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Joe Beck #4
The Laramie Plains
Joe and Faith were miles ahead of the long line of wagons as they ascended Cheyenne Pass. They knew that when they passed over the summit, the Laramie Plains would spread out before them.
But just before they reached the top of the pass, Joe pulled up when he thought he heard gunfire.
Just seconds later, he and Faith quickly rode to the summit where they witnessed what could only be called a massacre.
But just before they reached the top of the pass, Joe pulled up when he thought he heard gunfire.
Just seconds later, he and Faith quickly rode to the summit where they witnessed what could only be called a massacre.
- GenresWesterns
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2022
1165 people are currently reading
73 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 81 reviews
February 28, 2022
Another Great One!
I continue to be amazed at Petit's vivid and colorful books. I've read all 85 and can hardly wait until the next one. I hope that he will continue the Joe Beck series as he has created a novel hero in this young man. It would be really interesting to see if Joe and Faith find their dream canyon.
I continue to be amazed at Petit's vivid and colorful books. I've read all 85 and can hardly wait until the next one. I hope that he will continue the Joe Beck series as he has created a novel hero in this young man. It would be really interesting to see if Joe and Faith find their dream canyon.
February 26, 2022
Surprise, surprise!
Attention to detail can be the difference between life and death, especially when accompanied by critical thinking. As Joe's prowess again saves the wagon train Mr. Petit adds some situations that even reflect life today, whether it be idiocy, tragedy or romance. Looking forward to book 5.
Attention to detail can be the difference between life and death, especially when accompanied by critical thinking. As Joe's prowess again saves the wagon train Mr. Petit adds some situations that even reflect life today, whether it be idiocy, tragedy or romance. Looking forward to book 5.
February 22, 2022
Hope this isn't the end of Joe Beck
This story has a wonderful feel. The mixture of family members and new beginning keep you interested in the next chapters. The detail was just right. Petit now has mastered the editing process. Very good series. I have read all of CJ books and enjoy his attention to detail.
This story has a wonderful feel. The mixture of family members and new beginning keep you interested in the next chapters. The detail was just right. Petit now has mastered the editing process. Very good series. I have read all of CJ books and enjoy his attention to detail.
February 21, 2022
The Laramie Plains
Book four of the Joe Beck series by C. J. Petit. I hope this is not the last we hear of the Beck family. I like the way he ended these stories with a transition instead of epilogue. Mary Moore's transformation was one I wasn't expecting but Joe saving the day again was suspenseful. Really hoping more comes soon.
Book four of the Joe Beck series by C. J. Petit. I hope this is not the last we hear of the Beck family. I like the way he ended these stories with a transition instead of epilogue. Mary Moore's transformation was one I wasn't expecting but Joe saving the day again was suspenseful. Really hoping more comes soon.
February 19, 2022
Excellent As Ever
I have read every book written by C J Petit, and I can honestly say, that I have enjoyed each one immensely. So much so, that I find myself waiting impatiently for the next book and the great story it will reveal ! Some may consider the books tame and boring, but I consider them to be entertaining and enjoyable! My thanks to the author for providing me with countless hours of reading, and introducing me to so many interesting and diverse characters!
I have read every book written by C J Petit, and I can honestly say, that I have enjoyed each one immensely. So much so, that I find myself waiting impatiently for the next book and the great story it will reveal ! Some may consider the books tame and boring, but I consider them to be entertaining and enjoyable! My thanks to the author for providing me with countless hours of reading, and introducing me to so many interesting and diverse characters!
February 20, 2022
Outfit the Shoshone
Joe wanted to come up with plan to overcome a surprised attack from the Shoshones. Faith helped him come up with plan. Great story from Me CJ Petit. Can't wait for the next book about Joe Beck and Faith.
Joe wanted to come up with plan to overcome a surprised attack from the Shoshones. Faith helped him come up with plan. Great story from Me CJ Petit. Can't wait for the next book about Joe Beck and Faith.
February 17, 2022
Awesome story!
First, I am so glad to have another book from this author! #4 is so good I couldn't put it down, read until 3am and feeling it today. I loved seeing all of the characters again, and the new Mary was amazing! All the new beginnings that came in this one makes me eagerly wait for the next book!
First, I am so glad to have another book from this author! #4 is so good I couldn't put it down, read until 3am and feeling it today. I loved seeing all of the characters again, and the new Mary was amazing! All the new beginnings that came in this one makes me eagerly wait for the next book!
February 18, 2022
C.J. Petit has done it again!
It wouldn’t hurt my feelings at all if a 6th book were to come out once Joe and Faith find a home.
It wouldn’t hurt my feelings at all if a 6th book were to come out once Joe and Faith find a home.
February 17, 2022
Great clean book
Well written with only a small number of editing errors. I always know I can trust C. J. Petit's books. It is certainly appreciated.
Well written with only a small number of editing errors. I always know I can trust C. J. Petit's books. It is certainly appreciated.
May 4, 2024
CJ Petit strikes again with another great installment in the Joe Beck series. Each new book further expands the setting and cast of characters throughout each story. My continuous complaint throughout this series is the overall lack of stakes for anyone. I have gotten to a point with these novels where I am not remotely concerned about whether or not the heroes will prevail. Any person who dies in this series is either not central to the story, or a villain. There are no other options. Any injuries obtained by the main cast are usually healed very shortly. I will continue to read this series because I am engrossed in the relationships that are being forged and growing, but not because the novels have me on the edge of my seat. There are plenty of action sequences, but I just waiting on Joe Beck to single-handedly solve whatever problem awaits them. Maybe it is because this is a series and not a standalone novel that this is the case. Regardless, keep writing Mr. Petit. I will gladly be reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2023
In book four Joe and Faith Beck are still worried about the Indians. This time it's the Shoshone attacking, although Joe can't seem to figure out what they have planned.
Joe is scouting ahead and reaches Fort Kearney, but only after he is forced to deal with some gunrunners. Who are they taking the guns too? That's another question that needs to be answered.
Taking a wagon across the continental United States is not easy or free of risk. People die, others join, but the train keeps moving on. Joe, who still isn't being paid for his scouting work, does his best to keep them safe.
On top of all that, Faith is still trying to get pregnant. These are relatively short books (sub 300 pages for the most part) and they're quick reads that are full of depth and emotions. The editing is excellent as always. Whether you love or hate the western genre, these are good stories that deserve reading.
5/5*
Joe is scouting ahead and reaches Fort Kearney, but only after he is forced to deal with some gunrunners. Who are they taking the guns too? That's another question that needs to be answered.
Taking a wagon across the continental United States is not easy or free of risk. People die, others join, but the train keeps moving on. Joe, who still isn't being paid for his scouting work, does his best to keep them safe.
On top of all that, Faith is still trying to get pregnant. These are relatively short books (sub 300 pages for the most part) and they're quick reads that are full of depth and emotions. The editing is excellent as always. Whether you love or hate the western genre, these are good stories that deserve reading.
5/5*
February 23, 2022
proof reader needed
Mr. Petit’s stories of the post-war west of the 1800’s are interesting and easy to read and I enjoyed reading them. I’ve now read at least 10. I’ve consistently found that there are extra words or words missing in sentences and routinely the wrong character name will be misplaced. Such that, one must reread a passage and insert the correct person’s name for it to make sense. It is fairly easy to continue reading after becoming aware of these issues. I will read more of his stories because I like his style, but proof reading and editing would greatly improve the experience.
Mr. Petit’s stories of the post-war west of the 1800’s are interesting and easy to read and I enjoyed reading them. I’ve now read at least 10. I’ve consistently found that there are extra words or words missing in sentences and routinely the wrong character name will be misplaced. Such that, one must reread a passage and insert the correct person’s name for it to make sense. It is fairly easy to continue reading after becoming aware of these issues. I will read more of his stories because I like his style, but proof reading and editing would greatly improve the experience.
March 6, 2022
Can't wait for the next book. According to the ending Joe and Faith are going to find a home and
have a baby girl named Kathleen Maureen. It's still hard to believe Joe is only 16 and Faith is almost
16 and they've just been together less than 6 months. C.J. Petit could keep writing Joe's adventures until he turns 20yrs old and I'll read everyone as soon as they are released. Thank you Mr. Petit for making my day
have a baby girl named Kathleen Maureen. It's still hard to believe Joe is only 16 and Faith is almost
16 and they've just been together less than 6 months. C.J. Petit could keep writing Joe's adventures until he turns 20yrs old and I'll read everyone as soon as they are released. Thank you Mr. Petit for making my day
April 3, 2022
This series is very fun to read but just becomes a little repetitive in my mind. It is Joe and Faith and their love affair which is a little over the top at this point and Joe is always going to save the day and Faith is always going to address an issue with lots of insight to help others find their way in life. Also so many new marriages and all starts to blend together. Still fun reading and the plots are varied enough to leave a little suspense.
February 17, 2024
Not so good
Book four slowed the action and forward movement of the first three books. Yes, there were a few exploits of skill and daring but they were overshadowed by the continual repetitive prose about pregnancy fears. The phrase "yes, ma'am" was used so often by Joe to his wife that I wondered if he realized she was actually his wife. And how many times are we going to be told about mounting and dismounting the horses?
Book four slowed the action and forward movement of the first three books. Yes, there were a few exploits of skill and daring but they were overshadowed by the continual repetitive prose about pregnancy fears. The phrase "yes, ma'am" was used so often by Joe to his wife that I wondered if he realized she was actually his wife. And how many times are we going to be told about mounting and dismounting the horses?
March 10, 2022
Good western
The situations and locations brought the story to life. Young Joe was an exceptional individual. He had all the talents required in that time in history. He was exceptionally young for all the situations that happened , but his gifts of exceptional eye sight , maturity, and focus brought everyone through.
The situations and locations brought the story to life. Young Joe was an exceptional individual. He had all the talents required in that time in history. He was exceptionally young for all the situations that happened , but his gifts of exceptional eye sight , maturity, and focus brought everyone through.
March 20, 2022
Joe and Faith Beck Saga, continued.
Joe Beck was a 16 year old young man, he was very good with his weapons, but was very mature for his age. He met Faith on a wagon train and she was the perfect wife and partner for him. Faith and Joe were both unwanted by their families, but the people of the wagon train soon learned how valuable this young couple were.
Joe Beck was a 16 year old young man, he was very good with his weapons, but was very mature for his age. He met Faith on a wagon train and she was the perfect wife and partner for him. Faith and Joe were both unwanted by their families, but the people of the wagon train soon learned how valuable this young couple were.
May 2, 2022
I hope that some how mr. Petit completed book six
I did not realize that I had not read book four until I decided to reread series. Which explained why I didn't recognize the story line in book five. I have not found book six in the store yet so really hope that he was able to complete it I guess I'll have to make up my own ending if he didn't.
I did not realize that I had not read book four until I decided to reread series. Which explained why I didn't recognize the story line in book five. I have not found book six in the store yet so really hope that he was able to complete it I guess I'll have to make up my own ending if he didn't.
January 21, 2023
All 16 year old western adventurers should be thoughtful and introspective as Joe Beck
Just a good all around western saga being played out here. Two young coming of age teenagers find each other and grow together as they travel across the wild western frontier. Friendships are made but there are bad men and Indians as well, more than enough to make this story an exciting one.
Just a good all around western saga being played out here. Two young coming of age teenagers find each other and grow together as they travel across the wild western frontier. Friendships are made but there are bad men and Indians as well, more than enough to make this story an exciting one.
March 21, 2024
Another great read byC. J. Petit
Another great read by C. J. Petit and the continued saga of the Joe Beck series as Joe and Faith make it past the Laramie Plains on their way west. What will befall them next? What new adventure or tragedy will they face in book five? Take a seat and buckle up as we continue on the trail west!!!
Another great read by C. J. Petit and the continued saga of the Joe Beck series as Joe and Faith make it past the Laramie Plains on their way west. What will befall them next? What new adventure or tragedy will they face in book five? Take a seat and buckle up as we continue on the trail west!!!
February 18, 2022
Exciting
The story was great. Joe is the great young hero, that he down plays all the time. Faith is in the motherly way. I can't wait to read the next story. Thank you for keeping me entertained with all your books. I will always keep reading them over and over.
The story was great. Joe is the great young hero, that he down plays all the time. Faith is in the motherly way. I can't wait to read the next story. Thank you for keeping me entertained with all your books. I will always keep reading them over and over.
February 19, 2022
Enjoyed it immensely. There has to be another Joe Beck book to see where they end up. Enjoy all your books, but I really enjoyed this series. Keep on writing as your are one of my favorite authors.
February 20, 2022
Another Adventure for Joe
Always look forward to Joe and Faith's adventure. This was another great read. As Joe continues his scouting duties he always seems to be a lot more mature than a 16 year old. Lots of detail on the scenery and natives. Thank you C.J. For another journey.
Always look forward to Joe and Faith's adventure. This was another great read. As Joe continues his scouting duties he always seems to be a lot more mature than a 16 year old. Lots of detail on the scenery and natives. Thank you C.J. For another journey.
February 20, 2022
Still wondering what is next
St!Still leaves you wondering what going to happen to Joe and Faith. Where will they end up. Will Joe end up being a lawman. Will Faith have a little girl or will it be a boy? I hope that will a sequel to this story.
St!Still leaves you wondering what going to happen to Joe and Faith. Where will they end up. Will Joe end up being a lawman. Will Faith have a little girl or will it be a boy? I hope that will a sequel to this story.
February 20, 2022
Ok
Joe and Faith and the wagon train are continuing the journey to Oregon. Indians try to stop the train, A new scout joins the train, and two couples marry. There several places that words are missing in sentences.
Joe and Faith and the wagon train are continuing the journey to Oregon. Indians try to stop the train, A new scout joins the train, and two couples marry. There several places that words are missing in sentences.
February 23, 2022
Another good story from the West
Mr Petit sUre knows how to make the Pioneer days come to life. I've read all his books and enjoyed them all. I hope we get to find out where Joe and Faith settle down. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Mr Petit sUre knows how to make the Pioneer days come to life. I've read all his books and enjoyed them all. I hope we get to find out where Joe and Faith settle down. Looking forward to the next in the series.
February 25, 2022
Excellent writing!
Lots of action, Joe Beck is almost to good to be real but on the other hand, crossing the Plains made a person grow up fast. Doing dumb things could kill you. The writing is just comfortable, easy to read and flows well.
Lots of action, Joe Beck is almost to good to be real but on the other hand, crossing the Plains made a person grow up fast. Doing dumb things could kill you. The writing is just comfortable, easy to read and flows well.
February 26, 2022
Petit, never to disappoint!
The continuing saga gives more thrills and excitement. Don't plan on anything exciting it'll burn you. Keep trading. Joe and Faith are very real. Stay up with them!
The continuing saga gives more thrills and excitement. Don't plan on anything exciting it'll burn you. Keep trading. Joe and Faith are very real. Stay up with them!
February 26, 2022
great story
That’s number 4 I sincerely hope there’s a five this guy really writes great stories and up to date I have read all of them so please Sit get a move on I await your next book or books
That’s number 4 I sincerely hope there’s a five this guy really writes great stories and up to date I have read all of them so please Sit get a move on I await your next book or books
February 26, 2022
The Laramie Plains
I just love the Joe Beck series. I love all CJPetits books, they keep me engaged and I always learn something new. I hope you continue to write about their exploits.
I just love the Joe Beck series. I love all CJPetits books, they keep me engaged and I always learn something new. I hope you continue to write about their exploits.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews