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

Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer cover
Good Books rating 3.9
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  • ID: 6688
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-27
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Helga Without the H · Helga · 2024-05-27
adequate 3.00

The book is detailed in its account of John Wilkes Booth's escape but falls short in providing deeper analysis or context. It is described as fine but somewhat lacking in depth.

This reviewer appreciates the book's detailed account of John Wilkes Booth's escape and the events surrounding Lincoln's assassination. However, they find the book to be somewhat superficial, lacking deeper analysis or context. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in providing a detailed narrative but feels it could have delved more into the motivations and broader implications of the events. Overall, the book is seen as a good read for those interested in the historical details but may not satisfy those looking for a more in-depth exploration of the subject.


Quick quotes

    It's fine. It mostly follows John Wilkes Booth, the assassination, and Booth's escape in impressive detail.

    It's short on deeper analysis or context.

    The book is a good read for those interested in the historical details.

The New York Times · Michiko Kakutani · 2006-03-09
engaging 4.50

The book offers a new angle on the well-known story of Lincoln's assassination, providing a sprawling narrative that reads like a screenplay. It is praised for its engaging and fast-paced style.

This review highlights the book's unique approach to a familiar historical event. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to present the story in a fresh and engaging way, making it feel like a fast-paced screenplay. The detailed and vivid narrative brings the events to life, offering readers a new perspective on the manhunt for Lincoln's killer. The reviewer commends the author's thorough research and compelling storytelling, making the book a captivating read for both history buffs and general readers alike.


Quick quotes

    James L. Swanson's 'Manhunt' has found a reasonably new angle from which to approach its material.

    This sprawling narrative is a compelling read for history enthusiasts.

    The book reads like a screenplay, with a fast-paced and engaging style.

Goodreads · 2006-02-06
fascinating 4.20

The book provides a gripping hour-by-hour account of the chase for Lincoln's killer, offering a fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. It is praised for its detailed and engaging narrative.

This review highlights the book's ability to captivate readers with its detailed and fast-paced narrative. The story is told through the perspectives of both the hunters and the hunted, providing a comprehensive view of the events. The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough research and engaging style, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts. The book's focus on the immediate aftermath of Lincoln's assassination and the subsequent manhunt is particularly noteworthy, offering a unique angle on a well-known historical event.


Quick quotes

    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 sprawling narrative is a compelling read for history enthusiasts.

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