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Peri Jean Mace #3

Rocks & Gravel

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A cursed fortune. A vengeful ghost. Ruthless treasure hunters. Destiny doesn’t care if you have other plans.

Peri Jean Mace avoids the ill-fated Mace Treasure every which way she can. A girl needs some semblance of normal in her life. But when a ghost steals treasure clues, Peri Jean learns a frightening truth about her ancestry and the Mace Treasure curse.

Now Peri Jean must team up with a condemned spirit to prevent cutthroat treasure hunters from activating the curse. Failure will unleash the fury of hell upon Gaslight City, destroying everything and everybody Peri Jean loves.

Can Peri Jean kiss normal goodbye fast enough to save all she loves?

Rocks & Gravel is book three in the Peri Jean Mace Ghost Thriller series. If you like spooky, southern-fried Urban Fantasy starring a no-bull heroine, you’ll love Rocks & Gravel.

Download Rocks & Gravel today and take the next step of the journey with Peri Jean Mace.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2016

159 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

Catie Rhodes

25 books246 followers
Catie Rhodes is the author of the Peri Jean Mace Ghost Thrillers.

She was born and raised behind the pine curtain in East Texas. Her favorite memories of childhood are sitting around listening to her family tell lies.

Some of the tales were spooky. Some had grim endings. Some were sidesplittingly funny. The stories all had one thing in common: each had an element of the mysterious or the unexplained.

Those weird stories molded Catie into a purveyor of her own brand of lies and legends. One day, she found the courage to start writing down her stories. It changed her life forever.

Catie Rhodes lives steps from the Sam Houston National Forest with her long-suffering husband and her armpit terrorist of a little dog.

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5 stars
178 (53%)
4 stars
106 (31%)
3 stars
41 (12%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Rosemarie.
8 reviews
January 30, 2016
I didnt think it was possible but Catie has out done herself again! I've read and loved the two previous stories but this installment of Peri Jean Mace for me was the best (so far lol). As I was reading I kept thinking the skies the limit for this narrative. I could actually see, once the collection grows, becoming a series on television. When it does I'll giggle inside because I will have read each story until that point. Im hooked.

I truly recommend you get all three books and read them in order. But if you don't worry not this book has enough grit and substance as a stand alone but at some point it'll get you longing to get the previous stories in the series. lol

Bring it all together and knock the wind out of my chest just like when I was climbing that huge oak as a child and fell down gasping for air. Strategic methodology of Catie Rhodes to draw you in and pull the rug out from under you as you sit there in your bedroom because you blatantly refuse to sleep and you have to read this chapter and then you can't stop because omg you have to know what happened and before you realize it it's 3am and you have to get ready for work in two hours. A must read!

This book in the series ties the previous stories together. You get the Mace back history, not all but enough to round out her character. Peri a smart alluring woman who struggles with her gift, with loss, with love. She uncovers pieces of who she, pieces of her past. Dealing with the harsh realities of life, she is on a road to self discovery. A very bumpy road. With a tough resilience she battles the unknown in this mystical mystery. Peri is the main character but in her very close circle are additional character's you respect, admire and love. Journey the unknown with Peri Jean. It won't disappoint. It's suspenseful, goose bump inducing, empowering and very entertaiming. With a shock value on top of shock on top of shock. Catie Rhodes WHY! LOL Im sitting her shaking my head. My inner Peri salutes you!!!
Profile Image for Bonnie Burnatowski.
Author 5 books1 follower
January 24, 2016
‘Rocks & Gravel’ is as gritty as it’s name, an intriguing and complex ride through a portion of Peri Jean Mace’s life. She’s a diamond in the rough, steeped in self-denial and struggling to be what everyone else expects, pushed and pulled from all sides by both the living and the dead. I laughed, cried, and shook my head (and my fists on occasion), but in a delicious way that kept me glued to my seat, ignoring the things I should have been doing.

Peri Jean’s no cookie-cutter character. She’s elemental and damaged by a harsh life, yet she’s a loyal friend and a loving granddaughter. She’s just trying to keep all the balls in the air, while she battles to solve a mystery against the clock that could threaten the existence of everything she holds dear. It will keep you guessing all the way to the end.

For the full Peri Jean experience, pick up ‘Forever Road’ and ‘Black Opal’ as well. You won’t be sorry.
Profile Image for D.
761 reviews
June 8, 2016
This was my favourite of the series so far. Catie Rhodes did a great job with this fast paced, suspenseful story. I loved that she brought more of the ghost aspect and Peri Jean being a medium into the story. Throughout the entire story, Rhodes had me wondering "whodunnit." The character interactions were intense and had me turning the pages and not wanting to put the story down.
It's been a while since I've read fantasy or paranormal and this book hit the spot. I enjoy the characters and I enjoy how Rhodes weaves the Louisiana southern charm and sass into her story. She does a good job of balancing the paranormal with the "regular" parts of the story. There's good humour and I love the one liners. They often have me giggling out loud and repeating them. Rhodes does well at keeping the reader in suspense without getting bored or wanting to flip to the last page to find out. I was completely engaged right to the end and didn't suspect the person at all. And even when she reveals, she keeps you engaged with the what's and the why's. I can't wait to see how where she takes the reader in the next instalment and I'm really curious about Wade Hill's character.
D 4.5/5
Profile Image for Katie.
634 reviews168 followers
May 29, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

This is a really enjoyable series to read. Each new book is just as good as the last. The storyline flows really well from book to book. The book is well written and has an easy flow to it. It is a good continuation on from the previous two books and the story ties in well with what happened in those. These books are so easy to get caught up in.
I liked that in this book, we got to discover more about Peri's roots and past events that happened in her life. Peri's character is really starting to develop and she learning more about what she is capable of. I also liked that we got to learn some interesting things about some of the side characters as well as meeting some intriguing new ones. It is difficult to predict where this whole storyline will go but I am very much looking forward to finding out.
Profile Image for Alica McKenna-Johnson.
Author 9 books81 followers
February 22, 2016
Catie Rhodes' third book doesn't disappoint, but it might break your heart. Peri Jean battles ghosts, rumors, and demands on her time and attention. Plots unfold as new darker ones are discovered. While Rocks & Gravel solved the main mystery it left me longing for the next book in the series. Thankfully Catie Rhodes has added the first ch of book 4 to the back so we know there is more to come!
Profile Image for David Wright.
393 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2020
This series is starting to come into its own. I love this lead character, somebody who will beat the crap out of you if you get in her face, but has a soft warm hearted side too. After all of the problems dished up so far, Peri Jean Mace now discovers that her family history is even more twisted than she first thought. This book is full of some truly cruel ideas which sadly are only too real to some people. The blend of the supernatural mixed with the plain nasty works really well and when Peri isn't defending herself against ghosts, she has some tougher struggles a lot closer to home to deal with. This book is quite intense in places and there are some really amazing scenes that show just how horrible people can be. Catie Rhodes portrays the relationships between Peri and her loved ones to perfection and there are times when you will totally feel for her in this book, both her pain and her anger (and rightly so). There are still some snarky comments which add an element of humour to a story which can at times be quite involved, and the mild romantic backstory adds that extra element to keep things nicely awkward too. This character has had a really sh*t life and you get to read about it all..... I love this series and have already bought book 4. I recommend this to fans of horror/supernatural/urban fantasy. This is an author to look out for.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,377 reviews
August 19, 2018
Unbelievable. Just when it looks like Peri Jean's life isn't totally crappy, all hell breaks loose in this one. I think the author was making up for the last one in which Peri Jean helps Dean's family, with no loss to herself. Yes, she does get banged up quite a bit, and someone is always trying to kill her, even in this book, but dang, the sh!t just kept piling on. Any normal person would have broken by the end of this book. Lucky for her, she still has some good friends to support her after all of the losses she's suffered.

