Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson Summary
Overview of Chasing Lincoln's Killer
Experience Lincoln's assassination and the 12-day manhunt through Swanson's riveting historical account. This meticulously researched thriller captivates with original sources and balanced portrayal of Booth. Movie rights sold - Johnny Depp was suggested to play the infamous assassin!
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Key takeaways
The Shot That Changed America
In the twilight of the Civil War, as a weary nation began healing its wounds, a single gunshot shattered the peace. On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth entered Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. with murder in his heart. The celebrated 26-year-old actor slipped into President Abraham Lincoln's box during a performance of "Our American Cousin," pressed a small Deringer pistol to the back of Lincoln's head, and fired. In that moment, a night of comedy transformed into national tragedy. Lincoln slumped forward, mortally wounded, while Booth leaped to the stage below, shouting "Sic semper tyrannis! The South is avenged!" Despite breaking his leg in the fall, the assassin escaped into the night, beginning what would become one of history's most dramatic manhunts. Just five days earlier, the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House had effectively ended four years of bloody civil war. Lincoln had begun focusing on reconciliation, calling for "malice toward none; with charity for all." Now, as doctors carried the unconscious president across the street to a boarding house, the fragile peace seemed in jeopardy. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton took command, turning a small back room into an emergency headquarters while Lincoln fought for life in an adjacent bedroom. By morning, the president was dead, and a traumatized nation faced a new crisis: catching his killer.
A Conspiracy Unfolds
Flight Through Maryland
Crossing the Potomac
The Final Stand
Justice and Legacy
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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