Greyhound Therapy

by J.R. Conway

There is a practice sometimes used by under-funded law enforcement departments and medical facilities where troublemakers or unwanted people with mental illnesses are put on a bus out of town to become someone else's problem. This practice can go on for extended periods of time, the same people repeatedly getting kicked out of one county and into another.

Author JR Conway has written a book called "Greyhound Therapy," which is what this practice of dumping undesirables into neighboring countries is called. The novel follows a county sheriff with a jurisdiction along an interstate, which like an artery is pumping criminals and mentally ill strangers into his community. Undermanned and overwhelmed, the sheriff is faced with an exploding population, inadequate facilities and law enforcement from other counties all the while sending more difficulties his way. Having to solve a murder that occurred in his jail, a wife who has been diagnosed with cancer and a continuous flow of transients, the sheriff must use all his ingenuity and problem solving ability as he deals with crime, personal struggles in his own life and carrying out his responsibilities to care for the transients.

This thrilling and touching novel shows that tragedy and adversity can bring people together in a common purpose of caring for what is truly important in our lives.

"Greyhound Therapy"
By JR Conway

ISBN: 978-1-4931-8355-5

Available in softcover, hardcover, e-book

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris

140 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2014

About the author

JR Conway was born in Washington DC and raised on a Maryland farm. At the age of 18 was drafted into the U.S. Army. Is a Vietnam era veteran with multiple tours as a helicopter pilot. Upon retiring, JR stepped out of one uniform into another and joined the El Paso County, Colorado Sheriff’s department. He owned a fixed base operation for a short time where he sold aircraft and taught people to fly. Not the best decision he ever made.

Conway moved from Colorado to Wyoming where he started, along with his wife, a security and private investigation company. Twelve years after launching that venture, he moved to New Mexico where he started another career as a business consultant and the manager of a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), at a Community College, helping businesses do business with governments.

Reviews

[Dominic Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Greyhound Therapy" by J.R Conway, a police thriller book, is a story that lies behind a county in Wyoming dealing with crimes and investigative operations of migration. A variant of different encounters along the collaboration of action sequences and mysteries. As a chain of violence alarmed the county, hence, due to obligation and responsibility, one must protect with the courage of fire.

That was a creative way of involving the readers in another dimension of letting attention and curiosity never fade. All interesting events, especially the process of taking the suspect down, were, indeed, made through the creative way of writing. I love the author's attention to detail and the author's selection of words for it shows the settings of the plot being in an environment of police visibility and they must use an understandable frame of words to explain things through a civil mind. I really would love to see some sequels from this book to witness another story of the characters and how they will go through their life while experiencing personal tragedy just like how the story show challenges aside from criminalities, like the healing process of the Sheriff's wife due to sickness.

[Kayla Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Greyhound Therapy was like stepping into a world I thought I knew, but discovering there was so much more beneath the surface. The author’s memories of riding the bus as a child, meeting all sorts of people, really set the tone for the book. I was struck by how the story shows the quiet struggles of people in small towns—folks who don’t fit in, or who are dealing with mental health issues, just getting shuffled from place to place. Sheriff Craig Spence is a character I grew to admire. He’s not just tough; he’s deeply caring, shaped by his own experiences and the tragedies he’s witnessed. The way he interacts with his community, from the cleaning lady to his old friend Fred, made me think about how we all play a part in the lives of those around us. This book made me reflect on how easy it is to overlook people’s pain, and how important it is to show kindness, even in small ways. I recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the real heart of America’s towns.

[Logan Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyhound Therapy really opened my eyes to how mental health is treated, especially in small towns. The way the book describes people being put on buses and sent away because they’re “different” or struggling was heartbreaking. I never realized how often this happens, or how it affects not just the people being moved, but the whole community. Sheriff Spence’s job isn’t just about catching criminals—it’s about caring for everyone, even those society wants to forget. The story made me feel a deep empathy for people who are misunderstood or left behind. I appreciated that the author didn’t judge anyone, but instead showed how complicated and messy these situations are. It made me think about how I treat people who seem “different” and reminded me to be more compassionate. I’d suggest this book to anyone interested in social issues or who wants to better understand mental health challenges.

[Gianna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just discovered this author.

The book created a surreal feeling of connection between the characters and the readers, which I highly appreciated. JR Conway is a wholesome author, being able to create that connection while at the same time building a barrier to reading the book with a balance of subjectivity and objectivity. I will admit, that this book was a little rough to get through at the start. It was overpowering, and it covered topics that I am not interested in going to, but the consistency of the twists and turns pushed me to continue. The characters are well-rounded, they feel realistic, and each of their uniqueness is highlighted. The descriptive narration added more depth to the moments, making it easier to visualize and live within our imagination as readers.

I will certainly read/purchase more books by J.R. Conway in the future.

[Aiden Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police thriller novels may be best consumed in large gulps by me. There is no question that J.R Conway is a brilliant writer, and his plots are peppered with surprise spirals throughout each novel.

So, if you want to read a book that will put you on the edge of your seat, this book is perfect for you. It tackles a lot of interesting subjects that are both contemporary and psychological. I like how it manages to talk about these issues in a way that is easy to digest, but it doesn’t make the issues less than what they are to appeal to the readers. I love everything about this book, from the way the narration keeps the thrill going to how the characters have their depth and individual strengths and flaws. This felt as if I was looking at a movie rather than reading a book. Hats off to the author for pulling such an amazing story.

[Alexis Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about Greyhound Therapy was how it turned ordinary people into heroes. Sheriff Spence isn’t a superhero—he’s just a regular man doing his best in a tough job. The scenes where he remembers surviving a terrible car crash were so vivid, I could almost feel the cold and fear myself. The book is full of action, but it’s also about the courage it takes to face your own fears and keep helping others, even when you’re hurting inside. I was inspired by how the sheriff never gives up on his town, no matter how many problems come his way. It made me realize that real bravery is often quiet and persistent, not flashy. After reading, I felt encouraged to keep doing my best, even when things get hard. I’d recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder that everyday people can make a big difference.

[Albert Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy crime stories with a lot of action and real-life challenges, Greyhound Therapy is a great read. The book starts with a wild winter storm in Wyoming, and the tension just keeps building from there. Sheriff Spence and his deputy Steve face not just criminals, but also the harsh weather and the weight of their own pasts. I found myself holding my breath during the crash scene, worried for their safety. But what stuck with me most was the sheriff’s resilience. Even after close calls and personal losses, he keeps showing up for his town. The book made me appreciate the people who work behind the scenes to keep our communities safe. I also liked the glimpses into the town’s history, which added depth to the story. This book left me feeling hopeful about the strength people can show in tough times.

[Lori Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in a small town, I felt like Greyhound Therapy captured the spirit of rural life perfectly. The author’s descriptions of the weather, the landscape, and the way people interact brought back so many memories for me. Sheriff Spence knows everyone, and his relationships with the townsfolk are both funny and touching. I loved the little details, like waving to passing cars even when he didn’t recognize the drivers—just to make sure nobody felt ignored. The book doesn’t shy away from the problems small towns face, like mental health crises and crime, but it also shows the strong sense of community that helps people get through hard times. Reading this story made me feel proud of where I come from and reminded me that every place, no matter how small, has its own heroes and stories worth telling.

[Daniel Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the biggest lessons I took from Greyhound Therapy is that justice isn’t always black and white. Sheriff Spence has to make tough choices every day, and sometimes there’s no perfect answer. The way he balances following the law with showing compassion really made me think. There are scenes where he has to help people who are down on their luck or dealing with mental illness, and he does it with patience and care. It made me reflect on times in my own life when I had to make difficult decisions and reminded me how important it is to treat others with empathy. The book is a powerful reminder that doing the right thing often means listening, understanding, and sometimes bending the rules for the greater good. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to think more deeply about what justice really means.

[Levi Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this isn’t a perfect book, it’s a book worth reading. I believe what’s special about this book for me is that it’s unique, and I can’t name a book similar to this one. And I believe that I haven’t encountered a book that thrilled me as much as this one did. It offers a wide array of topics that it discusses, but it explains them all so well that I couldn’t help but be awestruck by how nicely it was executed. Sheriff Craig Spence is a character that I don’t necessarily agree with, but I love how he is not written as a one-dimensional main character, for he is given depth and flaws that make the reader want to get to know him more.

I highly encourage you to go into the novel with an open heart and just feel this story as it unfolds. I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Grayson Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that is what I called the best of the best! All done with just a hundred pages yet still gives us an overload decent plot of heroin and life-changing experiences from the very first until the very end.

Though a lot was happening in the background in the middle of an ongoing plot, it still does not set as a hindrance to communicating well to its target readers, mostly because of its strong connections to each other. And even with its short span of reading, the book will surely keep your eyes fixed, minds focused, and hearts warm on how the characters deal with each other’s responsibilities throughout. Surely, anyone would love this book and will notice its realistic situations through its quality scenarios from different encounters with different people around them.

[Olivia Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge reader of contemporary fiction, I can say that this lived up to the standards I have set for it. I am very picky about the books I read, and this one satisfied me in ways that I couldn’t explain. Sheriff Craig Spence was a good character to follow. Looking at the world that the author created through his eyes is an enjoyable experience, especially seeing his growth as a character and as a person!

I didn’t have expectations set for this, and I dove into this book blind. Yet I’m so glad I did because it offered me a story that I will never forget, even in the future. Somehow, Sheriff Craig Spence's story has moved me in ways no other hero had, and I will give up anything just to read this book for the first time again.

[Charlotte Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not too bad at all. It deserves a second reading and numerous recommendations. It has maintained its introductory image of being an intriguing, suspenseful, and beautifully written book until its last piece. And like all great ones, the book does not disappoint me in terms of its plot twist and turns whenever there was a criminal case to look forward to. Not to mention that it has an amazing ending wherein it shows that even the toughest, most reliable, and most responsible person in the world would only rest in the arms of their loved ones. So, after all those intense crime scenes, it was great to end the story with a great bomb of comfort and love as it was a sign that the Sheriff got the rest he deserves after all this time.

[Donna Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a great personality-building block to start the day with so much interest and positivity behind thrilling events. And I must admit that I have seen this kind of plot before but have never seen a well-developed one like this. It kept drawing me a lot of twists in my head which makes me look forward to what would happen next. An additional advantage of this book is its fast-moving plot but still undeniably captivating. It seems like it carries endless stories about different encounters aligned from either a suspect or a victim, which everything will successfully comprehend from the various lenses of its readers. Lo and behold, I truly enjoyed the book, so thank you for making this tightly woven story.

[Alliyah Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, well, a worth-to-read book that will suffice your hunger for law enforcement activities and obligations’ journey from the view of the keeper of peace and justice within the county. And if you are a reader who finds crime scenes and operation units as a great way to expand your knowledge and experience, then this book is undoubtedly made for you. The book has also a lot of plots from which it is the only time that we could put ourselves into real situations through the amount of reality put into every section. Also, the book develops a broad and effective lesson for everyone, therefore I am glad that I am of those people who want to see more like this one, so please do not stop making masterpieces like this.

[Atlas Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously a great totality offers from a well-made book. It has the unending combination of criminality and strong investigative skills wherein the tension grows old and old, as well as getting more interesting to read, as I am reaching the end. I also love how the story starts slow and then literally drops every single bomb at different parts. I enjoyed every little bit of this book because it was good to see something new and refreshing to the mind with a little variant touch of mystery. It was like all characters always got positivity out of chaos and still manages to live and enjoy a very good life. Therefore, I must say that the theme was carried and well justified through the lineage of investigations.

[Stephanie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book to read with a gripping story and a bucket of lessons from the main character himself. He was very determined to save their city and even though he had the chance to let things go, he sees the danger of every situation, so he has his way to avoid more casualties in the process. We badly needed police like him in our society. One who can invest their whole time, effort, and life for the betterment of our future whilst successfully dealing with personal tragedies in life. This book will be a huge help in making people realizes that people like them also experience a breakdown and emotional hardship, as much as they attain success. Thank you for letting me share how wonderful this book was.

[Matthew Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyhound Therapy is a story about change and resilience. Sheriff Spence has seen his town go through so much—from scandals to personal tragedies—and yet he keeps moving forward. The way the characters support each other, even when things seem hopeless, was really inspiring. I was especially touched by the scenes where Spence remembers his past, like the near-fatal car crash and the fallout from the town’s scandals. It made me realize how much strength it takes to keep going when life gets hard. After finishing the book, I felt motivated to face my own challenges with more courage. This story is a beautiful reminder that even when things seem impossible, there’s always a way to keep moving forward, especially when you have people who care about you.

[Rebecca Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyhound Therapy made me think a lot about what it means to be an outsider. The story shows how people who don’t fit in, or who are struggling, often get pushed out of their communities—sometimes literally, by being put on a bus to somewhere else. The scenes on the bus, with all the different passengers, were especially powerful. It made me realize that everyone is searching for a place to belong, and that it’s easy to judge people without knowing their stories. I felt a lot of sympathy for the characters who were sent away, and it made me question how we treat people who are different. This book is a great choice for anyone who wants to learn more about empathy and the importance of acceptance. It left me wanting to be more welcoming to those who feel left out.

[Anthony Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing that surprised me about Greyhound Therapy was how funny it could be, even while dealing with serious topics. The author adds humor through the characters’ conversations and memories, like the sheriff joking with his deputy or remembering old friends. These lighter moments made the story feel more real, because life is often a mix of laughter and sadness. At the same time, the book doesn’t shy away from tough issues like mental health, crime, and personal loss. I appreciated this balance—it made the story more relatable and kept me engaged from start to finish. After reading, I felt both uplifted and thoughtful. I think anyone who likes stories that capture the ups and downs of real life would enjoy this book.

[Athena Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book and its details brought my imagination to the fullest, especially in those intense scenes that are still friendly to read even though it was the hardest battle of the story. The way of narration of the author is the kind of narration that does not give the reader a hard time grasping the terminologies used because of its language. The words, the emotions, and the characters carried me right through the extent of my expectations. It is right that when you read something better, your expectations go higher and higher. And I am positive that this book is the standard that I am longing for and set the highest expectations for this genre. To sum up, it was a very good book!

[Riley Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an extraordinary action with a great story and a lot of attitudes to remember! I do love the Sheriff’s character because, at the end of the day, he not only proves his responsibility to his town but also proves that he is a great father and a husband. Also, this book has a solid structure of characters that are set as the equalizer of thoughts and ideas throughout the story which equally divides their part for an authentic story. It has a fine direction from which it all started with the relevant points and gradually introduced me to the county of Wyoming and let me experience the struggles and life along it as migration started to peak.

[Isabella Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has got me. I love the book itself, from how it is arranged and how the plot has turned out. At the same time, I love how the author has presented it with a reflection of his morals and personality. I can say this is a different one from the common ones that I have read. Sheriff Craig Spence is not common in the books that I have read, but I have grown to be in his shoes as the book continues. The words are so vivid that I can feel a lot of mixed emotions and perspectives. And all I can say is that this is powerful and just unique. This book probably deserves more recognition!

Fair enough, this is undeniably a novel that keeps me moving so swiftly through the pages.

[Stephanie Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about Sheriff Spence in Greyhound Therapy taught me a lot about what it means to be a leader. He isn’t just in charge—he listens, cares, and takes responsibility for the people in his community. The way he handles emergencies and supports his team showed me that real leadership is about more than giving orders. I admired his courage and honesty, especially when things went wrong or when he had to make unpopular decisions. This book made me think about the leaders in my own life and what I can do to be a better example for others. It’s a great read for anyone interested in leadership, public service, or just wanting to be a more caring person.

[Brian Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are easy to forget, but Greyhound Therapy stayed with me long after I finished it. The images of snowy roads, crowded buses, and small-town life kept coming back to me. I found myself thinking about the characters and what might happen to them next. The story made me feel a mix of sadness and hope, and I appreciated that the author didn’t try to tie everything up neatly. Life is messy, and this book captures that feeling perfectly. It made me reflect on my own experiences and the people I’ve met along the way. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes stories that make you think and feel deeply, and who isn’t afraid to face the tough realities of life.

[Deborah Ayala · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Greyhound Therapy, I felt inspired to do more for the people around me. The book shows how easy it is for people to fall through the cracks, and how much of a difference a little kindness can make. Sheriff Spence��s efforts to help those in trouble, even when it’s not easy or popular, made me want to be more compassionate in my own life. I realized that everyone can do something to help, no matter how small. The story reminded me that we all have a responsibility to look out for each other, especially those who are struggling. This book is a call to action for anyone who wants to make the world a better, more caring place.

[Dorothy Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyhound Therapy brought up memories of the stories my grandparents used to tell me about life in small towns. The references to history, like the mining days and the scandals that rocked Rock Springs, made the setting feel authentic and alive. I enjoyed learning about the past and seeing how it shaped the present for the characters. The book made me appreciate the struggles and triumphs of earlier generations, and how their experiences still affect us today. It’s a good read for anyone interested in history, family stories, or the ways communities change over time. After finishing, I felt more connected to my own roots and grateful for the lessons passed down through the years.

[Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Greyhound Therapy and After the Ride back to back. Good story telling. Keeps your attention. It seems like there's a real thing called Greyhound Therapy, where towns get rid of crazy people by buying them a one way ticket somewhere else making them someone else's problem. That is all well and good for them but those people have top end up somewhere, they can't just be on a bus forever. They do end up somewhere and that is what these stories are all about. They read like episodes of a good Netflix series. Easy to digent and sticks with you after.

[Kirby Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a town that collects the unwanted people from other towns. Its not too far from reality because towns really do get rid of people by giving them one way bus tickets to somewhere else and its called Greyhound Therapy.

[Millie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some things are too weird to be made up. J R Conway brings attention to one of those things in this offbeat novel that isn't meant to be funny, but will squeeze a sad laugh out of you.