When the Northern Pacific had ceased operations at the start of the Panic of 73, Cap had been stranded with his survey crew in the middle of Montana Territory. Since then, he’d lived a hard, solitary life. Recently he’s spent a few months as a gambler in the untamed town of Deadwood in Dakota Territory. But neither was what he wanted out of life. When he heard that the Northern Pacific had come out of bankruptcy and would soon start laying track west out of Bismarck, he left Deadwood in the hope of returning to his old life. Just a day’s ride from Bismarck, he discovered a disaster. He thought he’d seen it all over the past four years until he spotted scores of dead cavalrymen scattered across the Dakota plains. He couldn’t do anything but to avoid the Lakota who had won the battle, so he swung south and nudged is mules to a faster pace. It wasn’t long before he found an abandoned farmhouse that had suffered from a recent raid. He was about to ride past the open doorway when he heard a child’s cry. That whimper made him stop before it changed his life.
Most biographies start with birth and then roll through the years as they drift by but that would bore me to death, and I lived through it.
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
Cap Tyler rides a mule and dishes hard lessons to those who oppose the law
Petit takes readers on a steady journey of defining a western man by his honor and his action. His stories tend to be HEA but the Epilogue of what happens after the story ends is a reader favorite.
C.J.P. has managed again to give his readers a stand up man who believes in living for his country & nature & believes doing what is right. Cap, short for Casper is an engineer surveyor & had worked for the railroad until they just halted for a few years & was waiting for them to start back. Then, while in Deadwood Cal heard the railroad wasn't starting back in place but 250 miles or so further west & it was in his best interest to hightail it out of there towards that new location.
Erna, a young German farmers wife along with her young son & younger daughter who they had told her & her immigrant husband, an American Citizen as she was born on the boat during the trip over from Germany to America to their new farmland. Erna now realized he was dead from the Indian attack on them; going on, as she & her children huddled in the hole under the kitchen they had heard them walking around on the floor above their head. This was what Cap happened across on his way west.
Cap noticed that the farm had been attacked by Indians, because of the signs around the area & other signs like the company detail of soldiers lying mutilated & dead several hours before this.
Cap checked to see if anyone had lived but their wasn't anyone to see, but he had heard child voices, then as he turned to go he noticed several things, a fresh grave out front, ok, but even more suspicious was the 2 buckets of water. Cap yells out his name & that they were safe plus he had food. Then, the real adventure of his life popped in via 3 blond heads right out of the floor. Cap was determined to go, Erna, said she needed a farmer to farm her farm land & a husband so he can be a Father for her children.
This would seem to be so simple except Erna & her children spoke German with only understanding a tiny bit of English & Cap, spoke English with rudiary German from his childhood since his maternal grandparents were German. This adds confusion to the group of people who are strangers but now need each other. Laughter, love, hard work, compassion, sharing, selfishness, to being cruel all are actions & emotions they go through.
Cap leaves to check on his job but ends up with a job that he didn't expect; so part of reason was he wanted a reason to stay . Recommend
I am, as always, certainly impressed with this compassionately outstanding portrayal of realistically renditions of how our old American West was finally tamed. Mr. Petit is definitely the master when it comes to telling an exceptionally superbly written series of unending exciting heartwarming episodes of never ending descriptive adventures! Great job once again one of the masters of unending adventures!
