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Cowboy PI
After years of military service, cowboy Ken Jensen is ready to return to where he belongs—saddling broncs. But a two-day rodeo in the Utah desert turns into a crazier ride than he anticipated when he meets a private investigator, Dallas Welch. Dallas is familiar with Ken’s work as a military investigator and needs his help; there has been a major rash of cattle theft on local ranches, and Dallas needs a right-hand man to assist in his investigation. But before Ken can respond, the bullets start flying, leaving him no choice but to get involved.
Ken is confident in his investigative abilities, but what he isn’t prepared for is the complication of the pretty waitress who sets his heart on fire. So when he can’t tell which direction the next round of bullets will come from—or who they might hit—things get personal. And with the lives of those he cares for on the line, he won’t stop until every last cattle thief is behind bars.
Ken is confident in his investigative abilities, but what he isn’t prepared for is the complication of the pretty waitress who sets his heart on fire. So when he can’t tell which direction the next round of bullets will come from—or who they might hit—things get personal. And with the lives of those he cares for on the line, he won’t stop until every last cattle thief is behind bars.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
26 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Clair M. Poulson
55 books296 followersClair M. Poulson was born and raised in Duchesne, Utah. His father was a rancher and farmer, his mother a librarian. Clair has always been an avid reader, having found his love for books as a very young boy.
He has served for forty years in the criminal justice system. Twenty years were spent in law enforcement, ending his police career with eight years as the Duchesne County Sheriff. For the past twenty years Clair has worked as a justice court judge for Duchesne County. Clair is also a veteran of the US Army where he was a military policeman. He has served on various boards and councils during his professional career, including the Justice Court Board of Judges, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Judicial Council, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, an FBI advisory board and others.
In addition to his criminal justice work, Clair has farmed and ranched all of his life. He has raised many kinds of animals, but his greatest interest is horses.
Clair has served in many capacities in the LDS church, including fulltime missionary (California Mission) bishop, counselor to bishop, young men president, high councilor, stake mission president, scoutmaster, High Priest group leader, etc. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher.
Clair is married to Ruth, and together, they have five children, all of whom are married: Alan (Vicena) Poulson, Kelly Ann (Wade) Hatch, Amanda (Ben) Semadeni, Wade (Brooke) Poulson, and Mary (Tyler) Hicken. Between them they have twenty-three children. Clair and Ruth met while both were students at Snow College and were married in the Manti temple.
Clair has always loved telling his children, and later his grandchildren, make-up stories. His vast experience in life and his love of literature has always contributed to both his telling stories to children and his writing of adventure and suspense novels.
He has served for forty years in the criminal justice system. Twenty years were spent in law enforcement, ending his police career with eight years as the Duchesne County Sheriff. For the past twenty years Clair has worked as a justice court judge for Duchesne County. Clair is also a veteran of the US Army where he was a military policeman. He has served on various boards and councils during his professional career, including the Justice Court Board of Judges, Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Utah Judicial Council, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, an FBI advisory board and others.
In addition to his criminal justice work, Clair has farmed and ranched all of his life. He has raised many kinds of animals, but his greatest interest is horses.
Clair has served in many capacities in the LDS church, including fulltime missionary (California Mission) bishop, counselor to bishop, young men president, high councilor, stake mission president, scoutmaster, High Priest group leader, etc. He currently serves as a Sunday School teacher.
Clair is married to Ruth, and together, they have five children, all of whom are married: Alan (Vicena) Poulson, Kelly Ann (Wade) Hatch, Amanda (Ben) Semadeni, Wade (Brooke) Poulson, and Mary (Tyler) Hicken. Between them they have twenty-three children. Clair and Ruth met while both were students at Snow College and were married in the Manti temple.
Clair has always loved telling his children, and later his grandchildren, make-up stories. His vast experience in life and his love of literature has always contributed to both his telling stories to children and his writing of adventure and suspense novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 24, 2022
A suspenseful story, with quite a few characters to keep track of.
December 28, 2024
Ken Jensen was a Wyoming cowboy who had just been discharged from the army, where he had an investigator. He had a desire to try his luck again on the back of a saddle bronc. He was approached by a private detective, who was looking for some help in finding who was rustling cattle.
As they were headed to tho local cafe to discuss the details, the PI was attacked by two men in an older Dodge Ram. Ken ended up working for the PI, simply because of the attack.
One of the ranchers had a beautiful daughter who took a liking for Ken, so this is a story about outlaws, a handsome cowboy, a beautiful girl, and the local law enforcement. Just when you think you know who the bad guys are, another one becomes a suspect. An intriguing story, for sure!
As they were headed to tho local cafe to discuss the details, the PI was attacked by two men in an older Dodge Ram. Ken ended up working for the PI, simply because of the attack.
One of the ranchers had a beautiful daughter who took a liking for Ken, so this is a story about outlaws, a handsome cowboy, a beautiful girl, and the local law enforcement. Just when you think you know who the bad guys are, another one becomes a suspect. An intriguing story, for sure!
October 17, 2022
I thought this was a really good suspense novel! I was sure I knew who was behind everything, and I was almost right - it’s hard to explain without spoilers, so I won’t. 😊
Ken retired from the military where he did investigation work with the MP’s. He decided to go back to riding in rodeos for awhile when he was approached by a PI looking to hire him to help with a rustler investigation. He was on his way to meet the man to discuss it a bit more, when Ken witnessed the man being attacked. Now Ken is thrust in the middle of several investigations that may be more connected than he first thought.
Ken retired from the military where he did investigation work with the MP’s. He decided to go back to riding in rodeos for awhile when he was approached by a PI looking to hire him to help with a rustler investigation. He was on his way to meet the man to discuss it a bit more, when Ken witnessed the man being attacked. Now Ken is thrust in the middle of several investigations that may be more connected than he first thought.
April 27, 2022
Ken Jensen a young man in his late 20s is a great character and easy to like. He knows how to get things done, and he's good at whatever he gets involved in. But when Dallas Welch needs his help and trouble starts, Ken might just be taking on more than he can handle. And of course, when he meets Kamry, a pretty waitress, things become even more confusing.
I loved that the story takes place in an area I am familiar with! I could picture everything, from the Duchesne County Rodeo, to Cowan's Cafe, etc! Overall a fun story that readers who like cowboys, danger, and mysteries, would enjoy!
I loved that the story takes place in an area I am familiar with! I could picture everything, from the Duchesne County Rodeo, to Cowan's Cafe, etc! Overall a fun story that readers who like cowboys, danger, and mysteries, would enjoy!
August 5, 2022
This book is shelved as fiction but I think it would appeal more to a youth audience, or to a gently reared lady who loves a sweet romance with a touch of suspense. Author Poulson's writing is quite workman-like, not always flowing and at times stilted, particularly in conversations. The characters are a bit one-dimensional. But overall, it was a good murder mystery with plenty of shoot-em-up cowboy action and a that touch of romance. Better than many of the other lightweight LDS romance novels.
June 24, 2022
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I've been a Poulson fan a long time and this one has a crime, murder, stolen cattle. a number of suspects and is set in rural Utah with horses, small towns, and characters I can relate to. It also has a detective who is really a cowboy at heart and a country girl who is bright, funny, and lovable. The title confused me for a bit before I realized PI referred to Private Investigator, and not a mathematical equation.
April 8, 2022
The mystery in this book was on par for a Clair Poulson book, but I found the romance to be a little sappy. I have read better from him in that department. Despite my feelings on the romance it was still a book that I was engrossed in while enjoying my hammock and loved and will read again sometime down the road.
June 7, 2022
Wow.. non-stop
Well written, great characters, a little predictable but fun and packed with action. It seemed a little too fast paced in places. I would not have minded if he had stretched it out a few more chapters. Maybe had some down time to get to know the characters in a relaxed setting. Not a lot. Just enough to really invest in them.
Well written, great characters, a little predictable but fun and packed with action. It seemed a little too fast paced in places. I would not have minded if he had stretched it out a few more chapters. Maybe had some down time to get to know the characters in a relaxed setting. Not a lot. Just enough to really invest in them.
November 24, 2024
A good read!
It's been a while since I read anything by Clair Poulsen. I had forgotten what a good storyteller he is! Fast, tight writing that moves you right along in the story. Although I figured out who the bad guy was so just got it confirmed when the main characters figured it out, that didn't diminish the suspense or action. I enjoyed every minute of it!
It's been a while since I read anything by Clair Poulsen. I had forgotten what a good storyteller he is! Fast, tight writing that moves you right along in the story. Although I figured out who the bad guy was so just got it confirmed when the main characters figured it out, that didn't diminish the suspense or action. I enjoyed every minute of it!
March 4, 2022
Great read.
I really enjoy Clair Paul son's respect for the importance of what is right and once again he has demonstrated that aspect in this excellent novel Couldn't put it down and
look toward to future books.
I really enjoy Clair Paul son's respect for the importance of what is right and once again he has demonstrated that aspect in this excellent novel Couldn't put it down and
look toward to future books.
April 9, 2022
It’s a great book for the genre of LDS fiction, but is only mediocre in the world of all fiction. I also thought they should have our periods after PI. I thought the name was Cowboy Pi 😅. I personally found Kamryn a little annoying and whiny, but overall it was a decent book.
October 24, 2023
1.75⭐️ This story had so much potential but fell really short. The characters were poorly developed, the storytelling was choppy, and the only thing that saved this story was a somewhat interesting plot.
April 5, 2022
loved Ken the PI
I so enjoyed how it played out. Lots of action and intriguing story’s. A live story also. Quick read and I couldn’t put it down.
I so enjoyed how it played out. Lots of action and intriguing story’s. A live story also. Quick read and I couldn’t put it down.
May 12, 2022
I loved this book I wished it had sequels.
May 18, 2022
A cowboy ends up being a private detective
June 4, 2022
An action packed stoyr! A new private investigator, a crazy case with a side of sweet romance.
June 15, 2022
Fast paced western/action/mystery novel.
June 30, 2022
This cowboy was a prince - always had the safety of his princess at the forefront of his thoughts. Fast read, good book.
July 16, 2022
3.5 rounded up
July 23, 2022
Book Janet checked out from library. Good book.
didnt-want-to-finish
November 4, 2022Bad writing
December 30, 2022
Easy read. Typical cheesy feel good LDS fiction.
March 5, 2023
Not my favorite from Clair M Poulson. I could not relate to Camry, who seemed very forward and immature. There seemed to be several sub plots that took a bit to tie them all together at the end.
April 27, 2023
Quick and easy read, puts a new twist on cattle rustling.
June 23, 2023
The girlfriend was a huge irritation, and there seemed to be more violence than usual.
Read
August 22, 2023Not my favorite.
January 6, 2024
Listened to this with my husband on our western winter vacation as we drove around.
January 16, 2024
I enjoyed the cowboy/western whodunit mystery but the romance part of the story was a bit over the top. Lots of characters to keep track of.
January 21, 2024
I rated this a little low because I figured out who was the main criminal and to me it was obvious yet the “detective” didn’t see it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews