The Ogden station manager couldn’t believe what he was being told. The scheduled train from Granger was overdue by three hours. He’d suspected a mechanical breakdown or maybe even a derailment. But the engineer of the next train to use that track had just reported that he hadn’t found any signs of the train.
He had no idea how an entire train could simply vanish, but as he pondered the mystery, the head telegrapher came to his office and showed him a telegram that had been sent to Union Pacific headquarters. It was a ransom demand for a hundred thousand dollars. If it wasn’t paid within a week, the train and its thirty-four passengers would be blown up.
He hurried out of his office and rushed through the early morning streets to tell the resident Union Pacific special agent of the kidnapped train. It was Nelson Cook’s problem now.
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.
CJ Petit steams up a barreling tale centered around the Union Pacific in its early days. Interesting details of locomotive technology and early wire communications thrown in. I've always been intrigued with Industrial Revolution science and engineering, so this was a fun read for me. Loved the strong character of Cassie Gray. Nobody's pushover! Some violent deaths and bad-guy victories. Nelson seemed to always be a step behind his quarry. I hoped for an elaborate trap, but the author's design kept me interested with the course it took. Lots of conscience reflection and redemption that validates the main protagonist. Bravo to CJP! PKB
Of the many books I have had the opportunity to read by Mr. Petit this compassionately motivated story has to be his very best this far. Hard to put aside once the entertainment begins!
No problem awarding five stars to this successful series of unending exciting adventures, which is filled with ongoing excursions that gratifies the most demanding reader's desired reading expectations! I was hooked immediately with the author's outstanding descriptiveness of each and every exciting episode from beginning to end. Outstanding storylines that touches anyone's heartstrings, especially when Nelson becomes infatuated with Cassie! Too, as always, Mr. Petit's successful selection of characters were perfectly selected for their commanding assignments throughout this compelling western folklore masterpiece! Nelson fulfilled his demanding assignments throughout this polarizing series of unending exciting adventures, while trying to maintain his successful attempts in wooing Cassie's affection! Most definitely recommend these compassionately motivated stories to all of you readers, but you western addicted fanatics will definitely find yourselves completely engrossed within the first few pages of Nelson's undivided attention in ending a ruthless bunch of murderous rampaging outlaws preying on the railroad he is responsible to protect. Even you non-western fanatics will enjoy following Nelson's dedication, as he pulls no punches when it comes to ensuring justice is served to those defying the railroad's peace and tranquility in their quest to pacify their passengers and equipment!!!😃
Nelson is a special agent for the railroad. When confronted with the theft of a train, he uses his knowledge of the railroad, geography and a known villain. He uses his problem solving ability to out smart the former engineer who was responsible for diverting a train and demanding a large amount of money to rescue the passengers. Nelson outsmarts the villain's and rescues the passengers. He was immediately attracted to Cassie who became very special to him. After returning the train to service, he determined the next probable attack against the railroad. Once more he outwitted the criminals and killed them as they attempted the threat to another train. His romance with Cassie continued to blossom and they were quietly married in Ogden. His courage and intelligence resulted in a large promotion. I am always amazed at the character development of the moral men in his stories. The fast action, quick thinking and knowledge of the area, makes me feel like C J Petit actually knew the railroad and the landscape. One can imagine oneself in the setting. Another excellent story by a great story teller. Highly recommended
This is for the person who was one of the first to give a review, with just a one star. The reviewer couldn't get past the prologue, so he gave up and gave it just one star only. Well, you missed out on another great book by the author. I had just finished reading Deception since I had started to reread his novels from the first one. I think that one was about fifty or so. Found out that Ghost Train was out and interrupted my venture or rereading all of his novels. A few name mistakes, but that and some other errors throughout his other novels only make the books more enjoyable for me.
Nelson cook was the special railroad agent Assigned to protect the union pacific line
Nelson was the best and most honest of the men that were agents. He was assigned to find the train that disappeared from castle rock. He found the spot and then set up camp Site so he could Monitor the outlaws. Negotiated with there leader Jack Rogers For them to leave and leave the passengers possessions behind. They did And Nelson let the passengers go Get their horses saddled And took them to castle rock so they could get some dinner and get settled Until the next train came to take them To Ogden.
Was a great story but they didn’t have much time together so must have been true love ❤️ Glad she was true to him , he was gone so much. But it all paid off in the end her thinking she was barren all that time showed real love was waiting for her in the end . Hard to find a good husband when tied with kids all men don’t want to raise someone else’s children. Same goes for him gone so much & staying true to his love for her, glad it all worked out well for them. CJ wrote some really great stories,he will be missed terribly. No one can take his place in writing books to me he was & always will be #1. 👍💕🐎🐴 Tweety 🦜🦜
As usual, with every book that I've read from CJP, he weaves a story that could have happened but if it did, it just wasn't written down , but it took CJP to write it for us. Nelson worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a special agent who was the one who took care of the problems that came with keeping the trains safe and running on the train tracks, and taking care of the evil men who stalk this world. This was an Awesome Book. I loved it and couldn't put it down. Enjoy!!!
Once again C.J. Petit has written an Exciting story.Two people destined to meet each other.
Cassie was widowed. She decided to move to Denver to live with her sister until she could decide what to do with her life. The train she was traveling in was high jacked and Cassie and all the other passengers were held captive. Nelson an investigator for the train went to investigate. He found an unusual situation, but his quick thinking saved many lives, including Cassie. The rescue changed their lives forever.
Another great read from from one of my favorite authors. A combination of adventure, heroism, romance and love, all blended together in a nicely balanced way. Excitement and surprises, but not forced or jarring twists. Yes, C. J.'s writings could do with some proof reading, but his meaning is always clear, and I don't think this implies are real need for editing. The stories flow nicely and provide enough personal details that I feel I have met the major characters.
Excellent book as usual. The story of Cassie and Nelson was wonderful. I loved how Cassie was strong and intelligent when she was allowed to be herself. And Nelson was a great hero. The book kept me interested all the way through. The efforts of Jack and Nelson spoiling his plan was great. The only thing I found confusing was when Cassie was referred to as Jessie. My assumption was that the proofreader be same enthralled in the story and missed it.
this may be Mr Petit's best book so far. The story center's around Nelson Cook, special agent for Union Pacific, who foils a theif of a train with passengers. However that enraged the ex-Union Pacific engineer who is has revenger on his mind and he sets out to steal a train and cause a horrific crash that not would shut down trains but kill as many passengers as possible. Add in romance for Mr Cook and you have an interesting and entertaining story that you won't want to put down.
Another great book by C.J. Petit. The story has great action parts including train mishaps, and a ghost train. Nelson , the top security agent for the railroad, investigates the intricate plots and uses his own methodology to win the day. In the meanwhile he meats a beautiful women named Cassie, who becomes the light of his life. Great shoot out action, and an action packed romance.
This was another excellent book by Mr. Petit. I have purchased all of them and look forward to each new one. I am amazed at his creativity and being g to tell an excellent story that keeps you wanting to read more. Looking forward to many more of his books.
As I began to read CJ Petit's books I was amused of his mistakes in his English
When I began to read CJ Pet it's books I was amused by his gramical mistakes. As I have read all of his books I realized that his mistakes were fewer.I have enjoyed every book he has written and look forward to his future books
C. J. Petit is an awesome writer who knows the early histories of the American West. His knowledge of guns, trains, and the states of Nebraska to California is wonderful. So far I have read all his books. Each one has a story plot that takes you to each part of the story as if you were a fly on the wall. Keep up the good work Mr. Petit!
Very enjoyable read. The story had a great line.About a woman that her husband was killed in a accident. She decided to leave her home. She decided that she would go and live with her sister. The train she was on was hijacked. The train was found by the railroad. She falls in love with the man that found the train. But the adventure was just beginning. Good read.
Since the Covid crisis,I have been reading ravenously. I have read many of Mr. Petit's books before,always enjoyed the strong women he told about. This time I started with his first book and reread them all. I like spending time with his characters.This book was fun and exciting to read.
Got half way through and had to give up. There's too much modern language with words used in today's times but not in the time frame this is supposed to be in. I have to wonder if this is written by someone who's first language is not English. Maybe a ghost writer...I won't bother to read this author again.
I just want you to know, that I can't get enough of your stories. You keep me glued to the book until it is done. The characters were good and the story moved quickly. The time in history (1800's) is so good. The life they led, and how hard it was compared to our time now. Makes me really appreciate what we have today. Thank you.
Greatest western writer I have read in a long time
This is one of his best written books. I loved his main characters and the plot of this story. It was so believable. I hope the rest of his books keep me as interested as this episode has. Thank you C.J. Petit for being such an awesome author.
I am constantly amazed at C J Petit's imagination to create such great stories and characters. Ghost train is another masterpiece. You will enjoy Nelson and Cassie in their adventure together to stop the vengeance of a disgruntled x-employee Jack Rodgers.
I have read all of Mr. Petite books, most have been wonderful. Ghost Train was one of those book I just couldn't put down.His attention to detail is great and the rapid plot development was rewarding. Very good editing finally. Looking forward to the next book.
Another great book from C.J. Petit. When I first found and read his first book, I immediately went and down loaded all he had. (15 at the time). After, I just stayed up with down loading every book when it came out. Unfortunately, I am now only one book behind him. Great work Mr. Petit. Write faster. LOL
This book focuses on the development of the railroad. Petit knows the history and the detail of the railroad business, or at least it shows he has done his homework. Combine this with characters who make sense throughout the book and the reader will enjoy the journey.
I chose the rating. Because it is a great story. True psychopathic behavior. Sure the boss who blamed Jack were wrong. But he never understood the value of life. The terrorist behavior was more wrong.
Would love toget a newsletter from C. J. Petit, I've read all his books, the last one was Ghost Train, the first book was Slow John and i was hooked. He's the best, but i want more. My e-mail is bmalfano@verizon.net keep me posted please.. Barbara
Ghost Train by C. J. Petit. This is another great book of exciting action with trains. Men determined to do evil and a hero determined to stop them. There's also a sweet romance.
I've read every book C J Petit has written and found each one to be unique and spell binding. I believe this to be his best. Unique twists and turns make it anything but predictable.
Union Pacific agent Nelson Cook tracks down a entire train stolen by former U.P. Engineer Jack Rodgers and his gain. Rogers who felt he was down wrong by Union Pacific plans many more disasters against them.