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)

Entertaining, not in depth

I enjoyed the work, and found it entertaining. However, for a hardcore Lincoln junkie, the story was a bit thin. It was not even in the league of Goodwin's Team of Rivals, but overall, the history was sound. The performance was excellent. It did keep you on your toes and wanting more.

the audio version makes it so life-like :)

What made the experience of listening to Killing Lincoln the most enjoyable?

True history!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lincoln...he just knew his days were numbered. BUT he pressed on, not for self but for God & country.

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

No but I intend to.

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

Lincoln's life was not for self, but for others.

Any additional comments?

I can't seem to go back to my saved bookmarks & make corrections or additions on a particular bookmark...w/o making a new bookmark. Any suggestions???

It's "Cavalry", not "Calvary"!

Any additional comments?

This really was a good book - a concise, fact-filled telling of a story that we all know - and I found myself listening with rapt attention. But come on, Bill - if you mispronounce a word that's used hundreds of times maybe you shouldn't be narrating the book, ya know? I would recommend this book and I don't think anyone should keep from listening to it, but be prepared to be bothered occasionally when it happens. It's a shame, too - as I said, it really IS a good book ...

Fantastic review of Lincoln's assassination.

Would you listen to Killing Lincoln again? Why?

It would take at least two listenings to absorb all the myriad of details outlined in the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Don't have a favorite yet. Would have to listen again.

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

Again, just finished listening. A second time around might pinpoint one out.

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

Couldn't put it down from page 1. Was particularly amazed at the detail of research that went into this book.

Any additional comments?

O'Reilly's narration was outstanding. Didn't realize until I turned it on that he was the narrator. Voice was crisp and clear. I could hear all the syllables and consonants. Great job.

A great history lesson

This book should be required for all history classes. I was impressed with the amount of research and how well the story was told.

Good Listen

Any additional comments?

If Bill O'Reilly said that the sky was blue, people would come out of the woodwork to disagree with him. Likewise, anytime a historical book is written, people have disagreements. I enjoyed the book and learned from it.

must read for all americans

I found this to be very entertaining and more importantly very educational. Mary Surratt's story, I believe, should have been more prevalent in this book instead of an afterthought.

Excellent Book

Another gray listen in the killing series. can't wait to listen to the next one

A Great American History Lesson

Mr. O'Reilly tells the story of the last days of Lincoln in a new light. It has changed my view of history

Informative.

Cavalry, not calvary. These words are not interchangeable. Aside from that, a good listen. Recommended.