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)

Fast and wonderful story

This was a great story about one the very best Presidents. It goes very quickly. At times, Bill tells it as though he is trying to getting everything on TV. Quickly. Still, this is an outstanding book and well done. Performance. Shouldn't have been 4 3/4 stars.

A must {listen to} book.

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

History with significance!

What did you like best about this story?

One of the things I liked best about the story was the day by day then hour by hour account of Lincoln's last two weeks.

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

This was my first audio book by Mr. O'Reilly.

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

Yes.

Any additional comments?

The attention to detail, and overall desire to tell this sad story with accuracy, was refreshing.

Loved the book and the audible version

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

Being read by O'Reilly

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

The detail in which the personal details of each character came out.

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

His love and admiration for president Lincoln

Any additional comments?

I loved the details brought out in the book and really enjoyed O'Reilly reading the book himself.

Outstanding Read!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Killing Lincoln to be better than the print version?

It was a fast paced history of the entire plot to kill Lincoln which might not transfer to print as well as in Audio format. Audio made it more intense in my opinion.

What did you like best about this story?

The details of the plot and the involvement of so many others in the attempt to remove the Union/US Governemt leadership.

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

One other, it was a good but this was much better.

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

I believe the death scene of John Wilkes Booth moved me. I never knew that so many people were in pursuit of him.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this to anyone with historical interests in the Civil War or the life of Abraham Lincoln.

Total and complete spellbinding listening

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

Enthralling, captivating and forgettable.

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

Breakdown of April 14, 1865, the day the Secretary of State was assaulted, the Vice President was stalked and Lincoln shot.

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

He is a fantastic narrator.

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

Too many moments to count.

Any additional comments?

An awesome listening experience. We couldn't stop listening to the story. After our traveling was done and we were home we came into the house and kept listening to it.

Good story, but . . .

Any additional comments?

It was a good story and was well written. What I can't understand is why Bill, who read it and is a Harvard-educated man, constantly read the word "calvary" when the word was clearly "cavalry." Big difference there! Is that something he learned at Harvard?

best work on Lincoln's assassination by far...

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

O'Reilly's narration was spot on

What did you like best about this story?

The detail on the assassination is far beyond anything I've ever read about it.

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

no

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

more than you ever wanted to know

A page turning 2 week story

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

Detailed Explanation of the last 2 weeks of Lincoln's life. It was also interesting to learn about John Wilkes Booth. I enjoyed the behind the scenes story of all that was happening in DC during these 2 weeks as the Civil War came to an end. I was surprised that those who were close to Lincoln warned him of the threats against his life. If only...yes, if only the assassination didn't happen.

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

I actually listened on 2X speed so O'Reilly spoke fast. It was read well. Obviously, he put a personal twist on the reading.

Any additional comments?

My brother told me to read this. He said 'it's a page turner...and unexpected in it's riveting story line." I was surprised how captivating the story actually was.

Great Book

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

Made it feel, as if I was right there with Lincoln seeing him struggle with his decisions.

What did you like best about this story?

That President Lincoln stood by his convictions instead of playing politics.

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

All.

Any additional comments?

I bought the book also. I wanted the narration to go along with the printed words. I felt it made the experience very enjoyable.

Just fantastic!

It felt like I was actually there following the characters. I highly recommend Killing Lincoln.