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)

Historical account written as a detective account.

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

The story is relevant and interesting and it is part of the American heritage/experience we all are part of.

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

Yes!

Great Book

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

I couldn't answer this question because I didn't read the print verson.

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

I couldn't compare this book to another, it is unique in its own version.

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

I have not listened to other Bill O'Reilly performances before. I have read the reviews of others and a lot of people criticized Bill O'Reilly's performance, however, I think he did a great job. I have listened to many other audiobooks and some narrators can be bland, but O'Reilly really did a good job.

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

I didn't have an extreme reaction, but the book and the narration had me coming back for me. At the end of the book, I believed that the story was well done and I commend the narration.

Any additional comments?

This is my first time really learning about the history of this conspiracy so I was really drawn to the story. This might be different from someone who has more knowledge in the area, but I thought that story was well done.

Great perspective

This book definitely met expectations the author was well spoken and clear. I would recommend this book for all to read.

Great book .

it took me a little longer to finish than expected but it was a real enjoyable book

Fascinating!

I was amazed how much dedicated research went into the story of the life and death of Abraham Lincoln. I also appreciated the fact that so much of the story involves the Civil War and how the war intertwined with life and death of the president. it was hard to pull away from the book while reading.
I'm surprised at some of the negative comments made in regards to Bill O'Reilly's narration of the story. I thought that his narration was superb and I had no problem understanding what was being said and I hardly agree with any of the comments made by some listeners regarding the mispronunciation of certain words. it seems quite trivial to judge a book based on a few mispronounced words. Bill O'Reilly does narrate at a quick pace and I have found that listening to the story is a little easier with the option that audible provides to slow down the audio . I listened to the story at 80%

Good

I loved this book, it wasn't the longest or most indepth book on the subject I have ever read but it was very enjoyable. He is not a full-time historian and I would bet money that he has just as many if not fewer substantial errors then *most* books written by prominent "real" historians. And to the people who say it was bad because O'Reilly narrated it I disagree, IF Bill was trying to be a professional audiobook narrator I would totally agreed with you and would have taken some stars off for minor idiosyncracies. Except he is the author, he is reading his own book from his own mouth and is not attempting to be a "professional" narrator.

Fascinating look into history.

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

I do recommend this fascinating look into our history. It is a thorough examination of the background leading up to the Lincoln assassination as well as the subsequent events. I learned that much of what I thought I knew about this tragedy, especially the aftermath, was just plain wrong, or at least incomplete.

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

I've not heard Mr. O'Reilly read before. He did a credible job reading this type of docudrama. I would be fine with him reading this type of book in the future.

Keeping the conspiracy alive!

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

A Must Read!

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character in the book was John Wilks Booth. I did not know much about him other than being the one who shot Lincoln. From being an actor to creating such a plot to assassinate Lincoln was captivating.

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

Nothing better than having Bill O'Reilly be the story teller of his own book. It was wonderful!

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

The last 12 days of Lincoln.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed hearing a well written book. Very happy it was on Audible, I spend lots of time in the car. Drove a few extra miles to finish a chapter!

Good Story Needs a Different Reader

The details of the story behind Lincoln's assasination are fascinating, but it was made less compelling by Mr. O'Reilly's reading of his book. He read it as if he was setting up a news program or an expose, not in the voice of a good storyteller.

review of book

I liked it as I never knew the details of the assassination before. Very tragic story. The narrator is excellent.