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Ben Gray
Pinkerton Agent Ben Gray was being sent to Denver for another all-to-common request for confirmation of marital infidelity. He didn’t mind because he’d be able to go and visit his brother, who unknown to him, had just found a rich deposit of gold in his mine near Leadville. The job turned into anything but routine when assassins were sent to murder his brother and him so someone else could lay claim to the gold mine. In a startling revelation, Ben soon discovered that the man who had sent the killers was his boss, the chief agent.
- GenresWesterns
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2018
1183 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
103 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 89 reviews
March 19, 2024
Fun story. I wish to thank CJ Petit for all of his creativity. Makes for good "winter" reading... though as a retiree, I will continue to read throughout the year.
September 18, 2018
Great story line
I really appreciated the interesting story line and how the characters were well developed. I sincerely could have done without the swearing and sexual nuances. I do not normally read books with in your face sex in them.
I was very disappointed by the mixed up character names and misspelled words, bad editing. I really did appreciate however the references the weapons and how they were used.
I really appreciated the interesting story line and how the characters were well developed. I sincerely could have done without the swearing and sexual nuances. I do not normally read books with in your face sex in them.
I was very disappointed by the mixed up character names and misspelled words, bad editing. I really did appreciate however the references the weapons and how they were used.
November 14, 2025
Ben Gray
Once again, C.J. Petit has delivered a wonderful story. At first I only planned to read a few pages, but as usual I got sucked into the story and couldn’t stop until last page. I guess the happy ending was the adoption of so many orphans from the many orphanages. Providing a secure, loving family and home for those discarded, neglected and vulnerable was what this story more poignant to read.
Once again, C.J. Petit has delivered a wonderful story. At first I only planned to read a few pages, but as usual I got sucked into the story and couldn’t stop until last page. I guess the happy ending was the adoption of so many orphans from the many orphanages. Providing a secure, loving family and home for those discarded, neglected and vulnerable was what this story more poignant to read.
July 23, 2018
I read about 20% of this one. First, it is one my husband downloaded into our library; I’m not an aficionado of Westerns. Second, the book is filled with incomplete and run-on sentences, leading to lots of unclear passages.
February 17, 2018
Mr. C. J. Petit is an unbelievable, full blown author, with an undeniable writing ability. The exploits revealed in this novel is beyond words of explanation, as I was impressed from the very first chapter through the completed epilogue. Very satisfying story by an exceptionally talented author.
Fives stars does not do justice to this wonderfully descriptive story, as the storylines and characters were so explicitly placed throughout the entire book. I was swept away with the simplicity of Mr. Petit's storytelling and the wonderful exploits of the cast of characters.
I am definitely a fan of Mr. Petit, as I have always been very impressed with the many exciting stories I have been fortunate enough to have excess to.
I, most definitely, recommend this novel to anyone loving a truly family oriented story. This story definitely is an acceptable heartwarming adventure. Too, there is definitely enough old western action to satisfy most of you, who are a little bloodthirsty. Do not miss your opportunity to read this story, as it will be your l
Fives stars does not do justice to this wonderfully descriptive story, as the storylines and characters were so explicitly placed throughout the entire book. I was swept away with the simplicity of Mr. Petit's storytelling and the wonderful exploits of the cast of characters.
I am definitely a fan of Mr. Petit, as I have always been very impressed with the many exciting stories I have been fortunate enough to have excess to.
I, most definitely, recommend this novel to anyone loving a truly family oriented story. This story definitely is an acceptable heartwarming adventure. Too, there is definitely enough old western action to satisfy most of you, who are a little bloodthirsty. Do not miss your opportunity to read this story, as it will be your l
September 18, 2021
Ben gray had been the lawman and now he was a Pinkerton agent not always too happy with the policies
Ben Gray was assigned a case to follow Lena and see if she was committing adultery by her husband who was paying a man to commit adultery with her. That rubbed then the wrong way indeed. It was a very complex case and very confusing because so many aspects were so crazy. Ben was supposed to dress in a Parsons outfit but didn't feel comfortable in that role so dressed as a music musician salesman and traveled on the stagecoach with Lena to get her viewpoint on what was going on as Byron brass was his cover name. He found Lena to be very intelligent and forthcoming and what's really enjoying their conversation when the stage was held up by two supposed robbers who really only wanted to assassinate Ben Gray and weren't sure if the man they were looking at was Ben. How does he get out of that one?
Ben Gray was assigned a case to follow Lena and see if she was committing adultery by her husband who was paying a man to commit adultery with her. That rubbed then the wrong way indeed. It was a very complex case and very confusing because so many aspects were so crazy. Ben was supposed to dress in a Parsons outfit but didn't feel comfortable in that role so dressed as a music musician salesman and traveled on the stagecoach with Lena to get her viewpoint on what was going on as Byron brass was his cover name. He found Lena to be very intelligent and forthcoming and what's really enjoying their conversation when the stage was held up by two supposed robbers who really only wanted to assassinate Ben Gray and weren't sure if the man they were looking at was Ben. How does he get out of that one?
February 13, 2018
I have read all of C.J. Petit's books, thirty something in all, and he never disappoints. Ben Gray is no exception. Always a s
trong hero/heroine, lots of guns, romance, plenty of money that is always spent doing good works, in this case from a gold mine discovered by his brother and left to Ben, who builds and staffs an Orphanage for dozens of orphan children, plus a home for pregnant, unwed mothers. I love the description of the damage his gunshots do to the bad guys. Evil men are either killed or brought to justice. If you are not yet a fan of this author, please read some of his books and you will be. I am anxiously waiting for his next book to come out!
trong hero/heroine, lots of guns, romance, plenty of money that is always spent doing good works, in this case from a gold mine discovered by his brother and left to Ben, who builds and staffs an Orphanage for dozens of orphan children, plus a home for pregnant, unwed mothers. I love the description of the damage his gunshots do to the bad guys. Evil men are either killed or brought to justice. If you are not yet a fan of this author, please read some of his books and you will be. I am anxiously waiting for his next book to come out!
October 2, 2022
A very enjoyable C.J.Petit Novel
This is a typical C.J. Petit novel where the hero has to go through a difficult ordeal after he finds his true love and be able to spend the rest of his life with her. What makes all of his unique is they each have a different scenario which in itself find hard to imagine.
With the exception of# 89 I have read the other 88 at least twice and many 3 times. He has ruined my interest in the other 2-300 novels in my Kindle. I start at one end and work my way through the list and have even done it numerically. I Pray you will be able to continue to create many more enjoyable novels.
This is a typical C.J. Petit novel where the hero has to go through a difficult ordeal after he finds his true love and be able to spend the rest of his life with her. What makes all of his unique is they each have a different scenario which in itself find hard to imagine.
With the exception of# 89 I have read the other 88 at least twice and many 3 times. He has ruined my interest in the other 2-300 novels in my Kindle. I start at one end and work my way through the list and have even done it numerically. I Pray you will be able to continue to create many more enjoyable novels.
February 11, 2018
BEN GRAY by C.J. PETIT
BEN GRAY is such an all around hero and the character is complex, commanding, and so real!! I've never read a book about a Pinkerton agent, so this one was an eye opener. C.J PETIT is an author who is not afraid to show the tender side of a man that makes him a good man . They were few and far between in the west. I love the way that all the characters become full bodied people that you feel such empathy for. C.J. PETIT you've done it again. Please keep writing the way that you do. I look forward to every new book that comes out. BRAVO!!!!!!BRAVO 👏👏👏
BEN GRAY is such an all around hero and the character is complex, commanding, and so real!! I've never read a book about a Pinkerton agent, so this one was an eye opener. C.J PETIT is an author who is not afraid to show the tender side of a man that makes him a good man . They were few and far between in the west. I love the way that all the characters become full bodied people that you feel such empathy for. C.J. PETIT you've done it again. Please keep writing the way that you do. I look forward to every new book that comes out. BRAVO!!!!!!BRAVO 👏👏👏
February 22, 2018
Great but....
As always a great, hard to put down read. I love CJ's books, every one has an unusual twist to the main characters. This one is, "ripped from the headlines", ala #metoo. It's not my favorite type, I'm an escapist reader. While I appreciate broad philosophical content, commentary on current events blunts my ability to lose myself in the book. Hence the 1 star demotion, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book though and I'm sure many will want to give it an extra star.
As always a great, hard to put down read. I love CJ's books, every one has an unusual twist to the main characters. This one is, "ripped from the headlines", ala #metoo. It's not my favorite type, I'm an escapist reader. While I appreciate broad philosophical content, commentary on current events blunts my ability to lose myself in the book. Hence the 1 star demotion, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book though and I'm sure many will want to give it an extra star.
January 23, 2022
When I read the description of BEN GRAY prior to purchasing it, I wasn't overly impressed. The book sat on my bookshelf for a while before I decided to read it. I figured that a book about an investigator doing marital investigations couldn't be too interesting. I was wrong. This book was well written (disregarding the typos) with one investigator being the target of several assassin attempts, a gun battle at a gold mine, fraud, an orphanage ranch, and murder. It is a very entertaining book.
February 6, 2018
A Western That Goes Beyond Being a Western
CJP has penned another excellent western novel with a big city twist. The primary characters, a Pinkerton Agent and a kept woman join together to form a partnership that surpasses many others. A brother is murdered for a gold mine and the two take the profits and begin a family of twelve immediate children with an additional 200 children . This ius an excellent read four the genre.....ER
CJP has penned another excellent western novel with a big city twist. The primary characters, a Pinkerton Agent and a kept woman join together to form a partnership that surpasses many others. A brother is murdered for a gold mine and the two take the profits and begin a family of twelve immediate children with an additional 200 children . This ius an excellent read four the genre.....ER
April 22, 2019
Editor needed
This was an interesting story of the old west, in the end of the nineteenth century. Characters are well developed and complex. However, there are so many grammatically errors, that it was a bit annoying. I thought about detailing them, but quickly realized that I didn’t have the time. The previous book had the same issue. So, I’d suggest re-editing the entire series.
This was an interesting story of the old west, in the end of the nineteenth century. Characters are well developed and complex. However, there are so many grammatically errors, that it was a bit annoying. I thought about detailing them, but quickly realized that I didn’t have the time. The previous book had the same issue. So, I’d suggest re-editing the entire series.
April 14, 2020
True C.J.Petit.... Awesome!!!
Life has it's odd events that often seem like pre-determined destiny. Ben Gray was a successful Pinkerton Agent, true to his profession. Lena Loftin was a victim of bad circumstance and even worse decisions. Ben's assignment demanded he destroy her even more, but as he learned the facts he realized the facts do not necessarily reveal the truth. A good book!
Life has it's odd events that often seem like pre-determined destiny. Ben Gray was a successful Pinkerton Agent, true to his profession. Lena Loftin was a victim of bad circumstance and even worse decisions. Ben's assignment demanded he destroy her even more, but as he learned the facts he realized the facts do not necessarily reveal the truth. A good book!
September 8, 2021
This one left me blubbering, what a story!
What a incredibly amazing book! In one way it feels like a history lesson but wow, what a incredibly good storyline! I loved Ben blowing up the hill at the mine and felt his pain, though cactus is nothing like a real wound, I know how hard it is to sit in you saddle. Loved the ranch for orphans, and the last book I ended that last chapter with tears running down my face. Congratulations C.J. Petit!
What a incredibly amazing book! In one way it feels like a history lesson but wow, what a incredibly good storyline! I loved Ben blowing up the hill at the mine and felt his pain, though cactus is nothing like a real wound, I know how hard it is to sit in you saddle. Loved the ranch for orphans, and the last book I ended that last chapter with tears running down my face. Congratulations C.J. Petit!
February 19, 2018
Good read
If you like adventure along with a love story then this book is for you. However, I was a little distracted by the poor editing and the lack of proof reading. I don't know anything about the author, C. J. Petit but he is obviously a man of good heart as the story will reveal.
If you like adventure along with a love story then this book is for you. However, I was a little distracted by the poor editing and the lack of proof reading. I don't know anything about the author, C. J. Petit but he is obviously a man of good heart as the story will reveal.
March 16, 2018
Another Good One by Petit
Ben Gray works for the Pinkerton's. His crooked boss schemes to still his brothers Gold mine and puts an hit out on Ben as well. Ben falls for the Lady who is under investigation for adultry. He must fight to save the mine and the woman he loves. This is the 3rd book I've read by C.J. Petite I've enjoyed all three look forward to the next. 5 stars.
Ben Gray works for the Pinkerton's. His crooked boss schemes to still his brothers Gold mine and puts an hit out on Ben as well. Ben falls for the Lady who is under investigation for adultry. He must fight to save the mine and the woman he loves. This is the 3rd book I've read by C.J. Petite I've enjoyed all three look forward to the next. 5 stars.
April 1, 2018
Petit just keeps getting better
A surprisingly diverse tale of hardships and riches put to good use. Petit gives Ben a simple, strong personality and digs deep to match him with a damaged woman in need of redemption. The bad guys use violence and action but it's their immoral viciousness that makes you cheer for the good guys.
A surprisingly diverse tale of hardships and riches put to good use. Petit gives Ben a simple, strong personality and digs deep to match him with a damaged woman in need of redemption. The bad guys use violence and action but it's their immoral viciousness that makes you cheer for the good guys.
February 13, 2019
Just Keeps Getting Better
As I have now read a number of C. J. Petit's book's I'm finding out he just keeps getting better with each one. The stories are all believable and Well thought out. This one is no exception. Ben Gray and Lena make the perfect pair to handle all that comes there way. So sit back and enjoy a well written book.
As I have now read a number of C. J. Petit's book's I'm finding out he just keeps getting better with each one. The stories are all believable and Well thought out. This one is no exception. Ben Gray and Lena make the perfect pair to handle all that comes there way. So sit back and enjoy a well written book.
February 18, 2019
Another good book
If you have read my reviews in the past. I don't like writing reviews. I enjoy Mr. Petit books. I hope he will continue to write many more. There is a nice love story, some fun shootouts, and horses. You can't ask for much more in a western. I hope you will give books a try.
If you have read my reviews in the past. I don't like writing reviews. I enjoy Mr. Petit books. I hope he will continue to write many more. There is a nice love story, some fun shootouts, and horses. You can't ask for much more in a western. I hope you will give books a try.
February 9, 2020
PRIVATE EYES, KEPT WOMEN, ORPHANS
5 STARS for this Old West Era Drama that is filled with everything one needs to have for an Interesting & Exciting read. Mix in some first-class detecting & lots of Action with Old West type gun fights & some just strange weird fights to go with this Wonderful Special A Little Different mixed in read.
5 STARS for this Old West Era Drama that is filled with everything one needs to have for an Interesting & Exciting read. Mix in some first-class detecting & lots of Action with Old West type gun fights & some just strange weird fights to go with this Wonderful Special A Little Different mixed in read.
February 7, 2018
What a great story
Mr. C.J. Petit you've done it again, what a great story. Your characters are brought to life by the sheer magnitude of your awesome immagination . Would highly recommend all your books to everyone that enjoys a great story.
Mr. C.J. Petit you've done it again, what a great story. Your characters are brought to life by the sheer magnitude of your awesome immagination . Would highly recommend all your books to everyone that enjoys a great story.
February 16, 2018
The Man Who Didn't Walk Away
A Pinkerton man determines that he is targeted for death by his boss and must must find the best way to prevent it from happening. Plenty of action and suspense from the first page. I highly recommend this author.
A Pinkerton man determines that he is targeted for death by his boss and must must find the best way to prevent it from happening. Plenty of action and suspense from the first page. I highly recommend this author.
February 16, 2018
Been Grey was a yet another iconic character given to us by a great story teller. There were guns, attitude, and great thinking and of course emotional connection. All is well that ends well...and the good guys always win. Another great read.
February 18, 2018
Really like like your writing. Good storyline. I can't seem to stop once I start one of your books . Loo k ing forward to more of the same.
Really like your writing. Good storyline. I can't seem to stop once I start one of your books. Looking forward to more of the same quality.
Really like your writing. Good storyline. I can't seem to stop once I start one of your books. Looking forward to more of the same quality.
February 22, 2018
Great story
The story of Ben an d Lena's finding each othe and falling in love was to the point quickly. This left alot of room to tell of the Pinkertons and the good that Ben did. The gold mine and the orphanage Ben built rounded out the story.
The story of Ben an d Lena's finding each othe and falling in love was to the point quickly. This left alot of room to tell of the Pinkertons and the good that Ben did. The gold mine and the orphanage Ben built rounded out the story.
February 28, 2018
Ben Gray, detective and mine owner
C.J. Pet it's writing has improved, not as many typos. The story was interesting and kept my attention. Nice light reading in a western type genre.
C.J. Pet it's writing has improved, not as many typos. The story was interesting and kept my attention. Nice light reading in a western type genre.
April 15, 2018
I am glad that I found C.J. Petit. I have read a
couple other books he wrote and found this one
to be just as enjoyable then the others. I would certainly recommend his books to other readers of westerns.
couple other books he wrote and found this one
to be just as enjoyable then the others. I would certainly recommend his books to other readers of westerns.
April 29, 2018
Another hit by C.J. Petit.
WhAt an adventure of loving brothers. Frontier forming in Colorado. A story of a pinkerdan working with honor, and betrayal of a boss. God blessed him as he. Blessed other's with honestly and strength.
WhAt an adventure of loving brothers. Frontier forming in Colorado. A story of a pinkerdan working with honor, and betrayal of a boss. God blessed him as he. Blessed other's with honestly and strength.
May 21, 2018
It's really amazing how this author can grab you with the first sentence and before you realize it, it has been 4 hours later! I'm not sure if l even took a full breath today. I enjoy C.J. Petit's books more than l can say.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews