After clearing up an almost comedic issue in Dodge City, Cy received an assignment to go to the town of Granite in New Mexico Territory to investigate a claim of massive overcharging by the telegraphers. It wasn’t a particularly challenging issue, but it would mean a long ride and Cy actually looked forward to it. He was still in a good mood as he rode out of Dodge City and eventually Kansas. He didn’t expect to spend much time in Granite and hoped that his next job would be a little more exciting. He’d had a few that reached that level but doubted that this one would be even difficult. If it was a case of greedy telegraphers, he’d fire them both and then have to stay there until the company sent replacement operators. It would be much simpler if his investigation found no evidence of overcharging, so he could be out of Granite quickly and go on to the next job. He was as wrong on all counts.
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.
I've been enjoying C. J. Petit's stories for the past couple of years and have come to appreciate his old-fashioned Western storytelling. This book, however, left me wondering if it was truly written by Petit. It feels possible that he outlined the story before his passing and someone else completed it. While it features his signature strong characters and unexpected twists, the pacing dragged at times, reminiscent of pre-WWII novels when authors were paid by the word.
One aspect I consistently admire in Petit's work is his portrayal of women. They're smart, honest, and capable: more like the resilient pioneer women who had to navigate every challenge to survive in a rugged world. Ethical dilemmas also play a central role in his narratives, and this story is no exception.
Overall, it's an easy-to-read and engaging tale, even if it doesn't quite match the energy of his earlier works.
I listened to the audiobook version from Audible, which runs fifteen hours and forty-eight minutes. Michael Alan White delivers an excellent narration, bringing the characters and setting to life with skill and nuance.
Another HEA romance Western from cj petit. An enjoyable easy read with a few twists and turns to get both the badguys and rescue his intended. The story highlights the role Western Union played in pacifying the west because badguys couldn't outrun the telegraph wires.
I have been following Mr. Petit, and his long list of outstandingly compilation of realistic old American western folklore adventures for some time, and he is so adept in his successful delivery of ongoing successful stories. This is one exciting adventure after the other, and the compassionate camaraderie of the good guys is so relevant throughout the entire series of ongoing events!
Most definitely worthy of five stars and more, but as this story touches all the bases with Cy being very capable of handling each new event successfully, despite some very intensively debilitating injuries during the process. Superb storylines throughout this compelling western masterpiece that depicts some very intense situations throughout the entire story. Too, mr. Petit's outstanding character selections were perfectly portrayed in their respective assignments from beginning to end! Cy Page is a one man wrecking machine, but has time to become romantically involved with an exceptionally inspiring young lady. This romantic interlude is side tracked, as Cy fins S out a worthless fellow kidnaps Penney, his intended, and her best friend Sybil followed them, attempting to rescue her. Cy We a little late in rendering assistance, but needless to say, he effectively served justice to the bad guy! This is worthy of reading the entire story just to discover how Cy took care of this rapist. Definitely recommend this compassionately outstanding series of events as there really isn't a slow down throughout the entire series of unending excitement! You western folklore enthusiasts will definitely be impressed with how Cy effects justice throughout this compelling western masterpiece and you non-western readers will find yourselves completely overwhelmed with the never ending accomplishments of Cy and his counterparts! Enjoy this compassionately entertaining revelation of realistically motivated old western American folklore storytelling at its best!!!😀
As always, the author has a good feel for a story. The characters are engaging. As a reader and an old English teacher, I get tired of having the author repeat information I already know. Somewhere the author must have been told,"details make the story more interesting ". I appreciate the intent, but sometimes the conversations are overly long and excessively moralistic. Pioneers were a pragmatic lot and tended to do what was necessary given the circumstances and their resources. The story bears a lot of21st century values that really don't fit or work in a19th century setting out West; nevertheless, if you don't mind doing significant selective skimming it is a fair tale. For tale of the West,the author really seems hung up on sex.
Cy Page was a Western Union Investigator sent to find out what was going on in a town called Granite in New Mexico. What he found was a whole lot of trouble and men that were determined to kill not only him, but also willing to let a whole wagon train of people who are quickly running out of water. The Sheriff and his deputies were the ones who had closed the road off and had no way to go around to get to the river. If they didn't get some soon, one hundred people would die, men, women and children. Well, Cy was sent to fix things for Western Union, why not do the same for these people. Matter of fact, he had to, for his own peace of mind. GREAT READ as all of CJ PETIT'S books are.
We never know what small things will change our future. Cyrus Page had a Wonderful horse named Blank, a Great job with Excellent pay, and he was content travelling from town to town on assignment correcting problems with the telegraph. He was headed to a town called Granite when his life changed. Outside of town he met a wagon train and a woman named Penny. Cy thought he was just a Western Union Man, but he became so much more. Great story with interesting characters. Once again I am caught up in the story by C.J. Petit, I have read more than 50 of his books and I am never disappointed.
5 STARS for this C.J.P. well written tale of a western union agent investigator who traveled wherever he was told by headquarters. This is a shoot e-mail action with lots of gun battles & strategic shots. Also, a horrific rape occurs by a man of the wagon train that kills his wife just to be able to. This author's caring way with the subject matter & aftermath is heartfelt, heartwarming, plus a lot of love to all women everywhere whether they have been raped, attempted, or just have been harassed enough to feel dirty or uncomfortable. I say thanks.
Cy was an extremely compassionate man, but could take care of dangerous business when it arose. He loved his job with Western Union and was very good at it as well. He avoided killing whenever possible.. This story starts. when he is refused admittance into the town of Granite because the sheriff believes he belongs to a wagon train of Mormons that they have also denied to travel through their town. Cy decides to join up with the wagon train that turn out not to be Mormon at all. He meets a young woman that he cannot seem to get out of his mind. He knows something is wrong with this picture and is determined to find out what it is.
I was a bit skeptical of this book when I first started reading. I can’t believe the wagon master would send a stranger— young man with guns to sleep by and be with a wagon of a young girl 20 years old that was all alone. Her father and brothers had been killed trying to get water for the wagon train. I don’t care if her wagon had more room. This action is unheard of! They didn’t know Cy Page.
I also didn’t like the girl at first but then Mr Petit wove a great story with great characters and experiences.
Wonderful C. J.Petit Novel as usual while being read multiple times
While I have several hundred books on my 4th Kindle I have not read any of them that my favorite author C.J. Petit has not written. I have all 96 novels in a row in my Kindle library. When I finish the one I am currently reading I start the next on my list. The most amazing thing about all of the books is while they are all love stories they are all different in how they end up together. Plus the main characters have different Occupations and bad people to take care of.
I've enjoyed other books and look forward to new releases. This just didn't have it. It was NOT about a Western Union Man. It was a story about rape. With no disrespect to survivor's of rape, I just am tired of authors who feel a need to use rape so often. And pushing a grocery cart in the store...are you kidding me? Please, do your research. Somebody suggested this is not a C J Petit story. It sure doesn't compare with his others.
A different sort of story from CJ Petit. One problem after another, but not a lot of action. Seemed to be more of a romance than an action story. Fraud, conspiracy, rape, torture, theft, shootouts, wounds to the primary character and recovery. All of those events, except for the rape and torture, covered quickly, but the primary theme, was the romance. Not unenjoyable, just different, and I would still recommend this book t the followers of CJ Petit.
I have read all of the authors books except his latest and this is anther good book. In this book, Cy Page is a top investigator for Western Union and when he’s sent Granite NM he faces almost impossible odds. A crooked Sheriff and his henchmen try best to kill him but he survives and meets a young lady that captures his heart. Plenty of action and a cute love story with the authors attention to detail make this a interesting story.
I struggled to read this book. It may have CJ Petit as the author but he couldn't have written it because the style and flow is definitely not his. I think it is so dishonest to pass this book off as his creation. I really love CJ Petit books but I will truly have to debate reading any more of his titles that they claim as his from here on out.
The last 2 books by Mr Petit was a little bit of a letdown. Almost all of the previous books of his (and I have read all of them) have been solid 5 star review books but the last 2 had something missing, something that left me a little bored at various stages throughout the stories and I even found my attention wandering at places.
C J Petit has a marvelous imagination to create all the wonderful stories/books he writes. This is another great one. Cy Page is a happy dedicated employee, but a stranded Wagon Train changes his routine like he has never experienced. Not given to violence or love, his routine world turns upside down.
C.J. Petit doesn't write fairy tale romances. We all know life isn't a bed of roses and his books are far from it, which makes them so believable and makes you feel as the stories are true. Things happen in his books that makes them true to life. He is a wonderful author and I recommend this and all his books to everyone!
I really liked this story. It had a lot of excitement and was pretty emotional in a few parts. He would have made a good lawman but he wanted to a good Western Union Man. It tough on Penny to adjust after her ordeal with old no good Winters. It was a well written book.
CJ Petit again reveals deep insights to emotional trauma women often suffer. A well plotted tale of conflict and romance among strong characters who must fight for their own sanity and their lives. Interestingly set in the world of Western Union's pioneer days. Get a peek into telegraphers and how the early electronic grapevines operated. PKB
Another great read by C. J. Petit. I really enjoy his books. I try to guess what's going to happen next and he always seems to surprise me!! So many twist and turns and all kind of emotions involved in his stories!! Such a great writer! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!
C.J. Petit is a very talented author. I truly enjoy his well researched novels. This Western has action and shoot outs, as in other classic Westerns. More importantly it has romance and explores relationships between couples on the edge of falling in love. This novel is a real page turner. I highly recommend it.
Cy Page: Western Union Man. A different kind of hero with all the manly ways of a cowboy. He's an investigator for western union that finds himself in some perilous situations. Some gunfights and a sweet romance that has a rocky start.
I have read all of CJ parrots books Angel ate him on such a wonderful job.Thank you for making my life More interesting And more fun.My opinion Is you are the best author of western s now and in your time. Keep up the great work.
Loops and turns was Cy's reflection on his life after meeting Penny. Interesting story about a Western Union man. I can't wait to read his next work. I quit reading another book so I could Cy Page so I guess I will have to go finish reading that one.
I usually thoroughly enjoy your books, yet I found this one to be on the dark, graphic side with the rapes. It's just not my kind of story. The other parts of story were good.
Could have been better. Cy Page should have experienced a couple more adventures. Penny should have had been taught to handle a firearm before going West.
Thank you Mr. Petit for writing another great western book with character of the great western spirt.
I don't know how you do it , but you did write about the American west with a different perspective. Keep writing and I'll keep reading. Thank you and God bless.
This was a good combination of western action and romance. Each character came alive after introduction into the novel. I would recommend to anyone who is a western fan. One of Petit's better stories.
This was a good read that covers all aspects of life in the old west.The author has all the aspects of life in the old west covered, and presents them well.
Lots of action! Hard to believe one man would go through so much and still keep a good attitude! The two Ladies he meets early in his travels play a big part in the story and keeps it moving fast and exciting!