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Missing Pieces Mystery #5
A Finder's Fee
The mayor of Duck, North Carolina, Dae O’Donnell, is a woman with a gift for finding lost things. Sometimes it leads her to lost keys or earrings—and sometimes it leads her to murder…
DIRTY CAMPAIGNING
Two weeks before the mayoral election, Dae gets sidetracked from her political aspirations by a spirit in need of rescuing. An antique amber necklace allows Dae to connect with Maggie Madison, a witch who wants Dae to rebury her bones so she can rest in peace. But digging leads Dae to an even bigger mystery, a forty-year-old murder with ties to Randal “Mad Dog” Wilson, her mayoral opponent.
Dae wants to run a clean race, but town sentiment is mixed about whether she’s using her abilities to get the election to go her way. And when she learns that her own grandfather—the former sheriff of Dare County—might be mixed up in the long-buried tragedy, Dae will have to uncover the real killer and put Maggie to rest, before her political career ends up six feet under…
DIRTY CAMPAIGNING
Two weeks before the mayoral election, Dae gets sidetracked from her political aspirations by a spirit in need of rescuing. An antique amber necklace allows Dae to connect with Maggie Madison, a witch who wants Dae to rebury her bones so she can rest in peace. But digging leads Dae to an even bigger mystery, a forty-year-old murder with ties to Randal “Mad Dog” Wilson, her mayoral opponent.
Dae wants to run a clean race, but town sentiment is mixed about whether she’s using her abilities to get the election to go her way. And when she learns that her own grandfather—the former sheriff of Dare County—might be mixed up in the long-buried tragedy, Dae will have to uncover the real killer and put Maggie to rest, before her political career ends up six feet under…
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
672 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 52 reviews
October 8, 2013
I really liked this series, but this time I think the authors had too many good ideas for plots and, sadly, decided to throw them all together in one book.
I felt like the book started midway through one plot (it took forever for me to figure out what was going on) and then, as soon as I started to feel a little less confused, they switched streams and were chasing down a different mystery. To add to that, there were several other asides that were thrown in there that didn't add anything to this particular story.
The ending came out of nowhere and was so abrupt and pointless...I just don't know what they were thinking! As I said, I really liked this series, but this book was just a miss for me.
I felt like the book started midway through one plot (it took forever for me to figure out what was going on) and then, as soon as I started to feel a little less confused, they switched streams and were chasing down a different mystery. To add to that, there were several other asides that were thrown in there that didn't add anything to this particular story.
The ending came out of nowhere and was so abrupt and pointless...I just don't know what they were thinking! As I said, I really liked this series, but this book was just a miss for me.
October 27, 2013
I'm sorry to say that I found this 5th entry in the Missing Pieces series to be a disappointment. Based on the teaser at the end of the last book I was anticipating another hit. Not so. The story meandered aimlessly until the murder mystery finally kicked in about halfway thru the book. As for Dae, there were times when I shook my head and asked myself how she could be so foolish. And the whole Maggie story was nothing more than a distraction as far as I was concerned. Finally, the resolution to the murder seemed hurried and fell flat for me. I will probably read the next entry in the series as I would like to know what's on the horizon for Dae and who won the election. I just hope the writers take Dae and her talent in a more believable direction.
April 11, 2018
I really love this series and couldn't wait to read this book. However, this one was not as good as the others in the series. Actually, I found it creepy. Dae O'Donnell, the mayor of Duck, NC, has a gift for finding things. This has made for some really good books. But it seems that her talents are increasing and in this book her body becomes inhabited by a 17th century woman who was known as a witch in her time. I think that the story could have been told without this part since the main event in the story is the finding of a buried race car- with the missing body of a man buried 40 years ago. Dae attempts to solve the murder but is often sidetracked by the woman inside her who wants Dae to find the grave of her missing lover and bury her bones next to him. Of course Dae is assisted by Maggie when she is at the most dangerous climax and about to be killed too. I found that part creepy too, though.
December 29, 2015
Another find story from the Missing Pieces series. Dae is missing for several days. When she turns up a ghost is attached to her. Dae convinces Kevin to help find Maggie's bones. Instead of bones the find a car with a body in it. The body is that of mayoral opponent and he accused of the murder. Dae has several problems in this book. They will keep your turning pages to how she solves them. The ending will be a surprise.
December 6, 2018
This series is one of my favorites by far. Each one seems to grow and gain a new incite to Dae's gift and the impact it has on her life and those around her
November 1, 2021
Dae O'Donnell, mayor of Duck, NC, has a gift for finding lost things. Two weeks before the mayoral election, Dae is overtaken by a spirit in need of her services. An antique amber necklace allows Maggie Madison to connect with Dae. Maggie wants Dae to rebury her bones so she can rest in peace next to her long-dead lover. Dae's quest leads he to uncover the final resting place of a race car driver, lost for over 40 years. Lots of entertaining characters, plot twists, and local history. Recommended to readers of cozy paranormal mysteries.
October 1, 2013
A Finder's Fee is the fifth book in the A Missing Pieces Mystery series. Another delightful book from the Lavene's
The election is just around the corner and Mayor Dae O'Donnell is has been missing for three days. It seems that Dae's father had sent her an amber necklace and when she put it on, she met the original owner, Maggie, who lived during the late 1700's. But for Maggie to rest in peace, she wants to be buried next to her lover and asks Dae's helping in making this happen. The problem that Dae faces is not knowing exacting where Maggie's bones or those of her lover are.
Dae soon finds that Maggie house was located where the new Town Hall is being built. With the help of Kevin they begin excavating one evening and before they can find Maggie's bones, they find an old race car with a body in it. Unfortunately the car was her opponents, Mad-Dog, car. He hadn't seen it since the evening of the crash with Lightning Joe. As it turns out the body in the car is Lightning Joe. More disturbing to Dae is that there is the possibility that her grandfather or the current sheriff might have something to do with the burying of the car.
Time is definitely of the essence with election coming up soon. Red-Dog's supporters are saying that Dae made this discovery so that she could be assured of being reelected.
Most of the characters from previous books are back to help Dae sort through the case Lightning Joe's murder. And Maggie is an enjoyable addition, what with her speaking her mind through Dae's mouth.
Definitely looking forward to reading about the next adventure in Duck, NC.
The election is just around the corner and Mayor Dae O'Donnell is has been missing for three days. It seems that Dae's father had sent her an amber necklace and when she put it on, she met the original owner, Maggie, who lived during the late 1700's. But for Maggie to rest in peace, she wants to be buried next to her lover and asks Dae's helping in making this happen. The problem that Dae faces is not knowing exacting where Maggie's bones or those of her lover are.
Dae soon finds that Maggie house was located where the new Town Hall is being built. With the help of Kevin they begin excavating one evening and before they can find Maggie's bones, they find an old race car with a body in it. Unfortunately the car was her opponents, Mad-Dog, car. He hadn't seen it since the evening of the crash with Lightning Joe. As it turns out the body in the car is Lightning Joe. More disturbing to Dae is that there is the possibility that her grandfather or the current sheriff might have something to do with the burying of the car.
Time is definitely of the essence with election coming up soon. Red-Dog's supporters are saying that Dae made this discovery so that she could be assured of being reelected.
Most of the characters from previous books are back to help Dae sort through the case Lightning Joe's murder. And Maggie is an enjoyable addition, what with her speaking her mind through Dae's mouth.
Definitely looking forward to reading about the next adventure in Duck, NC.
January 3, 2014
Although I enjoyed the first book in this series as a nice light weight cozy, the authors have now taken us into a strange realm of "cozy" possessions and talking to animals...well, not yet, or maybe? (and this from a woman who reads Charlaine Harris and her type books). Maybe I have issues now because I knew what you were getting into with Charlaine Harris and this series was originally sold as a cozy mystery whose protagonist (Dae) can find lost things and now the whole center of the story is the bizarre way her gift changes.
Not giving anything really away...in the first book, the protagonist (Dae) has the ability to find lost things. The story begins with her owning an antique store and introduces us to the town. Now, 5 books later, she is hearing voices, becoming possessed by cozy mystery style "ghosts" and possibly, did this book hint at her communicating with animals? I am not sure that is where book 6 will go, but really?!
Also, we are introduced to two storylines, one of the arrest of Dae's opponent for mayor and the other of Dae's "possession". Both plots were too much for this simple story, and at the end, everything was resolved with a pretty bow...well, particularly the "possession" story. It left me questioning if I missed something.
