Ted Shepard had seen many deaths over his ten years as a bounty hunter and then as a United States Deputy Marshal, but none had come close to affecting him as much as this one. He didn’t know if he could go on any longer and sunk into an almost suicidal depression. But it only took a very short visit by the one person capable of healing his emotional turmoil to get him to return to living and back on his job, before a return to his hometown of Wilmore, Kansas restored him to the same person he had been before. But the young woman who had brought him out of his morass would then need his help much more when she was charged with murder.
Most 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.
This is a sequel to Wilmore more adventures about Bounty Hunter turned Deputy United States Marshall Ted Shepherd. There is some changes from the way the first book ended. Not all were good. Just have to see for yourself.
Enjoyed the book, great story line and it held my attention. I love reading C.J's books. I love the accuracy and description of the areas. Keep on writing books.
More errors, name switches, words inserted in wrong places. I had to read and reread way to many sentences to understand the point being made. Breaks the momentum of the story therefore losing the mood.
Mr. Petit outdid himself this time, as I have read many stories penned by him, including this series, but none compares with Return to Wilmore. If this story doesn't touch your heartstrings, then you need to give up reading, especially old western adventures. Definitely an A plus novel.
This is not your "run of the middle" stories, but one of the most rewarding stories I have ever had the opportunity to read. There is never a dull moment throughout the entire book. Definitely a five star masterpiece, and few, if any, books surpass this exceptionally heartwarming story of old western folklore!
The selection of characters and storylines are unsurpassed in quality, action and adventures throughout the entire story. I have been a long time reader of Mr. Petit and all of his stories are very solidly developed but he crossed the line with this amazing dialogue.
Most definitely recommend this book to everyone that lives romance, action, and never ending adventures. This story is family-friendly and very heartwarming, touching your heartstrings along the way. Failure to read this story is definitely your loss!
Great story of Ted Shepard, U.S.Deputy Marshal and the Callaghan Family, mainly the daughters whom he rescued from the gang of murderous rapist. He's taken on a young Adam Shuster, who had written a letter asking for his help, his mother had died from a cut she had received but it was to late for medical help, and I'm going to hazard a guess she died from blood poisoning. So Adam's shows up sells the ranch from under him. No place to go, other than where he currently was staying with the Baptist Church in town. Good hearted Ted answered Adam's letter which he enclosed sixty dollars for train fare to Denver. I hope that C.J. Petit will write a follow-up of Ted Shepard, and the different characters that the author has introduced to all of us..We finally found about why his parents sold their farm and left Ted to fend for himself, like Adam no family, no place to stay, no money out there in a canoe without a paddle...Great parents..I have a feeling that they may try to get in touch with the Marshal....possible.
5 STARS for this brilliantly done old west era multi emotional exceptional rollercoaster of a drama. Once again we are with Ted Shephard a character from the book 'Wilmore' that was exciting & left the reader wanting more, besides Ted's story had so much more to tell us & it continues. EXTREMELY EXCITING! AMAZING SHOOT EM UP GUN FIGHTS! Maniacal people abound! In your face Criminals! Hardcore Cold-blooded Killers without a care! Friendship, Love, and a Devotion to Duty, Family & Life that is refreshing! Characters that you come to know & love as if they are part of your family circle and make life better and more wonderful for having known them. I'm still waiting for Ted to paint my picture to add to the family wall somewhere way below Adam's.
Ted Shepard was such an intense man with so many other parts of his personality all mixed in, he was such a joy to read about. Of course this story had to have an encore added to complete his life and sew up all the unanswered ends left behind in the original book. I'm so glad that CJP was a the need to complete the life of Red Shepard. Truthfully, I could read a whole series about TED SHEPARD US MARSHAL of CJP thought about it. BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO 👏BRAVO !!!!!!! Or maybe if Ted Shepard decided to start to raise his horses from King Red's harem, on a ranch? Does that spark your imagination CJP? Just a hint- but then I like every book you put out. BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO
This is Mr. Petit's first sequel in all his forty five published kindle books. The prequel was the book "Wilmore". The story is much better that most and could possibly be his best, however he has forgotten the name of the main female character that most of the first book is about. Her name is Amy. In the sequel he has her name listed as Kate. Amy has one sister. In the first book she is Bessie, and in the sequel she is Jean. All the other characters, and there are many, are listed correctly. What does one have to do to get an editor for these Kindle books? Who do you complain to? I realize that these books are very inexpensive, but this is unacceptable.
CJP has penned a western, which begins as an like an offense run thru the desert. U.S. Marshal Ted Shepard regime's to Wilmore where the Ted Shepard legend begins. A trip to Indian Territory, another th the state prison where he saved two guards. The second step in more humanistic because it contains a wide variety of humor mixed in the pain. Yes Shepard is up to his old tricks and causes friction between sisters. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
But Ted had a job to do back in Omar is hometown Wilmore was a spot where he and Kate had spent a lot of time he was leery of going back there. The criminals he was chasing were too far ahead of him when he was given notification of this job so had murdered the sheriff already before he got there but he spotted their horses outside of the mercantile and was able to take care of them with the help of the clerk one of his sisters-in-law. Be ready for more romance suspense adventure and the usual twists and turns of CJ Petit.
I’ve read both books 1 & 2 since Ted Shepard was just the beginning and Return to Wilmore was the end. Interesting, I read some negative comments in the reviews and didn’t see anything that I liked or agreed with. CJ Petit writes wholesome stories and sets the stage for what his MC is doing. Ted had 3 loves in his life and each built upon themselves. He knew heart ache, disappointment sadness, joy and elation and did his job throughout with clear, determined and ethical character. Great series.
Stay at home orders suck, but this book does not. The author has brought this genre back to life. His forthright character Ted, is one in a million. I have read at least a few bounty hunter tales and never had a writer so clearly outlined the moral and emotional complexity of killing another man in the name of justice. The detailed equine and ballistic references sent me searching for pictures of period firearms.
CJPs novels continue to be interesting and well written. In this novel a Deputy who should be grateful to Ted secretly hates him and is determined to ruin Ted's life. Plenty of action and suspense as usual. Looking forward to finding out when West of Salina will be available since I have read the other 43. I highly recommend this author.
Outstanding! That is the only word I know that describes this book and author.
I picked this book along with two others and read this one last. I am glad I did because if I hadn't they would not have been read. This book is close to perfect for me. No hanging threads on this one. Just good reading. You want be sorry.
Thanks was a great book to read and enjoyed all of the book.had alot of entristing things to happen out of the blue. thanks there was always something different to come out of this book.would to read more of the same action.love his job.
Same as above.thank you. thanks for all the good reading most read alot more in my life time.do not stop writing
Great story, this is the type of story that once you start reading you will find it very difficult to put down. As you read you will be looking forward to what is going to happen next, some will surprise you some won't but you will enjoy the story.
I Really enjoyed the series of Ted. This book was my one of my cities growing up Hutchinson. Is this the last we will be hearing of Ted,Adam Elly? I so enjoy your books. I find one ,they tell me I have it my library. But folks you need to read these 2 books. They almost make you laugh or cry.JD ,
I couldnt step away from this book. I thought WIlmore was good but this follow-up is phenominal. I am sad to see it end but Im hoping there is another book about Adam. I feel like Im saying goodbye to bedt friends. Thank you CJ Petit for your most enjoyable western novels. I am hooked.
Another great read by C. J. Petit with all the twist an turns of a great western story. I'm so glad he wrote this finish to the book Wilmore. This was definitely a better ending to that story. So hold on to your seat and get ready for a great ending! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!
This was a very good read and as usual a definite page turner. Mr. Petit brings his characters to life and it makes you feel like you know them. This was a very well written story with lots of action. Keep up the great writing.
This is a continuation of the Book- Wilmore. You may want to read that one first and then this one. Kate, the wife has passed and the daughter, Elizabeth is growing up. Cheers!
Like it or not C.J. ,I think you've got yourself a series!! Like all your stories,it was very entertaining. Cowboy books are fun because they are so close to real
A story of justice from a misjudgment of a a trail. Strong women and man of honor and integrity.. The living in the west was not easy.. The knowledge of guns and wind gauge knowledge that were part of a lawman's life.
A western Deputy U. S. Marshall where he always gets his man with a little of history mixed in. I don’t know if I will buy another but it was a good read.
This is an excellent story that all westerns should aim to emulate in an attempt to write the best story possible. Along with being Full of action,this has a great storyline.
I love C J Petit books. I love westerns with a bit of romance and this author delivers. I also love the description of how the bullets travel and how they affect the victim. Very interesting and believable...
100 books about Ted Shepard wouldn't be enough. Another C.J. Petit book I couldn't put down. Full of excitement, gunplay and of course backstabbing drama that every business or Department has - this time it just happened to be the U.S. Marshalls....
A great sequel to Wilmore. Deputy Marshall Ted Shepherd 's missions took care of capturing or killing the bad guys. He was an unusual person who deeply loved three different women.
Elizabeth, Kate, and Elly. This is a must read. But, Please read WILMORE first. I read this in a few hours. Absolutely Love Ted Shepard. I would not mind some more of this Story with, Sarah, Claire, Vera, and Adam. Thank You C.J. Petit.
Petty it's not a longer series, but overall I would say author has done justice to the 2 books. A fairly good story about various character's, action, adventure and romance .