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Slow John
After five long years in the army, First Lieutenant John Flynn was finally being mustered out and would soon be going home to the family he hadn’t even heard from in all that time. But when he rode to the family home, he made two shocking his family was gone, and he had been declared dead by the army four years earlier. He left to cross the plains of Nebraska to find his family, but would find so much more.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2017
1340 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
104 books221 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 96 reviews
April 4, 2023
Another good tale of Petit's with twisting plot lines and strong characters.
November 27, 2017
This story is overwhelmingly a very successful adventure of excitement and love. I am exceedingly impressed with Mr. Petit's writing abilities, as well as his exciting storylines. There was never a dull moment throughout the entire story and the characters were very well described by the author.
Five stars do not give justice to this novel, as the excitement throughout the story began with page one and continued to the final statement. I had no problem following the story and the characters were perfectly matched. There was humor, love, stressful situations, as well as real old western shootouts. I certainly recommend this novel to all of you who are truly old western storyline readers, as I know you will be as impressed as I have been with this book! To not read the book will certainly be your loss of an exciting western story line unsurpassed by not many others.
Five stars do not give justice to this novel, as the excitement throughout the story began with page one and continued to the final statement. I had no problem following the story and the characters were perfectly matched. There was humor, love, stressful situations, as well as real old western shootouts. I certainly recommend this novel to all of you who are truly old western storyline readers, as I know you will be as impressed as I have been with this book! To not read the book will certainly be your loss of an exciting western story line unsurpassed by not many others.
December 6, 2017
A very soft one. Seriously.
April 13, 2018
Review of Slow John
Very poor written about the old west. This author has not studied the west as much as he needed to write such a story.
Very poor written about the old west. This author has not studied the west as much as he needed to write such a story.
February 8, 2018
John Flynn, them oldest of four boys, joined the Army. His Irish mother was so upset with him that she refused to write. A year later they got a telegram that slow John was dead. Give years later, John mustered out of the Army and went home only to learn that his family had moved West to homestead. John began a journey looking for his parents. John was an excellent soldier and brought his weapons expertise and his knowledge of engagement to his Vivian life. Along the way he discovered a young woman who was being held prisoner by a man and his three sons. When he rescued her, he learned that she was on the same wagon train as the Flynn family. He also earned that she had been raped and left for dead by a member of the wagon train and by her reaction when he identified himself as John Flynn, the rapest was also a Flynn, his youngest brother. John and Kate had a lot of adventures together and the journey was entertaining.
February 26, 2018
Slow John by C. J. Petit
A great story about a special man and a "nickname" given to him by his father at a very young boy; Slow John! The reason, his father told him was because he was slow to anger, but then all Hell broke loose! Going back into the 1860's, John is grown, enlists in the Nebraska militia, is federalized into the North 's regular union army and sent into the cival war, where he is mistakenly listed as killed and his Irish parents and family assume the telegraph
Message to be true. John Flynn's life in the military has come to an end and he is ready to go back home, resume his life only to find his parents have given up their farm and moved west, location unknown. You'll have to read the book to find out he all this pays out, but I promise you will be pleased at the outcome. Thanks for another great read.
A great story about a special man and a "nickname" given to him by his father at a very young boy; Slow John! The reason, his father told him was because he was slow to anger, but then all Hell broke loose! Going back into the 1860's, John is grown, enlists in the Nebraska militia, is federalized into the North 's regular union army and sent into the cival war, where he is mistakenly listed as killed and his Irish parents and family assume the telegraph
Message to be true. John Flynn's life in the military has come to an end and he is ready to go back home, resume his life only to find his parents have given up their farm and moved west, location unknown. You'll have to read the book to find out he all this pays out, but I promise you will be pleased at the outcome. Thanks for another great read.
September 5, 2021
Slow John mustard out of the army and headed for his hometown to find out where his parents had left for to homestead
On his way west to find his parents he runs across Kate who's being molested by a big slob of a man toting a shotgun. Slow John takes care of him by shooting him in the chest and takes Kate with him across the plains. They run across the four Brothers that are chasing them to get Kate back and slow John takes care of them and make sure they won't come after her again. They continue West with more adventures with another four men that want to Rob them. Life is continually dangerous for them as they make their way toward North Platte where he's heard his family is residing in hers as well.
On his way west to find his parents he runs across Kate who's being molested by a big slob of a man toting a shotgun. Slow John takes care of him by shooting him in the chest and takes Kate with him across the plains. They run across the four Brothers that are chasing them to get Kate back and slow John takes care of them and make sure they won't come after her again. They continue West with more adventures with another four men that want to Rob them. Life is continually dangerous for them as they make their way toward North Platte where he's heard his family is residing in hers as well.
November 25, 2017
BLOOD RELATIVES🔗
War between the North and South has finally ended and fathers,sons and brothers are returning to their farms and families. Some families have resettled others have been killed and their farms burned.
This adventure illustrates how far the human can slip to the bottom less pit. A brother who has no boundaries,turning into a serial rapist/murderer while the families are traveling with a wagon train. Lots of bushwackers riding the owlhoots trail robbing murdering travelers. Just a dangerous mess for anyone to get caught up in.
This author ending are always happy here after, but there's always the possibilities of it ending not so well...such as life🔢
War between the North and South has finally ended and fathers,sons and brothers are returning to their farms and families. Some families have resettled others have been killed and their farms burned.
This adventure illustrates how far the human can slip to the bottom less pit. A brother who has no boundaries,turning into a serial rapist/murderer while the families are traveling with a wagon train. Lots of bushwackers riding the owlhoots trail robbing murdering travelers. Just a dangerous mess for anyone to get caught up in.
This author ending are always happy here after, but there's always the possibilities of it ending not so well...such as life🔢
December 5, 2017
Best book ever
I have been reading books for close to fifty years now. I got addicted by the Hardy Boys mysteries when I was fourteen years old. I would often get into trouble with my teachers because I would be so immersed in the stories that I would try to read the story instead of paying attention to class. That being said this book Slow John had that same very effect on me! I didn't want to put the book down, I had to know what was going to happen in the next chapter. The author of this book has me hooked completely, I can not wait to start reading another one of his books!!
I have been reading books for close to fifty years now. I got addicted by the Hardy Boys mysteries when I was fourteen years old. I would often get into trouble with my teachers because I would be so immersed in the stories that I would try to read the story instead of paying attention to class. That being said this book Slow John had that same very effect on me! I didn't want to put the book down, I had to know what was going to happen in the next chapter. The author of this book has me hooked completely, I can not wait to start reading another one of his books!!
April 13, 2019
Great Story
I have been reading western stories for almost 60 years and thought that when Mr. Louie La'more left us that there would never be anyone to take his place but boy was I ever wrong. Mr. C.J. Pettit is has come along to fill that lonely place that was left after Mr. La'more passing and has done and outstanding job I have already read 10 of your books and plan on reading anything that you write. Thank you Sir for providing a great and enjoyable time in my life that I felt was gone. Sir please continue to write the stories that you write about the true men and women of the old west. look forward to many more great stories from you. Thank you again.
I have been reading western stories for almost 60 years and thought that when Mr. Louie La'more left us that there would never be anyone to take his place but boy was I ever wrong. Mr. C.J. Pettit is has come along to fill that lonely place that was left after Mr. La'more passing and has done and outstanding job I have already read 10 of your books and plan on reading anything that you write. Thank you Sir for providing a great and enjoyable time in my life that I felt was gone. Sir please continue to write the stories that you write about the true men and women of the old west. look forward to many more great stories from you. Thank you again.
August 18, 2021
Kept me interested and I really liked the main character
Enjoyed the book, particularly the character of Slow John. There was more romance than I usually care for, and more typos and missing punctuation than I expected to find in a C. J. Petit book, but I haven't read one in awhile so maybe I'd forgotten. I guess the story was engaging enough that I could let it go. Looking back on the story, it was a little far fetched, but I guess I was ready for an easy uncomplicated fairy tale western with a happy ending.
Enjoyed the book, particularly the character of Slow John. There was more romance than I usually care for, and more typos and missing punctuation than I expected to find in a C. J. Petit book, but I haven't read one in awhile so maybe I'd forgotten. I guess the story was engaging enough that I could let it go. Looking back on the story, it was a little far fetched, but I guess I was ready for an easy uncomplicated fairy tale western with a happy ending.
September 17, 2022
yet another fine story
I have read many of C. J. Petit’s books now, and they continue to give me great pleasure, and peace. The stories are all about a vulnerable, yet formative, time in America’s history, and share many common elements - the major role of firearms, the need for high levels of self-dependence, and the importance of deep human love. With more than 80 titles to his authorship, and a seeming indefatigable energy to produce more, I am a very happy and grateful fan!
I have read many of C. J. Petit’s books now, and they continue to give me great pleasure, and peace. The stories are all about a vulnerable, yet formative, time in America’s history, and share many common elements - the major role of firearms, the need for high levels of self-dependence, and the importance of deep human love. With more than 80 titles to his authorship, and a seeming indefatigable energy to produce more, I am a very happy and grateful fan!
April 1, 2023
A strong story about a good man.
I always like the writing of C. J. Petit. However, the unspeakable abuse of women kind of took a bit of the spotlight here, I would guess to strike a balance between the really good men and the really bad ones. Was abuse really that rampant in the old West?Maybe so.
But the healing in the story was worth reading about. I liked all the characters. Especially Slow John and Kate as they came to know one another and trust each other. Good observations here.
I always like the writing of C. J. Petit. However, the unspeakable abuse of women kind of took a bit of the spotlight here, I would guess to strike a balance between the really good men and the really bad ones. Was abuse really that rampant in the old West?Maybe so.
But the healing in the story was worth reading about. I liked all the characters. Especially Slow John and Kate as they came to know one another and trust each other. Good observations here.
September 23, 2019
Sharpshooter style story about the taming of Nebraska
Interesting plot about a young man pulled into the Civil War and dealing with the repercussions of the end of the war. A love story told by a nonemotional male point of view makes this a different kind of Western. PTSD and it's issues are discussed along with a fascinating glimpse into the back story of Bonnie and Clyde. This is an engaging read.
Interesting plot about a young man pulled into the Civil War and dealing with the repercussions of the end of the war. A love story told by a nonemotional male point of view makes this a different kind of Western. PTSD and it's issues are discussed along with a fascinating glimpse into the back story of Bonnie and Clyde. This is an engaging read.
May 1, 2020
A CJP Western Action Adventure titled Slow John which is about a young man just out of the Army at the end if the Civil War. He plans a trip home but when he arrives he finds his family has gone to Oregon primarily because they were informed he was killed in action in or near Gettysburg. His trip is not without danger, but he is a skilled soldier and woodsman. This us an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
January 17, 2021
Another C J Petit masterpiece
John had a heart to rescue abused or hurting people. Kate was a very wounded lady. Her happy childhood had been destroyed by a slob husband, then raped and left for dead, and these were only the beginning of her troubles. Both were looking for their families that thought each was dead when their paths crossed, therefore begins an incredible journey for both. A very good book!
John had a heart to rescue abused or hurting people. Kate was a very wounded lady. Her happy childhood had been destroyed by a slob husband, then raped and left for dead, and these were only the beginning of her troubles. Both were looking for their families that thought each was dead when their paths crossed, therefore begins an incredible journey for both. A very good book!
February 22, 2021
This is one of Petit's best books. Character development was very good, and action flowed really well. I had difficulty putting this book down. The title of the book is misleading at first, but then when his name, SLOW JOHN, was explained, it is understood. Slow John and his battles were interesting, and the romance was surprising. At one time, I believe that four of the women were pregnant. Kate, the primary woman character had what would be identified PTSD in todays mental diagnosis.
December 17, 2017
Very Good
This story is about a cowboy who was in the war. When he left his family had moved. Along the trail looking to find them he came across some very desperate women who needed help in getting away from some very bad criminals. This story was very good enjoyed the characters as well. This cowboy was a good Samaritan. I recommend this to all western fans.
This story is about a cowboy who was in the war. When he left his family had moved. Along the trail looking to find them he came across some very desperate women who needed help in getting away from some very bad criminals. This story was very good enjoyed the characters as well. This cowboy was a good Samaritan. I recommend this to all western fans.
January 5, 2018
Slow John
I liked the book and it kept my interest. The reason I didn't give it more stars was because of the bedroom scenes I which i feel he could have told his story with less details about the lovemaking. For this reason, I won't read another of his. I did love his Christmas story.
I liked the book and it kept my interest. The reason I didn't give it more stars was because of the bedroom scenes I which i feel he could have told his story with less details about the lovemaking. For this reason, I won't read another of his. I did love his Christmas story.
February 2, 2018
The Rescue
This novel begins with a young man saving a young woman who is being held captive and raped by a low life family and continues with the problems they faced. Another fast moving Western by Petit that is hard to stop reading. I enjoyed reading it so much that I wish that there was a follow-up. I highly recommend this author.
This novel begins with a young man saving a young woman who is being held captive and raped by a low life family and continues with the problems they faced. Another fast moving Western by Petit that is hard to stop reading. I enjoyed reading it so much that I wish that there was a follow-up. I highly recommend this author.
March 16, 2019
Excellent read
I really enjoyed the characters although at times C.J. makes the hero just a little bit too perfect but
I must admit it is hard to put this book down .I really enjoy reading books by C. J. Petit as he has fast become one of my favorite authors, can't wait to start one of his other books
I really enjoyed the characters although at times C.J. makes the hero just a little bit too perfect but
I must admit it is hard to put this book down .I really enjoy reading books by C. J. Petit as he has fast become one of my favorite authors, can't wait to start one of his other books
September 10, 2019
Family Ties
This story spoke of an area where I and my family lived for a short 4 years, but it still held a great deal of the first settlers and their history that we found so intriguing and still to this day the North Platte area of Nebraska and E.Co.still honor that history. Great read
This story spoke of an area where I and my family lived for a short 4 years, but it still held a great deal of the first settlers and their history that we found so intriguing and still to this day the North Platte area of Nebraska and E.Co.still honor that history. Great read
September 7, 2021
Loved this story!
I fell in love with Red King! I don't know how the author writes these amazing stories which are some of the best I have ever read! I read most every author and even Zane Grey fell short on some of his, but so far I haven't been disappointed with any of this author's books!
I fell in love with Red King! I don't know how the author writes these amazing stories which are some of the best I have ever read! I read most every author and even Zane Grey fell short on some of his, but so far I haven't been disappointed with any of this author's books!
October 10, 2021
This is the second time I have read this story. C. J. Petit writes compelling stories with great detail and moral lessons for all. Slow John was a hero in a time when he was needed. His love for Kate rescued her from tragic life events.
I love these stories and recommend them any reader.
Thank you for being such a great story telled.
I love these stories and recommend them any reader.
Thank you for being such a great story telled.
September 27, 2022
Time, Patience and Love
How would you feel if you received a message the you son or daughter had been killed. What would you do? Inside this book you will be able to understand. Petit shares how one should feel in almost a touching story of the passage of time, the development of patience all built on Love. (with some great shootouts in between)
How would you feel if you received a message the you son or daughter had been killed. What would you do? Inside this book you will be able to understand. Petit shares how one should feel in almost a touching story of the passage of time, the development of patience all built on Love. (with some great shootouts in between)
August 12, 2025
Slow John
What a fun story to read. It saddens me that C.J. Petit passed away and after reading all of his books and stories, there won’t be anymore coming from this author. He definitely deserves the distinction of being a Western Author alongside Grey, L’Amour, Brand, Burroughs to name a few. PTL!
What a fun story to read. It saddens me that C.J. Petit passed away and after reading all of his books and stories, there won’t be anymore coming from this author. He definitely deserves the distinction of being a Western Author alongside Grey, L’Amour, Brand, Burroughs to name a few. PTL!
November 8, 2017
Great read
Well mr. Petit you did it again. What a great story this was. I so look forward to all your books. Please keep them coming. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great story
Well mr. Petit you did it again. What a great story this was. I so look forward to all your books. Please keep them coming. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great story
November 13, 2017
Slow John
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed all of Mr.Petit has written. It has plenty of gunfights to please those that enjoy them but a sweet romance for those that like that as well.
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed all of Mr.Petit has written. It has plenty of gunfights to please those that enjoy them but a sweet romance for those that like that as well.
December 9, 2017
Another great read
Well pleased with another well crafted story. A mix of shoot'em up and story telling of lives in the old west. Keeping this reader entertained for several hours.
.
Well pleased with another well crafted story. A mix of shoot'em up and story telling of lives in the old west. Keeping this reader entertained for several hours.
.
December 23, 2017
Wonderful
I enjoyed this story more than anything I have read for a long time. A very exciting., heartwarming story. Very uplifting. Looking forward to reading more. Thank you, C J Petit.
I enjoyed this story more than anything I have read for a long time. A very exciting., heartwarming story. Very uplifting. Looking forward to reading more. Thank you, C J Petit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews