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Informative,
Interesting,
Insightful

20 reviews

Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever
by Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard

Published: 2011-09-27
Hardcover : 324 pages
26 members reading this now
73 clubs reading this now
27 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 17 of 20 members

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 iconic anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts one of the most dramatic stories in American history?how ...

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Introduction

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 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 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.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

What new information did you learn about Lincoln's assassination?
by bspourch (see profile) 06/30/16

What happened to the 18 pages missing from Booth's diary?
Did the conspiracy extend beyond Booth and his cohorts?
What are alternative conspiracy theories? For ex, some say Lincoln was behind the plot becuase he knew he was dying.
by rkarpinecz (see profile) 02/13/15

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

No notes at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Mr. Lincoln visited our book club.
by rkarpinecz (see profile) 02/13/15
The husband of one of our members is a Civil War and Lincoln expert. Costumed as Mr. Lincoln, he joined us, adding drama to our discussion. And, the hostess served Mrs. Lincoln\\\\\\\'s Almond Cake.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
  "History Light"by Barbara P. (see profile) 06/30/16

Although nonfiction this book was written in the style of a murder mystery, which most of the group enjoyed. A few thought it lacked depth, and all of us women felt that too many pages were devoted to... (read more)

 
  "killing lincoln"by Kim B. (see profile) 06/27/16

I thought the book was a good read. Never much liked history as a child, so I was initially doubtful. This book brought history to life. Even though you know what happens it was quite suspenseful

 
by Peggy K. (see profile) 04/30/15

Group felt this book's story was overshadowed by writer's ego, that is was a bit too "textbook", and overly detailed--so slow.

 
  "Lincoln 101? Yes, in a good way."by Roberta K. (see profile) 02/13/15

If a reader has limited knowledge the assassination of our 16th President, this book leads her, day by day, through the waning days of the Civil War, Booth's plotting, Lincoln's schedule, and the aftermath... (read more)

 
by Marie C. (see profile) 09/08/14

 
  "Killing Lincoln"by gilton b. (see profile) 04/15/14

Learned alot

 
  "Killing Lincoln"by Teri K. (see profile) 12/21/13

Boring but informative

 
  "Killing Lincoln"by Michael M. (see profile) 12/06/13

I would heartily recommend this book to a student writing a report on Lincoln, but there is no new information here and O'Reilly relies on speculation and conjecture to make the story more i... (read more)

 
  "Killing Lincoln"by Nelson K. (see profile) 06/11/13

I really enjoyed the book and found it very informative. It read more like a novel. There were also pictures of all the main players which I liked.

 
  "An interesting, fast read"by Mary B. (see profile) 05/17/13

The members of our club who read this book generally liked it. We were a bit bothered by the historical inaccuracies, and there was mixed opinion on the inclusion of the long description of the Civil... (read more)

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