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)

Couldn't stop listening, but my daughter had to

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

I originally handed this audio to my 11 year old daughter, who brought it back a couple of hours later saying she probably shouldn't listen to it. I decided I needed to listen and sure enough there were a few parts I was uncomfortable having her listen to. I loved the book and I realize Bill didn't write the book for 11 year olds, but I wish there was a version for younger children because it was a wonderfully rich, historical book. It was done so dramatically I listened to the whole book in 2 days, and I have a pretty busy schedule.

Excellent!

I was completely captured by the story. Of course I already knew Lincoln was killed by John Wilks Booth. But still, not being a history buff, I felt completely educated by it. The audio reading of the book makes it all the more compelling.

A real page turner

Any additional comments?

This is a beautifully done history. Concise, not wordy and too the point, it is the best narration of the events surrounding the President's death I have ever read.

Factual history witching an enjoyable format!

This was an extremely enjoyable book for me because history is so often just lists of names and dates for important times, without the human story experiences associated with these.  The authors of this book made these facts into an exciting 'story' framework.  

A few weeks before the assassination, until the captures and punishments of the perpetrators, this story  was told through Lincoln's life parallel with John Wilkes Booth actions.  Then the book ended with a description of all the important characters as they completed their lives.  

SO MUCH better than lists and lists of facts!!  Both facts AND story is my idea of an historical book!! I'll remember this part of history much better now then after all the high school and collage classes I've taken thus far!

Stick it out--it is worth it

The first and the last part of the book are true to the title; however, the bulk of the book revolves around military maneuvers. Not being a big fan of military history this section moved slow for me--others might enjoy it. The authors have excelled in giving a vivid picture of the events of the assassination and the aftermath, it just takes awhile for them to get to it.

Very interesting and informative read

I very much enjoyed Bill O'Reilly's account of the final days of the American Civil War and subsequent assassination of our great Abe Lincoln. It kept me engrossed for the entire book and i would highly recommend this to any history buff or to anyone that likes good book!

Very engaging story

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

I found the narration style of this book to be captivating. The descriptions of the last days of the civil war and the events leading up to the assassination gave me real insight into the thought process of the day.

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

Mr. O'Reilly is an excellent speaker and his reading of his book was superb.

History can be exciting

I loved this performance, as well as the historically acurate content. In school history was never my strong suite. This book is exciting, heartbreaking, intriging, and full of details I had never heard before regarding the plot to assisinate the President, as well as other members of the leadership at that time.

It is edge of your seat suspense, and I am truly amazed at how much I learned. If you like books about intrigue, romance, history, war or thrillers, you won't be disappointed.

Timeline Toward Tragedy

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

Detailed
Fascinating
Inevitable

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lincoln. Obviously, you know from the beginning what is going to happen. And yet, as the narrative progresses, you hope that something will derail Booth's plan.

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

No

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

Lincoln's commitment to reunite the Union without punishing the South.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed the book, especially the detail and some unknown facts about the historical figures involved. O'Reilly does a nice job on the narration, even though another performer might have been better.

Fascinating Listen

Excellent book by Bill O'relly with background information that I had not heard about before. The whole background of Charles Wilkes Booth was fascinating and the mistakes made around the President that left him vulnerable were enough to make one's blood boil. Bill presents the material in a bold fresh way that captures one's attention and makes the information easy to digest. I couldn't stop listening to it once I started down its path.