Interestingly enough, she also learns a lot about her family history, comes to terms with the fact that she is different and maybe that isn't such a horrible thing, and just when you think things can't get worse...they really can. On the one hand, I loved this book and couldn't put it down, but on the other, I hated all she had to deal with. And the one person she should have been able to lean on was a real d!ck.

Can't wait to read the next one.
3,077 reviews13 followers
April 3, 2025
“Rocks & Gravel”, third in the 'Peri Jean Mace' series, sees Dean running for the job of Sheriff.
He wants Peri to tone down the woo-woo during the election but trouble has a way of seeking her out.
TBH he's a bit of a dick about it and Peri ain't having it.
She's never had any interest in the legendary Mace Treasure but it is becoming increasingly obvious that, like it or not, she's the key to discovering it.
Not only that but others are convinced that, one way or the other, she's going to get it for them.
Artefacts connected with the treasure are disappearing and there's a ghostly involvement.
Against her better judgement Peri is drawn in.
I have the feeling that the amorphous treasure will turn out to be something other than gold and diamonds.
3 Stars.
Profile Image for Derek Walker.
86 reviews
July 6, 2018
Not as good as the first two. The thought of feeling a chill and turning around to find a dead person showing all their deadly wounds watching me, gives me the shivers. But localised strong winds and skeletons crawling out of the ground don't bother me at all - where I live, we get localised strong winds all the time, and if a skeleton grabbed my ankle, I would break all it's bones and use them for compost. Apart from that, Dean turns out to be a proper dickhead and our poor Ms Mace gets tied up and threatened with death once again. That's three times in one year, enough to send anybody doowally.
Shame, I was quite getting to like Peri Jean.
1,246 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2017
Good series

This book contained a lot more turmoil and pivotal changes than the first two books of the series. Basically, Peri Jean's entire universe gets turned upside down and she is forced to make some very hard choices on how she will proceed going forward. As usual the characters and setting are superb. Ms. Rhodes does an exemplary job of depicting small town life where the paranormal rubs elbows with the regular folks. I will definitely continue reading more books in this series.
62 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2017
This one was another step in the right direction for the writing and character development. HOWEVER it also included moments where the continuity was off from the second to this one. It introduces actions involving people who we have not encountered before and I found that seriously annoying. The motorcycle gang, injured background characters, and even one main character were written about as if they populated the second story. This contributes to a lower rating since I felt cheated out of background. What did I miss?
Profile Image for Rebecca Waldron.
240 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2018
Omfg!

WHAAAAT?????? Omfg I am totally speechless!
Again I absolutely loved this book as I did the last two, but holy crap! What's with all the bad stuff? Peri looses so much in this book and it broke my heart. I knew that that b*$ch was behind the evil in this book but was shocked by the other one helping her. Can't wait to jump into the next book! I'm in love with this series!!!!
Profile Image for Aisling Van Dam LaBauve.
151 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2021
Fast Paced and Gritty

While the characters in these stories can be a little rough around the edges, I find myself really liking some of them. Peri Jean is tough but sensitive, and I love that Wade understands her and always seems to pull through for her in the clutch. This book has a few tear jerker moments, as well as some blood boiling ones, and I can’t wait to see how the story continues.
Profile Image for Ann  Milstead Warrick.
11 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2017
THIS WAS MY FAVORITE OF THE PERI JEAN MACE SERIES SO FAR!! It was very emotional and I loved it! I'm looking forward to book 4! Peru Jean's feisty words and temper are the best. The names she comes up with to insult people...keeps a smile on my face! A lot has changed for Peri Jean. I can't wait to read where these changes take her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wendy Schindler.
360 reviews
September 17, 2017
Great Paranormal Mystery!!

I am really enjoying this series!
The mystery keeps me guessing right up to the conclusion, and sometime into the next book! There are several old questions answered in this one, with new questions teasing their way thru it.
Poor Peri Jean sure takes a lot of abuse and loss...
53 reviews
May 12, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this third in the series. The story dynamic changed a bit from the first two books. Like all of us life can change drastically over night. Love the characters and the story, and they mysteries they solve.
266 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2017
Better and better...

