What do you think?
Rate this book
Peri Jean Mace #5
Forbidden Highway
A lost treasure. The return of a dangerous adversary. You can run from destiny—but you can’t hide.
Psychic medium Peri Jean Mace sets out to solve the mystery of the Mace Treasure once and for all. But a frightening new truth about her psychic gifts opens a forbidden highway she doesn’t want to travel.
Then a brutal psychopath from her past returns, hell-bent on destroying her. With only days to find the Mace Treasure and the life of a friend hanging in the balance, she faces the worst horror of her life.
Peri Jean has to decide what she fears most—the psychopath or herself.
Forbidden Highway is the fifth installment in the Peri Jean Mace Ghost Thriller series. Take a rollercoaster ride through redneck East Texas that features spine-tingling horror, a dose of humor, and a tough-as-nails heroine who’ll steal your heart.
Buy Forbidden Highway today and stay up all night with Peri Jean Mace!
Psychic medium Peri Jean Mace sets out to solve the mystery of the Mace Treasure once and for all. But a frightening new truth about her psychic gifts opens a forbidden highway she doesn’t want to travel.
Then a brutal psychopath from her past returns, hell-bent on destroying her. With only days to find the Mace Treasure and the life of a friend hanging in the balance, she faces the worst horror of her life.
Peri Jean has to decide what she fears most—the psychopath or herself.
Forbidden Highway is the fifth installment in the Peri Jean Mace Ghost Thriller series. Take a rollercoaster ride through redneck East Texas that features spine-tingling horror, a dose of humor, and a tough-as-nails heroine who’ll steal your heart.
Buy Forbidden Highway today and stay up all night with Peri Jean Mace!
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2016
158 people are currently reading
65 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 31, 2017
While another great addition to this awesome, unique and mysterious series, I will admit to being disappointed on a few things.
First off while I still love Peri Jean's character, she never backs down from a fight, I was a bit surprised and disappointed at all the fear she showed in this book. It's like every single action she needed to take to find the Mace Treasure had some type of fear shooting through her. I don't remember her being such a scared thing, she always faced her situations head on, but in this book she was just about scared of everything, she second guessed everything, it became quite annoying. I love her when she doesn't back down and when she admits that her gifts are in fact gifts, she owns that shit, but throughout most of the book she was afraid of basically everything.
Second, I was so fucking thrilled when things progressed between her and Wade, I said fucking finally! They are perfect for each other and when he said the things he did to her I wanted to slap the fuck out of him! I will admit to being disappointed at how things turned out because I feel like Peri Jean deserves a HEA more than anyone and for some reason she keeps getting shitted on by every man she decides to open her heart to. I mean if Dean can move on and get his HEA, why the fuck can't Peri Jean?
Third, it was left unclear whether charges were made against those idiots that tried to kill Peri Jean, Wade and Rainey. It'd be stupid if nothing happens to them after what they did and tried to do. They are old enough to know better but they acted like children instead. The not knowing what happened to them at the end of everything is very frustrating!
Lastly, I'm glad Peri Jean at least tried to move on from the horrors of her life and reached out to her family, but what happened after she found them?
Overall it was one of the most intriguing and mysterious books yet, as always I look forward to the next one and hopefully Peri Jean has more backbone, now that her and Priscilla are connected so thoroughly!
First off while I still love Peri Jean's character, she never backs down from a fight, I was a bit surprised and disappointed at all the fear she showed in this book. It's like every single action she needed to take to find the Mace Treasure had some type of fear shooting through her. I don't remember her being such a scared thing, she always faced her situations head on, but in this book she was just about scared of everything, she second guessed everything, it became quite annoying. I love her when she doesn't back down and when she admits that her gifts are in fact gifts, she owns that shit, but throughout most of the book she was afraid of basically everything.
Second, I was so fucking thrilled when things progressed between her and Wade, I said fucking finally! They are perfect for each other and when he said the things he did to her I wanted to slap the fuck out of him! I will admit to being disappointed at how things turned out because I feel like Peri Jean deserves a HEA more than anyone and for some reason she keeps getting shitted on by every man she decides to open her heart to. I mean if Dean can move on and get his HEA, why the fuck can't Peri Jean?
Third, it was left unclear whether charges were made against those idiots that tried to kill Peri Jean, Wade and Rainey. It'd be stupid if nothing happens to them after what they did and tried to do. They are old enough to know better but they acted like children instead. The not knowing what happened to them at the end of everything is very frustrating!
Lastly, I'm glad Peri Jean at least tried to move on from the horrors of her life and reached out to her family, but what happened after she found them?
Overall it was one of the most intriguing and mysterious books yet, as always I look forward to the next one and hopefully Peri Jean has more backbone, now that her and Priscilla are connected so thoroughly!
August 2, 2020
Amazing.
Peri Jean Mace is one tough person. Having narrowly escaped a deranged killer who could manipulate reality, she is now faced with a whole lot of trouble, on the quest to find the Mace Treasure and stop her ancestors curse from wiping out her town. This book is brilliant. The characters are solid, believable and you can place yourself right in the thick of the action. There are some laugh out loud thoughts and jibes in this story, which is just as well, as the events that unfold are brutal and feature some nasty people doing things that easily parallel past events, making this all the more disturbing. The power struggle with Peri Jean accepting more responsibility with her new abilities is set perfectly and her ever fluctuating desires for Wade prove that, although she is tough as nails, she is still a human with feelings and needs, just like everybody else. I found myself getting wound up for her with the way that she and her friends are treated and wondered if I would have done things differently if I had her abilities.
I can't wait for the next book, you need to read this series.
Peri Jean Mace is one tough person. Having narrowly escaped a deranged killer who could manipulate reality, she is now faced with a whole lot of trouble, on the quest to find the Mace Treasure and stop her ancestors curse from wiping out her town. This book is brilliant. The characters are solid, believable and you can place yourself right in the thick of the action. There are some laugh out loud thoughts and jibes in this story, which is just as well, as the events that unfold are brutal and feature some nasty people doing things that easily parallel past events, making this all the more disturbing. The power struggle with Peri Jean accepting more responsibility with her new abilities is set perfectly and her ever fluctuating desires for Wade prove that, although she is tough as nails, she is still a human with feelings and needs, just like everybody else. I found myself getting wound up for her with the way that she and her friends are treated and wondered if I would have done things differently if I had her abilities.
I can't wait for the next book, you need to read this series.
April 4, 2025
“Forbidden Highway”, fifth in the 'Peri Jean Mace' series, brings the dominant story arc of the Mace Treasure to a close and also marks a significant alteration in Peri's relationship with her magical abilities.
With Dean no longer on her horizon Peri begins to develop feelings for Wade. Will he reciprocate?
Of more concern is the return of the psychopath Michael Gage - presumed to be brain-damaged in a prison hospital he staged a brutal escape.
He's back in Gaslight City and the killing has begun anew. He blames those who contributed to his downfall and, above all, he wants to get his hands on the legendary Mace Treasure.
Peri has never wanted to find it but knows that if it were to fall into Gage's possession it would ensure that Priscilla Herrera's disastrous curse would come to pass.
From what Peri has come to know she must deal directly with Priscilla and agree to inherit her power. Priscilla, however, demands that Peri first prove herself worthy.
As the finale approaches Peri has very limited time and very difficult decisions to make.
For some reason I can intellectually accept that it is meant to be horrifying but I don't feel frightened at all (and I am notoriously squeamish when it come to horror!)
3 Stars.
With Dean no longer on her horizon Peri begins to develop feelings for Wade. Will he reciprocate?
Of more concern is the return of the psychopath Michael Gage - presumed to be brain-damaged in a prison hospital he staged a brutal escape.
He's back in Gaslight City and the killing has begun anew. He blames those who contributed to his downfall and, above all, he wants to get his hands on the legendary Mace Treasure.
Peri has never wanted to find it but knows that if it were to fall into Gage's possession it would ensure that Priscilla Herrera's disastrous curse would come to pass.
From what Peri has come to know she must deal directly with Priscilla and agree to inherit her power. Priscilla, however, demands that Peri first prove herself worthy.
As the finale approaches Peri has very limited time and very difficult decisions to make.
For some reason I can intellectually accept that it is meant to be horrifying but I don't feel frightened at all (and I am notoriously squeamish when it come to horror!)
3 Stars.
June 22, 2017
Good story
I had to give this one only four stars because Wade is an idiot and Peri Jean is also an idiot for not getting in his face in her characteristic fashion for his utter failure to use logic. The only one who calls him on it is Peri Jean's long dead ancestor and I think that both of them were too freaked out at the time to understand her message. Otherwise this is an excellent addition to an excellent series. Peri Jean is forced to confront who and what she is in order to save her friends and her town and nothing will ever be the same for her again.
I had to give this one only four stars because Wade is an idiot and Peri Jean is also an idiot for not getting in his face in her characteristic fashion for his utter failure to use logic. The only one who calls him on it is Peri Jean's long dead ancestor and I think that both of them were too freaked out at the time to understand her message. Otherwise this is an excellent addition to an excellent series. Peri Jean is forced to confront who and what she is in order to save her friends and her town and nothing will ever be the same for her again.
September 5, 2017
I just finished Catie Rhodes 5th book "Forbidden Highway". This was a great read, I love all of the Peri Jean series. As I read these books in order they just keep getting better. I noticed that each book is adding more information about the characters past these little tidbit are like little presents. They are filling in the past that contribute to the stories that make the characters so real and interesting. If you like scary books with a well rounded ending (no cliff hangers) you will enjoy reading Forbidden Highway'
Sandra McGee
Sandra McGee
April 23, 2019
I can't get enough of peri jean
I just love these books... Everytime I start another book it holds my attention from beginning to end.. Who doesn't love a good who done it and add an MC who can see ghosts with a not so perfect life that we can relate to on some level. Peri Jean grows more as a character with every book and I can't wait to see what's to come in the next book. If you like a good mystery and things that go bump in the night you wnt be disappointed with this series
I just love these books... Everytime I start another book it holds my attention from beginning to end.. Who doesn't love a good who done it and add an MC who can see ghosts with a not so perfect life that we can relate to on some level. Peri Jean grows more as a character with every book and I can't wait to see what's to come in the next book. If you like a good mystery and things that go bump in the night you wnt be disappointed with this series
May 30, 2018
Wow!
This was just wow! Every time I finish a Peri Jean Mace book I just want to jump right in to the next! If I did that no one in my house would eat.... Or even have conversations with me. Lol. I absolutely love this series and am holding out hope for Peri Jean and Wade Hill. I'll soon be jumping in to book 6!
This was just wow! Every time I finish a Peri Jean Mace book I just want to jump right in to the next! If I did that no one in my house would eat.... Or even have conversations with me. Lol. I absolutely love this series and am holding out hope for Peri Jean and Wade Hill. I'll soon be jumping in to book 6!
Read
March 15, 2020Great ending
Exciting, action-filled. Little bit scary but with a witch like Peri Jean, you know she's going to triumph in the end. Thought that the treasure was a bit of a disappointment after all the hoops she had to go through. I sort of expected something a bit supernatural rather than $.
Exciting, action-filled. Little bit scary but with a witch like Peri Jean, you know she's going to triumph in the end. Thought that the treasure was a bit of a disappointment after all the hoops she had to go through. I sort of expected something a bit supernatural rather than $.
June 4, 2017
Yeah! Much better that the last book. More like the first lot, not quite as good but still great. At the end I thought all loose ends were mostly tied, which was sad, but it's ok cause..... I just love that some things go unexplained - food for later.
June 29, 2017
Scary good read
I read all seven of these books straight in a row one right after another couldn't put him down lost sleep so be warned but thoroughly enjoyed them and you will too thanks Catie
I read all seven of these books straight in a row one right after another couldn't put him down lost sleep so be warned but thoroughly enjoyed them and you will too thanks Catie
May 22, 2018
Still a good read but story just was losing my interest, kind of just went on and on with finally coming to a conclusion. I felt that the last 2 books could have been 1 book without all the real unnecessary BS.
December 9, 2018
It is like a cozy paranormal mystery, except instead of cozy it is dark and gritty. There are amazing flawed, real, characters. They make bad decisions and are just trying their best. Not for everyone but I'll keep reading.
October 29, 2020
Another great book in the Peri Jean Mace series! I really enjoyed this book especially that latter 50%. I will say at the start of the book Peri got on my nerves a bit. However the action in the last half of the book made up for it.
July 10, 2017
Awesome!
Ya gotta read this series! I'm so glad I found it! The more I read them the more I love them!
Ya gotta read this series! I'm so glad I found it! The more I read them the more I love them!
July 28, 2017
Great book
Great book. I love this book series. I can't wait to read the next one. Great books and characters. Love it.
Great book. I love this book series. I can't wait to read the next one. Great books and characters. Love it.
January 22, 2018
Peri Jean kicks butt again
It gets hairy, life threatening for a few different people and down right frightening more than once, but it's Peri Jean. That's how she rolls.
It gets hairy, life threatening for a few different people and down right frightening more than once, but it's Peri Jean. That's how she rolls.
April 28, 2019
Read them all
Read them all in order if you can. Great series. Good overlaps. Can be read as stand alone but better asa whole.
Read them all in order if you can. Great series. Good overlaps. Can be read as stand alone but better asa whole.
July 25, 2017
Another good book in this series. Can't wait for the next one to read.
November 23, 2016
A Memorable Female Character
I've been asked by fellow readers and authors what defines a " good" book.. strong characters or strong story line or both.. the obvious answer is both.. and Catie Rhodes definitely does both.. . But ... her main character.. Peri Jean Mace stays in my head long after the story ends... and after 5 books I still want to know more about Peri Jean.. what happens after she finds her family.. what happens with her relationship with Wade or lack there of... what happens ? I want to know... just love love all five books and highly recommend the series... I hate when people review base on explaining the story so all I'm going to say is.. this series will grab you and take you to a place in your head and not let go of you ...and I can't wait till book 6 comes out in 2017....just too impatient...
I've been asked by fellow readers and authors what defines a " good" book.. strong characters or strong story line or both.. the obvious answer is both.. and Catie Rhodes definitely does both.. . But ... her main character.. Peri Jean Mace stays in my head long after the story ends... and after 5 books I still want to know more about Peri Jean.. what happens after she finds her family.. what happens with her relationship with Wade or lack there of... what happens ? I want to know... just love love all five books and highly recommend the series... I hate when people review base on explaining the story so all I'm going to say is.. this series will grab you and take you to a place in your head and not let go of you ...and I can't wait till book 6 comes out in 2017....just too impatient...
March 29, 2017
What an intense, awesome story! This book in the Peri Jean Mace series is a page-turner, and I had to keep reading to see what happens. It's quite other-worldly and suspenseful. I really enjoyed reading this. Peri Jean Mace has to majorly deal with her ancestor, the witch, to learn how to save her friends from evil, treasure-seeking men. She has to go to another dimension during all this, and it's extremely spooky. I highly recommend this book and series. Thanks to the author for providing the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2017
Omg, What an awesome read, no spoilers promise. This is the continuing story of Peri Jean Mace and her family issues, It is fast paced with plenty of suspense and twists within the story. You will not be sorry if you give this series a read.
October 14, 2016
I. love this series. And I. am so upset because next is a prequel. Really. I eant to move forward.
March 31, 2017
I am always excited to read a new Peri Jean Mace mystery. This one was as good as I expected. I love watching these characters grow and change and I can't wait for the next book. I will say this book is much creepier and darker than the previous ones, not in a bad way, just in a don't read right before I go to bed way.
April 3, 2017
What a fantastic read. I really love this series, and have enjoyed watching Peri Jean Mace's development as a witch. This is possibly my favourite one of the series to date. It is original and exciting, and I couldn't put it down. I really hope there will be more in the series.
April 23, 2017
Loving this series
I have literally devoured this series...the story line grabbed from the start and I have read each one as soon as I finished the previous. The characters are rich, the adventures gratifying, and the Magick is spot on.
I have literally devoured this series...the story line grabbed from the start and I have read each one as soon as I finished the previous. The characters are rich, the adventures gratifying, and the Magick is spot on.
May 11, 2017
As a fan of the Period Jean Mace series I can feel the tension building to something really epic. "Forbidden Roads" is one defining step in this direction.
Peri Jean has decided to contact the ghost of Priscilla Herrera. She is ready to enlist her help in locating the Mace treasure and ending the curse. Unfortunately, Priscilla is having none of it because she doesn't feel Peri is ready. In order to be ready she must be willing to take up Priscilla's mantle; something Peri isn't sure she wants to do. To make matters worse, A killer from her past has come back for her and this time he will use someone close to her in order to get her to do his bidding.
On a personal level, Hannah tricks Peri Jean into accepting a date with a new guy in town. It seems he has some magic of his own. However, things also seem to be heating up with Wade Hill. Yet, Wade is holding back for some reason. Of course Dean is out an about on the town and is dating again. Geez, the more I read about him the more I wonder why I wanted him to be with Peri.
This read really helped define who is in Peri Jean's corner and who her enemies are. I am really liking Must I, Hannah and Rainey. I hope to read more about them in future books. My only criticism of this read was the abrupt way in which it ended, yet, it didn't interfere with my reading enjoyment.
Peri Jean has decided to contact the ghost of Priscilla Herrera. She is ready to enlist her help in locating the Mace treasure and ending the curse. Unfortunately, Priscilla is having none of it because she doesn't feel Peri is ready. In order to be ready she must be willing to take up Priscilla's mantle; something Peri isn't sure she wants to do. To make matters worse, A killer from her past has come back for her and this time he will use someone close to her in order to get her to do his bidding.
On a personal level, Hannah tricks Peri Jean into accepting a date with a new guy in town. It seems he has some magic of his own. However, things also seem to be heating up with Wade Hill. Yet, Wade is holding back for some reason. Of course Dean is out an about on the town and is dating again. Geez, the more I read about him the more I wonder why I wanted him to be with Peri.
This read really helped define who is in Peri Jean's corner and who her enemies are. I am really liking Must I, Hannah and Rainey. I hope to read more about them in future books. My only criticism of this read was the abrupt way in which it ended, yet, it didn't interfere with my reading enjoyment.
October 19, 2017
Another fun filled ride with Peri and friends!! Once again I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love that Peri has finally started to come into her own.
The author's ability to make you connect with the characters still astounds me. The hatred I felt at the ignorance of the townspeople was immense!!!
The author's ability to make you connect with the characters still astounds me. The hatred I felt at the ignorance of the townspeople was immense!!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews