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)

Best history documentary I've heard so far.

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

I thought this book was excellent, highly recommended for anyone interested in Civil War history.

Details down to the nitty gritty!

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

If you are anything near a historical buff you need to read this book. The authors present a complete picture, in you mind, and you feel like you are behind the news cameras as it happens.

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

This books deal with the facts. Pure and simple. The authors takes these facts and presents them in a plain and simple style that captures the reader's interest.

Outstanding, Bill did an excelent job of narrating

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

Yes, if you are interested in history, I found out things I never knew before.

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

How they kept Lincoln alive as long as they did.

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

Yes, one of his best.

Outstanding!

After listening to 100's of audiobooks...Killing Lincoln is in the top ten that held my attention! Thank You Mr. O'Reilly & Mr. Dugard!

Killing Lincoln scores a BIG HIT!

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

Yes, because of all the

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lincoln, of course! He was one of our greatest Presidents of all times!

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

He is easy to listen to.

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

Yes

Loved it

The detail surrounding the death of Lincoln had been unknown to me. Bill O did a great job and the story was well known but made new.

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!