A Spirited Gift by Joyce and Jim Lavene is the third book in the “Missing Pieces” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin), December 2011

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 earring—and sometimes it leads her to murder.

Dae is playing host to twenty North Carolina elected officials attending her first Mayors’ Conference Weekend at the Blue Whale Inn. Before they can get down to business, the politicians must weather the severe overnight hurricane. The morning after, Dae finds a diamond-and-ruby ring belonging to Mayor Sandi Foxx—whose body is also discovered in what’s left of the inn’s toolshed.

After receiving a vision through the ring of somebody threatening her with a gun. Dae doesn’t believe Sandi died in the storm. Was it deadly resignation from her personal assistant and lover? Or perhaps one of the mayors wanted to kick Sandi off the campaign trail. Either way, Dae is determined to find the killer, and she won’t be granting clemency.

A hurricane traps visiting mayors at the newly renovated Blue Whale Inn and when one mayor goes missing, Dae suspects that she’s come to harm, especially after a vision showing intent. When the mayor is found dead, Dae will search beyond to find a killer. What a story! I love the light paranormal aspect of this page-turning, fast-paced and well-written mystery that was a good read from the first page to the exciting finish. I can’t wait to read the next book in this delightful and charming series. With multiple connecting plots, great cast and friendly conversations this was a delightful read and I can’t wait for the next book in the enjoyable and charming series.