Definitely another five star masterpiece as Cap Tyler leads us along an exceptionally well written series of outstandingly descriptive rendition of how I often perceived our old American West was finally conquered!Cap's never ending desires to protect the innocent is unsurpassed as he goes above and beyond in his successful attempts to bring justice to those responsible for their wrong doings! Mr. Petit's outstanding descriptive storylines definitely reaches out and grabs his reader's undivided, attention, and never lets go from beginning to end in this compelling western folklore extravaganza! Too, his successful selections of characters were unsurpassed in their commanding assignments throughout this polarizing series of unending exciting, and heartwarming, adventures! Cap finds himself busy rescuing a lady and her two children who steal his heart immediately, but he leaves them, unknowingly, with an abuser, who has his own problems! Really an ongoing saga that Cap has to address, and you will find this compassionately motivated western storytelling masterpiece to be very heartwarming as one compelling story after the other quickly grabs, and maintains your complete and undivided attention! Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated story to all readers, but you western addicted fanatics, as I am, will definitely find yourselves completely mesmerized from beginning to end! Even you non-western enthusiasts will be completely engrossed from beginning to end finding yourselves completely engrossed within the first few pages of this compelling western masterpiece! Great job by an outstanding, and dedicated Author. Do not miss the chance to follow Cap, his Sheriff and their associates as they continuously fulfill their objectives with love and compassion!!!😃
C.J. Petit not only introduces us to the character of Cap who was a surveyor for the railroad before the westward progress had been halted for more than a year. We learn about the difficulties experienced by workers unemployed for a prolonged time. Cap has had experience in battles with the regional Indians and is supported by some and feared by the native Americans. When Cap finds a military regiment slaughtered as well as the deaths of small German farmers. He rescues Erna and her two children and he finds himself attracted to the young widow. We have a glimpse at the hardship of the family as they struggle to survive in a hostile environment. Petit gives us an awareness both of the time, the hardships and the risks of living in that time. Cap accepts a position as a deputy and was solely responsible for eliminating a group of villains who threaten everyone near them. Erna has a very painful experience with a former German neighbor who abandons her and her children. Cap arrives in time to protect them and to take Erna and her children to his new home. There is a sense of the time and a sense of the importance of courage and integrity. The romance between Cap and Erna is gently and compassionate. Recommended reading.
In this story, the hero is facing Indians at war with incoming settlers. This is a first time in all the books from C. J. Petit, at least I think I have read them all, as I await new editions coming monthly. The author does a splendid job of refreshing the context with each of his stories and he may have felt a certain reluctance to do so before... we will see. I believe it is part of that period of history reality, as ugly and hard as it was, C.J. Petit could not go without including this sooner or later.
This time, as in most others, the hero rescues a poor victim female left without resource with hungry children. This time they experience some problems of language, that might have lead to humorous situations but turned out of truly serious consequences. We needed a story! I am a finished fan of CJ Petit's works, although I remain critical to mistakes and errors, although I find descriptions of moves, orientation and geography travels a bit difficult to visualize. I can never wait for the next edition!
This is one of the authors best stories and it doesn’t hurt that it has more romance in it than he normally has. Cap Tyler, ex railroad surveyor, stops the check for survivors of an Indian raid on a homestead when he discovers a mother and 2 small children. He stays the help them and begins to fall in love with them. The widow insists she will stay and keep her farm. He moves on when a neighbor arrives to help her thinking this is what she wants. He later is moved to return check on them and convinces them to let him take then to near by Bismarck. Thus is a neat story with plenty of action and the romance really adds to the flavor of the story. It’s a page turner with a feel good ending.
Nice to have a new CJ Peck book to read. I think I’ve read most of his books and this book follows his style. I’ve wondered why I pursue them so here’s what I’ve come up with. The history revealed is pretty accurate as are the locations/settings. With the use of google maps you can look at the present day location. If the reader is willing to do some digging the plots are laid on a real historical base. In this book the German immigrants, largely women, are very interesting. So too is the fits and starts of rhe Great Northern transcontinental Railway. Don’t sell CJ Peck short.
As I've said before C.J. Petit is a good western writer but when it comes to romance he's not that good. Cap made stupid blunders and was constantly jumping to the wrong conclusions dragging the story out. I'm hoping that Cap hunts down Franz and beats the living tar out of him but instead Franz is captured by the Indians and it doesn't even tell us how he is killed. Not enough action to much romantic miscommunication I'll give it a weak 3.
Another great story from one of the true story teller of our time! I loved the story it's self the bond between that develop between Cap Tyler and the children and there mother is great and made the base of the story ..
It held it altogether as it developed and revealed the rest of the plot ,it's a great read I recommend it to anyone who likes good clean adoration , devotion and respect.
There are many ways in which compassion can be shown or experienced in life. In this story compassion shows up in both rescue and release, although release may still have its own dangers attached. Throughout, this story is more about love and respect and the overarching roles they play in life. When you add in the humor and life lessons this is both a fun and good read.
I have read more than ten novels written by Petit. His main characters don't fall accidentally off their horses and lose weapons or trip over stones or branches and miss shots aimed at the bad guys.. they are usually just as smart or smarter than the bad guys. I love his knowledge and description of weapons used. His characters aren't brutal mindlessly killers but are not afraid to deal swift justice to the lawless killers.
Another fun Petit read. Erna's life was turned upside down when her husband was killed in an Indian raid. They struggled to survive until Cap found them. But the troubles continued because of her German heritage and a evil German man pretending to answer her needs. Cap was more than an average man when facing evil, but could be protect Edna and her children?
A Romeo and Juliet tale of assumptions and misunderstanding between a German immigrant woman and a legendary Indian fighting Anglo. Cap's gallantry is a bit muddled as he hims-and-haws over looking in on the woman he cares so deeply about while she's abused and tormented. Eventually boils down to bitter survival until ... Would like to have seen more dialogue and revelation for Hartmann when he falls prey to the Lakota. Overall and enjoyable story with some good subplots thrown in. PKB
C J Petit writes interesting and very entertaining books. I have read all his books and have enjoyed every one of them. His characters are such interesting folks and his plots catch your attention on the first few pages. I can hardly wait for his next one.
An unusual story of the West but interesting with history of the railroad and immigrants to America. Story was hard to quit reading, wanted to know what will happen next. With a touch of love and romance, very enjoyable to read. Thanks Mr Petit for another enjoyable story. Can't wait for your next book to come out.
I was disappointed in this story. It did not seem to rise up to the normal standards of C J Petit. The hero was painted more as a young man without a good common sense (so it seemed to me). I got tired of reading his conflicting reasons for his so readily accepting a stranger into the lives of those he cared a lot about.
If you are a fan of the novels written by Petit, this novel has everything that you have expected in his books. Indian attacks, strong characters as well as weak ones, action, romance all appear in this book. Strongly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys reading novels about early American western history .
Cap Tyler has led a hard life in the Dakota Territory. Surveying for the Railroad, fighting Indians, and Gambling. He is not prepared for his life to change so dramatically on the day he hears a whimper at a sod home that's been left deserted after an Indian raid.
Good author, This gives a great comparison of what makes a man
Don't leave behind what you love. If you do, don't blame them for what they had to do to survive. Great men are not cowards, lazy, selfish, dirty, or greedy. They are strong, kind, protective, brave, and generous. Highly recommended for all readers.
Allot of the book seems true to the way things used to be women weren't treasured as they should have been. Tough times in the old west but there were also some genuine caring people who looked out for their neighbors All in all good read
All the elements of a really good book are here. The good that hope always brings, the ugly reality of the often trials, yet the never ending reality of people enduring in the old west. True life action that filled the west along with good twist and turns. Another good read by C. J. Petit!
I am so happy to find new western authors! This is a great storyline and really well written! Loved the complex regard to three very different mules and the strange coat that made Cap stand out! Nice to have a good storyline and romance that seems real! Wonderful story!
C.J. Petit, wrote another exciting and heartwarming Western, He has created hero’s who have strength of character and are able to handle the rough and dangerous West . Dangers include hostile Indians attacking new settlers from foreign lands that are not prepared for the trial and tribulations of farming in the sparsely settled areas. A great read.
Admirable good guys/gals and disgusting bad guys are a large part of this books appeal. The inclusion of German and Scandinavian immigrants was an unusual element and the explanation of their presence ( results of Franco-Prussian War) added an interesting historical element.
The main character was frequently very frustrating with his extreme naivety and morals to the nth degree. However about when I had decided to bale out, the author would sew the story together to at least a small extent. Be ready to have your principles and emotions poked and pinched.
Another great read by C. J. Petit with a remarkable storyline with all the action packed thrills an adventures necessary to make a great western. Good guys, bad guys, gun fights and of course a great family to win in the end. So pull on your boots, saddle your horse an get ready to ride!!!
A great story about one mans dedication to the right woman and her family. He overcame her notion of staying with the land no matter what, by staying concerned about her and her family and returning when she left in peril by her neighbor farmer. Story has many twists you will enjoy, and a conclusion you will admire!
The story line is full of twists and turns even when you hope for an outcome you are held to the end. Great writing style easy ready with a wholesome quality. Roll on the next one.
Mr Petit is such a great story terrier. I saw his latest book yesterday and finished this morning. I just couldn't put it down until had to go to bed at midnight! His hero was Cap Tyler and was anotherat example of a good man!
A very nice immigrant story. I also appreciated the inclusion of a bit of the effects that economic downturns had throughout the country. One has to appreciate the hardships that people had in coming to America.