This book investigates the life and eventual destruction of a singular, highly intelligent wolf that terrorized the Custer region of South Dakota in the early 20th century. Roger A. Caras, a noted naturalist and author, utilizes historical records, government bounty reports, and regional folklore to reconstruct the life of this elusive predator. The narrative examines the conflict between human expansion and the apex predators of the American frontier, framing the wolf as a symbol of untamable wilderness.

Experts and readers frequently note the book's ability to blend historical fact with a narrative style that captures the harsh reality of the frontier. It is widely regarded as a significant contribution to the literature of human-animal conflict in the American West.