reviewed by Bill Bauer

We all learned in school that John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, was captured in a barn in the countryside following a chase that ensued following the horrendous murder. But did you know that Booth was not captured until twelve days following the event? I thought it was probably an hour and a half or so! This tale details not only the mood surrounding Washington at the time of the assassination, the preparations for and the event itself but also the desperate escape attempt by the hobbled Booth with a broken leg.

You will learn where he went, who he encountered and how he eluded detection for nearly two weeks, mostly in northern supported Maryland. That he was finally betrayed and killed in southern supported Virginia adds to the intrigue. We also learn what happened to those that planned with him (yes, it was a conspiracy!) and all those along the way who helped him evade capture. Four people were hung for abetting Booth in the months following. We have read about the Civil War and about the assassination itself, now learn about the chase, the manhunt, that followed.