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Missing Pieces Mysteries Books in Order

  • 7 Books
  • 2010 – 2015 Published

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How to Read the Missing Pieces Mysteries

The Missing Pieces Mysteries, written by the husband-and-wife writing team Joyce and Jim Lavene, is a delightful seven-book cozy mystery series with a paranormal twist. Set in the charming coastal town of Duck, North Carolina, the series follows Dae O'Donnell, the town's mayor and owner of the Missing Pieces thrift shop. Dae possesses a unique psychic gift: she can find lost objects and people simply by touching items related to them.

Because the series features ongoing character development, recurring town residents, and Dae's personal growth and romantic relationships, it is highly recommended to read these books in chronological publication order. Below is the complete reading path to help you navigate Dae's adventures without missing any vital clues or character arcs.

Missing Pieces Mysteries in Publication and Chronological Order

Each book in the series takes place in sequence, building on the events of the previous novels. Here is the recommended reading order:

  1. A Timely Vision (2010): The series kicks off by introducing Dae O'Donnell and her unique shop. When Dae's psychic touch helps her locate a missing watch, she is unexpectedly pulled into a murder investigation, setting the stage for her dual role as mayor and amateur sleuth.
  2. A Touch of Gold (2011): Following an explosion at the Duck Historical Museum, Dae is hired to find missing pieces from the exhibit. Her touch-psychometry gift becomes even stronger, allowing her to feel the history and emotions associated with objects. This is crucial as she tries to catch a killer before they strike again.
  3. A Spirited Gift (2011): Set during a hurricane, Dae has to balance a mayoral conference with a murder investigation. The stormy atmosphere and small-town tensions make this a fan favorite.
  4. A Haunting Dream (2012): Dae must locate a missing child, but the case is complicated when a psychic rival arrives in Duck, questioning Dae's abilities and motives.
  5. A Finder's Fee (2013): A simple search for a lost dog turns sinister when Dae discovers a corpse instead. This mystery puts Dae's investigative skills and her relationships to the test.
  6. Dae's Christmas Past / A Ghost Horse Christmas (2014): A festive holiday mystery that brings a ghostly horse legend and a historical puzzle to the winter shores of North Carolina. Note that this book has been published under both titles depending on the edition.
  7. A Watery Death (2015): The final installment in the series is set during a lively Fourth of July weekend. Dae investigates the murder of a local gambling ship's captain, amid rumors of mermaid sightings and deep-sea secrets.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the Missing Pieces Mysteries, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your visit to Duck:

  • Start at the Beginning: While the mystery in each book is resolved by the final page, the overarching storyline—including Dae’s romance with FBI agent Kevin Brickhouse and her evolving psychic powers—develops continuously. Start with A Timely Vision to experience the full journey.
  • The Setting is a Character: The Lavenes lived in North Carolina and poured their love for the Outer Banks into these books. The coastal culture, pirate history, storms, and local landmarks are highly authentic and ground the paranormal elements.
  • Alternate Title Alert: When looking for the sixth book, keep in mind that Dae's Christmas Past and A Ghost Horse Christmas are the same story. Be careful not to purchase it twice under different titles.
  • The Legacy of the Series: The series concluded with A Watery Death in 2015. Sadly, Joyce Lavene passed away in late 2015, and Jim Lavene passed away in 2016, ending their prolific collaborative career.

Cozy Mysteries and Beyond: Spin-offs and Co-authored Works

While the Missing Pieces Mysteries ended after seven books, Joyce and Jim Lavene wrote over 70 novels together, many of which share the same warm, paranormal cozy atmosphere. If you enjoy Dae's story, you might want to explore their other series:

  • Retired Witches Mysteries: A fun series starting with Spell Booked about two retired witches who open a spell shop.
  • Renaissance Faire Mysteries: Beginning with Wicked Autumn, this series mixes history, mystery, and crafts at a Renaissance Faire.
  • J.J. Cook Pen Name: Under the J.J. Cook pseudonym, they wrote the Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mysteries, which also features paranormal elements and strong community vibes.

Frequently Asked

What is the correct reading order for the Missing Pieces Mysteries?

The best way to read the series is in chronological order, starting with A Timely Vision and ending with A Watery Death. This ensures you follow Dae's personal growth and relationships properly.

Are Dae's Christmas Past and A Ghost Horse Christmas the same book?

Yes, Dae's Christmas Past and A Ghost Horse Christmas are the exact same book (the sixth entry in the series), published under different titles depending on the publisher and release format.

Where is the Missing Pieces Mysteries series set?

The series is set in the real-life coastal resort town of Duck, North Carolina, located in the Outer Banks. The authors weave local geography, folklore, and history into the plots.

Can the Missing Pieces Mysteries books be read as standalones?

While the murder mysteries in each book are self-contained, the relationship developments, character arcs, and Dae's understanding of her psychic gifts carry over between books. It is best to read them in order.

Will there be any more books in the Missing Pieces Mysteries series?

No. The series officially concluded with A Watery Death in 2015, and the authors, Joyce and Jim Lavene, have both passed away.