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The Witch of Dakota
The Witch's medicine was bad. She must be killed. But she ran before they could act. She ran across the Dakota prairie until she could run no more. She turned and faced the oncoming warriors. She had no hope, yet she would defy them until the end. Then came the thunder.
- GenresWesterns
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2017
About the author
C.J. Petit
105 books224 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 92 reviews
August 22, 2021
Perfect Petit
The bad guys are the stinkiest, rottenest in the west, the good guy’s gal is the most gorgeous in the world, and the hero is the fastest gun,best looking, most intelligent guy in the west with enough fire power to equip a militia. (He probably has a perfect smile with no cavities) They all get rich and live happily ever after. No loose ends. Can’t wait to read the next Petit tale.
The bad guys are the stinkiest, rottenest in the west, the good guy’s gal is the most gorgeous in the world, and the hero is the fastest gun,best looking, most intelligent guy in the west with enough fire power to equip a militia. (He probably has a perfect smile with no cavities) They all get rich and live happily ever after. No loose ends. Can’t wait to read the next Petit tale.
June 3, 2021
Stupidest book I've ever read.
April 16, 2023
Yet another very extraordinary novel by C.J. Petit
The Witch of Dakota has just escaped her Indian captors and is on foot running for her life. Ross Braxton has just resigned his commission at Fort Sisseton in Dakota Territory and is heading to see his long lost brother in Wyoming, a lonely three week trek across Indian Country.
Here is the beginning of an exciting adventure as he saves The Witch from those intent on killing her and takes her along on his one way trip that spans hundreds of miles.
After three years a captive, she is free, but she is a married woman who must be returned to her waiting husband.
Each struggles with the feelings that grow between them as the days pass. Until she is on the train back to the husband she has not seen in three years. But a lot has happened in three weeks and...
This story is just getting started. Read on and enjoy.
The Witch of Dakota has just escaped her Indian captors and is on foot running for her life. Ross Braxton has just resigned his commission at Fort Sisseton in Dakota Territory and is heading to see his long lost brother in Wyoming, a lonely three week trek across Indian Country.
Here is the beginning of an exciting adventure as he saves The Witch from those intent on killing her and takes her along on his one way trip that spans hundreds of miles.
After three years a captive, she is free, but she is a married woman who must be returned to her waiting husband.
Each struggles with the feelings that grow between them as the days pass. Until she is on the train back to the husband she has not seen in three years. But a lot has happened in three weeks and...
This story is just getting started. Read on and enjoy.
October 9, 2018
Questionable score.
It isn't very often I "straddle the fence" with regard to scoring a book review. However , this is one of those times. The author repeatedly goes into great descriptive depth regarding the body's response to being shot with guns. How it enters the body, the obliteration of the organs and the destruction left. The author continually uses the same adjectives over and over again to describe affectionately the names for the spouses. The storyline itself was great, but the descriptive nature of the violence makes me unsure if I want to read another book from this author.
It isn't very often I "straddle the fence" with regard to scoring a book review. However , this is one of those times. The author repeatedly goes into great descriptive depth regarding the body's response to being shot with guns. How it enters the body, the obliteration of the organs and the destruction left. The author continually uses the same adjectives over and over again to describe affectionately the names for the spouses. The storyline itself was great, but the descriptive nature of the violence makes me unsure if I want to read another book from this author.
November 18, 2019
GUNS, GUN BATTLES, TRUE LOVE STORY
5 STARS for this exciting experience of a fast paced Western that is thrilling. It is filled with gun battles against both Indians, the Sioux, and incredibly high smelling at times, low character villians. Of course as with C.J. Petit's usual signiture western the guns are also characters, and are described right down to the amo they use. The love story that is found in this one rivals any you will find in any Regency or Harlequin. Loved this, it will not disappoint. P.S. Also, touches on spousal abuse & family cruelty. Small amount.
5 STARS for this exciting experience of a fast paced Western that is thrilling. It is filled with gun battles against both Indians, the Sioux, and incredibly high smelling at times, low character villians. Of course as with C.J. Petit's usual signiture western the guns are also characters, and are described right down to the amo they use. The love story that is found in this one rivals any you will find in any Regency or Harlequin. Loved this, it will not disappoint. P.S. Also, touches on spousal abuse & family cruelty. Small amount.
June 25, 2018
Rousing adventure
This is a book with adventure, much action, romance, and heroism. The author achieved a balance of these that did not disappoint. Savage Indians, bad blood between brothers and a captivating woman were spellbinding. I am a fan. I would have given a 5 star review except for the spelling and typographical errors. These could be avoided by using an editor. Unfortunately, those errors retracted from my enjoyment. I look forward to my next book from the author.
This is a book with adventure, much action, romance, and heroism. The author achieved a balance of these that did not disappoint. Savage Indians, bad blood between brothers and a captivating woman were spellbinding. I am a fan. I would have given a 5 star review except for the spelling and typographical errors. These could be avoided by using an editor. Unfortunately, those errors retracted from my enjoyment. I look forward to my next book from the author.
April 11, 2019
Truly an Adventure
Even though this book seemed rather short, it was filled with amazing adventure. The fact that there was no love lost in the beginning, secretly and oh so quietly the lives of two people (Ross and Amy) changed forever into the most loving couple. Their stories that told about the Sioux Indians and other dispicable men in their path was the heart of the story, which by the way, I thoroughly enjoyed. Now on to another by C.J. Petit.
Even though this book seemed rather short, it was filled with amazing adventure. The fact that there was no love lost in the beginning, secretly and oh so quietly the lives of two people (Ross and Amy) changed forever into the most loving couple. Their stories that told about the Sioux Indians and other dispicable men in their path was the heart of the story, which by the way, I thoroughly enjoyed. Now on to another by C.J. Petit.
September 9, 2017
Not one of his best
Although there is action and a good story, it is mundane. Much of what is written seems to be nothing more than a boring attempt at meeting a quota to make the book longer than it needed to be. I'm glad this was not the first Petit book I read. If it had been, it would have been the last.
Although there is action and a good story, it is mundane. Much of what is written seems to be nothing more than a boring attempt at meeting a quota to make the book longer than it needed to be. I'm glad this was not the first Petit book I read. If it had been, it would have been the last.
March 24, 2018
Good Western Romance
Amy is captured by the Sioux but kept alive because of her unusual Gray hair and vivid green eyes. She escaped and is rescued by Ross and they begin many adventures. Even though they soon fall in love there's one thing standing in their way. Amy's married. Another good story from C.J. Petit.
Amy is captured by the Sioux but kept alive because of her unusual Gray hair and vivid green eyes. She escaped and is rescued by Ross and they begin many adventures. Even though they soon fall in love there's one thing standing in their way. Amy's married. Another good story from C.J. Petit.
March 25, 2019
Almost unbelievable, full of action, a love story that defines a true love story with all it’s honesty. Became a little mundain towards the end, but a very happy ending. An enjoyable read! One that’s hard to put down.
I really did not dislike anything so if I have to say something, it’s almost unbelievable.
I believe women would love this book.
I really did not dislike anything so if I have to say something, it’s almost unbelievable.
I believe women would love this book.
June 8, 2019
Another Good One!!
I have not read anything from Mr. Petit that is less than a 4 rating from this reader. However, there are still irritating proofreading problems which, for me, are distracting enough that I won't give a 5 star rating.. I WILL continue reading them, though, since they are good!
I have not read anything from Mr. Petit that is less than a 4 rating from this reader. However, there are still irritating proofreading problems which, for me, are distracting enough that I won't give a 5 star rating.. I WILL continue reading them, though, since they are good!
October 6, 2019
Once again, a great story
Loved this book. It was a journey filled with twists and turns and a undeniable love. My only question was why neither thought to wonder if she would have a husband to go back to after 3 years of being presumed dead, but neither thought about that option. Still a great read though.
Loved this book. It was a journey filled with twists and turns and a undeniable love. My only question was why neither thought to wonder if she would have a husband to go back to after 3 years of being presumed dead, but neither thought about that option. Still a great read though.
October 19, 2019
To many meals.
Actually a very good book. But every other page is either a breakfast, lunch or dinner. Yes, the time frame is the late 1800 when people still had morals and honor but not admitting you love someone even to your self is pushing it. Second book with this delimma. Still all things considered a fairly good read. So I'll try another book C.J. Petit.
Actually a very good book. But every other page is either a breakfast, lunch or dinner. Yes, the time frame is the late 1800 when people still had morals and honor but not admitting you love someone even to your self is pushing it. Second book with this delimma. Still all things considered a fairly good read. So I'll try another book C.J. Petit.
November 29, 2019
Wow
I kept putting this novel off, as the synopsis wasn't to my taste or should I say failed to do it justice. All I can say is, what a waste of a wait! This novel is in my top 5 of authors books to read. Grammatical errors aside, this one had me captivated to the end and well deserved 5 stars for effort.
I kept putting this novel off, as the synopsis wasn't to my taste or should I say failed to do it justice. All I can say is, what a waste of a wait! This novel is in my top 5 of authors books to read. Grammatical errors aside, this one had me captivated to the end and well deserved 5 stars for effort.
August 16, 2020
Another thriller.
This author just continues to amaze me. How he can turn out so many books is a wonder. This story began with a plot that held you spellbound to the end, with one adventure leading to another. I've now read most of C.J. Petit's books and anxiously awaiting the next. Meanwhile, maybe I can go through his titles and find one I haven't read.
This author just continues to amaze me. How he can turn out so many books is a wonder. This story began with a plot that held you spellbound to the end, with one adventure leading to another. I've now read most of C.J. Petit's books and anxiously awaiting the next. Meanwhile, maybe I can go through his titles and find one I haven't read.
July 11, 2021
Loved this awesome storyline!
It's not that rare that a book keeps me up til the early morning hours, but this one had me still reading after dawn! Loved the storyline and the never ending action in it! The ending left me wondering what book to read next, but first I have to finish braiding at least one bridle! I love the different styles of storylines from this author so much!
It's not that rare that a book keeps me up til the early morning hours, but this one had me still reading after dawn! Loved the storyline and the never ending action in it! The ending left me wondering what book to read next, but first I have to finish braiding at least one bridle! I love the different styles of storylines from this author so much!
May 20, 2022
I really enjoy C.J. Petit’s books. They are full of adventure and always have a happy ending. These stories have taken me back to the last quarter of the 1800’s and brought my imagination to life.
I recommend this book to western book readers of all ages. Men and women are in for a treat. Great people and horses. I could almost smell the bad guys!
I recommend this book to western book readers of all ages. Men and women are in for a treat. Great people and horses. I could almost smell the bad guys!
July 7, 2022
A wonderful witch story which twisted more turns than a crooked road
C J you are a great writer with a very good imagination and a delightful talent I'm your age and not in good health but I try to read a lot of books from Amazon Please keep writing so I can keep reading your great works
C J you are a great writer with a very good imagination and a delightful talent I'm your age and not in good health but I try to read a lot of books from Amazon Please keep writing so I can keep reading your great works
January 29, 2024
Another great read!
Another great read by C. J. Petit. This is a really great book. I truly enjoyed the storyline. So many twist, turns and amazing emotional factors that draw you in. I could no put this one down. It makes you wish the story would not stop. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!
Another great read by C. J. Petit. This is a really great book. I truly enjoyed the storyline. So many twist, turns and amazing emotional factors that draw you in. I could no put this one down. It makes you wish the story would not stop. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!
June 26, 2025
great story
I read these books too quickly but I get so engrossed I cannot put them down my dear wife sometimes gets so up tight she screams at me especially at meal times ( it’s going in the bin ) is her war cry ( never does ) I love my books just hope there is follow up with this particular author .
I read these books too quickly but I get so engrossed I cannot put them down my dear wife sometimes gets so up tight she screams at me especially at meal times ( it’s going in the bin ) is her war cry ( never does ) I love my books just hope there is follow up with this particular author .
July 1, 2017
Heads Up for Adventure & Romance
From the first page, with the witch escaping, I couldn't put the book down. In fact I stayed up until four in the morning reading. You'll enjoy reading just for the adventure and mystery, but the romance is what tops it off.
From the first page, with the witch escaping, I couldn't put the book down. In fact I stayed up until four in the morning reading. You'll enjoy reading just for the adventure and mystery, but the romance is what tops it off.
August 14, 2017
A real page turner
I am a great fan of the western genre. This one had a bit of a different spin and held my attention. Read in two sessions. Will check into other books by C. j. Petit. Hope they are as original as this one. Good job.
I am a great fan of the western genre. This one had a bit of a different spin and held my attention. Read in two sessions. Will check into other books by C. j. Petit. Hope they are as original as this one. Good job.
September 6, 2017
Amy was NOT a Witch at all.
The book title caused my hesitation to read what turned out to be an interesting story, though similar to other books by this author. One man able to kill so many others with such ease, seemed troublesome to this reader. Good read overall.
The book title caused my hesitation to read what turned out to be an interesting story, though similar to other books by this author. One man able to kill so many others with such ease, seemed troublesome to this reader. Good read overall.
December 11, 2017
A good read,however, not as good as others.
I liked the story line it was entertaining and enjoyable. It seemed to me that to much of the story was repeated too many times throughout the book.
I liked the story line it was entertaining and enjoyable. It seemed to me that to much of the story was repeated too many times throughout the book.
January 22, 2018
Very Good
Another good story from this author. I loved the storyline as well and the characters were great it held my attention, there was some mistakes in writing but I still loved it.
Another good story from this author. I loved the storyline as well and the characters were great it held my attention, there was some mistakes in writing but I still loved it.
April 16, 2018
Escape
Another fast moving, well written Western by Petit. It is full of action and suspense from the beginning. I rank it as one of the most interesting stories that he had written. I highly recommend this author.
Another fast moving, well written Western by Petit. It is full of action and suspense from the beginning. I rank it as one of the most interesting stories that he had written. I highly recommend this author.
June 21, 2018
I was totallyhappy with the book and loved and enjoyed every word
It was trolley great read
.
I have read several of this author and have enjoyed every single one.cOnt wait till the next one
It was trolley great read
.
I have read several of this author and have enjoyed every single one.cOnt wait till the next one
July 15, 2018
OMG
I can't believe how long it took me to find C.J. Petit books. I have read 5 or 6 of his books now and I think each one is better than the last. I loved The Witcher of Dakota from beginning to end. The only thing I have to add is keep them coming!
I can't believe how long it took me to find C.J. Petit books. I have read 5 or 6 of his books now and I think each one is better than the last. I loved The Witcher of Dakota from beginning to end. The only thing I have to add is keep them coming!
July 30, 2018
Bewitching Saga
For those who love western fiction and romance , this is a super read. I found myself totally submerged in the action and interaction throughout the story. Great book!
For those who love western fiction and romance , this is a super read. I found myself totally submerged in the action and interaction throughout the story. Great book!
September 26, 2018
The Witch of Dakota
A slightly different storyline, this time, by C. J. Petit, but nevertheless as thrilling and exciting as the other books I have read! A good ending for another kind, generous, and honorable man, and his adventures in the Dakota terrotories!
A slightly different storyline, this time, by C. J. Petit, but nevertheless as thrilling and exciting as the other books I have read! A good ending for another kind, generous, and honorable man, and his adventures in the Dakota terrotories!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews