Robert Hilliard, author of In Freedom's Shadow, will discuss his writing and research methods that he used to recreate Civil War-era Richmond on the page. In Freedom’s Shadow is based on the true story of John Scobell. Scobell was enslaved in Mississippi prior to the Civil War, then made his way to freedom in the North only to be recruited as a Union spy. Published in November 2023, In Freedom's Shadow won a 2024 International Firebird Book Award for African American Fiction, a Spring 2024 PenCraft Award as a Best Book for Historical Fiction, and a 2024 Readers’ Favorite Bronze Award.

About the Author

Award-winning author Robert Hilliard has written on sports, history, and the outdoors for over three decades. Rob worked as a freelance reporter for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and wrote for other outlets such as Upland Almanac, Pennsylvania Wildlife, and Pittsburgh History Magazine.

Praise for In Freedom's Shadow

Author Robert Hilliard has crafted an intricate and compelling tale that weaves together historical accuracy and narrative tension, bringing to life the heroic true story of a man caught between two worlds. The novel delves deep into themes of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for freedom, offering readers a poignant exploration of one individual's journey amidst the tumult of war and injustice.
- Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

A well-written historical novel, which skillfully blends adventures during the early portion of the Civil War with a sound knowledge of the old city of Richmond, the capitol of the Confederacy. In Freedom's Shadow has all the elements of a spy adventure. Scobell is the hero of the novel as he seeks a secret cipher system used by the Confederacy. The body of the book grows with aspects of tradecraft and suspense as the story unfolds. This is a good historical novel and well worth reading.
- Kenneth Daigler, CIA Operations Officer (Retired)/Author

Hilliard masterfully blends a thrilling espionage story with well-researched historical details, transporting the reader to a time and place where life-threatening decisions lurk around every corner for John Scobell, a former slave turned Union spy whose mission sends him behind Confederate lines. In Freedom's Shadow is a reminder of the heroes whose names and deeds have been lost in the fog of history.
- Dan LeFebvre, Host of Based on a True Story podcast