Killing Lincoln
Ratings16
Average rating3.9
15
Ratings16
Average rating3.9
This book is a riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and the first work of history from mega-bestselling author Bill O'Reilly. The anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts one of the most dramatic stories in American history -- how one gunshot changed the country forever. In the spring of 1865, the bloody saga of America's Civil War finally comes to an end after a series of increasingly harrowing battles. President Abraham Lincoln's generous terms for Robert E. Lee's surrender are devised to fulfill Lincoln's dream of healing a divided nation, with the former Confederates allowed to reintegrate into American society. But one man and his band of murderous accomplices, perhaps reaching into the highest ranks of the U.S. government, are not appeased. In the midst of the patriotic celebrations in Washington D.C., John Wilkes Booth -- charismatic ladies' man and impenitent racist -- murders Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre. A furious manhunt ensues and Booth immediately becomes the country's most wanted fugitive. Lafayette C. Baker, a smart but shifty New York detective and former Union spy, unravels the string of clues leading to Booth, while federal forces track his accomplices. The thrilling chase ends in a fiery shootout and a series of court-ordered executions -- including that of the first woman ever executed by the U.S. government, Mary Surratt. Featuring some of history's most remarkable figures, vivid detail, and page-turning action, Killing Lincoln is history that reads like a thriller. - Publisher.
Series
1 released bookBill O'Reilly's Killing Series is a 3-book series first released in 2011 with contributions by Martin Dugard and Bill O'Reilly.
Reviews with the most likes.
Every once in a while, I get a craving to read history. When I do, I prefer a book that tells the history like it's a story, which all history really is. I am very satisfied with my experience with this book about the Lincoln assassination. The factual events of this tragic incident and all the things that lead to it are told in a very readable narrative style.
The thing that stands out most when reading this account of the assassination is the fast pace narration. The reading experience is akin to reading a fictional thriller. The chapters are mostly short and focused and move quickly from one important event to the next. I was never bored with the storytelling.
The book also appears to be well-researched. There are many details about events leading up to the assassination that make the reader feel a part of the action. I particularly enjoyed the detailed timeline of the assassination day.
The only part of the book that is a bit tedious is chapters about the end of the Civil War. The chapters are well-written and detailed, but some of the detail seems a bit unnecessary unless you are a reader that likes to read about battles. I could have done without such detail myself.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and am interested now in reading more in O'Reilly's assassination series.
