Killing Lincoln

The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever

By: Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard

Narrated by: Bill O'Reilly

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

A riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and the first work of history from mega best-selling author Bill O'Reilly.

The iconic 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, DC, 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 pause-resisting action, Killing Lincoln is history that comes across like a thriller.

©2011 Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"As a history major, I wish my required reading had been as well written as this truly vivid and emotionally engaging account of Lincoln's assassination. And as a former combat infantry officer, I found myself running for cover at the Civil War battle scenes. This is the story of an American tragedy that changed the course of history. If you think you know this story, you don't until you’ve read Killing Lincoln. Add historian to Bill O’Reilly’s already impressive résumé." (Nelson DeMille, author of The Lion and The Gold Coast)

"[ Killing Lincoln] is nonfiction, albeit told in white-knuckled, John Grisham-like style." ( New York Post)

"If Grisham wrote a novel about April 1865…it might well read like Killing Lincoln." (Peter J. Boyer, Newsweek)

Get past the author???

What made the experience of listening to Killing Lincoln the most enjoyable?

What made listening to this most enjoyable?

Well it definitely wasn't the review I read on the front page of Audible.com.

The narration by the author is what makes this book that much more enjoyable! Unfortunately, some offensive commentator wrote on the front page a review saying we need to

Learned much, mispronunciations irritated

Daryl is a student of the Civil War, but I, his wife, am not. I found the historical information presented in a very compelling manner. The reader needs to learn how to pronounce CAVALRY. Calvery is a place. When a word is used multiple times, wrong pronunciations are a huge irritant for the attentive listener.

The braveness of President Lincoln.

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

I like the fact that the book was broken into Parts and Chapters - almost like Acts and Scenes of a Play. Perhaps Bill meant it to be this way, I don't know. But it is ironic because the book climaxes at the Play President Lincoln is attending.

What about Bill O'Reilly???s performance did you like?

I love details. Mr. O does a fabulous job on giving you the details that make you feel like you are there. History? --- C'mon --- it can be dull, duller and dullest; but this is not any of those. I thought the book was exceptionally well read. Bravo, Bill -- you brought important history to life for me.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I found many moments that required much reflection: The inner thoughts of Booth and what provoked him to do what he did; the hard life that Mary Lincoln had; how the North and the South felt about the end of the war; the dreams that Lincoln had previously that foresaw his murder.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to more like this.

History I didnt know

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

A great look into the killing of Lincoln
the stories and details surrounding that fateful day was spellbinding

Bill O Reilly's reading of the book kept me on the edge of my seat


Just excellent

Putting History in Perspective

Would you listen to Killing Lincoln again? Why?

I've always known the story of the assasination of Lincoln but this book opened my understanding of the times, events ane people surrounding that amazing time in our country's history.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved that the book did not try to convict or acquit different persons who were somehow attached to the LIncoln assasination but allowed the reader to make that judgement by having all the facts currently available laid out. Even pieces of history that are questionable or unclear were laid out for the reader to sort and ponder.

Have you listened to any of Bill O'Reilly’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to a Bill O'Reilly performance before so I cannot compare but I was definitely not disappointed with this one and would listen to a book of his again.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

We listened to this book on a long trip and everyone always wanted it back on after we were done with our pitstops along the way.

Any additional comments?

I love that this book allows me to understand not only the event but the history surrounding the event. The seemingly small things that happen can make such a tremendous difference in our lives. Good to remember.

The Lincoln Story / Novel

This was a great book if you have not read many of the other Lincoln books. "Blood on the Moon" & "Manhunt" were both also well done. The means of telling the story in a novel type context made this audio-book enjoyable. I always enjoy hearing the author of the book reading the book. No president, and few other people have had as much written about themselves as Lincoln. New information is hard to find. This account was very well done. I would recommend it.

Great read

I enjoyed this historical narrative by Bill O'Reilly. It reads like a novel... only true. I like the historical context of the last battles of the civil war.

A great story, well told

My husband and I listened to this book during a road trip and loved it! The book is divided into four parts. The first describes the end of the Civil War and sets the stage for the sentiment around Lincoln's assassination. The middle of the book describes the plot against Lincoln and his movements leading up to the fateful evening. The story of what happened after the actual shooting is something I had not heard before. And the last part describes the chase to capture and bring to justice the conspirators.

The story reads like a suspense thriller rather than a history lesson, and yet I learned a lot about this traumatic period of American history. Bill O’Reilly tells the story without judgment against the union or the confederacy. He does a great job with the narration, too, despite some jarring, repeated mispronunciations that surprised us (hence the 4 stars on performance... otherwise it would have been 5). But I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys not just history, but also suspense thrillers and detective stories. Great job, Mr. O’Reilly!

Love Abe, not so Bill O'Reilly

Where does Killing Lincoln rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top third

Any additional comments?

The book is good but Bill O'Reilly is such a strong character that his voice overshadows the story.

Wow!! What a story!!!!

Where does Killing Lincoln rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Way up on top! Such research - putting all the happenings of the time into a great story of what was going on at any given time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Killing Lincoln?

Learning about the other plots at the same time.

Which character – as performed by Bill O'Reilly – was your favorite?

He didn't do character. Just told the story. So, I guess he was my favorite.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but don't have that kind of time. Sat in the car listening a lot.