Perhaps if I hadn't read the whole series over winter break, I would like the books more. But the town's folk seem undeveloped, the other storekeepers (mostly women) especially. Not on my must read list.
Not giving anything really away...in the first book, the protagonist (Dae) has the ability to find lost things. The story begins with her owning an antique store and introduces us to the town. Now, 5 books later, she is hearing voices, becoming possessed by cozy mystery style "ghosts" and possibly, did this book hint at her communicating with animals? I am not sure that is where book 6 will go, but really?!
Also, we are introduced to two storylines, one of the arrest of Dae's opponent for mayor and the other of Dae's "possession". Both plots were too much for this simple story, and at the end, everything was resolved with a pretty bow...well, particularly the "possession" story. It left me questioning if I missed something.
Perhaps if I hadn't read the whole series over winter break, I would like the books more. But the town's folk seem undeveloped, the other storekeepers (mostly women) especially. Not on my must read list.
September 20, 2013
A Finder's Fee
I cannot give enough praise to Joyce and Jim Lavene regarding this book. Without a doubt it is the best book I have read so far this year. I hated to see it end, and kept hoping for so many thing to happen now, but I finally realized that if they included everything I wanted to know about, there would be no more books.
Reconnecting with Dae and Kevin is always a pleasure, and I am a huge fan of Gramps. Was very glad to meet Shayla's grandmother in this one. I love the way that our senior citizens are woven into the Lavene's books. After reading all the books in this series, I feel as if I know all the townfolks in Duck, and think that I would like to live there and become one of them.
I can't think of enough words to tell you all how I felt about this book, but just a few are amazed, delighted, excited, and always grateful, for having the friendship of the Lavenes, through social networking, and for the chance to review their wonderful books.
I cannot give enough praise to Joyce and Jim Lavene regarding this book. Without a doubt it is the best book I have read so far this year. I hated to see it end, and kept hoping for so many thing to happen now, but I finally realized that if they included everything I wanted to know about, there would be no more books.
Reconnecting with Dae and Kevin is always a pleasure, and I am a huge fan of Gramps. Was very glad to meet Shayla's grandmother in this one. I love the way that our senior citizens are woven into the Lavene's books. After reading all the books in this series, I feel as if I know all the townfolks in Duck, and think that I would like to live there and become one of them.
I can't think of enough words to tell you all how I felt about this book, but just a few are amazed, delighted, excited, and always grateful, for having the friendship of the Lavenes, through social networking, and for the chance to review their wonderful books.
April 8, 2015
I actually really like this series. Or at least, I did. My enthusiasm has waned although I'd still call them well-written, well-plotted stories. This one though, went a bit off the reservation for me, with Dae's sort-of-possession. I'll definitely keep these books around, but I don't think I'll buy the 6th one.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/114053...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/114053...
March 25, 2013
I have loved this series from the first! This duo bring to beach life to life in these books and show how a small town can come together and solve the mystery! A definite must read!
October 25, 2013
Stepped over the line and off the edge with this one.
June 19, 2015
Wow!! After reading 5 books in this series, I like the OBX area more than I did when I vacationed there two times. This is fantastic ongoing cozy mystery series.
February 5, 2017
This is my first read in the series and while I wanted to love it, the many directions it went in made it hard for me to. Dae O'Donnell (the main protagonist) subsides from the paranormal in order to take on the supernatural and it feels anything but 'natural'.
With beaches, antiques, and ghosts in the mix - this story should have blown me away. All I got was a pitter patter of passing excitement. The beginning had me but as I progressed through the story, I couldn't help but get lost in confusion. There's several subplots that are followed throughout the story and it was hard for me to keep up. Most of these didn't add to the overall story though so I don't really understand what their necessity was. My biggest disappointment was how Dae was used. She comes off as a strong character and yet she only gave a mediocre, at best, performance in this book. Surely she holds more of a convincing role in the rest of the series? She gets kinda-sorta possessed and that felt weird for such a story. The supernatural element felt really out of place and so I think that's the main weak point of the whole plot. Picking this up, I was expecting a typical Southern, beachy read. What I got was a tumble of lost and confused with a dash of disappointed.
