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)

Fantastic

Amazing account of the events. I Learned a lot. Bill tells the story very well.

Great book!

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

Best book so far.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lincoln

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

Does not compare. This is the best story I have ever read.

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

A compelling story.

Lives up to the hype!

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

Interesting details.

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

The chaos after the assasination.

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

Good, steady, professional!

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

You could, but it breaks up well when you need to.

Any additional comments?

Get it!

Wish it was longer!!!!!!!!!

Great Book!! If history class was this interesting I would've paid more attenetion. Only issue was that the book wasn't longer. Wasn't sure about O'Reily narrating the story but he did a great job. I'd give this book a 10 stars

Great Story! !

Great Story! ! Fast paced book that really keeps your attention the whole time. Great Listen

Good Listen, worth a credit.

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

I only listened to the book

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

I have not listened to an O'Reilly book before this.

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

The descripton of the end of the Civil War.

Any additional comments?

I know little about this period of history. I found this book to be informative and entertaining.

True story I listened to it twice.

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

The book contains a lot about the civil war and how sad the results were for Lincoln, things would have been a lot different for the south if Lincoln had lived.

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

The deed itself was most memorable, the villain broke his leg during his escape, something I had never heard before.

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

First time to hear O'Reilly.

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

yes the book kept my full attention.

Any additional comments?

I will listen to it again.

Very Good!

I loved this fresh look at President Lincoln's life and death. There was humor (powerful Lincoln & Grant were both intimated by their wives), intrigue, and MANY new historical details that enrich the story. I was concerned that Bill O'Reilly would make it sound like a weekly news show but he did a good job. A co-worker's enthusiasm for the book made me download it and I am very happy that I did.

Entertaining history read of the assassination

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

The story of the conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln many times misses the perspective of times and the emotion involved before and after. While the book does not do a great job of showing the repercusions of the assassination, the story of the conspirators was well done. Many little known pieces of information were given in an entertaining way. Definitely would recommend to anyone interested in history.

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

Yes. This book is totally different from his other books and enjoyed the history completely.

Revealed! The inside story on Lincoln.

Would you listen to Killing Lincoln again? Why?

Yes. There are a number of little known, or never discussed, details that are fascinating.

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

Killing Kennedy

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

His dramatic method of reading the text is generally good.

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

Inside the Lincoln Assassination

Any additional comments?

While Bill O'Reilly's reading of his book is generally entertaining, two things are rather jarring -- (1) he continually mispronounces the word "cavalry" as calvary, and (2) he should know better than to say "each and every", a well known redundancy.