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" hits a home run

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

Enlightening

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mr. Lincoln

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

The tone of disgust conveyed when he reads about Lincoln's bodyguard, John Frederick Parker.

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

None

Riveting!

This audio book takes you there, to 1865, and you do not want it to end - partly because you somehow do not want Lincoln to die because O'Reilly makes him come alive. An absolutely wonderful experience to hear this book so expertly read!

Excellent Overview of Lincoln's Final Days

As a certified High School Social Studies teacher I found this thoroughly satisfying. If I were still teaching History I would use this book in my class.

Great Book!

Very informative! One of Orielly's best books yet. He reads a little to fast so it is hard to comtemplate and meditate on what he is saying. Probably because he is use to the time constraints of a TV show and that he is a New Yorker!

What a Story—Even If You Know the Ending!

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

It's funny, listening to this audiobook and KNOWING the story was an odd experience. The way the book is structured is perfect for understanding the parallel stories going on during the plot to capture, then kill Lincoln.

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

I never knew that Booth was such a "superstar" of his time. Knowing that, and how well he knew the people of the area, and how close he came to Lincoln and Grant and all the coincidences in the story was astounding.

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

This is the story you never knew.

Killing Lincoln is a Great Listen!

I enjoyed this audiobook immensely! I was captivated and couldn't wait to listen to the next chapter to find out what happened next. A great piece of history wonderfully revealed and narrated by Bill O'Reilly who kept me wanting more.

History comes alive.

Would you listen to Killing Lincoln again? Why?

Yes, it is very educational and quite exciting. Once you get started you can't put it down.

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

The vivid accounts of the bloody battles, like the one described as the bloodiest, most lives lost just across the bridge before the entry to the Carolinas. When you hear what those men endured, no food, no sleep or proper shoes and clothing it is amazing that they would keep on fighting. We really have a lot to be grateful for.

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

No I haven't.

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

A story of intrigue, and courage.

Bill O’Reilly as narrator.

While I am not suggesting that you avoid this book because of Bill O’Reilly‘s performance, I would like to hasten to say that he should never narrate any of his books again. There was a mistake in almost every paragraph. And he can’t pronounce the word cavalry properly. But the content of the book is excellent.

Was never an Oreilly fan but this if fantastic

Great listen. Informative. Entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will consider the rest of the Killing Titles

Excellent as expected but...

I love the whole series but, Bill - please read Cavelry - NOT CALVERY (two completely different items). Definitely not a deal breaker, however. Bill O'Reilly is a wonderful historian that brings these events to life and, except for that one word, well narrated.