Deadwood doesn't rely on the usual stereotypical western tropes. You won't find main street duels, stampedes, or bounty hunters, although there are quite a few prostitutes. Deadwood does tell a down-to-earth story about a man living in pre-industrial America who happens to be friends with the most famous western hero, Wild Bill Hickock. This book is not about Wild Bill Hickock though, it's about Charley Utter. Charley is a successful business-man who accompanies Wild Bill in the twilight of his fame and as they settle into the untamed town of Deadwood they meet a host of memorable characters.