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Tate
Laramie had just been hit by the Clayton gang, leaving Sheriff Joe Tate without any deputies to serve the entire county. But, as bad as the gunfight had been, the visitor to his office to file a complaint for something that wasn’t even a crime turned out to be much more significant and life-changing.
- GenresWesterns
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2017
1054 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
103 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 73 reviews
December 19, 2017
Old west heros
Another excellent story of law men and outlaws in the old west. Still need a better editor to catch all the errors. They are distracting when they stop the flow of the story.
Another excellent story of law men and outlaws in the old west. Still need a better editor to catch all the errors. They are distracting when they stop the flow of the story.
January 7, 2018
Until a week ago, I hadn't even heard of C.J. Petit. I belong to a writing group, 10 Minute Novelists, and some people were talking about what a prolific writer he was and that he writes westerns, so naturally I had to read one of his books.
I loved the plot, very well thought out. Kept the action and suspense going throughout the entire novel at just the right pace.
The characters were very well developed. I especially liked the character Ned, I hope his character gets written into another book.
I agree with some of the other reviews that commented on the grammar and spelling mistakes. It bugged me, but not enough to make me stop reading the novel. You take a risk when you read self published novels, you never know if they have been edited well or not.I know some people who will not even read a self published book for that very reason. Me, personally, it won't keep me from purchasing a book. I have too many friends who self publish to let that fact alone keep me from purchasing their books.
I am very impressed with the writers voice as well as the plot and characters.
Over all I liked the book. I would recommend the book to others who like westerns.This book has plenty of action, but more importantly it tells about the people. Joe and Katie's back stories reveal so much about what they have been through and helps us to understand why they react the way they do to things in the present.
If you like westerns you need to give C.J. Petit a chance. If you are picky about the editing and want a polished manuscript, you'd better skip his novels.
I loved the plot, very well thought out. Kept the action and suspense going throughout the entire novel at just the right pace.
The characters were very well developed. I especially liked the character Ned, I hope his character gets written into another book.
I agree with some of the other reviews that commented on the grammar and spelling mistakes. It bugged me, but not enough to make me stop reading the novel. You take a risk when you read self published novels, you never know if they have been edited well or not.I know some people who will not even read a self published book for that very reason. Me, personally, it won't keep me from purchasing a book. I have too many friends who self publish to let that fact alone keep me from purchasing their books.
I am very impressed with the writers voice as well as the plot and characters.
Over all I liked the book. I would recommend the book to others who like westerns.This book has plenty of action, but more importantly it tells about the people. Joe and Katie's back stories reveal so much about what they have been through and helps us to understand why they react the way they do to things in the present.
If you like westerns you need to give C.J. Petit a chance. If you are picky about the editing and want a polished manuscript, you'd better skip his novels.
January 14, 2018
I have been very fortunate to read many of C. J. Petit's novels and this one stands among his best yet. The author has an uncanny ability to pull me into each and every episode, as if I was one of his characters. His stories are very open an realistic from beginning to end.
Five stars and more, as the storylines never ceases to amaze me, and the characters draws the reader into the action at hand.
This story grabs at your heart strings and captivated my interest completely, never losing my devoted interest throughout the entire story. The characters were very well depicted throughout the entire novel and the author's ability to create each and every epic episode individually for the readers interest.
I have read untold western novels on my Kindle during the past year and Mr. Petit is one of most prolific writers of great western stories. His works are very entertaining and provides his readers with joy and fulfillment.
I certainly recommend this book to readers looking for great western stories, as I know you will love this author's abilities and certainly enjoy his storytelling abilities.
Five stars and more, as the storylines never ceases to amaze me, and the characters draws the reader into the action at hand.
This story grabs at your heart strings and captivated my interest completely, never losing my devoted interest throughout the entire story. The characters were very well depicted throughout the entire novel and the author's ability to create each and every epic episode individually for the readers interest.
I have read untold western novels on my Kindle during the past year and Mr. Petit is one of most prolific writers of great western stories. His works are very entertaining and provides his readers with joy and fulfillment.
I certainly recommend this book to readers looking for great western stories, as I know you will love this author's abilities and certainly enjoy his storytelling abilities.
December 18, 2024
I will.pass
Mr Petit writes so.e great stories but right off the bat I found myself in disagreement in the first pages . Joes wife cheated on him with a cowboy, 3 months after they are Joes is Sheriff's deputy. In this story Joe kana cuckold ,A willing cuckold!d as he believes no.mater what she did he hope she will.return. I believe she should be cut loose as all trust is lost ,he even believes he can needed trust a woman again so my question is how can he live with a woman who.takes another man into her bed throwing her vows to.God and to him g in the trash. Once his trust for his .wives actions is lost there is no.relatilnship. I have seen over a a hundred couples with 23 years in the mi!Italy seperate with secede problems ,.....men have a monumental battle.fighting mistrust once the wife cheats .women are more.acceptable. to.a.cheating husbands but its an ugly situation . Working with the men I have ....I have never seen or heard of a man warm g for.his.wife t.return once she accepted another man and left
Mr Petit writes so.e great stories but right off the bat I found myself in disagreement in the first pages . Joes wife cheated on him with a cowboy, 3 months after they are Joes is Sheriff's deputy. In this story Joe kana cuckold ,A willing cuckold!d as he believes no.mater what she did he hope she will.return. I believe she should be cut loose as all trust is lost ,he even believes he can needed trust a woman again so my question is how can he live with a woman who.takes another man into her bed throwing her vows to.God and to him g in the trash. Once his trust for his .wives actions is lost there is no.relatilnship. I have seen over a a hundred couples with 23 years in the mi!Italy seperate with secede problems ,.....men have a monumental battle.fighting mistrust once the wife cheats .women are more.acceptable. to.a.cheating husbands but its an ugly situation . Working with the men I have ....I have never seen or heard of a man warm g for.his.wife t.return once she accepted another man and left
December 16, 2017
BREAKING DOWN THE WALL💓
Another great western style love story by C.J. Petit. Human lows and highs portrayed by these men and women. Adultery, betrayal and a husband of three months who refuses to accept the fact that his wife has run off with another man. As most cases there are children involved, and sometimes they are orphaned and left to fend for themselves, unless good hearted persons take care of them; but most times that doesn't happen.
Lots of C.J. Petit felt in all his writings, you'll enjoy and look forward to reading more of his western
love stories. They aren't mushy nor are they sexually offensive, just love, respect for one another sometimes regardless of the baggage they are carrying...💞💘
Another great western style love story by C.J. Petit. Human lows and highs portrayed by these men and women. Adultery, betrayal and a husband of three months who refuses to accept the fact that his wife has run off with another man. As most cases there are children involved, and sometimes they are orphaned and left to fend for themselves, unless good hearted persons take care of them; but most times that doesn't happen.
Lots of C.J. Petit felt in all his writings, you'll enjoy and look forward to reading more of his western
love stories. They aren't mushy nor are they sexually offensive, just love, respect for one another sometimes regardless of the baggage they are carrying...💞💘
March 30, 2021
Another Adventure by the Western Author C.J. Petit
Katie was a Beautiful woman, she was raised by an angry, abusive man. This caused Katie to distrust men. After the death of her father, her Mother was fooled by a man who was only after her ranch and money. Katie visited Joe Tate the Sheriff, in hopes of charges being filed. Katie got much more than she was hoping for. This story is full of Adventure and the hardships of being a woman and a Sheriff. C.J.Petit always tells a Great story.
Katie was a Beautiful woman, she was raised by an angry, abusive man. This caused Katie to distrust men. After the death of her father, her Mother was fooled by a man who was only after her ranch and money. Katie visited Joe Tate the Sheriff, in hopes of charges being filed. Katie got much more than she was hoping for. This story is full of Adventure and the hardships of being a woman and a Sheriff. C.J.Petit always tells a Great story.
December 5, 2017
A Wyoming Western at the Time of Women's First Rights to Vote
CJP has written a western novel about a young man who had been Sheriff of Laramie County. The first incident of many involved a brazen outlaw hang. The Sheriff tracked one gang all over Wyoming finally catching them and receiving the wound that nearly killed him. This novel is about friendship, friends, law officers who were bound to serve. This is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
CJP has written a western novel about a young man who had been Sheriff of Laramie County. The first incident of many involved a brazen outlaw hang. The Sheriff tracked one gang all over Wyoming finally catching them and receiving the wound that nearly killed him. This novel is about friendship, friends, law officers who were bound to serve. This is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
May 11, 2018
Sheriff Jenny
Another well-written, unique presentation of a not so normal Western.
Mr. Petit's approach to life in the 1880's results in a highly believable plot and character development . He judiciously blends action involving ballistic explanations of weaponry with results of each shot and tender moments involving Katie, Joe , and Jenny that grab your heart and keep your focus on his story.
Another excellent read from C. J. Petit !
Another well-written, unique presentation of a not so normal Western.
Mr. Petit's approach to life in the 1880's results in a highly believable plot and character development . He judiciously blends action involving ballistic explanations of weaponry with results of each shot and tender moments involving Katie, Joe , and Jenny that grab your heart and keep your focus on his story.
Another excellent read from C. J. Petit !
May 13, 2020
Still well written but the editing is spotty
Everything you expect from Petit. Great story, believable characters, twisty plot. The usual hero who does no wrong. But the editing is bad enough that it may detract from that. Geldings that become mares. Wounds that change sides of the body. Goofy verb choices and a lot of cities that got shot as they were passing by type weirdos. Still worth the time.
Everything you expect from Petit. Great story, believable characters, twisty plot. The usual hero who does no wrong. But the editing is bad enough that it may detract from that. Geldings that become mares. Wounds that change sides of the body. Goofy verb choices and a lot of cities that got shot as they were passing by type weirdos. Still worth the time.
December 10, 2017
RATE by C.J. PETIT
FATE continues C.J. PETIT'S tradition of crafting the perfect blend that make a western an all time favorite story good enough to read again and again. I'm absolutely positive that this is one book that I will come back to every time that I want to read a book that just gives me that feel good feeling , and a good adventure to boot. 👏👏👏BRAVO!!!!!BRAVO!!!!!
FATE continues C.J. PETIT'S tradition of crafting the perfect blend that make a western an all time favorite story good enough to read again and again. I'm absolutely positive that this is one book that I will come back to every time that I want to read a book that just gives me that feel good feeling , and a good adventure to boot. 👏👏👏BRAVO!!!!!BRAVO!!!!!
January 12, 2020
SHERIFF'S OFFICE BUSINESS, LOVE
5 STARS Action Packed Character Driven Shoot Em Ups Gun Fights Attempted Bank Robbery. Murder. Exciting. Enjoying Drama
Old West Era. Humor with laugh out loud episodes peppered throughout the different Chapters of the Book. Lovable Characters! One of CJP's you don't want to miss!
5 STARS Action Packed Character Driven Shoot Em Ups Gun Fights Attempted Bank Robbery. Murder. Exciting. Enjoying Drama
Old West Era. Humor with laugh out loud episodes peppered throughout the different Chapters of the Book. Lovable Characters! One of CJP's you don't want to miss!
June 9, 2020
True C J Petit style!
Joe Tate lost his wife due to his sheriff career, but he still loved her. After five years Joe's world took a serious turn; he discovered he had a four year old girl, was falling for Katie McManus, but was his wife Vivien back in the area and would she come back to him? A very exciting book.
Joe Tate lost his wife due to his sheriff career, but he still loved her. After five years Joe's world took a serious turn; he discovered he had a four year old girl, was falling for Katie McManus, but was his wife Vivien back in the area and would she come back to him? A very exciting book.
May 19, 2022
Another Interesting Read
The author once again entertains us with such believable characters and storyline it is very hard to stop reading. Adventures, romance, drama, and humor awaits the reader. Once again capturing the time period so well you might think you are really there in the old west.
The author once again entertains us with such believable characters and storyline it is very hard to stop reading. Adventures, romance, drama, and humor awaits the reader. Once again capturing the time period so well you might think you are really there in the old west.
July 6, 2022
Starts great....
....but then becomes a romance. All of CJs books start out good. Really they're romance stories disguised as westerns. Every one of them becomes the same story halfway through you know how it's going to end. I couldn't finish this and it'll be the last book I'll read by Petit. He must be a female writer IRL. No man would write such corny drivel.
....but then becomes a romance. All of CJs books start out good. Really they're romance stories disguised as westerns. Every one of them becomes the same story halfway through you know how it's going to end. I couldn't finish this and it'll be the last book I'll read by Petit. He must be a female writer IRL. No man would write such corny drivel.
June 28, 2024
Typical Wonderful C. J. Petit Novel that is as enjoyable the 3-4 time as the first
I am very surprised when I reread one of Mr. Petit's novels for the 3rd or4th time and did not do a rating or a review. Mr. Petit has spoiled me from reading any other authors novels even though I probably have in excess of 400 novels on my Kindle from other authors.
I am very surprised when I reread one of Mr. Petit's novels for the 3rd or4th time and did not do a rating or a review. Mr. Petit has spoiled me from reading any other authors novels even though I probably have in excess of 400 novels on my Kindle from other authors.
January 1, 2018
Awesome
This was a very good and enjoyable story it had some very funny times as well as hard times for the sheriff he was a good man I liked the characters as well. I recommend this book.
This was a very good and enjoyable story it had some very funny times as well as hard times for the sheriff he was a good man I liked the characters as well. I recommend this book.
January 10, 2018
Great Western story with law enforcement and romance
Lots of killing for the right reasons to catch and roundup outlaws. Young sheriff doing his job. Finding love after his wife ran off with another man
Lots of killing for the right reasons to catch and roundup outlaws. Young sheriff doing his job. Finding love after his wife ran off with another man
February 19, 2018
Joe Tate was the most perfect lawman I have ever read about. His father was a lawman and Joe had started helping him as a boy. Joe's knowledge of weapons, especially guns, and his understanding of the trial when hunting or following a suspect was outstanding. He was a man who did not let emotions interfere with his logical thought as a lawman. When he met a woman that he wanted he was just as focused when it came to making her his.
September 25, 2018
Tate
As I get nearer to the binge reading of the 46 novels, written by C. J. Petit, I look forward to the last few books, but with regrets, that there will not be another book to read! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this author's books!
As I get nearer to the binge reading of the 46 novels, written by C. J. Petit, I look forward to the last few books, but with regrets, that there will not be another book to read! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this author's books!
October 10, 2018
Tate
Of the four books I've read from C. J. Petit this was by far the one I enjoyed the most. Just a very good read with good characters well developed over the course of the book. Enjoy!
Of the four books I've read from C. J. Petit this was by far the one I enjoyed the most. Just a very good read with good characters well developed over the course of the book. Enjoy!
December 25, 2018
Terrific
Great read! I don't say that very often, but in this case it was well earned. I overlooked some grammatical errors and other obvious mistakes, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Next....!!
Great read! I don't say that very often, but in this case it was well earned. I overlooked some grammatical errors and other obvious mistakes, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Next....!!
November 24, 2019
Tate was a truly enjoyable read. It was filled with adventure, love, hate and adversity to be overcome by key characters that showed honor, integrity and decency for the good ones - the bad received their just rewards for acts they perpetuated on others. Love to read novels written by C.J. Petit.
December 23, 2019
Another great book.
C.J.Petit has written quite a few excellent western and this one is right up there with the best of them. I read this one straight thru and thoroughly enjoyed every word.
C.J.Petit has written quite a few excellent western and this one is right up there with the best of them. I read this one straight thru and thoroughly enjoyed every word.
April 15, 2020
Another good western novel.
Excellent and enjoyable read. Great storyline and as usual hard to put this down as the story unfolds. My only negative are misused words and what I believe were this and extra words that absolutely didn't fit.
Excellent and enjoyable read. Great storyline and as usual hard to put this down as the story unfolds. My only negative are misused words and what I believe were this and extra words that absolutely didn't fit.
April 19, 2021
Just cannot get enough of CJ Petit
His westerns always deliver....whether humor, background information, loads of action, or the way he gives foreclosure to his stories and characters (so you are not left hanging), you will never be disappointed.
His westerns always deliver....whether humor, background information, loads of action, or the way he gives foreclosure to his stories and characters (so you are not left hanging), you will never be disappointed.
September 9, 2021
What a neat book!
This was a really good storyline, loved young Ned who was incredibly amazing! Thankfully this one didn't make me cry! I am sure enjoying all of this author's wonderful books!
This was a really good storyline, loved young Ned who was incredibly amazing! Thankfully this one didn't make me cry! I am sure enjoying all of this author's wonderful books!
May 8, 2022
A terrific author
I've grown to truly love these stories. Each is so unique and enjoyable that I just want more. I'm thrilled that there are so many now and I plan to read them all.
I've grown to truly love these stories. Each is so unique and enjoyable that I just want more. I'm thrilled that there are so many now and I plan to read them all.
July 7, 2022
Movie Time
Reading this book I kept envisioning classic western movie stars, male and female, and scenes, even if it was just landscapes. What a story of growth, maturing and discovery of life and love.
Reading this book I kept envisioning classic western movie stars, male and female, and scenes, even if it was just landscapes. What a story of growth, maturing and discovery of life and love.
July 14, 2022
Love this author!
Thank you Mr Petit for being such a prolific writer. I've read and enjoyed many of your stories but there are still many more to go. Lots of action, good morals and good people winning out over the bad guys. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you Mr Petit for being such a prolific writer. I've read and enjoyed many of your stories but there are still many more to go. Lots of action, good morals and good people winning out over the bad guys. Keep up the good work!!
September 29, 2022
I Love His Stories!
I am going to be so sad if I ever run out of his books! What a story teller!!! You really get an idea how things might have been in the late 1800's between outlaws and the law.
I am going to be so sad if I ever run out of his books! What a story teller!!! You really get an idea how things might have been in the late 1800's between outlaws and the law.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews