For its stellar website, the Shepherd Group asks authors for insights about their recent books. For my historical thriller, REBEL FALLS, I came up with a list of works that go beyond generals and battles when it comes to the Civil War. Several of these titles -- THE NORTH STAR, A WORLD ON FIRE, and THE WAR BEFORE THE WAR -- helped me with researching my latest. Here's the complete list of great books that go above and beyond when it comes to understanding that epic conflict.