Historical3 chapters · next chapter due soon
Start reading →The Pukelands are a place where a bad day can turn stomach-churning in a hurry. Plague-bearing cowboys bring grotesque nightmares to ordinary citizens, and the frontier offers little comfort to anyone caught in their path. Against this revolting trouble rides an unlikely would-be savior: the Man With No Phlegm, accompanied by Bulbous Bob, a horse with opinions and a talent for wisecracks. Together they set out to save the world—or at least to do something about the mess. Whether their efforts bring relief or make everything considerably worse is anyone’s guess. A historical-flavored romp through a foul, absurd frontier, Pukelands pairs outsized peril with gleefully gross comedy and a hero whose mission may be less reliable than his name suggests.
The Man With No Phlegm
He meets trouble with stubborn resolve and a practical eye, though his confidence can outrun his judgment. He speaks plainly and tends to focus on what needs doing next.
A would-be hero riding into the Pukelands’ troubles, known by the title The Man With No Phlegm. He has set out to save the world, though the outcome of his efforts is uncertain.
Bulbous Bob
A wisecracking horse who watches people closely and answers peril with wry commentary. He is more willing than his rider to point out when a plan seems foolish.
The Man With No Phlegm’s horse and traveling companion. Bob can talk, and he brings his own opinions to their uncertain attempt at heroism.
Mrs. Noll
Practical and protective, she gives direct orders and measures danger by what it could do to her daughter and the town.
The keeper of the frontier stop at Tallow Creek and mother of Kit.
Hobb
Worn down and blunt; he conserves his words and focuses on immediate needs.
A cowboy who left a camp and rode into Tallow Creek in a visibly ill state.
Kit
A young girl who watches closely and answers fear with stubborn silence.
Mrs. Noll’s daughter, living with her at the Tallow Creek stop.
Rusk
A hard, possessive man who gives orders plainly and treats debts as matters of authority; he watches for weakness and expects people to yield when he names a consequence.
Foreman of Hobb’s camp, where he controlled the payroll and left Hobb chained in a ditch after Hobb fell sick. He claims Hobb stole the camp payroll and assaulted him during his escape.
Pell
Guarded and self-preserving; he answers direct questions when cornered, but weighs every admission against what it might cost him.
A rider from Rusk's camp who was owed six dollars in wages and saw Rusk leave Hobb chained in a ditch.
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