Steven Merrill Ulmen

Deadwood Days Steven Merrill Ulmen

"Deadwood Days" ends the Toby Ryker trilogy of historical fiction. Ryker and the David Stewart family sell their ranch in Wyoming and relocate to Deadwood, Dakota Territory, the famous gold camp and former residence of Wild Bill Hickok, now deceased. David and Matthew Stewart, father and son, take over the operation of Ryker's Potato Creek Mine which he has generously left to them in his will, since he has no family of his own. Ida Mae Stewart, David's wife, decides to establish a home school for the benefit of Deadwood's young. Their two youngest children, Laura and Pauly, neither of whom is of age, come along for the ride. Ryker, who suffers from heart failure, goes about the task of clearing his name with the law before he goes belly-up. Ryker has a warrant against him for shooting the murderer of his wife and child many years ago. Dying with a bad ticker is bad enough, but also dying as a wanted man really sticks in his craw. Throughout the story, Ryker and the Stewarts have many adventures. Issues such as capital punishment by hanging, holdups, shootouts, and the devestating effects of the plague, all part of living on the early frontier, are explored. This character-driven novel features the citizens of early Deadwood, both historical and fictional, and is enjoyable reading for all age groups. The style is one of warmth and humor and people just being themselves, much like the Little House on the Prairie books.