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South of Denver
After leaving his job as sheriff of Boulder, Sam Brown decides to visit his sister and her family on their ranch south of Denver, but discovers them all gone. He searches to find them, and what he discovers becomes his mission.
- GenresWesterns
579 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2017
1154 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
104 books220 followersMost biographies start with birth and then roll through the years as they drift by but that would bore me to death, and I lived through it.
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
(Read the full bio on Amazon)
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
(Read the full bio on Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 10, 2024
Guy does good jobs, then repeatedly explains in detail to everyone how he did those jobs good. When he is not doing that, he is mansplaining to a group of women, who all adore him.
Target audience seems to be teenage boys, but maybe that is insulting teenage boys.
Target audience seems to be teenage boys, but maybe that is insulting teenage boys.
March 7, 2018
Outstanding
Excellent, thoroughly enjoyed the book as I have the other three I've read so far. I will read all of Petit's books. I do have some constructive criticism, if there is such a thing. There is an error in fact of one of the important characters, Soapy Smith. He was a rogue and did do the things ascribed to him but he was not killed in Colorado, he escaped justice there and fled to Alaska where he continued his criminal enterprises until killed in a duel, unorganized, in Skagway, Alaska in 1898.
Secondly, you need to get a better proofreader. I saw several errors most of which are word sound-alike that a word check on a computer will pass over.
I very much recommend any and all of C. J. Petit's work as he tells a quick moving tale that is hard to put down and makes me stay up past my bedtime! Keep up the good work.
Excellent, thoroughly enjoyed the book as I have the other three I've read so far. I will read all of Petit's books. I do have some constructive criticism, if there is such a thing. There is an error in fact of one of the important characters, Soapy Smith. He was a rogue and did do the things ascribed to him but he was not killed in Colorado, he escaped justice there and fled to Alaska where he continued his criminal enterprises until killed in a duel, unorganized, in Skagway, Alaska in 1898.
Secondly, you need to get a better proofreader. I saw several errors most of which are word sound-alike that a word check on a computer will pass over.
I very much recommend any and all of C. J. Petit's work as he tells a quick moving tale that is hard to put down and makes me stay up past my bedtime! Keep up the good work.
February 11, 2019
Another outstanding Petite book.
I truly appreciate the way Petite developed his characters and the verification believable relationships of all of his characters. I look forward to selecting the next of his books to read.
I truly appreciate the way Petite developed his characters and the verification believable relationships of all of his characters. I look forward to selecting the next of his books to read.
May 6, 2022
A Great Read
Another hard to put down book. The characters were very realistic and interesting. The story lines were well blended from start to finish. The story of family, kindness, love, justice, and greed were all present. Lots of action, adventure, and romance.
Another hard to put down book. The characters were very realistic and interesting. The story lines were well blended from start to finish. The story of family, kindness, love, justice, and greed were all present. Lots of action, adventure, and romance.
November 5, 2017
South of Denver
This has to be the most bizarre and unreal novel I have ever read. The farther I got into it the more I couldn't believe it.
This has to be the most bizarre and unreal novel I have ever read. The farther I got into it the more I couldn't believe it.
July 4, 2017
LOVE IS WHERE YOU FIND IT
This author writes from the heart. Every adventure has twist and turns, mystery. I enjoy reading his western adventures, you always have a hero who's had a hard life. That person always has a strong personality, good ethics and good morals. He's the knight who rescues the damsel or damsels from danger, dysfunctional family. He's good to his horse and sometimes their a canine who someone has mistreated and they just join him. Money means power to a lot of people, they will kill, human trafficking everything that is evil they are behind one hundred percent, no holds barred.
This is an adventure that touches on the above, and probably deeper. There is good in the world it may be few and far between, but it's there.
The book should have been edited better. Your reading and it's smooth, but you hit patches that throws you off the rhythm of the book. There aren't that many of the rhythm breakers, but they confuse different name for the hero..oh well...still enjoyable reading...😎
This author writes from the heart. Every adventure has twist and turns, mystery. I enjoy reading his western adventures, you always have a hero who's had a hard life. That person always has a strong personality, good ethics and good morals. He's the knight who rescues the damsel or damsels from danger, dysfunctional family. He's good to his horse and sometimes their a canine who someone has mistreated and they just join him. Money means power to a lot of people, they will kill, human trafficking everything that is evil they are behind one hundred percent, no holds barred.
This is an adventure that touches on the above, and probably deeper. There is good in the world it may be few and far between, but it's there.
The book should have been edited better. Your reading and it's smooth, but you hit patches that throws you off the rhythm of the book. There aren't that many of the rhythm breakers, but they confuse different name for the hero..oh well...still enjoyable reading...😎
February 14, 2024
I found this tale of redemption to be uplifting and inspiring. Sam Brown liberates three captive women who had been sold and forced to service customers at a sketchy brothel in a small town. The transformations the women experience as they become his best friends, with no ulterior motives or expected bonuses shows the true benevolence and respect a good man can offer abused females. A stark reminder that human trafficking is real ... and happening today!
The use of Soapy Smith as the notorious gangster in this story rings some truth of the man's real existence in the West, known best for his scams and confidence shenanigans that eventually get him killed in Alaska in 1898, though here he gives up the ghost in Denver a bit earlier. CJ Petit has another winner here; a great read where justice is served up in large caliber doses. PKB
The use of Soapy Smith as the notorious gangster in this story rings some truth of the man's real existence in the West, known best for his scams and confidence shenanigans that eventually get him killed in Alaska in 1898, though here he gives up the ghost in Denver a bit earlier. CJ Petit has another winner here; a great read where justice is served up in large caliber doses. PKB
January 13, 2020
GUNFIGHTS, KIDNAPPING, LOVING
An amazing old west era 5 STARS drama full of excitement packed with lots of brow raising action. The jaw dropping gunfights/shoot em ups will grab your attention with ease. The evil of the bad men who kidnap & murder will astound with how far some are willing to go. However, love is also portrayed in this story in many spectacular different ways. Brothery, Sisterly, Motherly, Fatherly and also as in husband & wife. A beautiful display of love & explanation of how you should love plus value yourself always especially if someone puts you in a undersireable job. Great read.
I
An amazing old west era 5 STARS drama full of excitement packed with lots of brow raising action. The jaw dropping gunfights/shoot em ups will grab your attention with ease. The evil of the bad men who kidnap & murder will astound with how far some are willing to go. However, love is also portrayed in this story in many spectacular different ways. Brothery, Sisterly, Motherly, Fatherly and also as in husband & wife. A beautiful display of love & explanation of how you should love plus value yourself always especially if someone puts you in a undersireable job. Great read.
I
September 7, 2021
A procedural set against the backdrop of late 19th century Colorado. The story begins in Boulder, CO during the construction of the now-named University of Colorado and moves to the plains south of Denver. Sam Brown resigns his job as Sheriff of Boulder where he was a good, dedicated, and capable sheriff known as “The Shotgun Sheriff”. In other words he was a person to be avoided if you were intent on breaking the law. He departs Boulder and travels to his sister’s farm or ranch south of Denver. There he finds tragedy and human traffickers. The story of how he meets the challenges he is faced with is well told and worth the time.
October 14, 2022
Three Young Ladies and The Gentleman
Interesting story by a special author. I am more intrigued with each book this author writes.
This one was a little different. However, the use of firearms and explaining such was still interesting and knowledgeable. This story involved murder, kidnappings, and the finding of a little girl.
The gentleman in the story is lawman. He uses his skills to arrest those responsible for the murdering of his brother-in-law and sister and those who kidnapped his niece.
He meets up with three women who change his life in just a few days.
A good story, great characters, supportive cast and money put to good use.
Interesting story by a special author. I am more intrigued with each book this author writes.
This one was a little different. However, the use of firearms and explaining such was still interesting and knowledgeable. This story involved murder, kidnappings, and the finding of a little girl.
The gentleman in the story is lawman. He uses his skills to arrest those responsible for the murdering of his brother-in-law and sister and those who kidnapped his niece.
He meets up with three women who change his life in just a few days.
A good story, great characters, supportive cast and money put to good use.
November 18, 2023
I have listened to the audio version of this book.
I really enjoyed this South of Denver story. A mix of Western with a dash of romance. Sam Brown is a Kick*ss ex-sheriff forced out of his town. With his veritable armoury of weapons including a modified shotgun he was not a man to be messed with. When his family disappear he goes looking for them.... Mike White's narration is brilliant and really brings the story to life. Highly recommended. Looking forward to listening to more CJ Petit in the non too distant future.
I really enjoyed this South of Denver story. A mix of Western with a dash of romance. Sam Brown is a Kick*ss ex-sheriff forced out of his town. With his veritable armoury of weapons including a modified shotgun he was not a man to be messed with. When his family disappear he goes looking for them.... Mike White's narration is brilliant and really brings the story to life. Highly recommended. Looking forward to listening to more CJ Petit in the non too distant future.
January 12, 2020
uh uhReviewing South of Denver
I'm looking for an author of westerns to fill in for Louis L'Amour. I've read six of C.J. Petit's and I'm extremely dissapointed. I've read most of the modern authors from Asimov to Uris and none of them have the need to fill their novels with page after page of cheap sex to keep the readers interested. In my younger years, I read enough porn and trash to last me. If that were what I wanted now, I would just read Harlequin Romance,
I'm looking for an author of westerns to fill in for Louis L'Amour. I've read six of C.J. Petit's and I'm extremely dissapointed. I've read most of the modern authors from Asimov to Uris and none of them have the need to fill their novels with page after page of cheap sex to keep the readers interested. In my younger years, I read enough porn and trash to last me. If that were what I wanted now, I would just read Harlequin Romance,
Read
October 4, 2020Beyond the atmosphere
With thus book, I believe Mr. Petit has raised his yardstick so high he might have trouble reaching this stratified level again. I have read every one of his books, even the first ones with their lack of proofing. This book goes as far beyond those books as a suborbital flight goes beyond a very old two wing Steadman. Thank you C J Petit, and I will keep you up there close to Louis Glamour.
With thus book, I believe Mr. Petit has raised his yardstick so high he might have trouble reaching this stratified level again. I have read every one of his books, even the first ones with their lack of proofing. This book goes as far beyond those books as a suborbital flight goes beyond a very old two wing Steadman. Thank you C J Petit, and I will keep you up there close to Louis Glamour.
September 17, 2022
Great story; regrettable errors
You have to be an invested reader to appreciate this wonderful story. There were so many verbiage errors and name transpositions that it was necessary to reread passages to make sense. It would have been a simple editing job that was obviously overlooked. Nonetheless, as with all of C. J. Petit’s books, it was more than worthwhile to slug through the multiple errors.
You have to be an invested reader to appreciate this wonderful story. There were so many verbiage errors and name transpositions that it was necessary to reread passages to make sense. It would have been a simple editing job that was obviously overlooked. Nonetheless, as with all of C. J. Petit’s books, it was more than worthwhile to slug through the multiple errors.
January 26, 2023
Great read
As always, I loved this book. C.J. Petit did his usual brilliant story. I've loved every one. I was born and raised in Colorado, and now live in Cheyenne Wyoming. I know so many of the places he has as his settings. I feel like I can put myself in the stories. His treatment of women shows him to be considerate of them and they are all strong women in there attitudes and personalities. I'm reading the in order again.
As always, I loved this book. C.J. Petit did his usual brilliant story. I've loved every one. I was born and raised in Colorado, and now live in Cheyenne Wyoming. I know so many of the places he has as his settings. I feel like I can put myself in the stories. His treatment of women shows him to be considerate of them and they are all strong women in there attitudes and personalities. I'm reading the in order again.
February 7, 2018
New Lives
After three women are rescued after being sold into a life of forced prostitution, the man saving them is determined to find the men responsible when he finds out that his sister had been suffering the same treatment there after being kidnapped and has been killed by brutal "customer". Plenty of suspense and action. I highly recommend this author.
After three women are rescued after being sold into a life of forced prostitution, the man saving them is determined to find the men responsible when he finds out that his sister had been suffering the same treatment there after being kidnapped and has been killed by brutal "customer". Plenty of suspense and action. I highly recommend this author.
September 24, 2018
South of Denver
As I am heading reading the last few blood work, of C.J. Petits, I wonder how I will find another author that I like, as much, to read! South of Denver is another story of an honorable man, soiled doves, that he brings out of their tragic lives a multiple love stories and with another happy ending!
As I am heading reading the last few blood work, of C.J. Petits, I wonder how I will find another author that I like, as much, to read! South of Denver is another story of an honorable man, soiled doves, that he brings out of their tragic lives a multiple love stories and with another happy ending!
March 14, 2019
I don't think it was as good as the last few books
I would like to think that it is not quite as good as the other books from his work and it's just not quite as good but I am sure that you could also be able to find it difficult to put down and C.J. Is not a firearm s expert for most of his comments on shooting and using guns are wrong
I would like to think that it is not quite as good as the other books from his work and it's just not quite as good but I am sure that you could also be able to find it difficult to put down and C.J. Is not a firearm s expert for most of his comments on shooting and using guns are wrong
May 15, 2019
C.J. Petit writes once again a book that is Exciting, filled with Good Guys and Bad guys, and Romance.
I think this C.J. Petit book is one of my top 5 Favorites. A story of a Good Man and the woman he loved. A story of learning to accept yourself as a valuable person, no matter what others may think. What Enjoyable, Amazing characters you will meet and Love.
I think this C.J. Petit book is one of my top 5 Favorites. A story of a Good Man and the woman he loved. A story of learning to accept yourself as a valuable person, no matter what others may think. What Enjoyable, Amazing characters you will meet and Love.
November 10, 2019
Remarkable
Quite an enthralling, romantic, action novel or should I say book rather. Kept me engrossed and though quite understandably long, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were one or two mistakes, but they had no great impact on the story. Well done, worth reading, worthy of 5 star rating.
Quite an enthralling, romantic, action novel or should I say book rather. Kept me engrossed and though quite understandably long, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were one or two mistakes, but they had no great impact on the story. Well done, worth reading, worthy of 5 star rating.
November 21, 2020
Typical C J Petit, AWESOME
I cannot comprehend how C J Petit can continue to come up with different plots and scenarios that are always so interesting. This is an awesome story. Sam Brown rescued his niece after her parents are killed. But the before, during, and after is a great, cannot put the book down, read.
I cannot comprehend how C J Petit can continue to come up with different plots and scenarios that are always so interesting. This is an awesome story. Sam Brown rescued his niece after her parents are killed. But the before, during, and after is a great, cannot put the book down, read.
September 7, 2024
Heartwarming Classic Western
Another masterpiece by the celebrated author C.J. Petit. After I began reading this novel it really held my interest. It had great character development and action sequences that were very exciting. The romance parts were very emotional and heartwarming. This novel was truly amazing and I highly recommend it.
Another masterpiece by the celebrated author C.J. Petit. After I began reading this novel it really held my interest. It had great character development and action sequences that were very exciting. The romance parts were very emotional and heartwarming. This novel was truly amazing and I highly recommend it.
May 11, 2017
Excellent read
This is a very well written story about a family that goes through many heartbreaking and loving times. This author is going to be a up and coming awesome writer. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a good western .
This is a very well written story about a family that goes through many heartbreaking and loving times. This author is going to be a up and coming awesome writer. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a good western .
September 13, 2017
Rescue
Sam has to rescue his niece after her parents had been murdered. There was no place to hide from him. After taking out the entire gang of thugs paid to carry out the job, Sam goes to St. Louis to arrest the "head of the snake".
Sam has to rescue his niece after her parents had been murdered. There was no place to hide from him. After taking out the entire gang of thugs paid to carry out the job, Sam goes to St. Louis to arrest the "head of the snake".
November 15, 2017
Did not want the story to end
The story is wonderful,the characters are so well written they are alive in your imagination. All of the things that happen really become like a movie in your mind. I absolutely love this author.
The story is wonderful,the characters are so well written they are alive in your imagination. All of the things that happen really become like a movie in your mind. I absolutely love this author.
November 28, 2017
Great story
I have known two men very similar to the Sam in this book. Exceedingly strong yet surprisingly tender hearted. The book is all Western novel with a beautiful romantic thread.
Now if the author would just learn to use hung instead of hanged I'd be perfectly satisfied.
I have known two men very similar to the Sam in this book. Exceedingly strong yet surprisingly tender hearted. The book is all Western novel with a beautiful romantic thread.
Now if the author would just learn to use hung instead of hanged I'd be perfectly satisfied.
January 30, 2018
Gets your attention (and holds it) quickly
Reading C.J. Petit's books takes you from the real world and gives you opportunity to visit a world you wish for-where good triumphs over evil. The bad guys are found out and dealt with while the good guys reap the benefits.
Reading C.J. Petit's books takes you from the real world and gives you opportunity to visit a world you wish for-where good triumphs over evil. The bad guys are found out and dealt with while the good guys reap the benefits.
April 9, 2018
Another great story.
Here is story full of western action, love, lust and money. Our author seems to bring to life things a young man dreams about to make a super life for himself and his family.
Here is story full of western action, love, lust and money. Our author seems to bring to life things a young man dreams about to make a super life for himself and his family.
April 12, 2018
Great read
Excellent book. Very moving. The characters were believable and enjoyable. It was fast paced with one dilemma after another getting solved. I would recommend this book.
Excellent book. Very moving. The characters were believable and enjoyable. It was fast paced with one dilemma after another getting solved. I would recommend this book.
April 14, 2018
5 Stars
When former sheriff Sam Brown goes to visit his sister and family he finds his brother-in-law murdered and his sister and niece missing. His search will result in many gun fights and fist-a-culfs. Good story.
When former sheriff Sam Brown goes to visit his sister and family he finds his brother-in-law murdered and his sister and niece missing. His search will result in many gun fights and fist-a-culfs. Good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews