The Lincoln Conspiracy

The Secret Plot to Kill America's 16th President - and Why It Failed

By: Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch

Narrated by: Scott Brick

"Everyone knows that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, but how many know that there was a previous, unsuccessful attempt on his life? Let narrator Scott Brick tell you all about it.... Brick can make a nursery rhyme sound exciting, and he's on fire in this audiobook." (AudioFile magazine)

The best-selling authors of The First Conspiracy, which covers the secret plot against George Washington, now turn their attention to a little-known, but true story about a failed assassination attempt on President Lincoln

Everyone knows the story of Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865, but few are aware of the original conspiracy to kill him four years earlier in 1861, literally on his way to Washington, DC, for his first inauguration. The conspirators were part of a pro-Southern secret society that didn't want an antislavery President in the White House. They planned an elaborate scheme to assassinate the brand new President in Baltimore as Lincoln's inauguration train passed through en route to the Capitol. The plot was investigated by famed detective Allan Pinkerton, who infiltrated the group with undercover agents, including one of the first female private detectives in America. Had the assassination succeeded, there would have been no Lincoln Presidency, and the course of the Civil War and American history would have forever been altered.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

"The Lincoln Conspiracy is, despite its dark subject matter, relentlessly fun to read...It's an expertly crafted book that seems sure to delight readers with an interest in lesser-known episodes of American history." (NPR.org)

"Filled with amazing American history, secret societies, incredible research, and a shocking conspiracy to murder Abraham Lincoln at the dawn of his presidency. A brilliant combination of edge of your seat history and superb storytelling." (James L. Swanson, best-selling author of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer)

"Meltzer and Mensch maintain suspense despite the known outcome of the story, and convincingly counter claims that Pinkerton made the whole thing up for publicity purposes. Readers new to the "Baltimore Plot" will appreciate this comprehensive and well-written overview." (Publishers Weekly)

©2020 Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"The Lincoln Conspiracy is, despite its dark subject matter, relentlessly fun to read.... It's an expertly crafted book that seems sure to delight readers with an interest in lesser-known episodes of American history." (NPR.org)

"Filled with amazing American history, secret societies, incredible research, and a shocking conspiracy to murder Abraham Lincoln at the dawn of his presidency. A brilliant combination of edge of your seat history and superb storytelling." (James L. Swanson, best-selling author of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer)

"Meltzer and Mensch maintain suspense despite the known outcome of the story, and convincingly counter claims that Pinkerton made the whole thing up for publicity purposes. Readers new to the 'Baltimore Plot' will appreciate this comprehensive and well-written overview." (Publishers Weekly)

Stellar and sublime

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. It was full of remarkable insights presented entertainingly. As usual, Brick’s presentation was spot on.

9/10ths is Fantastic

The first part of this book was wonderfully and engagingly written. It jumps around from time and place giving it a conspiratorial feel.

The last hour, however, feels tacked on and I was just waiting for it to be over. I love Civil War related books and have read about 20 in the past few years, so it’s not boredom with the topic. It just feels like an unnecessary addition to the end. In my opinion, it should have wrapped up one or two chapters after finishing the main narrative.

Great listen. Enraptures the listener/reader.

Hard to put down. Thoroughly engaging and suspensfull. A great volume of work. Highly recommended if you are a lover of history.

Nobody does it better than Meltzer

For me, the saddest thing in our educational system is the lack of our country’s history. I’m an old gal who grew up when American history was a required course and I’ve learned to love our country partially because of that. But this fills in gaps and paints a beautiful story of Lincoln, the man.

I’m a southerner so some of this was sad to hear but I do take exception to some parts. No, slavery is so wrong but all slave owners were not abusive tyrants. We have good and bad woven through our nation and the world in every walk of life which has held true from the beginning of time. So as terrible as it was, it was not across the board and I would hope that could be mentioned. Not to say that any of it was right, only that there were kind and compassionate people in the mix.

I do not believe in slavery for anyone although it has existed for thousands of years around the world and still does. Based on this book and the unveiling of the personal side of Lincoln’s story I think our country was fortunate to have him lead when he did. And so sad that his life was full of personal sorrow.

This was a wonderful journey and definitely worth the listen!

Wow...Amazing!!!!

This Book & Narration are both Amazing. Had to keep apologizing to the family because I couldn’t stop listening. Every American should be required to read this book. True Inspiration & Motivation!!!

Powerful and incredibly detailed.

This book is written so fantastically well and was so narrated perfectly. Absolutely loved it.

great story

I enjoyed this book and listened to it in 1 day!

honestly, Scott Brick could read the phone book and make it interesting!

Lincoln

an entertaining and educational story about the man himself. A great insight into his life.

I have enjoyed listening to this book and I think you will enjoy it too

I have enjoyed this book and I believe that you will enjoy it you too

Excellent Details

I thoroughly enjoy the details Brad Meltzer provides in all his books. Between the author and Scott Brick (narrator), you can SEE the history and action come alive in your mind.