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. ( )

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! ( )

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. ( )

Another nice visit with some of our favorite friends---even some unexpected friends, which was quite fun and made me smile!

We pick up shortly after the previous Missing Pieces book. It isn't necessary to have read the previous books, but in my opinion, it makes it more enjoyable because it's a continuation of what's going on in Dae's life. To me, reading these books are like visiting with friends.

There are some mysterious goings on in Duck related to an ancient horse cult, and eventually there are a couple of deaths. It's up to Dae, with help from other Duck residents, to not only solve the murders but stop this ancient phenomenon.

I've never had a problem with Dae's ability to find things or "see" things. That's part of the fun of these books. The thing with the horse cult in this one is slightly over the top, but it certainly didn't keep me from enjoying this book. In fact, I can't wait for the next installment to see what's going on with Dae & Kevin and all the good people of Duck. Hope it won't be a long wait. ( )