History Corner/ Book Review: Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O' Reilly and Martin Dugard

As you know we're history buffs in our house, so when the chance came to review this book that was garnering excellent reviews, we were happy to oblige! Dad was the first one who grabbed it when it came in, so today's History Corner review will be from him!

Synopsis:  The authors recount 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.

Review: Growing up being very interested in American History, I thought I knew a great deal about our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. After I read “Killing Lincoln”, I felt as if I knew President Lincoln as an old friend. Mr. O’Reilly and Mr. Dugard take their readers right into the action from the first paragraph! The final days of the Civil War, and the final days of President Lincoln are brought to life in this very impressively written book. The book reveals dates and times of each event. One would feel as if they have been transported back in time to be a witness to all of these events. 

The book is written in such a way that you can see General Grant encircle General Lee’s army and forcing an end to all fighting. The writers take us from the Petersburg, Va., to the courthouse at Appomattox where General Lee surrendered. The final few days of President Lincoln’s life are taken day by day, who he saw what he did. All the cast of conspirators are introduced, and then after the deadly deed was perpetrated, all were rounded up and dealt with. You will see pictures of these people and find out just exactly what happened to each. This book should be required for students to find out just what kind of man President Lincoln was, and what he had to do to keep our nation together.

I highly recommend it to anyone interested in knowing more about the events, and the man, that shaped our country, as it stands today!

About the Authors:

Bill O'Reilly is the anchor of The O'Reilly Factor, the highest-rated cable news show in the country. He also writes a syndicated newspaper column and is the author of several number-one bestselling books. He is, perhaps, the most talked about political commentator in the country.

Martin Dugard is the New York Times bestselling author of several books of history. His book Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone has been adapted into a History Channel special. He lives in Southern California with his wife and three sons.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book for review purposes, free of charge, from Henry Holt Publishing. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about the book!