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Peri Jean Mace #1
Forever Road
A world full of ghosts. A reluctant psychic medium. Destiny only knocks once—then it kicks down the door.
Peri Jean Mace thinks seeing ghosts is a curse, but her murdered trailer trash cousin doesn’t care. She wants Peri Jean to expose her killer.
Peri Jean figures out everyone in her one-stoplight East Texas town has something to hide. And one of them will kill to hide the truth. In over her head, Peri Jean has to face her curse or end up the next victim.
Forever Road is the first book in the Peri Jean Mace Ghost Thriller series. If you like your urban fantasy served up with a heavy dose of goose bumps, a side of gut-busting laughs, and a fist-swinging heroine who will steal your heart, you’ll love Forever Road.
Peri Jean Mace thinks seeing ghosts is a curse, but her murdered trailer trash cousin doesn’t care. She wants Peri Jean to expose her killer.
Peri Jean figures out everyone in her one-stoplight East Texas town has something to hide. And one of them will kill to hide the truth. In over her head, Peri Jean has to face her curse or end up the next victim.
Forever Road is the first book in the Peri Jean Mace Ghost Thriller series. If you like your urban fantasy served up with a heavy dose of goose bumps, a side of gut-busting laughs, and a fist-swinging heroine who will steal your heart, you’ll love Forever Road.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2013
1293 people are currently reading
2307 people want to read
About the author
Catie Rhodes
25 books246 followersCatie 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
May 4, 2016
2.75 Ghost Seeing Stars
Book Provided in exchange for honest review
So that was a bit of a doozy for me! Forever Road is my first read by Catie Rhodes. It is the start of the Peri Jean Mace Ghost Thriller Series. This was a bit out of my ordinary genre but I like to step outside my comfort zone at times, and I was interested by the suspenseful blurb.
This book introduces Peri Jean Mace, a small town girl with the unusual gift to see ghosts. Most of the small town is aware of her gift, but chooses to see her a bit crazy. She does not have the best upbringing and relies on her Memaw and best friend Chase for anything resembling comfort. When her trashy cousin Rae is found murdered, it sets off a whole series of chaos and brings about many characters into the relatively calm life of Peri Jean. She is unprepared for the tragic turn her life is about to take!
With people from her past, angry ghosts, and the arrival of new town deputy Dean Turgeau, Peri Jean's life gets real interesting as she is thrust into the spotlight of her cousin's murder. This read is filled with clues and paper chases, people who are not who they seem, and a eerie tone of spirits as the author creates a suspenseful read. I admit that it got a bit tangled in my head at times with the progressing murder mystery story and the age old mystery of a family treasure hunt.
I found the story to be a bit complex. I thought it was written well and the author did a good job of keeping the reader guessing. Perhaps it was the many different characters or the back and forth story lines that didn't give anything away. I think I missed the romance of the read. The love connection that ensued with Peri and the Dean seemed to have been predictable but it lacked a certain intensity that I enjoy. I also found the character connections to be a bit superficial. I would have liked some inner thoughts or deeper emotions. I was just starting to really enjoy the tale at the 80% mark when the height of the drama and suspense was full on. Again, I found this book to be more of an introduction into the life of Peri Jean so perhaps it will progress with the suspense and the romance.
Overall, I think this was a good start for Catie Rhodes's new series. I can see many people coming to like Peri Jean and her tough as nails exterior. I am looking forward to her using her gift a bit more and also getting a bit deeper into her emotional side!
Book Provided in exchange for honest review
So that was a bit of a doozy for me! Forever Road is my first read by Catie Rhodes. It is the start of the Peri Jean Mace Ghost Thriller Series. This was a bit out of my ordinary genre but I like to step outside my comfort zone at times, and I was interested by the suspenseful blurb.
This book introduces Peri Jean Mace, a small town girl with the unusual gift to see ghosts. Most of the small town is aware of her gift, but chooses to see her a bit crazy. She does not have the best upbringing and relies on her Memaw and best friend Chase for anything resembling comfort. When her trashy cousin Rae is found murdered, it sets off a whole series of chaos and brings about many characters into the relatively calm life of Peri Jean. She is unprepared for the tragic turn her life is about to take!
With people from her past, angry ghosts, and the arrival of new town deputy Dean Turgeau, Peri Jean's life gets real interesting as she is thrust into the spotlight of her cousin's murder. This read is filled with clues and paper chases, people who are not who they seem, and a eerie tone of spirits as the author creates a suspenseful read. I admit that it got a bit tangled in my head at times with the progressing murder mystery story and the age old mystery of a family treasure hunt.
I found the story to be a bit complex. I thought it was written well and the author did a good job of keeping the reader guessing. Perhaps it was the many different characters or the back and forth story lines that didn't give anything away. I think I missed the romance of the read. The love connection that ensued with Peri and the Dean seemed to have been predictable but it lacked a certain intensity that I enjoy. I also found the character connections to be a bit superficial. I would have liked some inner thoughts or deeper emotions. I was just starting to really enjoy the tale at the 80% mark when the height of the drama and suspense was full on. Again, I found this book to be more of an introduction into the life of Peri Jean so perhaps it will progress with the suspense and the romance.
Overall, I think this was a good start for Catie Rhodes's new series. I can see many people coming to like Peri Jean and her tough as nails exterior. I am looking forward to her using her gift a bit more and also getting a bit deeper into her emotional side!
May 26, 2016
She has always seen the dead and it made her a freak to everyone in her small Texas town. Growing up different, she was a misfit without true family support. When Peri finds her cousin brutally slain, she is determined to find who the killer is and why they did it, but little did she know she would go from person of interest to person on the run from the mystery killer himself.
It seems her cousin was less than a reputable lady and the crowd she ran with was filled with possible suspects. When all signs point to a dear friend of Peri’s she knows the cronies of the town are less interested in justice than keeping their own secrets.
The new cop in town and Peri don’t know whether to just have a face off and be done with it or jump each other’s bones for all the passion they could share. Until Peri can unravel the clues from her deceased cousin, there is a murderer on the loose and he won’t stop until Peri is out of the picture. Small town minds, small town tongues, small town laws, and one woman who dares to stand alone to find the truth from beyond the veil.
Forever Road by Catie Rhodes is a twisted mystery with a paranormal peek beyond the veil of death where everyone has their own secrets. Great characters, particularly Peri who sticks out like a shining star against her supporting cast who play their parts well, from villain to victim to mysterious dark entity. Mystery lovers will have fun trying to figure out who dunnit!
I received this copy from Catie Rhodes in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Peri Jean Mace - Book 1
Publisher: Long Roads and Dark Ends Press (April 2, 2013)
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Genre: Mystery | Paranormal
Print Length: 394 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
It seems her cousin was less than a reputable lady and the crowd she ran with was filled with possible suspects. When all signs point to a dear friend of Peri’s she knows the cronies of the town are less interested in justice than keeping their own secrets.
The new cop in town and Peri don’t know whether to just have a face off and be done with it or jump each other’s bones for all the passion they could share. Until Peri can unravel the clues from her deceased cousin, there is a murderer on the loose and he won’t stop until Peri is out of the picture. Small town minds, small town tongues, small town laws, and one woman who dares to stand alone to find the truth from beyond the veil.
Forever Road by Catie Rhodes is a twisted mystery with a paranormal peek beyond the veil of death where everyone has their own secrets. Great characters, particularly Peri who sticks out like a shining star against her supporting cast who play their parts well, from villain to victim to mysterious dark entity. Mystery lovers will have fun trying to figure out who dunnit!
I received this copy from Catie Rhodes in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Peri Jean Mace - Book 1
Publisher: Long Roads and Dark Ends Press (April 2, 2013)
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Genre: Mystery | Paranormal
Print Length: 394 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 15, 2017
This year I’ve been into books this year where the lead can speak or see ghosts. It’s a fascinating ability that can open doors to interesting plots in fantasy. In Forever Road the heroine can see ghosts, and the whole town seems to know it, but the communication isn’t always friendly and isn’t done with words. The ghosts in this series can touch objects, influence temperature, and touch people. Some the spirits are downright scary and irritating, which lends a unique flavor to this genre trope. It’s not the typical see-ghost story because of that.
It’s also unique because it’s in a country mode with the dialect, thinking and small town atmosphere. The heroine is already an outcast because of her ability but it’s not easy shrugging off a mother who wants nothing to do with her, a trashy cousin who gets murdered in the trailer next door, and the cops who dislike her on principle already.
The mystery is decent when her cousin comes to a bad end. There’s some scrum of the earth in the book that comes across convincing. I wasn’t surprised at the secret villain but it was well done anyway. The heroine is decent but sometimes her personality is a bit much to take, not my favorite personality type but I do dig heroines with flaws. I did like the cop Dean.
There’s a lot of country feels here – ya’ll, small town mindset, and language. Violence when done goes all out, and sailor language galore. A love triangle seems to be brewing, too.
I didn’t have enough chemistry with the series to seek out the sequels, but it’s a unique start to a series that dares to be different and has some things going for it mystery wise.
It’s also unique because it’s in a country mode with the dialect, thinking and small town atmosphere. The heroine is already an outcast because of her ability but it’s not easy shrugging off a mother who wants nothing to do with her, a trashy cousin who gets murdered in the trailer next door, and the cops who dislike her on principle already.
The mystery is decent when her cousin comes to a bad end. There’s some scrum of the earth in the book that comes across convincing. I wasn’t surprised at the secret villain but it was well done anyway. The heroine is decent but sometimes her personality is a bit much to take, not my favorite personality type but I do dig heroines with flaws. I did like the cop Dean.
There’s a lot of country feels here – ya’ll, small town mindset, and language. Violence when done goes all out, and sailor language galore. A love triangle seems to be brewing, too.
I didn’t have enough chemistry with the series to seek out the sequels, but it’s a unique start to a series that dares to be different and has some things going for it mystery wise.
March 17, 2013
Forever Road is many things, but first and foremost, it's the story of Peri Jean Mace and her struggle to deal with her abilities to see the spirit world. In her debut novel, Catie Rhodes does an amazing job of making Peri come to life. Her voice is one of the strongest I've read in a long time, and from the first page, I felt entirely in Peri's head.
The mystery is just as compelling. When her cousin is murdered, Peri sets out to find out who killed her. Filled with red herrings and chilling encounters with the spirit world, Peri is thrown headlong into a mystery centered around an ages old local treasure.
Forever Road is fast paced, well plotted, and Rhodes' writing is excellent. I can't wait to read the second book in the Peri Jean Mace series!
The mystery is just as compelling. When her cousin is murdered, Peri sets out to find out who killed her. Filled with red herrings and chilling encounters with the spirit world, Peri is thrown headlong into a mystery centered around an ages old local treasure.
Forever Road is fast paced, well plotted, and Rhodes' writing is excellent. I can't wait to read the second book in the Peri Jean Mace series!
March 15, 2013
Forever Road by Catie Rhodes isn’t merely an excellent debut novel. It’s an excellent novel, period. Rarely do I appreciate both great characterization and tightly-wound plotting, but in this paranormal mystery, I enjoyed tiptoeing among carefully-laid clues while standing beside some very believable and likable characters.
The main character, Peri, is a scrappy, ghost-seeing misfit who does odd jobs in a small town in East Texas. Peri lives with the woman who basically raised her—Memaw, an aging, wise and gracious woman with some secrets of her own. In the opening scene of Forever Road, Peri makes a bargain with a soon-to-be dead woman, her cousin Rae: if Rae will stop screaming at Peri’s best friend, Chase, Peri will do a favor for Rae.
This promise doesn’t work out so well for Peri. Rae is murdered. Chase is suspected of committing the murder. And Rae, or her ghost, comes demanding that Peri solve the murder. Peri is not one to renege on promises, especially when scary ghosts come to collect on one of those promises.
One of the things that I liked a lot as I read was trying to solve the murder from the trail of clues left by Rhodes. Like the best mysteries, Forever Road makes it an intellectual challenge for both the main characters who are working the case and for the reader. With each clue, Peri moves a little closer to unraveling the mystery of who murdered her cousin.
And as Peri discovers the clues, shades and pieces of her character are revealed, so that we understand what makes her tick. Rhodes paints Peri with a detailed brush, so that we can hear the way she talks, envision the way she walks, and can picture the visions of dead people she sees. Rhodes also does an outstanding job creating fully-developed supporting characters, villains, and bit players who inhabit the pages of this book.
The effect Rhodes creates is a rich, fast-moving, always amusing story that will keep you enthralled from start to finish. I recommend this book very highly, and I look forward to reading more from Rhodes.
The main character, Peri, is a scrappy, ghost-seeing misfit who does odd jobs in a small town in East Texas. Peri lives with the woman who basically raised her—Memaw, an aging, wise and gracious woman with some secrets of her own. In the opening scene of Forever Road, Peri makes a bargain with a soon-to-be dead woman, her cousin Rae: if Rae will stop screaming at Peri’s best friend, Chase, Peri will do a favor for Rae.
This promise doesn’t work out so well for Peri. Rae is murdered. Chase is suspected of committing the murder. And Rae, or her ghost, comes demanding that Peri solve the murder. Peri is not one to renege on promises, especially when scary ghosts come to collect on one of those promises.
One of the things that I liked a lot as I read was trying to solve the murder from the trail of clues left by Rhodes. Like the best mysteries, Forever Road makes it an intellectual challenge for both the main characters who are working the case and for the reader. With each clue, Peri moves a little closer to unraveling the mystery of who murdered her cousin.
And as Peri discovers the clues, shades and pieces of her character are revealed, so that we understand what makes her tick. Rhodes paints Peri with a detailed brush, so that we can hear the way she talks, envision the way she walks, and can picture the visions of dead people she sees. Rhodes also does an outstanding job creating fully-developed supporting characters, villains, and bit players who inhabit the pages of this book.
The effect Rhodes creates is a rich, fast-moving, always amusing story that will keep you enthralled from start to finish. I recommend this book very highly, and I look forward to reading more from Rhodes.
March 25, 2013
If you're looking for paranormal mystery, with just a splash of romance, this one's for you. I loved that this didn't involve vampires, werewolves, or anything of that nature. It's normal small town life, with a girl who just happens to see ghosts. Peri has made her cousin a promise, and now that her cousin is a ghost she has to deliver on that promise. Find her cousin's killer...and don't get dead or land in jail in the process. I enjoyed the mystery, and watching the clues pile up as Peri stumbles her way through solving this thing. She's not a detective, or the police. She's the girl next door, with a twist. The relationships between the people in this small town reminded me of one I grew up in. The same frustrating people, along with the same deep friendships and small town "in your business." I can't wait to read the next one. Look for a longer review on my website April 5th.
June 15, 2017
I found the whole novel, slightly dull..
Rude, I know, but I can't describe it any other way.
It just wasn't exciting to read about - whether it be the plot, the setting, the characters...
Rude, I know, but I can't describe it any other way.
It just wasn't exciting to read about - whether it be the plot, the setting, the characters...
September 3, 2017
4 See Me Stars
This book is part of my two man book club reading challenge for the year. My friend is really into PRN and I am just starting to get into it myself. So when she added this item to the list I sucked it up and got it. And would you believe I actually enjoyed it. The stories first few pages come off with a backroads country comedy and then the story actually begins around the 3% mark and the entire story will give you the heebie jeebies.
For probably at least 60% of the book I had goosebumps and terror spells it was like an adult horror story and it was awesome. There were so many side characters and stories so you really have to slow down to recall who is who and I caught myself needed to go back a few pages here and there.
I think what hurt the story is the intended romance aspect. This book didn’t need romance and it made it kind of stilted ( most of the romance is fade to black scenes) but I think the forced romance changed Peri Jean’s character a bit as well as Dean’s. I am glad to see the story continues so the romance may even itself out it appears I am only 5 years behind on discovering this story. I will most likely continue the series.
This book is part of my two man book club reading challenge for the year. My friend is really into PRN and I am just starting to get into it myself. So when she added this item to the list I sucked it up and got it. And would you believe I actually enjoyed it. The stories first few pages come off with a backroads country comedy and then the story actually begins around the 3% mark and the entire story will give you the heebie jeebies.
For probably at least 60% of the book I had goosebumps and terror spells it was like an adult horror story and it was awesome. There were so many side characters and stories so you really have to slow down to recall who is who and I caught myself needed to go back a few pages here and there.
I think what hurt the story is the intended romance aspect. This book didn’t need romance and it made it kind of stilted ( most of the romance is fade to black scenes) but I think the forced romance changed Peri Jean’s character a bit as well as Dean’s. I am glad to see the story continues so the romance may even itself out it appears I am only 5 years behind on discovering this story. I will most likely continue the series.
April 4, 2013
Forever Road is the debut novel by Catie Rhodes. I suspect there will be many who jump on what is destined to be quite a bandwagon. Having received an advance copy, it was with the understanding that I do not pull punches in my reviews. I am thrilled to say that this was a fun read, and had me scratching my head trying to figure out the "whodunnit" portion. I am always impressed with writers who can misdirect the reader and have them guessing right up to the reveal. Heck, I was ready to pin it all on Meemaw before it was over. Kudos on plot twists and making everybody seem as innocent and guilty all at the same time so that when the "bad guy" is finally revealed, you slap your forehead and then try to remember how many times you suspected and then crossed that person off the list.
