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Gabe Owens
Gabe had been assigned to investigate a case of timber poaching near Missoula in Montana Territory that could have been handled by a less experienced agent of the railroad, but the case had changed dramatically after the apparent murder of the station manager. What made it difficult for Gabe was that the station manager may have been shot by his wife, a woman he’d proposed to years earlier.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2018
1579 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
104 books220 followersMost biographies start with birth and then roll through the years as they drift by but that would bore me to death, and I lived through it.
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
(Read the full bio on Amazon)
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
(Read the full bio on Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 15, 2020
RAILROADS, LUMBER BUSINESS, WOMEN, OUTLAWS
5 STARS for this Old West Era Drama that is huge in it's depiction of the Northern Pacific or NP as it was famously known. Many Lawmen, Goveners of States knew about who or at least what the RR did to keep the law along the rails & the people that worked for them or with them. They even had their own NP Agent that in RR officials had as much authority as US Marshalls almost. Which is what our friend Gave Owens job is; and he can't be bribed for money because he's an only child of rich parents, for sex since he has to be absolutely in love with the Lady in question to make love with her and he was brought up to believe in a deep sense of right & wrong. Gabe, encounters outlaws on the train who are a gang he was looking for as we first meet him & find he is a young man in his early 20's. The Outlaw Train Robbers will not be his last. Gabe is then given the job of finding out who killed 2 NP people & what was the story behind them. Also, he was to check to see if any Lumber Poaching was going on; which is the information they had when they sent out a man who is now dead along with the one person who had turned in the possibility of Lumber Poaching, also dead supposedly killed each other. Women, ladies are involved for various reasons that spice up any era & anything we read. Entertaining, Interesting, Action ACTION Action, Gunplay Shoot Em up, Exciting, you can't go wrong. CONS:[ This is not typical western with just lots of horse riding, Saloons, Camping Out, & with Farms or Ranches with the req. ranch hands / cowboys]. It's a great complete western dealing with the NP railroad & business along the RR which includes Lumber Camps, Lumber Mills and the various lives of the RR employees along the rails.
5 STARS for this Old West Era Drama that is huge in it's depiction of the Northern Pacific or NP as it was famously known. Many Lawmen, Goveners of States knew about who or at least what the RR did to keep the law along the rails & the people that worked for them or with them. They even had their own NP Agent that in RR officials had as much authority as US Marshalls almost. Which is what our friend Gave Owens job is; and he can't be bribed for money because he's an only child of rich parents, for sex since he has to be absolutely in love with the Lady in question to make love with her and he was brought up to believe in a deep sense of right & wrong. Gabe, encounters outlaws on the train who are a gang he was looking for as we first meet him & find he is a young man in his early 20's. The Outlaw Train Robbers will not be his last. Gabe is then given the job of finding out who killed 2 NP people & what was the story behind them. Also, he was to check to see if any Lumber Poaching was going on; which is the information they had when they sent out a man who is now dead along with the one person who had turned in the possibility of Lumber Poaching, also dead supposedly killed each other. Women, ladies are involved for various reasons that spice up any era & anything we read. Entertaining, Interesting, Action ACTION Action, Gunplay Shoot Em up, Exciting, you can't go wrong. CONS:[ This is not typical western with just lots of horse riding, Saloons, Camping Out, & with Farms or Ranches with the req. ranch hands / cowboys]. It's a great complete western dealing with the NP railroad & business along the RR which includes Lumber Camps, Lumber Mills and the various lives of the RR employees along the rails.
November 11, 2018
Another outstanding story by an exceptionally talented author, and I can say unequivocally, since I have read all the previously listed novels, this one is definitely a masterpiece. I was impressed immediately with the author's apparent knowledge and research abilities as the story began strong and finished with compassion. Great job!
Definitely worthy of the five stars and more, if they were available. This story began wide open immediately and the storylines created by the author created compassion and
family-friendly activities throughout the entire book. I am expecting a follow up of Gabe and his compadres in the not too distant future. At the least I certainly hope so.
The character selections were effectively initiated by the author and every episode enhanced the excitement of the reader continuously throughout the entire story. Definitely a heartwarming adventure that was definitely impressive representation of our old American .
This is a must read to all readers, regardless of their special reading interests. This story has so much"factual", and informative content that will definitely motivate your undivided attention. It definitely will tug at your heartstrings. Too it is very captivating and compassionate throughout the entire book. To not read the book will definitely be your loss.
Definitely worthy of the five stars and more, if they were available. This story began wide open immediately and the storylines created by the author created compassion and
family-friendly activities throughout the entire book. I am expecting a follow up of Gabe and his compadres in the not too distant future. At the least I certainly hope so.
The character selections were effectively initiated by the author and every episode enhanced the excitement of the reader continuously throughout the entire story. Definitely a heartwarming adventure that was definitely impressive representation of our old American .
This is a must read to all readers, regardless of their special reading interests. This story has so much"factual", and informative content that will definitely motivate your undivided attention. It definitely will tug at your heartstrings. Too it is very captivating and compassionate throughout the entire book. To not read the book will definitely be your loss.
February 25, 2024
A compelling tale of a seasoned railroad agent charged with ridding the Northern Pacific of coldblooded train robbers while investigating an illegal poaching operation. His findings lead to rescuing a pair of captive abused women from a logging camp run by enterprising thugs—human maladies that reflect but a few harsh realities of the frontier west. Female abuse by ruthless men who believe they are superior to their wives (or any woman) thrive here, where the arm of the law is out of reach or residing in the back pockets of the thieves. Railroad agent, Gabe Owens, of true integrity and grit to take down gangs of criminals must then take it upon himself to apply firm (yet tender) love and selfless affection to help a victimized woman realize that her personal guilt has become a tool for others to manipulate her with physical threats and sexual violence. This story exemplifies how repeated mistakes and poor choices continue to afflict those living with a deep sense of guilt, justified or not. Petit does a fine job of taking the reader through female humility and its necessary healing process, though much accelerated to accommodate the pace of a novel. Well done! PKB
May 21, 2021
The amazing mind of C J Petit
I am constantly amazed at the number of books C J Petit writes yet comes up with great scenarios of amazing stories. Gabe is a man's man, loyal but firm, and no one to mess with in a conflict. However, he encounters two women that are in terrible circumstances, both by their own making. He saves them, but the past causes great turmoil for Gabe. It's a conflict so different from the bad guys he normally faces. Full of excitement, fear, and worry. I loved it.
I am constantly amazed at the number of books C J Petit writes yet comes up with great scenarios of amazing stories. Gabe is a man's man, loyal but firm, and no one to mess with in a conflict. However, he encounters two women that are in terrible circumstances, both by their own making. He saves them, but the past causes great turmoil for Gabe. It's a conflict so different from the bad guys he normally faces. Full of excitement, fear, and worry. I loved it.
October 31, 2018
A CJP Western Novel About a Railroad Special Agent/Train Robberies
CJP has penned a western novel about a young man who is a Special Agent of a Railway System. The name Gabe Owens tells the train robbers that the best Special Agent is after them and once he gets in the trail the action starts. In addition he rescues damsels in distress. One of his rescue missions leads to a future marriage.....DEHS
CJP has penned a western novel about a young man who is a Special Agent of a Railway System. The name Gabe Owens tells the train robbers that the best Special Agent is after them and once he gets in the trail the action starts. In addition he rescues damsels in distress. One of his rescue missions leads to a future marriage.....DEHS
December 2, 2018
Too much sex for me
This author seems to be hung up on sex and sexual inferences. He would lead us to believe that the majority of men have nothing but sex on their minds and many men are sadistic.
Beyond that he wrote a good story but spent far too much time on minor small details that contribute nothing to the story..seemingly to just make it longer. I will probably. Watch for some other authors in the future.
This author seems to be hung up on sex and sexual inferences. He would lead us to believe that the majority of men have nothing but sex on their minds and many men are sadistic.
Beyond that he wrote a good story but spent far too much time on minor small details that contribute nothing to the story..seemingly to just make it longer. I will probably. Watch for some other authors in the future.
December 8, 2018
Good story but....
This story about a special agent for the railroad in 1800's. He spends a lot of his time hunting down the bad guys and rescuing ladies in distress. I suspected this was written by a guy and I was right. The main character is rather stuff and one dimensional. The author writes in big detail.about the guns he uses, and the injuries they inflict. He makes a point to describe the muscles,bones etc that are destroyed. I did like the rescuing of females though.
This story about a special agent for the railroad in 1800's. He spends a lot of his time hunting down the bad guys and rescuing ladies in distress. I suspected this was written by a guy and I was right. The main character is rather stuff and one dimensional. The author writes in big detail.about the guns he uses, and the injuries they inflict. He makes a point to describe the muscles,bones etc that are destroyed. I did like the rescuing of females though.
March 5, 2023
I really like the variety of topics that CJ Petit has challenged himself with and the interesting stories that have resulted. Gabe Owens is the latest Petit story I've read. It is well written with few editorial lapses. The hero comes out unscathed, with the girl and everyone, except the outlaws, lives happily ever after. Really, it is a nice and easy mosey through the 19th century old west. I really enjoyed this book.
November 8, 2018
3 Stars
Story of special agent Gabe Owens of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Who breaks up train robbery gains. He's sent to check out a murder of an railroad employee and finds a lumber poaching ring, an old girlfriend whose involved, and a mean spirited women who he begins to fall for.
Story of special agent Gabe Owens of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Who breaks up train robbery gains. He's sent to check out a murder of an railroad employee and finds a lumber poaching ring, an old girlfriend whose involved, and a mean spirited women who he begins to fall for.
June 19, 2019
Ok 5 stars for the story but 1 star for grammar
Once again CJ proves he is too cheap to hire a proof reader. Although this story is awesome it is still annoying that he doesn't let someone proof read his writing. I have already offered my services for free because it bothers me that although he has a great imagination he writes a a grade 7 level. Come on CJ!
Once again CJ proves he is too cheap to hire a proof reader. Although this story is awesome it is still annoying that he doesn't let someone proof read his writing. I have already offered my services for free because it bothers me that although he has a great imagination he writes a a grade 7 level. Come on CJ!
October 13, 2021
Gabe Owen was Special agent for the railroad
He was sent to Montana territory to Missoula to roused out who murdered their station manager and who was poaching trees. It was very serious once the station manager was murdered and their secret agent was murdered as well. The sheriff was crooked and was in on the scheme. How can Gabe unravel all the lies?
He was sent to Montana territory to Missoula to roused out who murdered their station manager and who was poaching trees. It was very serious once the station manager was murdered and their secret agent was murdered as well. The sheriff was crooked and was in on the scheme. How can Gabe unravel all the lies?
September 22, 2022
A very good and enjoyable story of the adventures and troubles of the early railways.
The author has written a very intriguing and action packed story of one of the railroads best special agents as he investigates and resolves the crimes committed against the railroad. A story full of action providing enjoyable reading.
The author has written a very intriguing and action packed story of one of the railroads best special agents as he investigates and resolves the crimes committed against the railroad. A story full of action providing enjoyable reading.
February 17, 2025
CJ Petit
Please accept my condolences on Mr Petit's passing. He became my favorite author very quickly and I'm slowly but surely reading his books, not in order, but as each becomes available. I'm just so sorry that there won't be any new books in the future. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Please accept my condolences on Mr Petit's passing. He became my favorite author very quickly and I'm slowly but surely reading his books, not in order, but as each becomes available. I'm just so sorry that there won't be any new books in the future. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.
November 4, 2018
Excellent book
I enjoyed this stout for some reason found reading it just a little more difficult than some of the preobooks. Maybe because the main character wasn't a straight up law man or a cowboy, but the story was just a bit different. Still enjoyable though.
I enjoyed this stout for some reason found reading it just a little more difficult than some of the preobooks. Maybe because the main character wasn't a straight up law man or a cowboy, but the story was just a bit different. Still enjoyable though.
November 4, 2018
Gabe Owens
Five star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 winner. Story featured rape, marital, sexual and physical abuse. Diversity was provided by having the heroine come from a Jewish family. Satisfying read. I have every CJ Petit western i could find.
Five star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 winner. Story featured rape, marital, sexual and physical abuse. Diversity was provided by having the heroine come from a Jewish family. Satisfying read. I have every CJ Petit western i could find.
November 5, 2018
Gabe Owens
Another good book by C. J. Petit. His westerns are always full of excitement. His gunfights written with details you don't normally read. Looking forward to his next book.
Another good book by C. J. Petit. His westerns are always full of excitement. His gunfights written with details you don't normally read. Looking forward to his next book.
December 16, 2018
Outstanding Read!
This is a great book, so easy to follow and enjoy. I recommend this author and this book to all whom enjoy western stories, exciting really keeps your attention. Please write more of this type of story.
This is a great book, so easy to follow and enjoy. I recommend this author and this book to all whom enjoy western stories, exciting really keeps your attention. Please write more of this type of story.
December 17, 2018
Couldn't put it down
You better have some time on your hands when start this book it's non stop drama and action will keep you involved all the way through . Probably my favorite C.J.Petite book so far , you will not be disappointed .
You better have some time on your hands when start this book it's non stop drama and action will keep you involved all the way through . Probably my favorite C.J.Petite book so far , you will not be disappointed .