The ending was rather abrupt and I was left unsatisfied. I can't judge the whole series based on this one so perhaps this was just a 'bad seed' in an otherwise awesome lot..?
Again - it wasn't horrible..it just wasn't what I wanted it to be. Next time, I'll go in with no expectations.
May 16, 2023
This mayoral election is never going to be over. This novel ends on voting day, so we still don't know if she'll be re-elected, but there's a teaser for the next story that's been alluded to throughout the novel. Horses. But this one involves a dead woman from the 1700's who forms a psychic connection with Dae that involves them both inhabiting her body. Dae controls herself most of the time, but occasionally Maggie speaks in her own voice, causing problems for Dae. Together, they solve an old murder that involves her opponent, grandfather, & the police chief. This series takes place in the Outer Banks & has an interesting set of characters.
May 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this! As usual, I'm reading out of order. I had read the first book in the series and liked it. I genuinely like Rae. Her adventures are fun to read. This book touched on a lot of things. The rich asshats with their million dollar houses who think they own the beach... The Banker ponies who have been there for centuries, and need to be protected.
I look forward to reading more of the series and hope the authors write for many more years!
I look forward to reading more of the series and hope the authors write for many more years!
June 9, 2021
I liked this, as I have all of the Joyce and Jim Lavene books that I've read. But there were parts of the investigation that were completely unrealistic. A wrecked car had been put on a flatbed truck. Then the car disappeared. Yet they never tried to find the driver of the flatbed and he/she evidently never reported that the car they had loaded was missing. Or that they had left the truck unattended with the keys in it. I realize this is a small town, but seriously!
July 2, 2023
Book 5 in series. I have been reading these books in order. This one seemed really far-fetched and just did not keep my attention. I made myself finish to see if it would ever get back on track. I'll try the next book to see if things improve.
January 7, 2026
SPOILER: I’m just sorry that that they set up the next book at the end and twelve years later no book.
October 30, 2013
Mayor Dae O'Donnell is once again up to her ears in trouble in the latest Missing Pieces mystery from Joyce and Jim Lavene. This writing duo has produced some great cozy mysteries over the years and A Finder's Fee does not disappoint. Readers will enjoy the psychic abilities of the lead character as well as a ghostly presence in this one. A witch from the 1700's is tapping Dae's ability to find missing things and this time it's not car keys or a missing piece of jewelry. It's her bones! Readers will love the campaign trail with Dae and the gang from Duck, North Carolina as the election looms and her opponent might be the murderer!
A Finder's Fee is a great addition to the Missing Pieces mystery series. Husband and wife writing duo, Joyce and Jim Lavene have found a good niche with these psychic related cozies. I like the fact that Dae's abilities are a bit uncommon even in the psychic community. She can find things. Your every day items as well as long lost heirlooms, but this gift usually leads her to murder. The Lavene's use humor and wit to bring A Finder's Fee to life. The townspeople from Duck are quite eccentric and some are even every bit as psychic as Dae herself. The dialogue is always comical and gives a lighthearted feel to the story. This is just one of the ingredients that make this a great series.
The addition of witch Maggie Madison to this installment in the series will provide a lot of fun moments for the reader. Maggie seems to take over Dae's personality at the oddest of moments and provides humorous, as well as, frightening moments. I liked the fact that through Maggie and the rescue of her bones, readers are able to learn more about the past of several of Duck's inhabitants, including Dae's opponent for the upcoming election, Mad Dog and Dae's grandfather. The back story in these novels is always interesting and informative. It gives a lot of credibility to the story and engages the readers interest.
Finding a skeleton in a race car, might seem a little odd to some readers, but it's typical of this quaint little North Carolina town. Duck is fun place to be and readers will find themselves wishing they were citizens in this very eclectic place. Townspeople like Kevin and Shayla, Dae's friends and partners in crime, have become like old friends to readers of the series and it's always fun to go back and visit them. But new additions to the series are always appearing. The Lavene's know how to keep the readers interested and turning those pages.
The mystery aspect of this one was well thought out and planned. Each clue was positioned to take the reader off on a different tangent. Keeping the killer elusive, but right in front the reader as well. I like the fact that Joyce and Jim Lavene tantalize the reader by keeping the murderer just out of site until the end. I had some trouble figuring this one out until the last couple of chapters. I finally settled on who I thought it was and ended up being wrong. LOL! It happens. This is a great addition to the series and readers will be left wanting more.
A Finder's Fee is a great addition to the Missing Pieces mystery series. Husband and wife writing duo, Joyce and Jim Lavene have found a good niche with these psychic related cozies. I like the fact that Dae's abilities are a bit uncommon even in the psychic community. She can find things. Your every day items as well as long lost heirlooms, but this gift usually leads her to murder. The Lavene's use humor and wit to bring A Finder's Fee to life. The townspeople from Duck are quite eccentric and some are even every bit as psychic as Dae herself. The dialogue is always comical and gives a lighthearted feel to the story. This is just one of the ingredients that make this a great series.
The addition of witch Maggie Madison to this installment in the series will provide a lot of fun moments for the reader. Maggie seems to take over Dae's personality at the oddest of moments and provides humorous, as well as, frightening moments. I liked the fact that through Maggie and the rescue of her bones, readers are able to learn more about the past of several of Duck's inhabitants, including Dae's opponent for the upcoming election, Mad Dog and Dae's grandfather. The back story in these novels is always interesting and informative. It gives a lot of credibility to the story and engages the readers interest.
Finding a skeleton in a race car, might seem a little odd to some readers, but it's typical of this quaint little North Carolina town. Duck is fun place to be and readers will find themselves wishing they were citizens in this very eclectic place. Townspeople like Kevin and Shayla, Dae's friends and partners in crime, have become like old friends to readers of the series and it's always fun to go back and visit them. But new additions to the series are always appearing. The Lavene's know how to keep the readers interested and turning those pages.
The mystery aspect of this one was well thought out and planned. Each clue was positioned to take the reader off on a different tangent. Keeping the killer elusive, but right in front the reader as well. I like the fact that Joyce and Jim Lavene tantalize the reader by keeping the murderer just out of site until the end. I had some trouble figuring this one out until the last couple of chapters. I finally settled on who I thought it was and ended up being wrong. LOL! It happens. This is a great addition to the series and readers will be left wanting more.
August 10, 2016
The Missing Pieces cozy series is one of my favorites. I really enjoy the characters of Dae and the man in her life, former FBI agent Kevin Brickman. Dae's impetuousness often ties in with her gift-- being able to touch objects and "see" their history-- and if this gift ever puts her in hot water, she's quick to make amends because she's a genuinely caring and honest person.
The Lavenes have created a strong story line that moves from book to book. It's not absolutely necessary to read each book in the series in order, but it certainly does help. The paranormal element is seldom overdone, which is good news for those of you who don't particularly care for that sort of thing. However, I have to admit that having Maggie Madison's spirit inhabit Dae's body didn't entirely work for me. The only time it had any real success was as comic relief. You see, Maggie had been a comely barmaid who's been away from men for a couple of centuries, so whenever Dae gets too close to a good-looking man, Maggie has a tendency to take over and get Dae in hot water. As Kevin says to Dae, "Now I know how someone feels dating a person with a split personality."
Taking care of Maggie's request and the finding of a killer is dealt with well (if not smoothly for the characters), and A Finder's Fee ends with some real cliffhangers that make me want the next book in the series in my hands right now. The Lavenes are weaving an engrossing tale centered in a small community on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and populated with a strong cast of characters. I've come to care about Duck, North Carolina and its mayor, but now I have to play the waiting game. Again.
The Lavenes have created a strong story line that moves from book to book. It's not absolutely necessary to read each book in the series in order, but it certainly does help. The paranormal element is seldom overdone, which is good news for those of you who don't particularly care for that sort of thing. However, I have to admit that having Maggie Madison's spirit inhabit Dae's body didn't entirely work for me. The only time it had any real success was as comic relief. You see, Maggie had been a comely barmaid who's been away from men for a couple of centuries, so whenever Dae gets too close to a good-looking man, Maggie has a tendency to take over and get Dae in hot water. As Kevin says to Dae, "Now I know how someone feels dating a person with a split personality."
Taking care of Maggie's request and the finding of a killer is dealt with well (if not smoothly for the characters), and A Finder's Fee ends with some real cliffhangers that make me want the next book in the series in my hands right now. The Lavenes are weaving an engrossing tale centered in a small community on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and populated with a strong cast of characters. I've come to care about Duck, North Carolina and its mayor, but now I have to play the waiting game. Again.
October 3, 2016
This is the 5th book in the series and it will NOT disappoint you! It is about a small town and it's Mayor Dae O'Donnell. What a wild ride! I absolutely loved Dae and all her special friends. And Possessed? So funny! Dae is an inquisitive and caring person. Always questions, questions and more questions.
You made a knockout with this book!! I thought "Finders Fee" was GREAT. The book is very energetic, fast moving from the start to the end. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
BTW, I wish I had a "soft burgundy brocade sofa" for comfort, relaxation and tea. I like that description..... burgundy brocade, I can just picture it!
And WOW!! What a great set-up for the next book..... I can't wait!
Merged review:
A Finder's Fee by Joyce & Jim Lavene
You guys made a knockout with this book!! I ABSOLUTELY thought “Finders Fee” was GREAT. What a wild ride! I Loved Dae and all her special friends. And Possessed? So funny! She is an inquisitive and caring person. Always questions, questions and more questions.
The book is very energetic, fast moving from the start to the end. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.
BTW, I wish I had a soft burgundy brocade sofa for comfort, relaxation … and sipping tea. I like that description….. burgundy brocade, I can just picture it!
And WOW!! What a great set-up for the next book….. I can’t wait!
Dorothy
You made a knockout with this book!! I thought "Finders Fee" was GREAT. The book is very energetic, fast moving from the start to the end. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
BTW, I wish I had a "soft burgundy brocade sofa" for comfort, relaxation and tea. I like that description..... burgundy brocade, I can just picture it!
And WOW!! What a great set-up for the next book..... I can't wait!
Merged review:
A Finder's Fee by Joyce & Jim Lavene
You guys made a knockout with this book!! I ABSOLUTELY thought “Finders Fee” was GREAT. What a wild ride! I Loved Dae and all her special friends. And Possessed? So funny! She is an inquisitive and caring person. Always questions, questions and more questions.
The book is very energetic, fast moving from the start to the end. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.
BTW, I wish I had a soft burgundy brocade sofa for comfort, relaxation … and sipping tea. I like that description….. burgundy brocade, I can just picture it!
And WOW!! What a great set-up for the next book….. I can’t wait!
Dorothy
October 5, 2016
I like this series, but didn't particularly care for this story. In it, Dae shares her consciousness with the flirty ghost of a 1600's barmaid as she seeks the woman's bones to re-entomb/reunite with her fiance's bones. Searching for the bones leads Dae to find a car that's been missing for 40+ years. Inside the car, which belongs to her rival in the current mayoral race, is a dead body. Now, while seeking bones and graves, Dae and gang are out to clear her rival and solve the murder. The cold-case mystery was interesting and involved characters, including her grandfather, who lived in town at the time of the death.
There were several things I didn't like about this entry. Though there were some humorous times when the flirty barmaid took over Dae, I didn't particularly care for the psychic sharing that had Dae occasionally losing time to her ghost pal. Though I know this is a paranormal series, the sharing was a bit much for me. I didn't hate it, but it wasn't what I expected from this series. Plus, Dae lied to her boyfriend, her grandfather, and her friends, hiding the truth about her "possession" for most of the story. In the end, the solution to this mystery was almost an afterthought. After having been so important throughout the entire book it was kind of disappointing to have it wrapped up in a paragraph or two at the end of the book.
There were several things I didn't like about this entry. Though there were some humorous times when the flirty barmaid took over Dae, I didn't particularly care for the psychic sharing that had Dae occasionally losing time to her ghost pal. Though I know this is a paranormal series, the sharing was a bit much for me. I didn't hate it, but it wasn't what I expected from this series. Plus, Dae lied to her boyfriend, her grandfather, and her friends, hiding the truth about her "possession" for most of the story. In the end, the solution to this mystery was almost an afterthought. After having been so important throughout the entire book it was kind of disappointing to have it wrapped up in a paragraph or two at the end of the book.
