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)

Bill O'Reilly is no narrator.

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

The facts of this book were interesting and enough to keep me listening. However, unlike other great narrators with Audible like George Guidal, Davina Porter, etc., Bill O'Reilly lacks the ability to deliver.

I loved the historical accuracy of the book and the way it educated while telling an interesting story.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I already spoke to the narration of Bill O'Reilly. In short, I wouldn't buy an audible book narrated by him again. It doesn't sound like a story but like a news event.

Killing Lincoln is a great read.

This book does a marvelous job of painting the picture that is missed by so many others. Enjoyable, well written and Bill does a nice job on the narration as well.

Dramatist of the Dramatic

The history of the murder of President Lincoln is dramatic without the the author's writing of it in an inflated dramatic fashion. It's an enjoyable telling of the awful story.

An amazing story about one of our nation’s best presidents.

I liked all the details about Lincoln’s death.
I did not know anything about his death except that he was shot in a theater.

I thought I knew the story...

Masterful storytelling, the facts contrasting the tale I learned in grade school! I thought all the co-conspirators lost their nerve, and that blood letting had killed Lincoln, who might well have survived. Highly recommended!

Maybe

Too much detail of many people’s thoughts when no one knows what they were thinking

It's a thriller through and through

The story is of course one of the most thrilling in the history of the United States.

But what makes this recording special is Bill O'Reilly's narration.

Reading the book on your own will not do this story justice. You must listen to his narration.

Real-life Thriller

Fast paced, true, story about courage and the will to do something great. The narration was excellent, and the story superb. Definitely worth your time!

History buff absolutely recommends Killing Lincoln

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

Yes and I have. For history fans it is seldom we get an accurate book that reads like a novel. There are some points of conjecture, rather than detract, they make the book better.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Not applicable, rather, the character development of the historical figures was extremely well done. I learned something about each of them I did not know before.

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

Whenever the author reads his/her own book they provide emphasis where they intended it; if you will, O'Reilly adds depth to the book.

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

You thought you knew John Wilkes Booth?

Any additional comments?

Audible should figure out how to make the pictures from texts and non-fiction available to its listeners.

A great history lesson!

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

My first audible book

Who was your favorite character and why?

the whole conspiracy group

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

His ability to emphasize with emotion and yet narrate the truth

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

no, just very interested in the history and bringing the characters to life

Any additional comments?

Teach me more history Bill!