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)

Thoroughly Enjoyed It

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

This is a story that doesn't change no matter how it is written or talked about. However, this version included information that I hadn't any knowledge of, both items of significance and those more trivial. For example, I didn't know the fate of all of the conspirators, nor did I know that Lincoln wore a size 14 shoe. More importantly however, I didn't know how much easier it was for Booth to gain entry into Lincoln's theater box since his sole body guard chose to leave out of boredom and lack of dedication to his station. Nor did I know that Booth's final capture rested on the hunch of one man after literally thousands had combed the countryside looking for him. I find it interesting to listen to the author of a selection because the narration is more a reflection of how he or she intends for the story to be told in terms of expression and inflection. This is a well researched and interesting interpretation of one of the most significant and horrific occurrences in the history of America.

A Must Listen

Bill O'Reilly's performance keeps you engaged. There were two instances where I was disappointed--both were with his pronounciations--one was "carotid artery." The other was a medical term as well, but I don't remember exactly what it was now.

The research that went into this book is incredible, and it made me appreciate even more this amazing president. Just imagine what might have been different had he lived...

very entertaining

a very thorough and enjoyable account of the assassination of Lincoln. I recommend it for all

Very Educational

Bill does a great job reading his books..This is my 2nd of his and I will make my way to a 3rd very soon.

Outstanding

This book on the killing of President Lincoln is probably one of the best dooks that I have ever read. The narration brought it to life.

Another excellent book by Bill Oreilly

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

A nice refresher. A book that everyone should read

Who was your favorite character and why?

Obviously Lincoln

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

Bill is a very dynamic individual.

WOW!!!

Loved this so much!! Learned so much more than I ever did in school. Fascinating story!!! Can't quite sharing the story with my friends and family.

Good, but short

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

This audiobook is worth a listen, but has it'e flaws.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is well written, fast paced, and quite entertaining.

How could the performance have been better?

They needed to hire a professional reader, Bill O'Reilly may be OK for TV but he is not very skilled as a narrator.

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

Yes, and due to it's rather short duration this can be easily achieved.

Any additional comments?

Audiobooks of this duration should be only 1/2 a credit at most, I disliked spending a full credit for this when I could get books 4 to 5 times it's size for the same price.

captivating while educational

Loved it so much that I am going to read the entire 'killing' series. Starting Kennedy tonight.

Book is great, but the reading is awful...

The book overall is great. While it doesn't measure up to the eloquent writing of McCullough, Dugard presents the tale in an intriguing overlapping time-line that grips your attention from start to finish...
I particularly enjoyed the background stories of the characters, which provided a depth to the story and the murky still-unknowns to this day surrounding the Lincoln Assassination.

The disappointment for me was in the reading by Bill O'Reilly. His tone, cadence and over use of annunciation left much to be desired (especially since the story was so compelling).
If the reading performance was better, I would listen again and again...as it is, I probably will not listen again. It was hard to stomach that poor reading. It smacked of someone who lacks a skill and tries way too hard when climbing a tree to touch a branch beyond their reach, but falls instead when they meet their limitation...