Manhunt

The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer

By: James L. Swanson

Narrated by: Richard Thomas

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history, the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led Union cavalry and detectives on a wild 12-day chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia, while the nation, still reeling from the just-ended Civil War, watched in horror and sadness.

At the very center of this story is John Wilkes Booth, America's notorious villain. A Confederate sympathizer and a member of a celebrated acting family, Booth threw away his fame and wealth for a chance to avenge the South's defeat. For almost two weeks, he confounded the manhunters, slipping away from their every move and denying them the justice they sought.

Based on rare archival materials, obscure trial transcripts, and Lincoln's own blood relics, Manhunt is a fully documented work, but it is also a fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. A gripping hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters, this is history as you've never read it before.

©2006 James L. Swanson (P)2006 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

• Mystery Writers of America 2007 Edgar Award, Best Fact Crime
• 2006 Quill Award Nominee
• Audie Award Finalist, Nonfiction, Abridged, 2007

"Pure narrative pleasure, sure to satisfy the casual reader and Civil War aficionado alike." (Publishers Weekly)
"Swanson's synthesis of the sources is bound to be a cover-to-cover reading hit with history lovers." (Booklist)
"Manhunt is vigorous and clear without sacrificing accuracy....Just as Booth did, the book saves its heavy ammunition for a final showdown." (The New York Times)

Fascinating! Extremely well researched.

I knew virtually nothing about this important event in our history. The details in this book are amazing. I look forward to reading more from James L. Swanson. Richard Thomas did an excellent job as narrator.

Great Book

I would recommend this book. It is fast paced and moves along very well. I found it to be informative and provided a lot of insight into many details I did not know about the Lincoln assination. It is well researched and presented in an interesting format. The reader is easy to listen to and adds to the experience. If you like nonfiction, this book will provide you with background on one of the most important parts of American history.

The best book for me so far

Manhunt is an excellent book; the best that I have read from audible so far. I was raised and had worked in the Washington DC area and lived Charles County Maryland where all of the action and events took place. I knew the story of Lincoln's assassination and Booth's escape from what I had been taught in school and seen in many TV presentations over the years, but there were many things I had never known that I found interesting to know. I had always believed Booth died in a barn fire; he did not. I had always thought Booth died in Maryland following getting his broken leg set by Dr. Mudd in Charles County; he did not. Relearning about Secretary of War Stanton's taking charge following Lincoln's assassination on April 14, 1865, makes me recall a similar attempt by Secretary of State Haig to take charge following President Reagan's attempted assassination. I had always believed Dr. Mudd had spent many years sentenced to Devil Island for his participation in the Lincoln assassination; he did not. Richard Thomas gives a marvelously read narration delivered, I felt, in such a masterful way as to be more of an audio performance. He is very good.

Gripping History.

This is a fascinating, well told story, with all kinds of intruiging details that most history books ignore. The drama is so well told that it draws you in, even though you know the ending. Richard Thomas does a stellar job narrating.

Good research, good narration, good story!

This is an interesting, little-known take on the well-known Lincoln assassination story. The research is excellent, almost entirely original source material. The narration was very good, very clear, "easy to live with," just a bit "edgy" and slightly "breathless" to keep up excitement level. Very much an edge of the seat story for the first half. But I swear, by the end of the story, I was just wishing they'd catch the guy and be done with it, the running and hiding had gotten dreary. (Had gotten dreary to Wilkes, in fact, per the author's research.)

Also, I do wish more "airtime" had been given to the the other conspirators, particularly their trials & executions. But this was Wilkes' story, and they did get their sad mention almost as a footnote. I'm a "fan of Lincoln" so needed this in my repertoire, so to speak, but it's a good book even for a generalist, or anyone who likes true crime stories. (I'm also a fan of true crime!) Highly recommended! Very good story, and a bit of Americana!

Really enjoyed this book

What made the experience of listening to Manhunt the most enjoyable?

The history on which the story is based, of course, and the author did an excellent job of telling the story. Makes me want to read more about this part of history.

What did you like best about this story?

Again, the subject matter.

Which character ??? as performed by Richard Thomas ??? was your favorite?

John Wilkes Booth was the most interesting character. I don't feel that Richard Thomas was the best narrator for this story, but nevertheless, the story did move well.

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

I particularly enjoyed the prologue where the author talks about his research and the places of interest that are still in existence. I have visited the Ford Theater and the home across the street where Lincoln died, but had no idea about Booth's escape route or what ensued in the days following the assignation.

Great content

I read this book years ago and found it riveting, fascinating and very authentic.The reader in this audible edition is not “reading”; he’s performing. His breathless, excited emoting does not enhance the story. It is a huge distraction and very nearly ruined this wonderful book for me.

Great in depth look at Booth’s scramble

What do you know about Lincoln’s assassination? Booth shoots him and jumps on stage- most folks knowledge stop there. The event leading up to that, his associations, mishaps while escaping are well laid out. No idea how well known Booth was- it would be like an Oscar winner today committing a high profile crime in front of hundreds of witnesses and running off. Very informative and a great listen.

Loved the whole experience

I grew up near Springfield, and have long been an avid student of Lincoln history and the assassination. Swanson brings the story to life, reveals new insights, and discovers entirely new characters in history!

Rest of the history story

Excellent story and well written. Lots of details and information about the events of the assassination and manhunt of Booth. Great story for history buffs and for those like who done its even if when we know the ending.