Killing Lincoln by Bill O'reilly

A riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and the first work of history from mega-bestselling author Bill O'Reilly

The 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 D.C., 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 page-turning action, Killing Lincoln is history that reads like a thriller.

If you’re into history then this is a book for you.  No, I’m not a fan of Bill O’Reilly’s but I must admit he captivated me and held my attention from page one to the end.

 

As we all know, Lincoln was one of America’s Greatest President’s.  His Assassination trul did change the world.  

 

Mr. O’Reilly takes us from 6 weeks before the Assassination by John Wilkes Booth to the capture and demise of he as well.  The book is written in a journal style, dates, locations.  It is as if we are reading President Lincoln’s own words.  We start out on Saturday, March 4,1865.

 

We learn why John Wilkes Booth feels he must assassinate the President, the people that he becomes involved with to execute his plan.  

 

Mr. O’Reilly also takes us through the Gettysburg Address speech, how it almost did not happen.  Through the Civil War, the battles within, the surrender of Lee and how it came to be.  
The fact that there would be no punishment of the Confederate Soldiers!

 

We get a glimpse of John Wilkes Booth, that he was raised in Maryland, that he was engaged to be married to a Senator’s Daughter.  Why he through it all away.  Why he had to assassinate the President of the United States.  All fascinating facts, and nowhere through this novel is there disappointment.  We first learn how Lincoln and Mary Todd first met, how she was engaged to another, what losing their son did to her and then the tragic loss of her husband at Ford’s Theatre.  

 

We are taken to the days after his assassination, where he was taken, the quest to find Booth and his men.  

 

Bravo Mr. O’Reilly, for in this novel you have made me a fan.

 

Cheers,

Steph

Book rating: 5 stars

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0805093079