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Book 1: The Heartless Rockies
Out now!
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Book 2: Civil and Refined
Coming Soon!

Check back in October 2026

About the books

Mountain Engineers Series

   I am writing a series of historical novels about the Canadian Pacific Railway's Mountain Division. These are the men who, in the 1880s, built the line west of Calgary through the mountains to the Last Spike at Craigellachie, British Columbia.

 

   They were Canadians, Americans and Europeans in the Mountain Division. Chinese workers were used only in the Pacific Division building the railway east from the future city of Vancouver.

 

   Most of the civil engineers were Scottish and several published memoirs. I have tracked down copies of those old books and used them as valuable resources for many of the adventures.

Robert Cameron Rose

What readers are saying

Wonderfully written and engaging with characters brought to life at critical moments in our Canadian history. Much to learn, much to reflect on and much to enjoy in this book.

Lynn

July 16, 2026

This is not my normal type of reading and I’d never have expected to become invested in a story covering the history and establishment of the railways in Canada. It’s not even my own country. It didn’t take long to become familiar with the mostly male characters and assign my loyalty to the more ambitious and innovative plus my derision to the less nobly inclined devious ones. I especially liked the way the nature and energies of the younger chaps were woven through the tale. The picture of the rail side camps and working conditions were painted clear as day. The reader is left in no doubt regarding the scale, ingenuity and adversity of the project at the centre of the book and I was 100% turning the pages fast and egging the characters on, to know the outcome. History has become less dry and more significant in this telling

Elaine

July 14, 2026

Great story and relatable characters and situations. Easy to read and keeps you well and truly interested until the last page. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

Melissa

June 22, 2026

A ripping yarn, written in a fast paced, exciting style. Every page had compelling action, and the descriptive prose about people and places was very realistic. The expertise and skills demonstrated an excellent understanding of the historical subject matter. It was hard to put the book down, I’m looking forward to part 2 already!

Henry

June 14, 2026

History is NOT dry. Robert brings history alive with all the crazy nuances of the building of the Railway from Calgary to Field. Actually a page turner. Can't wait for the next installment.

Chip

April 20, 2026

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© 2026 by Robert Cameron Rose

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