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)

Dramatic Retelling

Bill O'Reilly weaves a fascinating and easy to listen to retelling of Lincoln's last days and the events that surround his assassination.
However, having researched anything I could find about the mysterious Lewis Thornton Powell, I found O'Reilly's analysis of his character to be lacking and dredges up the often thought of persona of a simpleton thug.
Reading accounts of those who personally knew him and quotes from himself shows him to be much more complex than just "the muscle" of the group.
There is also contradicting statements taken from Bell, the man who opened the door for him. He stated that Powell was kind and apologetic to him and he didn't in fact use a racial slur when addressing him. There is also an account where he pushes Fanny to the side instead of punching her out cold.
I also have doubts about the hanging of Mary Surratt. I have read accounts that her neck broke immediately and it was Lewis Powell that struggled for 8-10 min before death.
I suppose 153 years of rumor and gossip has muddied the truth for us.
It would have been very interesting if he went into detail about the medical perspective of the Dr who controversially relieved Lincoln of his clot. I will have to do some extra research of my own.
Overall, taking some information lightly because of opposing views in other recounts, this audio book is a must listen for all Civil War/conspiracy buffs.

Surprisingly Excellent!

Nice job Bill O. It almost reads like a screenplay. It is no wonder Tom Hanks is making this into a movie.

I learned quite a bit related to the assassination and the plot—things that I thought I would’ve/should’ve learned in history class. Unlike some of the reviewers, I actually enjoyed Bill’s narration.

I am looking forward to reading your "Killing Kennedy".

New Take on a well-known story

I enjoyed this book -- it's well written and well narrated. O'Reilly brings some new, interesting takes on the story--for me, it probably was a bit too brief in the "meat" of the story--the assassination, the events following, and the after affects--but there were several points I'd never heard before, which is saying something because I'm well read in Lincoln lore and the assassination in particular. If you like reading about Lincoln, if you like history, specifically Civil War era history or Presidential history, this is well worth the time to listen.

A 'No Spin' Review

This is an excellent companion for anyone planning to see Spielberg's "Lincoln" since they are both set near the end of the Civil War. They are complimentary to one another and are very informative. While I generally like Bill O'Reilly, he should not have narrated this. My "no spin" take is that he does an okay job, but his television voice simply doesn't compare to some of the better Audible narrators. The book deserves a more serious and historical tone.

Very detailed

The history teacher did his homework! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history of our great nation.

Outstanding

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

Absolutely! So full of new information and very entertaining.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Abe.

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

It was natural and funny.

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

I wish there was another one. I had to read Killing Kennedy immediately afterward and then I still wanted more. I love his writing style.

excellent listen!

gripping, fascinating and so much detail. I really enjoyed O'Reilly's exciting narration. I was sad when it ended.

Don't feeel as bad being a Yankee living in the S

Would you listen to Killing Lincoln again? Why?

Very informative. Booth was so young.
So much damage was done by the South. Not us "Yankees"
Looking forward to his next book on Kennedy.

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

That he lived so long after being shot in the head.

Which character – as performed by Bill O'Reilly – was your favorite?

Listened at double speed. So not sure .

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

What really happened!

Any additional comments?

Didn'y get any votes in mt Southern Book Club.

Very good reading

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

Very educational, a must read.

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

Dedication of of the South stong will to resist the North.

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

Like being there.

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

Yes, the curel assassination of Mr. Linclon.

Any additional comments?

Every person should read this book and feel the dreadful events of the civil war and too feel how the South suffered unfairly in the aftermath .

WELL DONE, BUT...

Enjoyed the book, but the constant mispronunciation of the word "cavalry" became irritating. Bill has the word cross wired with the word "Calvary" which is the hill outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. The word cavalry is used quite often in the book, and thus the little glitch becomes a nettlesome irritant.

It reminds me of when former President Carter refers to his military experience aboard a "nuc u lar" submarine. He like many others can't seem to pronounce the word nuclear. It's as if they are unable to picture the correct spelling of the word.

The book is a worthy listen, but...I'm puzzled why someone didn't pick this error up prior to the distribution.