Book: Manhunt: The Twelve Day Chase For Lincoln's Killer, By James L. Swanson

OK, this book is about the hunt for the killer of a Kentuckian. It might be a stretch discussing this here, but the link is there. Oh, and I did get the book at the Frankfort book fest, and Mr. Swanson signed my copy for me!

What's the book about
The book is about John Wilkes Booth killing Lincoln, and the following 12 day chase for him. It covers pretty much everything.
We have a good idea of where he went, where he was hiding, etc. Swanson writes a historical novel that reads like fun fiction. He clarifies that whenever a quote is used, it comes from a source. He takes all of the known facts about the hunt for Booth, and makes them a fun read in novel form. I was reading a critical review of this book that argues the author takes too much artistic license. I think he might take some, but it doesn't change the story (or history). I think Swanson may assume some given facts at times at most. This is an exciting read that, written by someone else would have turned out boring.
The book has a nice flow to it. You know it is happening in 1865, but Swanson does let you know about the information sources. He does discuss the whereabouts of the relics he mentions, like the flags hanging near where Lincoln set at Ford's Theatre.
There are several days of the 12 days that historians could not account for for many years. Swanson gives a great account of how the person who helped Booth at that time (and who would not discuss it until right before his death) finally opened up 30 years later.
Swanson covers Booth's co-conspirators, family, and and friends affected by the events. He covers all of the characters in this historical event, what happened to them, and even how some descendants have dealt with their place in history. He covers how Boston Corbett finally shot Booth (I hope I didn't ruin the ending for anyone). Swanson points out that the gun that shot Booth is currently unaccounted for. He also notes Corbett's questionable exit from the pages of history.

Why read it
This is a fun book. It reads well, and keeps your attention. All ends are connected too. Swanson covers everything. I have read some books that simply aren't put together well. You wonder about this character, or that event, or what happened later. Swanson won't do that to you. If a piece of the puzzle is missing from this story it is history's fault. Swanson will point that out to you too, and if he knows, he will let you know what little is known about the piece.

Why not read it
This is a BIG book. In fact, I bought it because it looked like a lot of book for the money, and I was right. If a nearly 500 page book scares you, you might want to stay away. But, there is a similar book that Swanson has put out for younger kids telling the the story. Don't be a wuss though, read this version. My friend Ann read the book and said she enjoyed it so much she did not want it to end. It is that good of a read!