The Lincoln Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill America’s 16th President and Why It Failed by Brad Meltzer
Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Specialist
Genre: Nonfiction, United States History
Suggested Age: Teen, Adult
What is the book about? In early 1861, the people of the United States were preparing for the inauguration of a new president, Abraham Lincoln. To some, he was a fresh face to replace the unpopular, out-going President, James Buchanan. To others, he was a threat. A threat to their ideals, their beliefs, and to some, their livelihood. Abraham Lincoln had declared that he was against the spread of slavery and there were men who wanted to stop him from becoming President of the United States. Who was plotting against the President-Elect? How did the famous Allan Pinkerton figure in this chain of events? What made Baltimore the ideal place to make an attempt on Lincoln’s life? Did Lincoln ever know of the danger? How was the plot ultimately foiled? The details of the conspiracy and the actions of those who thwarted it are all laid out here.
My Review: I found this book fascinating, since I had never heard of this assassination plot against Lincoln before. I listened to the audiobook version read by Scott Brick. Since the author is an accomplished writer of thriller novels, it was not surprising that this nonfiction account was very engaging. This is not just a dry recitation of facts and timelines. Many of the main players are fleshed out with their backstory. I especially liked that a woman convinced Allan Pinkerton that he needed female investigators like herself, Kate Warne; the first female detective. This book would appeal to history buffs and spy novel fans alike.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Intriguing, Meticulous, and Absorbing
Give This a Try if You Like… The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington by Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch, George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution by Brian Kilmeade & Don Yaeger, and Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbot
Rating: 4.5/5
About FDL Reads
FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.