September 20, 2013
A Finder's Fee takes Dae O'Donnell from the paranormal (she has a "gift" for finding lost things) to the supernatural. Having a lusty dead companion who's become quite attached to her would seem the perfect setup for getting Dae into trouble except that Dae gets into trouble no matter what. Dae dredges up the past when she stumbles upon a long dead body, and elicits all sorts of passionate reactions from the small town folk. Campaigning for mayor among them is like walking a minefields, especially since one of them is likely the murderer. I read a lot of urban fantasy and I love taking a break from the unrelenting intensity with books like this. It's light, yet insightful into human motivations and the complexities of relationships. I really loved how widely different the reactions were to Maggie (the spirit), especially Pam's blase attitude as if things like this were a common occurrence. Smaller storylines set up the next book which looks to be very interesting with pets, suitors, and the paranormal converge.
September 21, 2013
A Finder's Fee is the fifth book in this particular series, involving the residents of Duck, North Carolina, in particular, Mayor Dae O'Donnell, who has a knack for finding lost items. This time, she is seeking the bones of Maggie Madison, long dead, whose spirit is now sharing Dae's body. But while searching for her bones, she discovers a buried wrecked race car, complete with the skeleton of the long missing Lightning Joe Walsh. And the most likely murder suspect turns out to be her rival in the current mayoral campaign. Can she solve this murder mystery before the election and will she ever be able to give Maggie's spirit the peace it needs? I found this to be an enjoyable read with action that quickly moved along. Although I had not read other books in this series, there was enough background description provided to enable me to become familiar with all the regulars. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, especially after the teaser provided at the end of the story. Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
February 21, 2014
In Lavene’s mystery novel, just prior to the mayoral election, Dae O’Donnell gets sidetracked from her responsibilities by a spirit in need of her help. An antique amber necklace allows Dae to connect with the long dead spirit of Maggie Madison, an alleged witch who wants to be buried in a preferred resting place. Determined to assist this spirit, Dae begins digging for bones only to uncover someone else’s bones complete with an unsolved 40-year-old murder with ties to her political opponent, “Mad Dog” Wilson. Turning her back to allegations she unearthed this mystery as a way of discrediting Wilson and winning the vote for herself, Doe plunges herself into the clues that will lead her to justice.
An engaging mystery complete with believable characters. A wonderful addition to the A Missing Pieces Mystery series.
An engaging mystery complete with believable characters. A wonderful addition to the A Missing Pieces Mystery series.
October 19, 2015
Dae, mayor of Duck, NC is up for re-election and trying to run a nice campaign when she receives a necklace in the mail. When she puts the necklace on the spirit of Maggie enters her and insists she find her bones and bury them with her lover so she can be at rest. Unfortunately they both died 400 years ago so finding either of them will be hard. Dae knows where Maggie loved and died and while looking for her bones discovers the race car of her rival in the mayors race. It has been lost for 40 years and there is a dead body in it! The hunt for the killer is complicated by time and the people involved. Add in a saucy promiscuous wench and Dae has a rough time clearing her rival so they can have a fair election.
March 4, 2014
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 had 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.
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 had 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.
May 26, 2014
This cozy delivered. The current mayor of Duck on the Outer Banks, Dae O'Donnel has the gift of finding things. An Amber necklace belonging to a tavern wench, Maggie Madison back in the day when there were pirates is put on by Dae. When the necklace is around her neck she finds herself connected with Maggie, whom history has deemed a witch. She wants Dae to find her bones and rebury them so her spirit can rest in peace. Maggie agrees and when digging for them finds a 40 year murder scene. She and her boyfriend work on solving that mystery so Dae can finish what she has promised Maggie before the mayoral election. Many suspects abound including the man running against her for the mayor's position.
July 3, 2015
When Dae puts on a necklace from the past, a woman is transferred into her body. She wants Dae to help her find the grave of her lover, and bury her bones with him. While looking for Maggie's bones she uncovers a race car belonging to Mad Dog Wilson (her opponent in the upcoming mayor election), inside is the bones of Lightning Joe. When he is arrested for the murder Dae is sure he didn't commit. She needs to find out who killed Lightning Joe, and find the bones of Maggie's lover so that Maggie can rest in peace, all before election day. She wants this to be a nice, clean election.
This book was GREAT!! From beginning to end it holds your attention and keeps you wanting more....These books i in the Missing Pieces Series are awesome reads!!!
This book was GREAT!! From beginning to end it holds your attention and keeps you wanting more....These books i in the Missing Pieces Series are awesome reads!!!
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