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)

I Learned A Lot

Before listening to this book, I just knew the names of the folks involved. This narrative made events come to life once more so I have a much fuller appreciation of events and more importantly, their meaning and impact on our nations history.

Extremely informative and captivating!

If you could sum up Killing Lincoln in three words, what would they be?

Enlightening, suspenseful, emotional.

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

Probably the attempt to save his life by the young doctor.

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

I'm an artist, I can not work with my hands and physically read a book at the same time.

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

It's like the Titanic. You already know the ending, but, now you know "the rest of the story".... Or do you?!

Any additional comments?

I listen to O'Reilly frequently on TV. He's a great speaker, and story teller. And a great author!

Loved Killing Lincoln!!! Informative. Exciting.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes.

I especially liked way the book was written; the mix of history with story telling. It was like a history book meets a novel. If all hisrtory books were written in this format, I might have actually paid attention in history class and retained the information.

I can't wait for Bill O'Reilly's next book.

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

The buildup to the actual assassination of Lincoln; it was very riveting. I also enjoyed finding out the relationship between Lincoln and the First Lady.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Bill O'Reilly?

I love Bill O'Reillly, but the narration was a little dry. I think it would be more exciting, as the book is very exciting, if narrated by someone with a little more enthusiasm. It didn't exactly take awway from the story, it just made it a little less dramatic.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Killing Lincoln: The final stage call.

Any additional comments?

It would make a great movie.

Well organized and researched

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

The book was very well researched including a lot of background.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lincoln was my favorite character who does what he feels is best for the nation though he knows there are those who would like to end his life.

Which scene was your favorite?

I could not come up with a favorite scene.

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

Yes.

History Comes Alive

Although we have all learned about the life and death of Lincoln this telling of those last few days and the days after the death of Lincoln shed a new light on the man and his life and death for a country he loved. Lincoln was and always will be a GREAT man in the history of our country and this book sheds a new light on that very fact. Great job and I especially liked Bill O'Reilly reading his own book.

More O'Reilly History Books Please!

If you could sum up Killing Lincoln in three words, what would they be?

The only thing better than reading Killing Lincoln is listening to O'Reilly read. it. Well organized, detailed yet tightly written, Killing Lincoln is a great listen that demonstrates O'Reilly's days as a history teacher served him well..Looking forward to Killing Kennedy and hopefully more O'Reilly History in the years to come.

What other book might you compare Killing Lincoln to and why?

While works by Shelby Foote remain as definitive Civil War era material, Killing Lincoln is a well written work on the final weeks of Lincoln's life.

One of my favorite books.

Hands-down this is one of the best books I have ever read. I am a huge historical reader and this book was quite a page turner. I love this series.

My First Audio Book Was A Great One!

If you could sum up Killing Lincoln in three words, what would they be?

Like being there.

What other book might you compare Killing Lincoln to and why?

Can't think of one.

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

Credibility and believability.

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

The actual killing of President Lincoln. I could actually envision the terrible act as if I were there in the theater.

Any additional comments?

Want more audio books after this one.

loved it

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

listened to it with my husband on a car trip---it was very enjoyable.

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

good history lesson

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

yes

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

nothing

Any additional comments?

no

Excellent Account of Lincoln's Last Days

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

The detailed descriptions of the era, the politics, the battles, the characters. Very well done.

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

There were several but one that sticks is the image of Lincoln lying on the floor of Ford's Theater being attended to by the young physician taking the lead over his more experienced colleagues.

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

Bill's news media background added an element of the events around Lincoln at his death being reported as they would be today.

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

The book had both amusing and sad parts. Mary Lincoln was a particularly tragic figure, especially when their son was killed at such a young age. The rage on the part of Booth and the band of radicals with which he associated reminds one that dealing with extreme radicals is not isolated to the current day.

Any additional comments?

A great listen that I will listen to again.