December 25, 2018
Have Owens
This was a Cowboy/Lumberjack story that took place in the late 1800's. Gabe, a Northern Pacific agent, provides the excitement while two beautiful women provided the romance. Gabe was the smart, kind conflicted hero of the story.
This was a Cowboy/Lumberjack story that took place in the late 1800's. Gabe, a Northern Pacific agent, provides the excitement while two beautiful women provided the romance. Gabe was the smart, kind conflicted hero of the story.
January 10, 2019
Errors were plenty
There were so many errors in this book. It distracted me quite a bit, but the story was so good that I had to keep reading. The errors consisted of wrong names, he and she mixed up and sentences that didn't make sense.
There were so many errors in this book. It distracted me quite a bit, but the story was so good that I had to keep reading. The errors consisted of wrong names, he and she mixed up and sentences that didn't make sense.
January 21, 2019
Plot
I have read several of Mr. Petit's stories but enjoyed the plot of this one the most. The intrigue of Gabe determining who "done it" as well as the chase and the characters was well done.
I have read several of Mr. Petit's stories but enjoyed the plot of this one the most. The intrigue of Gabe determining who "done it" as well as the chase and the characters was well done.
February 2, 2019
Always enjoy Petit's books
Good reading. Realistic character. Believable story line. Looking forward to some more of his books. Suggest you read them too. Petit's stories are always excellent.
Good reading. Realistic character. Believable story line. Looking forward to some more of his books. Suggest you read them too. Petit's stories are always excellent.
December 28, 2019
I am always amazed at the clarity of books written by C J Petit. This story takes place in the west as railroads are steaming across the country. Gabe Owens is a railroad detective sent to investigate the murder of a station manager. The details with which the author describes the characters and work of timber cutting makes one feel as if they were there as each step of the story unfolds. A woman from his past is found consorting with criminals who are stealing lumber from the railroad. In his attempt to rescue two men from the criminals Gabe falls in love with a young Jewish woman. He brings comfort and joy to a family and restores money and lumber to the railroad and a threatened family. Gabe pursues and kills the criminals and returns to marry the young Jewish girl. He resigns as a railroad detective and settles down to live in comfort with a management position and a new family.
It was an action filled story that should be entertaining to any reader.
My hat of to C J Petit
It was an action filled story that should be entertaining to any reader.
My hat of to C J Petit
February 28, 2021
Good story!
The author writes well, I'm reading some of his books the third or forth time. It's like comfort food, there will be action, good people and the message, the law's gonna win, sooner or later.
The author writes well, I'm reading some of his books the third or forth time. It's like comfort food, there will be action, good people and the message, the law's gonna win, sooner or later.
September 17, 2021
As always this is another great story!
What a incredibly good storyline! There was some many favorite parts I can't even list them! When Frank jumped in the river? When Fannie wet herself? Great book! Definitely a must read!
What a incredibly good storyline! There was some many favorite parts I can't even list them! When Frank jumped in the river? When Fannie wet herself? Great book! Definitely a must read!
December 25, 2021
This marks 40 that half way through his books..
Gabe like all of c.j. Men is a strong example of what all men should be, truthfully, caring, loving, if everyone was more like them the world would be a better place. The talk of guns is a plus.
Gabe like all of c.j. Men is a strong example of what all men should be, truthfully, caring, loving, if everyone was more like them the world would be a better place. The talk of guns is a plus.
December 14, 2023
Another sweet Western from petit.
CJ Petit has a nice touch and balances the rough and tumble west with happy ever after endings. CJ balances enough 'guy talk' about weapons and trains in this book to keep the guys happy as he works on nice HEA ending.
CJ Petit has a nice touch and balances the rough and tumble west with happy ever after endings. CJ balances enough 'guy talk' about weapons and trains in this book to keep the guys happy as he works on nice HEA ending.
February 1, 2024
Another good one.
Definitely a different twist but still had all the content of a very interesting read. Lots of action, mystery, historical and geological accuracy, and as always great human interest. Another great one.
Definitely a different twist but still had all the content of a very interesting read. Lots of action, mystery, historical and geological accuracy, and as always great human interest. Another great one.
November 14, 2018
Wonderful!
I just love this writer! He always gives me a great story and this book is no exception. I just love strong characters and he always comes through!
I just love this writer! He always gives me a great story and this book is no exception. I just love strong characters and he always comes through!
November 16, 2018
Gave Owen's;
I was love reading your books. This was a little different it was a lot about train's and the women of that time really had a hard life.
I was love reading your books. This was a little different it was a lot about train's and the women of that time really had a hard life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews