Captain Henry
Captain Henry: 2 ½ Insurrections, 2 Wars, 1 ¼ Centuries, and a Story of Love
Centuries apart, two American soldiers deploy to war after “mission accomplished.” Based on real Reconstruction-era papers and the author’s own military journals, CAPTAIN HENRY follows the spirit of Catch-22 and MASH, literary fiction written by one who lived the reality of war.
10% of author’s royalties will be donated to The Friends of the Massachusetts National Guard Museum.
Buy your copy of Captain Henry
About the book
In 1870, eighteen-year-old Henry McDonald enlists in the U.S. military and is sent south to the Reconstruction front, where his sharp shooting and sharper mind earn him the title “Private Trouble.” But Henry finds real trouble in rebellious Georgia, where local Ku Kluxers continue to lynch, loot, and terrorize.
In 2006, Lieutenant Sam Musgrave serves her second tour in Baghdad, Iraq. Stuck in a violent, unwinnable war, Sam seeks refuge in letters home to her partner Brighid–but discovery of their relationship could cost Sam her career. Meanwhile, in the dusty archives of Massachusetts, Brighid makes a discovery of her own: one that leads back to Private Trouble himself.
Based on real Reconstruction-era papers and the author’s own military journals,
Frequently Asked Questions
Audiobook?
I.M. Aiken narrates her own writing. The audiobooks are available at all the normal audiobook locations. We strongly urge readers/listeners to support local bookshops and local libraries.
Libro.fm – an audiobook store & player that provides proceeds of sales to your selected bookshop.
Libby.com – a library-based service. Required a library card, but as of fall 2026, has 10K audio titles available on most days. Aiken won’t make a cut per listen, but you will support libraries and that’s good for us all.
Other services includes spotify and audible.
How much?
978-1-963511-802 audiobook $15.70 (Libro.fm, 18SEP2026
978-1-963511-796 epub $10.99
978-1-963511-703 paperback $21.95
What is next?
The 2027 novel is called “The Fundraiser” and will be out in September of 2027.
Are signed copies available?
Aiken hasn’t figured this out yet. But email and we’ll invent a solution for you.
Research
The Mass National Guard Museum proved invaluable to my research of Captain Henry. In saying thanks and supporting a great organization, I am donating 10% of my proceeds to The Friends of the Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Concord MA.
My Promise
You are my reader. You are gold to me. I will never share or sell your information. I will share only short stories and major announcements such as new publications, awards, etc.