The limited series starts off gritty and, while it's a slower build, it seems to keep things interesting combining an early American historical setting with an element of mystery - shady characters, native American lore and a mysterious beast. I personally can't speak to how closely it follows the book but I thoroughly enjoy this genre, historically-based thrillers that build on mystery without turning into a complete fantasy. The program bears a similarity in style at least to The Terror which aired on the History Channel a few years back and was an amazing limited series. If you happened to enjoy that program, you likely enjoy this one as well.