Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever

Bill O'Reilly · Martin Dugard

Sep 2011 · Sold by Henry Holt and Company

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

The plot to kill LIncoln began and ended with Boothe et. al. and no credible historian has even been able to link Secretary of State Edwin Stanton to the President's assassination. Stanton had come to admire Lincoln after having started out as having contempt for the rail-splitter. Stanton may have been the first American to truly grasp Lincoln's greatness. Tim Woods Author, 'Grant Me Timely Grace.'

Poorly written. Grammatical errors are distracting. O' Reilley went too far in taking literary license in no only characters' thoughts but in locations and events. This is more fiction than history and reflects shoddy research. The authors probably rushed publication to beat the movie. 'April 1865' by Jay Winik is a much better book.

Not like a history book. Certainly based on a lot of research. Lots of facts I've never read elsewhere. As was made clear it adds a lot o drama around th research to make the story flow and not detract from the facts presented. Grant need not feel threatened, though. A good quick read that makes the history come alive. Kind of unique in style in that way.

About the author

Bill O'Reilly's success in broadcasting and publishing is unmatched. The iconic anchor of The O'Reilly Factor led the program to the status of the highest rated cable news broadcast in the nation for sixteen consecutive years. His website BillOReilly.com is followed by millions all over the world.


In addition, he has authored an astonishing 12 number one ranked non-fiction books including the historical "Killing" series. Mr. O'Reilly currently has 17 million books in print.


Bill O'Reilly has been a broadcaster for 42 years. He has been awarded three Emmy's and a number of other journalism accolades. He was a national correspondent for CBS News and ABC News as well as a reporter-anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City among other high profile jobs.


Mr. O'Reilly received two other Emmy nominations for the movies "Killing Kennedy" and "Killing Jesus."


He holds a history degree from Marist College, a masters degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and another masters degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.


Bill O'Reilly lives on Long Island where he was raised. His philanthropic enterprises have raised tens of millions for people in need and wounded American veterans.


Martin Dugard is the New York Times bestselling author of several books of history. He and his wife live in Southern California with their three sons.