So, Peri Jean Mace can see ghosts. People around her think she is a bit off her rocker. Okay, you might think that it has been done, so what makes this any different? What makes it stand out? The answer is simple: The dialog. Many writers tumble when it comes to making their characters sound like individuals...much less real people having a conversation. If Ms. Rhodes has a strength, it is her passages of dialog and how she uses them to not only bring her characters to life, but also how she uses it to propel the story.
Overall, this is an entry book into what will reportedly be a series. It does not bog down introducing you. Again, this is where Rhodes excels in using dialog. If you are still trying to decide if this is a book for you...I say compare it to discovering a little local bakery and being able to tell all your friends. This is some good old, down home paranormal fun.
So, Peri Jean Mace can see ghosts. People around her think she is a bit off her rocker. Okay, you might think that it has been done, so what makes this any different? What makes it stand out? The answer is simple: The dialog. Many writers tumble when it comes to making their characters sound like individuals...much less real people having a conversation. If Ms. Rhodes has a strength, it is her passages of dialog and how she uses them to not only bring her characters to life, but also how she uses it to propel the story.
Overall, this is an entry book into what will reportedly be a series. It does not bog down introducing you. Again, this is where Rhodes excels in using dialog. If you are still trying to decide if this is a book for you...I say compare it to discovering a little local bakery and being able to tell all your friends. This is some good old, down home paranormal fun.
May 2, 2013
This book is a winner. The best thing about Forever Road is the voice of protagonist Peri Jean Mace. The girl is sassy and funny with an internal dialog that would make a sailor blush. Add to that the fact that she sees and communicates with dead people. After being institutionalized as a child for this character quirk, Peri works hard to keep it to herself. So when she finds herself vowing to her murdered cousin Rae that she’ll bring the murderer to justice, she’s knows she’s got a long road in front of her.
The characters, plot, and setting are wonderfully unique. In addition to Peri, there’s her lifelong friend Chase, full of his own living demons, and a primary suspect in her cousin’s murder. There’s the hot new police officer, Dean. And Peri’s grandmother, Memaw, who’s got her own drawer of secrets. And Rae, who despite being dead, is very much alive, and a force to be reckoned with.
The plot will carry you along with plenty of red herrings and a wagonload of suspects to choose from. But if you read carefully, you’ll find the clues carefully planted, and with one cleverly hidden clue leading to the next. And I loved the setting of completely made up Gaslight City in East Texas. It’s as real as the town you live in.
This is an amazing book by a debut author. It stands on its own merit as a unique paranormal mystery, with a strong, opinionated, funny female protagonist. I’m hoping for a series with Peri; Catie Rhodes has the writing talent to take a series a long way.
The characters, plot, and setting are wonderfully unique. In addition to Peri, there’s her lifelong friend Chase, full of his own living demons, and a primary suspect in her cousin’s murder. There’s the hot new police officer, Dean. And Peri’s grandmother, Memaw, who’s got her own drawer of secrets. And Rae, who despite being dead, is very much alive, and a force to be reckoned with.
The plot will carry you along with plenty of red herrings and a wagonload of suspects to choose from. But if you read carefully, you’ll find the clues carefully planted, and with one cleverly hidden clue leading to the next. And I loved the setting of completely made up Gaslight City in East Texas. It’s as real as the town you live in.
This is an amazing book by a debut author. It stands on its own merit as a unique paranormal mystery, with a strong, opinionated, funny female protagonist. I’m hoping for a series with Peri; Catie Rhodes has the writing talent to take a series a long way.
June 16, 2013
This book pretty much had its claws in me right off the bat. The story is told from the first person perspective of Peri Jean Mace, a tom-boy who has had a rough life and just so happens to be able to see ghosts. She is an excellent character that I genuinely like and believe in.
I do love supernatural/paranormal stories, which is what caught my eye about the book. The interesting thing, though, was that it didn't revolve around the spiritual world 100%. The mystery in the book was so well played out, there were times I would totally forget I was reading a paranormal book. I was just so enthralled by what was going to happen next and the who-dun-it aspect that I forgot about the ghosts!
Along with Peri, there is a great background cast to flesh out the world. The book is full of very lively and believable characters. It's action packed and heartfelt. By the end, I had laughed and cried, and now I can't wait for the next installment.
Catie has a very unique writing style, and I got a kick out of her expressions several times throughout the book. If you like ghosts stories or a good mystery, I 100% recommend this book. I save my 5 star reviews for the books I really love, and this one gets a full 5 stars!
I do love supernatural/paranormal stories, which is what caught my eye about the book. The interesting thing, though, was that it didn't revolve around the spiritual world 100%. The mystery in the book was so well played out, there were times I would totally forget I was reading a paranormal book. I was just so enthralled by what was going to happen next and the who-dun-it aspect that I forgot about the ghosts!
Along with Peri, there is a great background cast to flesh out the world. The book is full of very lively and believable characters. It's action packed and heartfelt. By the end, I had laughed and cried, and now I can't wait for the next installment.
Catie has a very unique writing style, and I got a kick out of her expressions several times throughout the book. If you like ghosts stories or a good mystery, I 100% recommend this book. I save my 5 star reviews for the books I really love, and this one gets a full 5 stars!
June 26, 2017
This was a stunning novel that I was enticed to read after downloading a short story prequel to the Peri Jean Mace series.
Phew! Well this just had everything in it to whet your appetite and keep your peepers glued to the page from start to finish. So well written that I simply can not believe this was the author's debut novel. Mystery solving with a ghost seeing premise, the characters are full bodied with a depth and resonance you rarely see in novels which are the first in the series. The characters of Peri Jean and Memaw are so warm, and the author's ability to make you feel what they're feeling so masterful, that it's almost as if you are sitting there right next to them. Plus, you've got to admit Peri Jean is so kick-ass you just can't help but love her.
The plot was executed to perfection and I really didn't see one of the big reveals coming until it had up and slapped me in the face. A new author and a new series that I look forward to delving into.
Phew! Well this just had everything in it to whet your appetite and keep your peepers glued to the page from start to finish. So well written that I simply can not believe this was the author's debut novel. Mystery solving with a ghost seeing premise, the characters are full bodied with a depth and resonance you rarely see in novels which are the first in the series. The characters of Peri Jean and Memaw are so warm, and the author's ability to make you feel what they're feeling so masterful, that it's almost as if you are sitting there right next to them. Plus, you've got to admit Peri Jean is so kick-ass you just can't help but love her.
The plot was executed to perfection and I really didn't see one of the big reveals coming until it had up and slapped me in the face. A new author and a new series that I look forward to delving into.
March 20, 2013
I admit it: Catie's a friend of mine, and I wanted this book to be good.
Forget good. This novel is awesome. I enjoy a quality mystery, and Catie Rhodes weaves a wonderful tale of Peri Jean Mace, who sees ghosts and tries to keep that little tidbit to herself. But when her cousin's ghost extracts a vow that Peri will solve her murder, all hell breaks loose in their East Texas town.
The characters are layered, the plot full of plenty of twists and turns, and the author kept me on edge until the end. Moreover, her description of this rural town and its residents is so rich that the setting is almost like a character.
Give it a shot. I for one am hoping that Peri's road goes on for a good long time (with plenty more novels in this series), if not forever.
Forget good. This novel is awesome. I enjoy a quality mystery, and Catie Rhodes weaves a wonderful tale of Peri Jean Mace, who sees ghosts and tries to keep that little tidbit to herself. But when her cousin's ghost extracts a vow that Peri will solve her murder, all hell breaks loose in their East Texas town.
The characters are layered, the plot full of plenty of twists and turns, and the author kept me on edge until the end. Moreover, her description of this rural town and its residents is so rich that the setting is almost like a character.
Give it a shot. I for one am hoping that Peri's road goes on for a good long time (with plenty more novels in this series), if not forever.
March 16, 2013
This is a great debut mystery from Catie Rhodes. Peri Jean Mace acts and sounds just like girls I grew up with in Texas. Well, if they had seen ghosts that is. The paranormal just adds another dimension to this well thought out novel. It's fast-paced and character driven. Each character (even the secondary ones) are well-developed and have their own unique voice. Meemaw is a wonderful character and sort of reminds me of my own. Rhodes does a great job of setting the scene using all the senses - definitely found myself completely immersed in the book and hated to see it end. I look forward to the next one.
March 15, 2013
This was definitely my kind of mystery. Peri Jean Mace is a quirky, strong, loyal character who happens to see ghosts. This gets her in quite a predicament when her cousin is murdered and still wants the favor Peri promised her. So, of course, Peri has to solve her cousin's murder, which gets her in all kinds of trouble. The cast of characters surrounding Peri are equally as quirky and interesting. And of course, there's a hot new sheriff in town to add some spice. This is a great debut novel and I can't wait for the next one to see what happens next in the world Catie Rhodes created.
April 5, 2013
I first became acquainted with Catie Rhodes on her blog "Long Roads and Dark Ends," and was fortunate enough to win an e-arc copy of "Forever Road." It's one of those books that leaves you on the last page going "OK, when can I read the next one?" She's developed a cast of interesting and very real characters and weaves the supernatural into the story line very effectively. As in her blogs, her descriptions of ghosts, paranormal phenomena and the just plain creepy make you check over your shoulder to see what's gathering in the corners.
April 9, 2013
Peri Jean Mace is a tough and vulnerable young woman in rural Texas who makes mistakes, holds herself away from most other people, and--oh yeah--sees ghosts. Unlike a lot of the characters we encounter who see ghosts, she doesn't enjoy it; it's just as hard as most of the rest of her life. But there's a killer out there she has to find and she's up to the task in the end, learning more than a little humanity along the way. Since this is "Book 1," I assume a series is beginning and I look forward to Book 2.
May 9, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I really quite enjoyed this book. I liked that it was a murder mystery with a slight paranormal twist. I thought the ghost aspect made the story more interesting to read. I thought this was a well written book with an interesting storyline. This was the first book I have read by this author and I would read more of her work. Overall, it was a great first book to this series.
I really quite enjoyed this book. I liked that it was a murder mystery with a slight paranormal twist. I thought the ghost aspect made the story more interesting to read. I thought this was a well written book with an interesting storyline. This was the first book I have read by this author and I would read more of her work. Overall, it was a great first book to this series.
July 25, 2020
For those who liked tv shows like Charmed, Ghost Whisperer and Medium and miss watching those shows? This is a great take on a sarcastic female character driven "I see dead people" start of a series. Peri Jean is Nancy Drew, but a more mature version of her. There's plenty of things to like here but the first in a series also has it's strange quirks that didn't make sense to me. Overall, 4.5 🌟❤️ definitely continuing the series!
May 24, 2016
I received this book free in return for an honest review and, if I'm going to be honest, I have to say that I really wasn't expecting a whole lot from this at first. (Why else would they be giving it away for free?) So imagine my surprise when I found myself getting drawn in to the tale and wanting to keep reading "just one more page" even though I've been sick with a fever and really should be getting all the sleep I can.
On the surface this is a slow building murder mystery, with Peri being reluctantly thrust in to solving her good-for-nothing cousin's murder because of a rashly given promise and her ability to see ghosts meaning she's not going to get any peace until her cousin does. However, what made the story interesting for me was how much of it was about the living community of Gaslight City, the connections between people, the secrets and shared history that's hidden just out of sight, and the lengths that people are willing to go to keep others in the dark for good or ill.
I thought the author did a good job of bringing all manner of characters to life. Even the horrible secondary characters who maybe had only a single line of text made me wonder just why they were being so mean-spirited. I liked that they existed and apparently had it out for Peri for no real reason, because to me it helped get across the sometimes very claustrophobic feeling of small (rural) communities where everyone knows your family going back half a dozen generations and you can't do anything without it becoming common knowledge and a talking point within minutes. As Peri knows all too well, it can be a very isolating and lonely life if you find yourself on the "wrong side" of that community spirit for whatever reason. It also helped make those big secrets uncovered along the way all the more shocking I think because it really did make me stop and wonder just how they'd accomplished it.
This wasn't a novel without a few issues though. No matter how appropriate and fitting to the story it was, I can't help but think "Gaslight City" is a far-fetched name and I found it incredibly distracting. I did eventually get over it, but it still felt rather heavy-handed to me given the modern usage of the term meaning "[to] manipulate (someone) by psychological means into doubting their own sanity". There were also a few times when Peri did really stupid things, like potentially putting valuable evidence at risk when she'd already made print-outs to show around, or running off to confront possibly dangerous people without any back-up. Thankfully these actions were few and far between, but I think that's unfortunately why they stuck out so much.
Despite such minor gripes I found nothing else to complain about. The writing was pleasant to read (well, as much as a murder mystery can be thought of as "pleasant" reading), with a nice pace that resisted feeling rushed or too plodding, and containing no memorable grammar or typo errors.
Overall I find this a great first installment for a series and I'm keen to read more in the future.
On the surface this is a slow building murder mystery, with Peri being reluctantly thrust in to solving her good-for-nothing cousin's murder because of a rashly given promise and her ability to see ghosts meaning she's not going to get any peace until her cousin does. However, what made the story interesting for me was how much of it was about the living community of Gaslight City, the connections between people, the secrets and shared history that's hidden just out of sight, and the lengths that people are willing to go to keep others in the dark for good or ill.
I thought the author did a good job of bringing all manner of characters to life. Even the horrible secondary characters who maybe had only a single line of text made me wonder just why they were being so mean-spirited. I liked that they existed and apparently had it out for Peri for no real reason, because to me it helped get across the sometimes very claustrophobic feeling of small (rural) communities where everyone knows your family going back half a dozen generations and you can't do anything without it becoming common knowledge and a talking point within minutes. As Peri knows all too well, it can be a very isolating and lonely life if you find yourself on the "wrong side" of that community spirit for whatever reason. It also helped make those big secrets uncovered along the way all the more shocking I think because it really did make me stop and wonder just how they'd accomplished it.
This wasn't a novel without a few issues though. No matter how appropriate and fitting to the story it was, I can't help but think "Gaslight City" is a far-fetched name and I found it incredibly distracting. I did eventually get over it, but it still felt rather heavy-handed to me given the modern usage of the term meaning "[to] manipulate (someone) by psychological means into doubting their own sanity". There were also a few times when Peri did really stupid things, like potentially putting valuable evidence at risk when she'd already made print-outs to show around, or running off to confront possibly dangerous people without any back-up. Thankfully these actions were few and far between, but I think that's unfortunately why they stuck out so much.
Despite such minor gripes I found nothing else to complain about. The writing was pleasant to read (well, as much as a murder mystery can be thought of as "pleasant" reading), with a nice pace that resisted feeling rushed or too plodding, and containing no memorable grammar or typo errors.
Overall I find this a great first installment for a series and I'm keen to read more in the future.
May 7, 2016
*I received this book from the author's publicist for review*
Peri Jean Mace is an interesting character. She can see ghosts, a condition which caused her mother to commit her to a mental institution as a young child, where the word schizophrenia was bandied about. She's not the first heroine I've read about who has the ability to see ghosts, but I believe she is the first who has not embraced this particular trait. Seeing ghosts has caused Peri to become an outcast in the little town of Gaslight City, where everyone is aware of it, whether they believe it's true or believe she's crazy, but pretend they don't know anything. Even in her own home, her ability is never talked about, as if it doesn't exist. It was a different take on the “ghost whisperer” genre, and a welcome one.
The story starts out a little slow,with Peri's cousin, Rae, shrieking up a storm and yelling at Chase, her flavor of the month who is also Peri's best friend. Peri lives with her grandmother, and Rae lives in a travel trailer parked on grandma's property. When Peri hears the shouting she flies out to the trailer to shush them before her grandmother is woken up, and in exchange for Rae shutting up Peri agrees to owe her an unspecified favor. It was all a little melodramatic, and the favor for silence a little silly.
But Rae cashes in that favor pretty quickly when Peri walks into her trailer later and finds her cousin's been murdered. And then Rae's ghost appears, and Peri realizes that Rae wants and expects her to find the killer.
From there the story picks up nicely. Dean Turgeau is introduced, Gaslight City's newest deputy, and he and Peri clash from the beginning, especially since Chase is suspect number one and Dean is determined to prove it, while Peri is determined to defend her friend. Which becomes more difficult when Chase pulls a dissapearing act. Dean brought to mind (to my mind, anyway) Aiden Quinn's Detective Hallett from the movie Practical Magic.
I loved watching Peri and Dean dance around each other, and I also enjoyed Peri's interactions with her childhood friend turned nemesis Hannah. As Peri gets deeper and deeper into her investigations there were quite a few twists, and the mystery was unpredictable. I didn't figure out who the murderer was until she did.
A nicely written whodunit, which got a bit violent during the big reveal, but with a satisfying conclusion.
Review first posted on my blog.
Peri Jean Mace is an interesting character. She can see ghosts, a condition which caused her mother to commit her to a mental institution as a young child, where the word schizophrenia was bandied about. She's not the first heroine I've read about who has the ability to see ghosts, but I believe she is the first who has not embraced this particular trait. Seeing ghosts has caused Peri to become an outcast in the little town of Gaslight City, where everyone is aware of it, whether they believe it's true or believe she's crazy, but pretend they don't know anything. Even in her own home, her ability is never talked about, as if it doesn't exist. It was a different take on the “ghost whisperer” genre, and a welcome one.
The story starts out a little slow,with Peri's cousin, Rae, shrieking up a storm and yelling at Chase, her flavor of the month who is also Peri's best friend. Peri lives with her grandmother, and Rae lives in a travel trailer parked on grandma's property. When Peri hears the shouting she flies out to the trailer to shush them before her grandmother is woken up, and in exchange for Rae shutting up Peri agrees to owe her an unspecified favor. It was all a little melodramatic, and the favor for silence a little silly.
But Rae cashes in that favor pretty quickly when Peri walks into her trailer later and finds her cousin's been murdered. And then Rae's ghost appears, and Peri realizes that Rae wants and expects her to find the killer.
From there the story picks up nicely. Dean Turgeau is introduced, Gaslight City's newest deputy, and he and Peri clash from the beginning, especially since Chase is suspect number one and Dean is determined to prove it, while Peri is determined to defend her friend. Which becomes more difficult when Chase pulls a dissapearing act. Dean brought to mind (to my mind, anyway) Aiden Quinn's Detective Hallett from the movie Practical Magic.
I loved watching Peri and Dean dance around each other, and I also enjoyed Peri's interactions with her childhood friend turned nemesis Hannah. As Peri gets deeper and deeper into her investigations there were quite a few twists, and the mystery was unpredictable. I didn't figure out who the murderer was until she did.
A nicely written whodunit, which got a bit violent during the big reveal, but with a satisfying conclusion.
Review first posted on my blog.
May 28, 2016
3.75 stars :-)
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for a review.
I have to admit, I accepted this commission because my reading slump is getting worse. If I have to do a task, then I can push myself to finish reading the book :-). And paranormal is not really my thing (except for Amanda Quick's romances...hehe...), but maybe I need to go out of my usual read to get some fresh air that I needed to boost up my reading. Plus, I might meet my new favorite author.
The beginning was a bit messy. The first 3 introductional chapters did not impressed me and I was readying myself for some torturous journey. But surprisingly, the story get interesting once the mystery started. The author have a good way of describing the details and I did feel the horror and spookiness of the other world, especially scenes that featuring Rae's ghost. The plot was smoothly laid out and the subplots didn't intersect with one another.
But, the storytelling felt a bit juvenille. It was like reading one of Nancy Drew's adventure. It could even be called a clean read ;-) . The heroin supposedly a 30 year old divorcee, but it felt like she is an 18 year old school girl. The 'adultness' feel is not there much. There was a romance, but it doesn't overshadow Peri's 'investigations' at all and I like it more because of this.
Even though the story is good enough, but still I did guess the links and it didn't surprised me at all when the murderer was revealed. Just wish that it was my power of deduction that lead to the right answer...hehhehe.
And I am sure will read the next mystery. I am intrigued to know where all this will lead Peri :-D
PS - I have read the excerp for the next book, and I think the author has improved a lot! Can't wait to read the full story.
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for a review.
I have to admit, I accepted this commission because my reading slump is getting worse. If I have to do a task, then I can push myself to finish reading the book :-). And paranormal is not really my thing (except for Amanda Quick's romances...hehe...), but maybe I need to go out of my usual read to get some fresh air that I needed to boost up my reading. Plus, I might meet my new favorite author.
The beginning was a bit messy. The first 3 introductional chapters did not impressed me and I was readying myself for some torturous journey. But surprisingly, the story get interesting once the mystery started. The author have a good way of describing the details and I did feel the horror and spookiness of the other world, especially scenes that featuring Rae's ghost. The plot was smoothly laid out and the subplots didn't intersect with one another.
But, the storytelling felt a bit juvenille. It was like reading one of Nancy Drew's adventure. It could even be called a clean read ;-) . The heroin supposedly a 30 year old divorcee, but it felt like she is an 18 year old school girl. The 'adultness' feel is not there much. There was a romance, but it doesn't overshadow Peri's 'investigations' at all and I like it more because of this.
Even though the story is good enough, but still I did guess the links and it didn't surprised me at all when the murderer was revealed. Just wish that it was my power of deduction that lead to the right answer...hehhehe.
And I am sure will read the next mystery. I am intrigued to know where all this will lead Peri :-D
PS - I have read the excerp for the next book, and I think the author has improved a lot! Can't wait to read the full story.
April 9, 2014
Wow! Catie Rhodes has produced a paranormal mystery, infused with elements of romance, that hits as hard as a Colt .45 slug from a Texas Ranger.
Told completely and in flawless fashion from the perspective of her lead character Peri Jean Mace, the depth of immersion is respectable considering the exclusive point of view. The inhabitants (physical and otherwise), history, and community of Gaslight, Texas come alive through the narrative. The result is a novel one is hard pressed to put down.
It is at once a ghost story, a whodunnit, and the tale of a young woman fighting a lifelong battle. Her memories and challenges weave through an intense and captivating crisis initiated by the murder of a lifelong friend: one to whom she now owes favor. The reader is pulled along through a twisting, turning, complex story-line to what can only be described as a literary crescendo.
This novel is well worth your time and easily earned its five-star rating.
Told completely and in flawless fashion from the perspective of her lead character Peri Jean Mace, the depth of immersion is respectable considering the exclusive point of view. The inhabitants (physical and otherwise), history, and community of Gaslight, Texas come alive through the narrative. The result is a novel one is hard pressed to put down.
It is at once a ghost story, a whodunnit, and the tale of a young woman fighting a lifelong battle. Her memories and challenges weave through an intense and captivating crisis initiated by the murder of a lifelong friend: one to whom she now owes favor. The reader is pulled along through a twisting, turning, complex story-line to what can only be described as a literary crescendo.
This novel is well worth your time and easily earned its five-star rating.
July 18, 2013
Catie Rhodes’ debut novel, Forever Road, is one of the rare books that gets it all right. The characters and setting are well crafted, and made me nostalgic for the small South Carolina town where I grew up. The romantic tension was just right for my taste, and the murder-mystery elements were solid and had me changing my mind regularly on who I thought “done it.”
Beyond the true to life characters, the mystery and a setting that feels like another character in itself, Forever Road is written in a consistent tone, perfectly seasoned with wit and a few laugh-out-loud moments, with a supernatural element that adds both levity and some really spooky scenes. The entire package feels more like the work of a veteran novelist than a new writer’s debut. Well written and beautifully edited, this story puts Catie on my Must Read list, and I’m eager for her next title.
Beyond the true to life characters, the mystery and a setting that feels like another character in itself, Forever Road is written in a consistent tone, perfectly seasoned with wit and a few laugh-out-loud moments, with a supernatural element that adds both levity and some really spooky scenes. The entire package feels more like the work of a veteran novelist than a new writer’s debut. Well written and beautifully edited, this story puts Catie on my Must Read list, and I’m eager for her next title.
May 8, 2013
I loved this book. I love reading books by authors who have a writing style so different from my own. And not only did I learn something from Ms. Rhodes’ style, but I was thoroughly entertained! There were moments where I laughed out loud and the plot kept me guessing throughout.
I don’t normally read mysteries, but Peri kept me hooked. I just wanted to see what she’d do/say next! I loved her sense of humour and loyalty. She is astute, flawed and brave. All things I love in a main character. And did I mention Peri Jean can see ghosts??
The supporting cast was great too. Meemaw was a particular favourite. I’m Canadian and so being let into a small Texas town, even a fictional one, was a real treat.
Forever Road is a mystery that moves and grabs a reader. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Rhodes!
I don’t normally read mysteries, but Peri kept me hooked. I just wanted to see what she’d do/say next! I loved her sense of humour and loyalty. She is astute, flawed and brave. All things I love in a main character. And did I mention Peri Jean can see ghosts??
The supporting cast was great too. Meemaw was a particular favourite. I’m Canadian and so being let into a small Texas town, even a fictional one, was a real treat.
Forever Road is a mystery that moves and grabs a reader. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Rhodes!
May 3, 2013
This is the best debut novel I’ve ever read!
And that’s saying something because I make a point of reading a lot of first-time authors. Catie Rhodes does a beautiful job of developing setting, characters and plot, weaving them together in a tightly-written mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
I’m not a huge fan of paranormal fiction, but I love the way the protagonist’s ability to see ghosts is handled in this book. Peri Jean is not at all happy about this talent that has made her a misfit in her small East Texas town. By the end of this book, I not only believed in Peri Jean’s paranormal abilities, I believed the ghosts she saw were real.
Indeed, I think Peri Jean is one of the most interesting characters I’ve encountered in a long time. I can’t wait to read more of her adventures.
And that’s saying something because I make a point of reading a lot of first-time authors. Catie Rhodes does a beautiful job of developing setting, characters and plot, weaving them together in a tightly-written mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
I’m not a huge fan of paranormal fiction, but I love the way the protagonist’s ability to see ghosts is handled in this book. Peri Jean is not at all happy about this talent that has made her a misfit in her small East Texas town. By the end of this book, I not only believed in Peri Jean’s paranormal abilities, I believed the ghosts she saw were real.
Indeed, I think Peri Jean is one of the most interesting characters I’ve encountered in a long time. I can’t wait to read more of her adventures.
May 27, 2016
Peri can see ghosts. She doesn't really speak with them and she's pretty scared of them, so it's not like she's the Ghost Whisperer or anything, but when her cousin is murdered and Peri starts looking for the killer, the spectral visitors come in pretty handy at times. The characters, especially Peri, are pretty well-developed and two dimensional. Although I had a pretty good idea who the eventual villain would be, the story was still suspenseful and engaging. Apparently, this is a series and I can't wait to read more about Peri. I'm hoping she decides to try to learn how to harness her gift instead of being afraid of and annoyed by it.
April 19, 2013
This a great book--I love the author's depiction of the good and bad of small-town life. I think my favorite thing about the book was the characterization. I loved Peri and Dean together, and Hannah turned out to ba a surprise. She told Peri and Dean that they were attracted to each other and should do something about it. I also loved the loyal and protective Memaw and felt an instant empathy for Peri, who was sent to a mental hospital as a child because she could see ghosts.
I'm really anxious to read the next book!
I'm really anxious to read the next book!
July 6, 2013
So good. Excellent writing, straight talking, no bullshit protagonist and an intriguing murder mystery.
I hadn't read a book like Forever Road before. The depiction of small town life in East Texas reeled me in. Peri is a cool, no nonsense woman. She doesn't suffer fools gladly; she's tough and strong.
The ghost stuff isn't front and centre - it's kept to the background for the most part. Anyone who may be wary of picking up a paranormal book needn't worry.
I hadn't read a book like Forever Road before. The depiction of small town life in East Texas reeled me in. Peri is a cool, no nonsense woman. She doesn't suffer fools gladly; she's tough and strong.
The ghost stuff isn't front and centre - it's kept to the background for the most part. Anyone who may be wary of picking up a paranormal book needn't worry.
July 11, 2013
Peri Jean Mace sees dead people, she hears dead people and she doesn't have a show on the Travel channel or Syfy
Instead she is treated badly by most of the folks in the small town where she lives. She has learned the hard way to hide her abilities but she is still ostracized by many.
When her ne'er do well cousin is murdered she needs to get to the bottom of it.
This is a wonderful first novel.
Instead she is treated badly by most of the folks in the small town where she lives. She has learned the hard way to hide her abilities but she is still ostracized by many.
When her ne'er do well cousin is murdered she needs to get to the bottom of it.
This is a wonderful first novel.
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