A Righteous Hanging

Set against the brutal upheaval of the Civil War South, A Righteous Hanging is a historical novel of loss, resilience, and redemption. When young Tommy Johnson loses his father at the Battle of Shiloh and soon after suffers the destruction of his home and family, he is left alone in a world torn apart by violence and vengeance. Rescued by the wise and fiercely compassionate Maud Taylor, Tommy begins a long journey of healing in a small mountain community struggling to survive war, disease, and deep divisions. As Tommy grows, he finds unexpected family among Maud, Reverend Lafarlett, and Naomi, a Cherokee girl whose own people have endured displacement and hardship. Together they learn, labor, and confront the changing world around them. But the scars of war run deep, and old hatreds refuse to die quietly. When past crimes resurface and justice demands a reckoning, Tommy must decide what kind of man he will become. Rich with frontier detail, faith, folklore, and the hard truths of American history, A Righteous Hanging blends adventure, mystery, and emotional depth into an unforgettable story. Inspired by generations of family genealogy and regional history, Bernard Lee Hardin’s novel brings to life the courage of ordinary people facing extraordinary times. For readers who enjoy historical fiction filled with heart, moral conflict, and richly drawn characters, A Righteous Hanging offers a powerful journey through one of America’s most turbulent eras.