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The Photographer
When they began their continent-crossing expedition in 1879 to capture the country on their cameras’ plates, Sam Chase and his father were prepared for almost any eventuality. But when his father was setting up for a landscape in Texas’ Big Bend three years later, he made a fatal mistake. He tried to move a large rattler out of the frame by just kicking at him. After he buried his father, Sam vowed to continue their mission. A few months later, when he entered a small town a few miles west of Santa Fe in New Mexico Territory, he had no idea of the dramatic impact the brief stop would have. He just stopped to have lunch and buy a few things. But when he set up camp that evening a few miles west of town, he discovered that he’d picked up a stowaway. A stowaway who would be a magnet for violent men who wanted to take her back.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2021
754 people are currently reading
35 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 74 reviews
April 19, 2021
Readable
Not his best work, but I still enjoyed it. I think he used just a little too much padding to get to the number of words that he feels comfortable with.
Not his best work, but I still enjoyed it. I think he used just a little too much padding to get to the number of words that he feels comfortable with.
May 7, 2021
Sam, a professional photographer, leads an exceptionally outstanding life, although he loses his final parentas a very young man! He leads us throughout those entertaining revelations and meets what is to be the love of his life, but endured some hardships in the process!
Definitely another five star masterpiece by one of my favorite authors, Mr. Petit who is so adept in presenting an exceptionally entertaining revelation of realistically motivated old American western folklore extravaganzas! This is a fast moving rendition of unending excitement, as Sam endures some setbacks but his perseverance proves to be unsurpassed as he defies the odds and becomes very adept in his efforts to succeed! His untimely meeting of Jackie, who immediately captures his heart, results in his determination to help her escape from the claws of her Father!
As always, Mr. Petit's outstanding descriptive storylines successfully portrays compassionate dedication in Sam's ongoing efforts to successfully succeed in his father's dream of photographing the Grand Canyon! The character selections could not have been any better portrayed as they continuously fulfilled their commanding assignments from beginning to end!
Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated series of unending adventures to all readers as even you non-western enthusiasts will definitely enjoy following Sam throughout his many endeavors to fulfill his father's dreams! The ongoing romance involving Sam and Jackie will definitely warm your heartstrings s s they have to overcome endearing obstacles in their pursuit of happiness! Great job by the master of western folklore adventures, as I assure you your reading pleasure will never waned from beginning to end!!!😃
Definitely another five star masterpiece by one of my favorite authors, Mr. Petit who is so adept in presenting an exceptionally entertaining revelation of realistically motivated old American western folklore extravaganzas! This is a fast moving rendition of unending excitement, as Sam endures some setbacks but his perseverance proves to be unsurpassed as he defies the odds and becomes very adept in his efforts to succeed! His untimely meeting of Jackie, who immediately captures his heart, results in his determination to help her escape from the claws of her Father!
As always, Mr. Petit's outstanding descriptive storylines successfully portrays compassionate dedication in Sam's ongoing efforts to successfully succeed in his father's dream of photographing the Grand Canyon! The character selections could not have been any better portrayed as they continuously fulfilled their commanding assignments from beginning to end!
Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated series of unending adventures to all readers as even you non-western enthusiasts will definitely enjoy following Sam throughout his many endeavors to fulfill his father's dreams! The ongoing romance involving Sam and Jackie will definitely warm your heartstrings s s they have to overcome endearing obstacles in their pursuit of happiness! Great job by the master of western folklore adventures, as I assure you your reading pleasure will never waned from beginning to end!!!😃
August 9, 2021
I always look forward to reading another of C.J. Pettit's books. His description of the characters, their internal struggles and their responses to their life experiences was rewarding. The details of the country side was so descriptive that I could feel the dry earth and the heat of the sun. Sam's was a goal directed man who was committed to his life as a photographer. His unexpected encounter with Jackie, changed both of their lives. In this western tale, the good people thrive, and the bad men meet their just desserts.
I was intrigued by this story as my husband was a landscape photographer and taught photography for several years. He began his photography as a young person and was taking photographs the day before he died. I learned a lot about photography but I didn't have the knowledge or skill to make beautiful photographs. My husband was a gentle person and understood the God of Creation.
Thank you for this story. It brought beautiful memories of my husband.
I was intrigued by this story as my husband was a landscape photographer and taught photography for several years. He began his photography as a young person and was taking photographs the day before he died. I learned a lot about photography but I didn't have the knowledge or skill to make beautiful photographs. My husband was a gentle person and understood the God of Creation.
Thank you for this story. It brought beautiful memories of my husband.
May 1, 2021
My husband likes Petit's stories, and since this is a romance, and the main character is interesting given the photographic elements of the time, Bill thought I'd like to read it. Because I am an experienced wife, I did so. Here's my review: it's a simple romance with lots of shooting and aw-shucks self-sufficiency. The two main characters overcome their reluctance, the bad guys get what they deserve, and the good guys win. I kind of enjoyed the story, but mainly as an author I'm blown away that this guy Petit writes a book a month. And it's better than you'd expect for that pace. Not a bad story.
June 29, 2021
The Photographer
This is probably one of the best book that I have ever read, along wth your other fantastic books that I have read. Each of all your other books are all 5 star ratings. With out a doubt you are me favorite Author of Western books. This particular book was great because the special romance involved with the excellent storyline. The dog and all the guns only added to all the great action. The special wagon with all the great weapons and secret storage areas was a great touch that was fascinating. As always, thanks for the great book for me to read. I read over a hundred books a year, so I know a great book when I read one..
This is probably one of the best book that I have ever read, along wth your other fantastic books that I have read. Each of all your other books are all 5 star ratings. With out a doubt you are me favorite Author of Western books. This particular book was great because the special romance involved with the excellent storyline. The dog and all the guns only added to all the great action. The special wagon with all the great weapons and secret storage areas was a great touch that was fascinating. As always, thanks for the great book for me to read. I read over a hundred books a year, so I know a great book when I read one..
December 1, 2021
Sam chase's father kicked the rattle snake to get it out of the way and paid the fatal price
Sam is a photographer and continued west across the country to take beautiful landscape photographs as they appeared When his wagon came across them. He stopped in san Domingo To pick up supplies have lunch and top off his water tanks. Hi left San Domingo and went down the road to the next Big creek And there he took a break with this mule and horses. He went to go inside his wagon That was a traveling trailer And had a surprise when he opened the door to find a woman inside I lovely woman but none the less a stranger and what was she doing there.
Sam is a photographer and continued west across the country to take beautiful landscape photographs as they appeared When his wagon came across them. He stopped in san Domingo To pick up supplies have lunch and top off his water tanks. Hi left San Domingo and went down the road to the next Big creek And there he took a break with this mule and horses. He went to go inside his wagon That was a traveling trailer And had a surprise when he opened the door to find a woman inside I lovely woman but none the less a stranger and what was she doing there.
December 6, 2022
Another of my C.J. Petit favorites. A nice and heartwarming match of lead roles. Also learned a bit about photography on the move in the late 1800s. I am inclined to comment that Petit’s writing highlights for me a very different notion of death than we seem to see and experience now, more than 100 years later. It is not that people, maybe particularly on the frontier of America, didn’t value life as much as they do now; but rather that accepted death, and ease with which it shows up, with much less surprise.
January 16, 2024
The mild-mannered photographer and the daughter of an outlaw gang leader find themselves an unlikely pair
Sam Chase is unhurried as he drives his special photograph picture wagon across the West heading for the Grand Canyon to capture scenes for history
His unhurried life is disrupted by a young woman sneaking into his wagon while he is in a town to buy supplies. Once she is discovered, only after he has left the town behind, his life is anything but normal.
Another good story by C. J. Petit.
I liked it.
Sam Chase is unhurried as he drives his special photograph picture wagon across the West heading for the Grand Canyon to capture scenes for history
His unhurried life is disrupted by a young woman sneaking into his wagon while he is in a town to buy supplies. Once she is discovered, only after he has left the town behind, his life is anything but normal.
Another good story by C. J. Petit.
I liked it.
March 23, 2025
A wonderful C.J. Petit Novel
This wonderful book is just enjoyable to read as all of Mr Petit's books are and not only when they are read for the first time. I have read all of Mr Petit's books several times and even his latest at least twice. The different story lines in all of his books are all different with the exception of the two series. And they are also different but linked together by family among other things. All of his books I think deserve much more than 5 *s ,maybe even a10
This wonderful book is just enjoyable to read as all of Mr Petit's books are and not only when they are read for the first time. I have read all of Mr Petit's books several times and even his latest at least twice. The different story lines in all of his books are all different with the exception of the two series. And they are also different but linked together by family among other things. All of his books I think deserve much more than 5 *s ,maybe even a10
April 15, 2021
Good Book
I have read every C. J. Petit book and they never disappoint. By the end you always feel like you know the characters and are sad to see them go at the end. Loved the wagon and innovations that were imagined for it. I always enjoy that in all of his books they never abruptly end and you always know what happened with the main characters.. While I patiently wait for his next offering I am starting to reread his books in order.
I have read every C. J. Petit book and they never disappoint. By the end you always feel like you know the characters and are sad to see them go at the end. Loved the wagon and innovations that were imagined for it. I always enjoy that in all of his books they never abruptly end and you always know what happened with the main characters.. While I patiently wait for his next offering I am starting to reread his books in order.
September 30, 2024
Great Read
The Photographer is another very good western romance from a very talented writer. Mr. C.J. petit. Reading this you get a strong sense of what the people of the times were all about. How they looked, dressed, thought and what they lived through and had to endure. The story line was so interesting you hated to put the book down. I’ve read many of Mr. Petite books and I’ve not been disappointed yet. Another great read!
The Photographer is another very good western romance from a very talented writer. Mr. C.J. petit. Reading this you get a strong sense of what the people of the times were all about. How they looked, dressed, thought and what they lived through and had to endure. The story line was so interesting you hated to put the book down. I’ve read many of Mr. Petite books and I’ve not been disappointed yet. Another great read!
April 18, 2021
CJ Petit Always Has Strong Capable Men
Characters that leave a feeling of goodness regardless of the horrible danger Evil men so ruthless they wreck lives around them —yet they are nothing compared to the tough amazing leading characters who help the weak, stand for law and order, & the American dream. This day & age, I find I need that. Betty Burdette
Characters that leave a feeling of goodness regardless of the horrible danger Evil men so ruthless they wreck lives around them —yet they are nothing compared to the tough amazing leading characters who help the weak, stand for law and order, & the American dream. This day & age, I find I need that. Betty Burdette
April 27, 2021
Strange but very interesting story.
Sam is a photographer and an odd fellow who has seen a lot of thing, lost all his family, felt helpless, but went on to have a great life. He finds a woman hiding, saves her life, and sets a string of things in motion. Highly recommended for all readers.
Sam is a photographer and an odd fellow who has seen a lot of thing, lost all his family, felt helpless, but went on to have a great life. He finds a woman hiding, saves her life, and sets a string of things in motion. Highly recommended for all readers.
May 10, 2021
Review
Loved the book! I always anticipate your next one. Your characters are always well developed and you can never anticipate where the story will go and I love that. Also I've learned more about the guns of the past then I ever thought. Your stories are all so different and exciting. Great job! Look forward to the next one.
Loved the book! I always anticipate your next one. Your characters are always well developed and you can never anticipate where the story will go and I love that. Also I've learned more about the guns of the past then I ever thought. Your stories are all so different and exciting. Great job! Look forward to the next one.
May 16, 2021
Freedom
The story was really interesting. It was filled q action and suspense. The wagon sounded wonderful. It would be great to lived in it.. The characters were all so different from each other. The out come was good also. Nice to see Sam and Jackie settled down and in love. Thank you a great read as always.
The story was really interesting. It was filled q action and suspense. The wagon sounded wonderful. It would be great to lived in it.. The characters were all so different from each other. The out come was good also. Nice to see Sam and Jackie settled down and in love. Thank you a great read as always.
May 29, 2021
Another spellbinding book.
The description of the scenery just brings it to life. I enjoy the way C.J.Petit introduced each character in the story. As usual there are weapons that are described in detail. As Sam was not a violent man he sure surprised his attackers. Waiting for the next book as I have read every one.
The description of the scenery just brings it to life. I enjoy the way C.J.Petit introduced each character in the story. As usual there are weapons that are described in detail. As Sam was not a violent man he sure surprised his attackers. Waiting for the next book as I have read every one.
June 23, 2021
Awesome
I don't get tired of reading CJ Petit's books. This one was excellent! I got emotional and mad in spots. And as much reading as I've done that takes a skilled writer. I don't mind an occasional mis-constructed sentence, a wondering word, or typo. They don't change the story which is exceptional. Highly recommended.
I don't get tired of reading CJ Petit's books. This one was excellent! I got emotional and mad in spots. And as much reading as I've done that takes a skilled writer. I don't mind an occasional mis-constructed sentence, a wondering word, or typo. They don't change the story which is exceptional. Highly recommended.
September 16, 2021
Loved this book!
I was really fascinated with the wagon! All the hidden compartments and the bar to lock it up were awesome! A great storyline and beautiful ending! Not sure if I want to slow down how fast I am reading the books by C.J. Petit, it is almost as bad as being just days from the end of this summer's rodeos on the V
Cowboy Channel!
I was really fascinated with the wagon! All the hidden compartments and the bar to lock it up were awesome! A great storyline and beautiful ending! Not sure if I want to slow down how fast I am reading the books by C.J. Petit, it is almost as bad as being just days from the end of this summer's rodeos on the V
Cowboy Channel!
October 23, 2021
Another C J Petit awesome book.
Things are not always as they appear, Sam Chase was that kind of man. Jacqueline Griffith thought she knew Sam, but she was surprised when she realized how wrong she was. Could she trust the man she had fallen in love with but had also saw the real person he was under the facade... who was he? Had he been covering up a dark past?
Things are not always as they appear, Sam Chase was that kind of man. Jacqueline Griffith thought she knew Sam, but she was surprised when she realized how wrong she was. Could she trust the man she had fallen in love with but had also saw the real person he was under the facade... who was he? Had he been covering up a dark past?
May 12, 2022
Once again C.J. Petit writes a Wonderful Story of Extraordinary people.
A trip from Maine to California, a Father and his son ride a wagon across America to record photo's. After the Father dies from an unusual accident, the son continues the journey and finds a stow away in his wagon. That stow away brings with her excitement and changes the photographer's life Forever.
A trip from Maine to California, a Father and his son ride a wagon across America to record photo's. After the Father dies from an unusual accident, the son continues the journey and finds a stow away in his wagon. That stow away brings with her excitement and changes the photographer's life Forever.
September 19, 2024
Amazing Adventure from East to West
Astounding tale of travel with never a minute of boring dialogue . Hard to imagine journey of a photographer father from Baltimore heading out with his son across country to photograph their journey towards Grand Canyon & Pacific Ocean. Exciting danger; with romance as well. JS
Astounding tale of travel with never a minute of boring dialogue . Hard to imagine journey of a photographer father from Baltimore heading out with his son across country to photograph their journey towards Grand Canyon & Pacific Ocean. Exciting danger; with romance as well. JS
April 13, 2021
Gift
Another gift from the author. Story of a pretty girl with a independent streak, a man with a unique occupation, and a violent gang. The interaction of those three participants make for an interesting story touched with a bit of humor at times.
Another gift from the author. Story of a pretty girl with a independent streak, a man with a unique occupation, and a violent gang. The interaction of those three participants make for an interesting story touched with a bit of humor at times.
April 19, 2021
The Photographer
Great story of adventure and romance. Sam and father traveled with special very large wagon so they can take photographs if our country. After Sam's father died, he found a stow away and fell in love.
Great story of adventure and romance. Sam and father traveled with special very large wagon so they can take photographs if our country. After Sam's father died, he found a stow away and fell in love.
April 21, 2021
Ok
This book was not as interesting as others. I liked Sam and Jackie. The events did not happen as quickly as I would have liked, and I wanted Jackie's father to be punished by the law.
This book was not as interesting as others. I liked Sam and Jackie. The events did not happen as quickly as I would have liked, and I wanted Jackie's father to be punished by the law.
April 22, 2021
Intriguing Plot
The Photographer, Sam Chase lived life and presented himself much more modestly than he actually was. He kept his deadly skills hidden until needed. His kind demeanor and generosity earned him love from a young beautiful woman and a faithful canine.
The Photographer, Sam Chase lived life and presented himself much more modestly than he actually was. He kept his deadly skills hidden until needed. His kind demeanor and generosity earned him love from a young beautiful woman and a faithful canine.
April 25, 2021
Another great read
This story was a little slow in the beginning but continued to get better and better. I enjoyed this story as I have other stories that C.J. Petit has written.
I certainly would recommend this story as well as others he has written to my friends.
This story was a little slow in the beginning but continued to get better and better. I enjoyed this story as I have other stories that C.J. Petit has written.
I certainly would recommend this story as well as others he has written to my friends.
April 26, 2021
Had my attention
Another one bites the dust really queer story line but again it kept me busy hope he has a few more books in the pipeline ,get the juices flowing sir I await the next book.
Another one bites the dust really queer story line but again it kept me busy hope he has a few more books in the pipeline ,get the juices flowing sir I await the next book.
April 26, 2021
Another great western book by a great western writer.
I don't know how you keep funding or inventing the western characters you use, but they work beautifully. Please keep writing and go back to an earlier time in America. Thank you.
I don't know how you keep funding or inventing the western characters you use, but they work beautifully. Please keep writing and go back to an earlier time in America. Thank you.
April 29, 2021
ANOTHER GREAT BOOK
A bit different then what Mr. Petit usually writes..but i enjoyed every word. Sam Chase was not the typical hero for most of Mr Petits writings..but the plot was just as exciting
A bit different then what Mr. Petit usually writes..but i enjoyed every word. Sam Chase was not the typical hero for most of Mr Petits writings..but the plot was just as exciting
May 4, 2021
C J Petit is an excellent story teller
I have read all of his books and can't wait until the next character and adventure. Always a unique story with wonderful caring characters filled with adventures and love.
I have read all of his books and can't wait until the next character and adventure. Always a unique story with wonderful caring characters filled with adventures and love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews