Cy Page: Western Union Man

De: C.J. Petit

Narrado por: Michael Alan White

After clearing up an almost comedic issue in Dodge City, Cy received an assignment to go to the town of Granite in New Mexico Territory to investigate a claim of massive overcharging by the telegraphers. It wasn’t a particularly challenging issue, but it would mean a long ride and Cy actually looked forward to it. He was still in a good mood as he rode out of Dodge City and eventually Kansas. He didn’t expect to spend much time in Granite and hoped that his next job would be a little more exciting. He’d had a few that reached that level but doubted that this one would be even difficult. If it was a case of greedy telegraphers, he’d fire them both and then have to stay there until the company sent replacement operators. It would be much simpler if his investigation found no evidence of overcharging, so he could be out of Granite quickly and go on to the next job.

He was as wrong on all counts.

©2020 C.J. Petit (P)2025 C.J. Petit

Dull

Tried a few times to get into this but my mind kept drifting off. Main reason was the reader he just sounds dead to me,flat like if you have a terrible hanger and all your energy has been sucked out of you.

details

as always!! an interesting story. C.J.P. always puts forth entertainment. a good western. with plenty of love, laughter and mystery, including lots of details.

Good Story

I've been enjoying C. J. Petit's stories for the past couple of years and have come to appreciate his old-fashioned Western storytelling. This book, however, left me wondering if it was truly written by Petit. It feels possible that he outlined the story before his passing and someone else completed it. While it features his signature strong characters and unexpected twists, the pacing dragged at times, reminiscent of pre-WWII novels when authors were paid by the word.

One aspect I consistently admire in Petit's work is his portrayal of women. They're smart, honest, and capable: more like the resilient pioneer women who had to navigate every challenge to survive in a rugged world. Ethical dilemmas also play a central role in his narratives, and this story is no exception.

Overall, it's an easy-to-read and engaging tale, even if it doesn't quite match the energy of his earlier works.

I listened to the audiobook version from Audible, which runs fifteen hours and forty-eight minutes. Michael Alan White delivers an excellent narration, bringing the characters and setting to life with skill and nuance.