Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Garrett's Duty

Rate this book
Eighteen-year-old Garrett Shaw and his father spotted the rustlers and pulled their Winchesters. They kept their muzzles pointed away from the three men who were stealing eight steers from their small ranch to give them a chance to leave peaceably. When they were close, Garrett’s father shouted for them to just go away and he wouldn’t notify the sheriff. The rustlers responded by pulling their pistols. When they started throwing lead, Garrett and his father began returning fire. Garrett hit one of the rustlers just as his father’s horse went down. As the wounded man raced away, Garrett shot a second a second rustler before he reached his father. The rustlers had run off leaving the family’s cattle, but his father’s leg had been crushed by his horse. Hours later, as the doctor examined his father’s injury, Garrett knew that it was now his responsibility to provide for his crippled father, mother and sisters. Any hopes he had for starting his own family would have to wait.

523 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

1629 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Petit

104 books220 followers
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.

(Read the full bio on Amazon)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,943 (60%)
4 stars
868 (27%)
3 stars
267 (8%)
2 stars
80 (2%)
1 star
39 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
1,399 reviews13 followers
November 28, 2020
Mr. Petit just gets better with each new edition he releases, but this compassionate heartwarming masterpiece certainly exceeds all expectations! Too, there are no slow downs throughout this compelling, but easy to follow rendition of realistic old western folklore adventures!

Most definitely another five star extravaganza of unending exciting adventures that grabs any reader's undivided attention and never lets up throughout the entire series of ongoing events! Garret is definitely worthy of following, as he proves to be the all American boy, always putting his family and friends needs before his own.
Definitely a family-friendly accounting of realistic old American western folklore , that grabs your immediate attention and expectations, which never diminishes during the entire series of unending excitement! The Author goes above and beyond in his descriptive storylines that reaches out and grabs your undivided attention and the compassionately selected characters were perfectly selected for their assigned roles from beginning to end!
No problem recommending this compelling western masterpiece to all readers, as I assure you that the excitement never ceases and your compassion for Garrett's successful attempts to bring justice to the community will pacify your inner most desires! Failure to follow him and his outstanding exploits will definitely be your loss!!!😃
Profile Image for kathi Driskell.
359 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2020
Pushed my way through

This was unlike so many other Petit Books. It was slow moving with the plot. I found where I just had to force myself to finish it. So much repetition in it. Sorry. It was a good plot but moved along too slow for me.
181 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2021
Garrett takes responsibility for his family after his father is no longer able to manage their ranch. He becomes a Deputy Sheriff and supports his family. Like Petit's characters Garret is a thoughtful and compassionate person who maintains law and order throughout the Yuma desert area. He is romantically attached with Madeline who is a free spirit who wants to marry him. Garrett's duties take him far from Yuma and he encounters a variety of violence. He resolves each situation in a calm and restrained manner. A suitor for Madeline despises and sets out to kill Garrett; however, he is outwitted by Garrett.
This is a warm and engaging story that captures one's imagination about life at the turn of the century in one of the most unforgiving area in Arizona. The story is heart warming and a satisfying story for all readers.
C. J. Petit is a great story tell and engages the reader throughout.
3 reviews
July 6, 2021
Ok but not Special

I've read several novels by the author and this one is somewhat lacking. Maddy is the soon to be finance of Garrett the lead character. She's fairly obnoxious and has few redeeming qualities. I failed to understand the attraction. As in most of the books , our hero is an incredibly smart lawman who is a great communicator as Well as the prerequisite fast gun. secondary plot with a sadist but ineffectual neighbor adds flavor but doesn't make up for the trite Romans. Also note to author: could you consider stopping the use of "toes curling" as a sign of female sexual heat or desire. Getting pretty old.




2 reviews
November 14, 2021
I will pick this book to say this: I find it off putting that the characters are so often misnamed. You will be reading Bout "Ben" speaking with someone and in the next line "Ben " is speaking with "Ben" or a different person altogether. I am finding all books are like this. Does no publisher have proofreaders anymore?
It isn't just Mr. Petits books that this happens to. I bought a physical hard back book and chapter 3 was a duplicate of chapter 2. No difference just the same chapter the very same.
I have tried emailing the publishers but I get no reply. I have told the authors of the books and no reply. What are we to do?
Profile Image for Paul Brown.
Author 8 books68 followers
June 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this drama/suspense hybrid in SW Texas. When the reader (like me) finds himself taking sides or lecturing characters out loud, the author has done a bang-up job of writing. The girl drama was well done; to the point where I was advising Garrett to go off and marry the señorita! Lots of twists and turns. Great command of one psychopathic mind that eventually must be put down. Always appreciate the gentlemanly traits that show us we can rise above the fallen integrity of today. Never overly violent or graphic. Oddly, with so many characters in this story, I was able to keep up with who's who. Nice job, CJ. Great read for anyone. PKB
481 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2020
This is one ofnthe author's better books. Garrett Shaw becomes a Deputy Sheriff to support his parents and sisters after an injury to his father suffered in a gun fight with rustlers. In his 3 plus years as a deputy sheriff, Garrent had more gun fights with bad guys than most lawmen have in their entire lifetime. There's romance also and a feel good ending. If you like westerns, you will love this book as there is plenty of action and Garrett kicks butt every time he gets into a gun fight with ourlaws.
199 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2021
Garret is a lawman facing many outlaws and many shootouts During this adventure novel

Garret is young but excellent at what he does. The sheriff is always sending Garret outside of Yuma to take care of troubles in the county. But garret has an enemy at home In that he loves Maddy white And harry thinks he does too. Harry blames Garrett for all his problems No matter how unreasonable that is.1st harry tries to Ambush Garrett and when that fails He tries to burn down Maddy's house And gets caught by her father.
5 reviews
November 24, 2022
Garrett's Duty

I have read over a dozen of your books and enjoyed reading them.However I have to totally disagree with the scene where Garrett's horse went lame if Garrett loved his horse Whisky so much he couldn't bear to shoot him with a broken leg even when he was responsible for the injury should be ashamed. He left Whiskey in so much pain to slowly die from the heat, starvation, no water and no shelter. Then whiskey shows up heald after having what appeared to be a broken leg is embarrassing.
377 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2020
A Good Son

Garrett took responsibility of his mother and sisters when his father could not provide for the family. His family was important to him. He paid for his younger sister's weddings as well as support his family. He sacrificed to start his own family. He was a compassionate person as well as honest. His family and friends respect him as Deputy of his county. Wonderful story and enjoyed it. Thank you, C.J. Petit, for the western story of family.
27 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2021
Top shelf western .

As with all C.J. PETIT offerings this a 5 star book. Gripping storyline, lots of action, believable characters, descriptive narrative! I recommend this book and author to all readers, regardless of age, who want to spend some quality time in the Theater of the mind.

Only one complaint - watch your story board ... keep characters straight... Harris's became Millers, Joe and Jack switched last names. TUCSON not Yuma is in Pima County.
304 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2021
Another C J Petit marvelous book.

Garrett was a man of honor and dedication to his family. As the sole provider for his parents (disabled father) and three sisters he is a difficult position with the woman he loves. he couldn't marry Madeleine until his sister's are all married. Everything seems against him, especially when Harry pursues marriage with Maddy. Sparks and bullets fly!
2 reviews
September 19, 2021
It needs heavy editing

In remembrance of my brother-in-law, who enjoyed reading western based books, I sometimes read a western book. While I realize writing must be a difficult process, having misspelled words, extra words in the wrong places and poor punctuation, makes me wish there were decent editors to correct these errors. It absolutely ruins the book for the person spending their time reading it. No, I don't recommend this book for that reason.
30 reviews
April 18, 2025
Garrett’s Duty

CJ Petit is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. His stories are always detailed and entertaining. The family unit is the basis of this story with 3 main families and their dynamics. Garrett the focus of the story is an interesting, intelligent and inventive character. Readers will always enjoy books by CJ Petit. I have read most of his books and look forward to ones I haven’t read yet. It’s great to find a creative author.
13 reviews
November 17, 2025
My Friend is Gone From Here

I am an inveterate reader. My dad and mom were, too. Mom read lady smut with heaving breasts. Dad read Louis Lamour every night to fall asleep. I read and loved Dad's collection.
But the only author whose works I buy whenever I see one, is C.J. Petit. He wrote my lullabies. And he could spin a yarn like Lamour or Heinlein.
I will miss his work for the rest of my life.
R.I.P
9 reviews
December 12, 2020
Another great book!

I can't wait for the next C.J. Petit book. I'm always looking out for them as I
I





I can't wait for the next C.J. Petit book. I'm always watching out for his books as I haven't read one I didn't like. This one as usual was action packed and held my interest from beginning to end.


222 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2020
Mr. Petit does it again.

He never fails to provide excellent entertainment in reading! You wouldn't expect anything less. His stories have a purpose, a moral if you will. The characters seem like a part of your family, you get to the point where you are actually rooting for the good guys. Pick it up and turn the pages cause it's a page turner.
Profile Image for Anthony R Woods.
693 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2021
Another Great Story

Mr Petit is a great story teller. This one talk about three families whose lives are intertwined. How different the older sons are and what different paths they choose. Garrett is a good and righteous man while Harry is nice on the outside but sinister on the inside.
994 reviews10 followers
January 11, 2022
4 STARS OLD WEST, HORSES & GUNS

This only got 4 STARS because the pace was not as flowing as I prefer. Also, more grit & shoot-em-up action would be my personal preference. However, this did have a pretty good storyline with action & shoot-em-up activities (I just wanted more). It is worth a read.

Recommend
25 reviews
September 12, 2022
Another Excellent Story!

I have lost count of how many of Petit's books I've actually read, but it has to be over 12, maybe 14. I have enjoyed every single one!

I don't know what I'll do after I have read them all! Since reading his incredible stories, I'll have a hard time finding another author that can measure up to C. J. Petit!
Profile Image for LUAYNE.
1,953 reviews4 followers
February 25, 2023
Good read

Really enjoyed the story of Garrett and Maddie. The book has several stories within the frame of Garrett's story. The camel is an interesting element. I've the horses. WIsh today's families worked as well as Garrett's. Also, wish authors and editors learned the difference between through and though.
52 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2023
My favorite author wrote another wonderful book

Great plot, twists and turns and common sense. Excellent characters and very enjoyable for anyone to read. I have no sense of direction and as petit describes the directions of Garrett as he travels through the county is amazing, I can actually understand the flow of the landscape as he travels.
118 reviews
February 1, 2024
Another great read by C. J. Petit

Another great read by C. J. Petit one of my favorite western writers. Sometimes I think, "Come on, get to it, your dragging it out!!!" And he surprises me with a new twist or turn in the storyline! So sit down, buckle up and hold on because you in for a great ride!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!

227 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2024
Good Ending

Was hoping for Maddy to straighten up , sure started out being hot tempered and treated Garrett terrible. I would not have took her back. He hadn't done anything wrong. Was glad to get rid of Harry. I can't say what I thought of him. Glad he got his dues!
Moving on to the next one, great story , thumbs up to C J 👍❤💕
Tweety🐦🐦
92 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2020
Another good one by C. J.

Petit is one of my favorite current western authors. Great plots and believable characters. My only feedback would be that men of the late 18th century west didn’t “snicker”... maybe they chuckled, but nary a snicker passed their sun- cracked lips.
Profile Image for Kirk Kaiser.
72 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2020
Never disappointed

I am never disappointed in these books and this one is no exception. The characters are amazing and well developed. My only criticism is that the author doesn’t write as fast as I read. I’m ready for another!
29 reviews
November 20, 2020
The best story yet

I have had all the books online. And cu petit simply can not write fast enough. His hero's are often to generous. To kind. Frugal with themselves , then generous with others.
842 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2020
4 Stars

When Garrett's father is hurt he vowels to put his life on hold while he takes care of his parents and sisters. Book was good but not one of C.J's best. More romance than western.
Profile Image for john o'reilly.
222 reviews
November 25, 2020
Another one bites the dust

A nice read I just can’t put this authors books down his stories are so believe able ,they also relax me this lockdown thing would have driven me crackers if not for theses guys writing such stories ,need more please
Profile Image for Duane Roberts.
15 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2020
Not as engaging as other Petit books

Too convoluted in storyline and repetious in the telling. This one disappointed me as I have been consistently pleased with C.J Petit stories before.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.