A simple promise to his friend’s wife… An overwhelming urge to keep his younger brother from danger… An inkling that this War Between the States would not be the brief affair that most expected… James Lockett thought that he understood what he was getting into. He could not have been more wrong. From bushwhackers in Missouri to the tardy realization that there was an enemy wearing his own uniform, James Lockett encounters far more than expected. But nothing could have prepared him for the immense destruction of Shiloh and the life-altering decision made in the flash of a second. And so begins James Lockett’s Civil War journey. LOCKETT'S INNOCENCE: "Lockett's Innocence provides a hard-hitting "you are here" feel to the Civil War experience that will prove an enlightening draw for present-day readers whether they are history buffs or not." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review "Johnston has created a page turner... Lockett's Innocence by TJ Johnston is a fresh and original take. The author's skill at describing the reality of war and the humanity of soldiers elevates this Civil War narrative into a memorable rendition. It would be easy for any author to reach for the usual themes, Johnston does much more, creating nuanced characters, fascinating technology, and powerful scenes of military action." - The Historical Fiction Company, 2025 Historical Fiction contest review "Compelling with engaging twists... drawing readers into the action with thorough research and gripping storytelling... authentic and dynamic... Whether you are seeking entertainment, insight, or meaningful analysis, this book excels in all areas. Students and aficionados of the American Civil War—as well as anyone curious about the era—will find Johnston's James Lockett Novels: Volume One to be an enriching read." - Louisville Civil War Round Table "His characters are engaging and accurate to their time and place... For either a general reader of 19th Century Civil War literature or a 'buff', this book will be an enjoyable experience. I am looking forward to the next three books in the series." - Rosemary Nichols, Capital District (Albany) Civil War Round Table ABOUT THE SERIES: "Remarkably accurate descriptions of how soldiers lived and fought... descriptions of combat set this series apart... One does not need to be a Civil War scholar to appreciate Johnston's work.... a thriller... readers will learn quite a lot about how the American Civil War was fought and enjoy doing it." - Baton Rouge Civil War Round Table "Fast-paced." - Indianapolis Civil War Round Table "...truly immersive, and the pages practically turn themselves as you can't help but read one more chapter... It is clear that many hours of work have gone into the research, for it has been detailed very clearly and the battle itself is so tangible you can almost feel the cold seeping into your bones from the near constant rain and taste the smoke in the air...Lockett is a character I couldn't help but fall in love with... To create characters you can't help but love, such as Charlie, Lockett, and Anna, and to also pen characters you loathe is admirable, and the author has clearly displayed such a skill in this novel." - The Historical Fiction Company (2023 Historical Fiction Contest awardee - Highly Recommended Award of Excellence, Lockett and the Devil's Path) "Johnston has done his scholarly homework and Civil War buffs will appreciate these authentic details that are interwoven... with poignant plots and subplots, vivid descriptions of his characters, colorful dialogue, and moral and ethical struggles. While a work of historical fiction, readers will learn much about the military campaign fought in Tennessee during the Civil War and how it was orchestrated. Mr. Johnston's characters, mixed with actual figures from that period, create an authentic and entertaining read." - The Epoch Times "... research into the events around which the story took place was well done... a believable character... He's someone who makes moral decisions because it is the right thing to do. Yet, they all come with a price. I found myself hoping for Lockett as each new situation developed." - Fredricksburg Civil War Round Table "Excels at juxtaposing military encounters and action with matters of the heart and challenges to moral and ethical beliefs." -The Midwest Book Review