murder mystery. Filled with eerie happenings and edgy atmosphere.
Our sleuth, Dae O'Donnell, the Mayor of Duck, NC, is busy trying to contact her Mother's spirit on the anniversary of her death. Mother doesn't come through, however, some unusual 'spirit balls' do and cause a sense of dread in Dae. However, Dae hasn't time to dwell on the lack of communication as she is hosting a mayoral conference at the Blue Whale Inn and to add to the sense of darkness coming, a series of bands of rain from a moving hurricane is changing it's course to aim at her town.
Nature is nature and the bands hit causing severe damage to the hotel and entire town. In the midst of the chaos, Dae finds a ruby ring and 'knows' her friend, Mayor Sandy Foxx is in danger or worse!
There are so many surprises in this novel that I'm not going to tell you any further hints. I always enjoy this series and this book was a treat to read. We are left with unanswered questions and it makes me eager to read the next installment.
This is a lovely gentle paranormal murder mystery. Filled with eerie happenings and edgy atmosphere.
May 10, 2012
Cozy mystery fans are sure to love this series by Joyce and Jim Lavene. I understand that this is the third book in the series, but it made a fine stand-alone read.
The story is set in Duck, North Carolina where Dae O'Donnell is Mayor of the tiny town. Dae has the ability to find lost objects and to get images from antiques she acquires for her shop, Missing Pieces. Dae lives with her Grandfather, the retired Police Chief of the town. Two additional characters include Shayla, a psychic medium that has been town for a few years and Dae's current boyfriend, an ex-FBI agent that has restored and opened The Blue Whale Inn.
The rest of the town is filled with strong characters and the spirited tale includes a ghostly visitor whose ship sank off the coastline of Duck in the 1700's, Pirate Captain Rafe Masterson who wants to clear his name for having been unjustly hung for a crime he didn't commit. As it turns out, the ghost can only be seen by Dae and is one of her ancestors. Throw in a hurricane and a murder with a hotel full of suspects and you have a cozy mystery sure to please.
The story is set in Duck, North Carolina where Dae O'Donnell is Mayor of the tiny town. Dae has the ability to find lost objects and to get images from antiques she acquires for her shop, Missing Pieces. Dae lives with her Grandfather, the retired Police Chief of the town. Two additional characters include Shayla, a psychic medium that has been town for a few years and Dae's current boyfriend, an ex-FBI agent that has restored and opened The Blue Whale Inn.
The rest of the town is filled with strong characters and the spirited tale includes a ghostly visitor whose ship sank off the coastline of Duck in the 1700's, Pirate Captain Rafe Masterson who wants to clear his name for having been unjustly hung for a crime he didn't commit. As it turns out, the ghost can only be seen by Dae and is one of her ancestors. Throw in a hurricane and a murder with a hotel full of suspects and you have a cozy mystery sure to please.
December 17, 2011
The Lavenes write entertaining mysteries but this is my favourite so far. I had visited Duck, NC this summer after reading the first two books in the series and now the town is very vivid in my mind's eye. But the real fun is the ghost of a pirate who winds up haunting our heroine. I found it all very charming and light while the mysteries were still engrossing enough to keep my attention. I am pretty stingy about 5 star reviews, and I am having a hard time finding words to explain why I feel this book deserves it, but basically when I close a book with a big smile on my face having had a marvelous several hours of reading, that's a keeper in my mind. (That said I also don't normally give 5 stars to books where I can guess who the murderer is before it is revealed, but in this case it didn't detract from the plot any to know that.)
I can't wait for the next Lavene mystery!
I can't wait for the next Lavene mystery!
December 28, 2014
This is becoming one of my favorite series. Besides a cozy mystery, there is always light romance, secrets, and some mysticism. The elements are blended altogether into a pleasing story with believable characters in a town that is real.
In this story, Dae O'Donnell, Mayor of Duck, NC on the Outer Banks and her "boy" friend, Kevin, ex FBI Agent and present owner of the Blue Whale Inn, are hosts at a mayor convention when the remnants of a hurricane strikes Duck. In the aftermath, one female mayor is missing from the group. With much damage and the roads closed in and out of town, they find that they are hosting most of the town as the police force plus Dae and Kevin, are investigating a murder. Add to that a pirate ghost haunting Dae demands that she clear his name and the whole book hops right along.
In this story, Dae O'Donnell, Mayor of Duck, NC on the Outer Banks and her "boy" friend, Kevin, ex FBI Agent and present owner of the Blue Whale Inn, are hosts at a mayor convention when the remnants of a hurricane strikes Duck. In the aftermath, one female mayor is missing from the group. With much damage and the roads closed in and out of town, they find that they are hosting most of the town as the police force plus Dae and Kevin, are investigating a murder. Add to that a pirate ghost haunting Dae demands that she clear his name and the whole book hops right along.
October 11, 2015
Dae is getting used to her new abilities as she prepares to host the local Mayors conference. Unfortunately it take place on the anniversary of her mother's death. At her annual attempt to summon her mother's spirit she gets a different ancestor : Rafe Masterson the pirate who cursed Duck, NC as he was being hanged for his crimes. He wants her to prove he was unjustly hanged for crimes he didn't commit, in exchange he will tell her where he buried his treasure . Unfortunately a hurricane comes in and hit Duck as the mayors conference gets underway and when it is over the body of the mayor of a near by town is found in the ruins of a shed. A victim of the storm or murder? Turns out it is murder and when her lovers body is found floating in e sound she enlists the aid of her ghostly ancestor. To solve the crime. A great read. I love spending time in Duck.
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