Chasing Lincoln’s Killer

If you’re having trouble getting young adults interested in history, biographies, or just reading in general – just hand them Chasing Lincoln’s Killer.  This non-fiction, young-adult book is phenomenal.

Let me caveat this book review by saying that the Civil War and President Abraham Lincoln have fascinated me for many years.  My parents took my siblings and me down to Washington D.C. more times than I can count as a child and I can clearly remember visiting Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House numerous times.

This book provides readers with an in-depth account of the assassination of one of the country’s most beloved Presidents.  Not only does it follow they story of those people charged with finding Lincoln’s killer, but it also follows John Wilkes Booth’s escape virtually hour by hour.

History and biographies can often be stale and difficult to read, but the author writes in such a thrilling manner that you can’t wait to find out what comes next – even though you may already know the story.  I believe the best part of this book is that the author truly allows the reader into the story and the time period, making frequent references to the Civil War as well as lesser known people surrounding the assassination, such as the actress Laura Keene.  This is truly a well-written book about a fascinating topic.

Title: Chasing Lincoln’s Killer
Author: James L. Swanson
Publisher: Scholastic
Page Number: 194 pgs.