Manhunt

The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer

By: James L. Swanson

Narrated by: Richard Thomas

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 and detectives on a wild 12-day chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia, while the nation, still reeling from the just-ended Civil War, watched in horror and sadness.

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

Based on rare archival materials, obscure trial transcripts, and Lincoln's own blood relics, 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 you've never read it before.

©2006 James L. Swanson (P)2006 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

• Mystery Writers of America 2007 Edgar Award, Best Fact Crime
• 2006 Quill Award Nominee
• Audie Award Finalist, Nonfiction, Abridged, 2007

"Pure narrative pleasure, sure to satisfy the casual reader and Civil War aficionado alike." (Publishers Weekly)
"Swanson's synthesis of the sources is bound to be a cover-to-cover reading hit with history lovers." (Booklist)
"Manhunt is vigorous and clear without sacrificing accuracy....Just as Booth did, the book saves its heavy ammunition for a final showdown." (The New York Times)

A good story and not a dry documentary text book.

I put off buying this audio book for a while because I really don’t like abridgements. Since there is no unabridged version available I decided to give it a shot. Pun intended?

Abridged or not, I loved Manhunt. The last time I was on F street, you could see the back of Ford’s Theater though the vacant lot that was once the Atlantic building. The alley I always new as “Rat Alley” was still there, but without the right side wall, it looked very strange. I’m sure there is a building at 930 F now, but I haven’t been by to see. The book is wonderful, and I enjoyed the interview with the author as well. I usually skip over them. This is a STORY about people, not a textbook, and I recommend it.

There were some things I wanted to know about that were not mentioned. I had hoped that Francis Tumblety (Spelling? He was a flamboyant Jack the Ripper suspect) who was arrested and held during the manhunt would have been mentioned. I don’t think this is a fault, I was just hoping to hear more about people who were falsely or erroneously arrested and held after the assassination. That might have been too much for one novel.

I would still like to have an unabridged recording, and would buy it if one because available. I’ll buy the print version in any event.

Excellent

This is an excellent book that goes quickly. We all have some basic knowledge of what happened when President Lincoln was killed; however there is so much more to the story. I think I especially appreciate this because I am a resident of Maryland and recognized a lot of the places in the book. I believe anyone who enjoys history would love this one.

Well Written!

This is the best book I have ever listened to or read. It is well written, and tells so much more than we were taught in school. This book left me wanting more info!! I bought 2 books after listening to this, one to give as a gift and one for me to keep. Try it!!!

Loved this Book!

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

N/a

What does Richard Thomas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Yes

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

No

Any additional comments?

Kept me engaged the entire time. I've recommended this book to several friends.

A riveting tale of Lincoln's assassin's manhunt!!!

If you could sum up Manhunt in three words, what would they be?

Fantastic, riveting and superb!!

What did you like best about this story?

Since i didn't knew any background details of Lincoln's assassination and subsequent manhunt for his assassin, i was very much captivated by the pin to pin details. The narration was absolutely fantastic, the very best I've heard and it was as good as i was right in the middle of it all

Which scene was your favorite?

The conversation between J W Booth and the cavalry was very good. It stood out amongst all the other scenes in the book

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

No i wanted to really concentrate and listen to it. So i took my time

Any additional comments?

I'm really glad that i picked out this book for my first listen in Audible and boy i wasn't disappointed one bit. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a great listen!!!

A Compelling, Illuminating Work!

Swanson is a great writer who knows how to make history come alive. This book is rich in detail, but not overwhelmingly so. And Richard Thomas's performance is electrifying. Gorgeous work all around! Highly Recommended.

Meh.

Interesting topic, but detailing each of those 12 days minute-by-minute (it seems) was occasionally tedious. That said, still good book for the most part. If you don't love history though - probably should avoid.

Authentic Read -- I Highly Recommend It.

I listen to a number of audible books each year. I have a favorite genre but every third book I listen to a non-fictional; preferably a fact-based story with suspense and intrigue. This book did not FAIL. The author did a great job in his research and telling a story of several people's viewpoint without writing opinions of right or wrong. Due to the author's research I learned a lot about the manhunt involved with finding Lincoln's killer.

Totally hooked

This was a great listen that had me totally hooked. I love listening to Richard Thomas, to begin with. I also loved hearing the details that I had never heard before, of the hunt to track down the assassin. I live just outside D.C., and spend a number of weekends in Southern Maryland, so I was constantly connecting to places I've seen or heard of in the area. I enjoyed the recording, and have listened to it twice in its entirety.

review

The author did a great of stimulating mental imagery of history.

I can't believe how it ended...meaning I always thought booth was burned up in the fire. when I learn how it actual went down it felt like alternate time line in the Lincoln multiverse. something like listening to a overtold story for the first time.