Killing Lincoln

The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever

By: Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard

Narrated 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 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)

Fascinating story of a man ahead of his time

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

Surprisingly Bill O'Reilly's enthusiasm for his text. One got a sense of tragedy for all the characters that were involved in this extremely brutal and messy affair. Difficult to envisage the brutality of the world at this time without such biographies or to understand the primitive nature of both politics and medicine. These conspiracies continue but one really hopes we have more consideration for mankind (which involves both the good and the bad in this a story). Then there was Kennedy. They did a better detective job with Lincoln's Assassination than his.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Killing Lincoln?

The moment of assassination and the wind up of what happened to everyone.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Nothing. Maybe a bit journalistic but despite this he kept me enthralled by the evolving story - as a BRIT (in NZ) - much of which I did not know.

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

If only.... but it was one I could not wait to get back to.

Any additional comments?

No, a great read. Worth every cent (penny!).

History on the edge of your chair.

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

The presentation style.

What did you like best about this story?

The presentation was outstanding.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This made me very sad. The act of hate which Booth carried out caused so much suffering for the people of the south because those who replaced Lincoln were far less forgiving then he was.

Any additional comments?

If you or your children think history is dry and boring this is a great audio book to give them.

Great read/listen

I liked how bill set up the history and what was going on around that time in our history.

A good read, very interesting

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

The way it pulled me in and kept me engaged

What did you like best about this story?

The factual information things I never knew

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

Lincoln himself

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

Most of it did

Any additional comments?

No it was a very good read

A Gripping Tale.

Would you consider the audio edition of Killing Lincoln to be better than the print version?

Bill O'Reilly does an outstanding job reading. It is much better than the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

The hint that there might have been more people involved than were charged.

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

Yes. They all are good. I like the fact that this one is historical.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me think how time and chance play a big part in history.

Any additional comments?

Outstanding!!

Liking Lincoln

This shouild be required listening for school kids. Done very well and would hold their attention. Adults will find it very interesting with a couple of little know facts that come to light. In fact will listen to it again.

Lots of supporting detail = worthwhile

Would you listen to Killing Lincoln again? Why?

No -- already knew the history.

What did you like best about this story?

The profile of Booth in the context of his family; the details about Ford's Theater itself; the guard who left his post to go drink -- Parker.

Which scene was your favorite?

Booth casing the theater then in the theater then escaping the theater on his spirited mare.

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

All in one walk -- almost.

Any additional comments?

Reilly isn't political here --- so forget obsessing about that -- his does rush his narration to the edge of what you can absorb. But never crosses over too fast.

A good history book

Its not the greatest book but its good. The story itself is a factual history book and it was written as entertaining as a history book can without deferring away from the story too much. There are a lot of things about Abraham Lincoln that I did not know that are in this book. He really is the gold standard of leadership in this country. Not a perfect leader, but the greatest one America has had.

Having Bill narrate it was interesting. He wasn't the best and his voice isn't the most soothing but hearing a book read by the author is a very interesting experience. He shouldn't go around reading other books for audible but he fit this book.

An Excellent Book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Even though much of the story of the assination of Abraham Lincoln is very well documented. Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard make the story come alive. I learned things about that time in our history I did not know.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Killing Lincoln?

Much of what is believed about the people who aided Booth has been clouded by the passage of time. People have made much of the trials of the conspirators. Even though the trials were military the verdicts were just. Mr O'Reilly strips away the years and transports the reader to that time.

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

I have listened to other Bill O'Reilly books. The previous one was an abridged version of his first book. Because this book is unabridged I enjoyed every detail of the story.

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

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Some reviewers have said,

Excellent book. Recommend it highly.

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

Historically factual and I just could not stop listening. I would recommend this book to anyone at any age. A thrilling, informative and engaging book. This book will be one of your most interesting reads.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything! I thought Bill O'Reilly did an excellent job reading the book on the audio version.

What about Bill O'Reilly’s performance did you like?

The inflection in his voice at all the right places. His voice is easy to listen to.

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

A thrilling adventure into history.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to his next historical book.