Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer

Abridged
Author: James L. Swanson
Narrator: Richard Thomas
Genres: United States
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Date: February 2006
Length: 9 hours
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 4.5/5
Formats:
  • CD
  • WMA

Overview

The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history -- the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led Union cavalry troops on a wild, twelve-day chase from the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia.

At the very center of this story is John Wilkes Booth, Americas notorious villain. A confederate sympathizer and member of a celebrated acting family, Booth threw away his fame, wealth, and promise for a chance to avenge the Souths defeat. For almost two weeks, he confounded the manhunters, slipping away from their every move and denying the justice they sought.

Manhunt is a fully documented work, but it is also a fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. A gripping hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters, this is history as youve never read it before.

Reviews (14)

Wow!

Written by Stephen Sink from Portage, IN on November 7th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This is a great story! Inclusion of the many "minor" characters, like Thomas Jones, Samuel Mudd, the Garretts, etc., makes the story very rich. The interview with the author at the end was nice, too. My only (slight) criticism is that I thought the author's language was a bit melodramatic at a few points. I highly recommend.

Excellent!

Written by Mary from Ashburn, VA on August 22nd, 2008

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Living in the DC area, I find myself wanting to visit the historic sites the author talks about, which are still around. Having been to Ford's Theatre years ago, I would like to go back & view it thru different eyes, Knowing what I know after listening to this CD, I believe it will have a lot more meaning for me now. I found myself almost liking Booth, as well. But, then there was the brutalness of what he did and why. If he had not assassinated Lincoln, maybe our history would have been a lot different. Maybe other assassins would not have been so quick to act. We don't know. I like history okay, but I am no history buff. However, I found myself very engaged in this thrilling account of the manhunt. I would look forward to being back in my car listening to the rest of the story. I plan to listen a second time.

Manhunt

Written by Anonymous on May 19th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This book is wonderful. After listening to it, I spent quite a bit of time searching for even more detail on the topic and characters on the internet. I hope this author will write more books!

The whole story

Written by Rick White on August 29th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Richard Thomas is one of the best narrators of audio books out there. This is no exception the performance is engaging and historically accurate the cd keeps a good pace and is a true pleasure to listen to kudos to all involved in a great piece of work.

the manhnut

Written by Lee Werley from Chapel Hill, NC on July 11th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Well written, researched and well woven together. Nice blend of the story with added touches that made it a delightful read.

Most excellent

Written by Diana from Gig Harbor, WA on June 2nd, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Stunning page turner! Truly a gripping tale. Funny though, I found myself almost liking John Wilkes Booth. I would, of course, wish that President Lincoln had not been assassinated, however.

good book

Written by KD on May 3rd, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Very interesting read. There is a lot of detail and interesting observation about the assassination of Lincoln and the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth. At times, there are wonderful observations about the absurdity of a conversation or event, in light of the surrounding context....very informative and interesting, and as the author said, the truth is stranger than fiction here....I highly recommend this book.

Awesome

Written by Ivan in Michigan on April 17th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Very good. It has the details appreciated by any history buff but they are in no way mundane. It is a great read and as the author says in the beginning, there is no need to embelish the story - in this case truth is stranger than fiction.

Excellent Book

Written by Carol Craig on March 2nd, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This book is wonderful. Very well researched and written. Even if you're not a history or Lincoln buff, the way it is written captures your attention and holds it until the end. If you think you know the story about John Wilkes Booth and the assassination of Lincoln, this book serves to expand your knowledge and understanding twofold.

Manhunt

Written by Anonymous from Earlysville, VA on February 27th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This series is so interesting, sometimes I listen twice. If you have any interest at all in the murder of Lincoln, you will totally be captivated by the details of his escape.