The characters are well-written, and the story line is imaginative and well thought out. The biggest problem I have is that she needs to quit smoking. Hardest thing I ever did, but she's trying to 're invent herself, and that's very basic!



115 reviews
September 18, 2017
So this book went in a direction and introduced some elements to the series that I didn't expect. That being said, it was a great book! I really do like the character Peri Jean Mace. I will be reading the next one soon.
Profile Image for Diana Beebe.
3 reviews
July 18, 2018
Enjoyed this so much!

I haven’t enjoyed reading books in a long while. The Peri Jean Mace books have helped change that! And the ending wasn’t anything I expected and completely satisfying.
Profile Image for Lesley Hewitt.
832 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2020
Good

Wow, Peri Jean Mace has a lot going on in this book. Dean wants her help in his campaign for Sheriff. Historical books go missing from different families . Then there are the spirits and murders. Plenty of action, sadness and answers. I couldn't put this book down.
Profile Image for Wanda binz.
817 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2017
Fantastic

I read all seven books straight in a row when you start the series you're gonna lose sleep if you can stop reading them fantastic series love the storyline thank you Katie
Profile Image for Amy Haskins.
69 reviews
July 10, 2017
Yes!

This series just keeps getting better and better!! Totally addicted! Can go wrong reading these! Love them! 💙 💙 💙
Profile Image for Tara Christensen.
124 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2017
I still love this series but this book wasn't quite as awesome as the rest. Might just be because I got so mad at Dean. Still a must read. Great series
Profile Image for Annalouise Myers.
338 reviews
June 12, 2018
Be who you are without apology. Never let anyone change the core of what you are.
Profile Image for Randall.
17 reviews
November 16, 2018
Glad I gave this a series a shot.

I’m glad I gave this series a shot. Turns out I love it! Great story lines and finally a main character that isn’t a goodie two shoes.
Profile Image for Debbie Lawrie.
477 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2019
A smashing read.
I like the roller coaster Peri has experienced in this book.
I may read more in the series at later date.
Profile Image for Cheryl R. Haley.
96 reviews
April 22, 2020
Loving this series!

So glad I started this series! Every book just gets better and better! Peri Jean is so easy to relate to and I live the direction she is steering toward.
Profile Image for Jule.
819 reviews9 followers
July 3, 2016
Thank you Donna McCoy for giving me access to a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am sorry it is such a negative one.

I started this book almost six weeks ago, quickly lost interest and did not pick it up for a full two weeks before reading a tiny portion and than abandoning it again for three weeks. I do not think it will get any better, so I am just dnf-ing it right now, because there is no point in forcing myself through this.

Yes, the plot picked up pace again and got pretty damn scary. Yes, the characters are still as great as in part one and two. But first, the plot becomes so complicated and twisted, it is actually hard to keep up with it. And second, why did you have to include this long winded, irrational and constructed unnatural personal relationship conflict out of nowhere? It is unnecessary, illogical and makes me just roll my eyes at both Peri and Dean. And you can not read very well while rolling your eyes. I would have liked to know how this story ends, how the mystery is solved. But honestly, that stupid argument, going round in circles and Dean being a total irrational and misogynistic ass... Argh! I just could not take it any longer. Thus: dnf-ed about halfway through. Sorry.
Profile Image for Shaly.
1,198 reviews
April 24, 2016
**ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**

4.5 STARS

This series just keeps getting better and better! Some unexpected losses had me a bit teary eyed but on the positive side it was great how Peri Jean finally came into her own, albeit a tad reluctantly, but still told the entire town where to shove it; so YAY for her! On the other hand I knew her and Dean were heading for the hills eventually, he wanted her to change who she was and I don't think that was fair at all, if you love someone then you should love everything about that person, not just bits and pieces but I understand that's easier said than done, however I aim to find out just the future holds for the ever lovable and quirky Mizz Peri Jean Mace and her adorable band of misguided misfits!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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