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)

Great read , Naration by O'Reily is excellent

Naration by Bill O'Reily is the best. I know there is inacuracies in some of the details. But extremly entertaning.

Reads like a thriller

Would you listen to Killing Lincoln again? Why?

Very enjoyable and informative. I just wish Bill would pronounce cavalry as

The history they did not teach

This is a fantastic breakdown of what I wish they would teach to our youth. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history, facts, and a good story line.

It was a side of the event I was not aware of.

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

I loved the back stories that are not always brought to light in reading typical historial books.

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

There were many memorable images in the book. The events that came into play prior to the assaination. How Boothe was surprised by the reaction after the assaination. And how it all played out for those that were involved.

What does Bill O'Reilly bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The way Mr O'Reilly emphasised events in the story, brought to light later in the book their ultimate impact.

Any additional comments?

Loved the book! I encouraged my family to read it. There were so many things I wasn't aware of, it brought history to light in human terms.

Pleasantly surprised.

Would you listen to Killing Lincoln again? Why?

I do not read books a second time. So, no I wouldn't.

Any additional comments?

This book is excellently written and read. I enjoyed the format that Mr. O'Reilly used. He chose to write this book as a mystery. I learned a lot.

Tremendous! Can't believe I waited this long.

O'Reilly won't get the full credit for how good this book is because a portion of America is too backward to give one of his books a chance. Their mistake!

Good history intertwined with riveting, edge of seat drama. It's like watching the movie Titanic. You know what's coming, but the story still keeps you on your seat.

The info shared on Grant's pursuit of Lee was information I knew...and had read about a number of times in my life, but the pace and the manner O'Reilly puts this together is marvelous.

I can tell he was a great history teacher. Well done, sir!!

I've listened to this twice!

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

The factual recount of the events leading up to and the actual event of Pres. Lincoln's death.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lincoln; he was so humble yet strong as President

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

always like Bill's performance but I could tell he really got into this one!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

not really

A renewed interest In history

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

The way history was made so real

Who was your favorite character and why?

All we're presented with their strengths and failings, Booth is even charming.

Which scene was your favorite?

The night Lincoln was shot is vivid

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

Yes,. Also repeat listenings, get something new each time.

Amazing

This was an amazing book. One of the best Audible books in my collection. I have recommended it personally to a number of friends of mine. I live near Lincoln's birthplace so there is "Lincoln" everything in this area; roads, banks, parks, festivals, etc., so there is a regional interest in Lincoln.

I like Bill O'Reilly but I was hesitant to listen to a book narrated by him. I thought I would get annoyed listening to him for an entire book, but I was wrong. He does a fantastic job as a narrator. Such a good job that I downloaded his book "Killing Kennedy."

This book is such a great narrative of the last days of the Civil War and what the emotion of the country was at that contentious time. He did a great job of putting you in the mindset of Booth and his true hate of Lincoln and Booth's deep to the core narcissism.

Highly recommended.

Great book!

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

I Loved the presentation of historical facts! I learned the background of the story that I did not know about!

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

I wish it had been possible!