About This Book

Based on rare archival material, obscure trial manuscripts, and interviews with relatives of the conspirators and the manhunters, Chasing Lincoln's Killer is a fast-paced thriller about the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth: a wild twelve-day chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia.

* "...the rich details and suspense are ever present. Excellent black-and-white illustrations complement the text. Readers will be engrossed by the almost hour-by-hour search and by the many people who encountered the killer as he tried to escape. It is a tale of intrigue and an engrossing mystery. With the approaching bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth, this is a most welcome addition to all libraries." — School Library Journal, starred review

"Swanson provides a fast-paced account of the assassination of the sixteenth president. Though Booth remains his principal focus, the author cuts cinematically among the actions of the other conspirators. ...Swanson's colorful account will hold readers’ interest throughout." — Booklist

"Readers will find the list of the people involved a terrific help in keeping track of the large cast of characters. The sequence of events leading up to and following the assassination is meticulously detailed." — Kirkus Reviews  

EXCLUSIVE BONUS MATERIAL: Features fascinating facts from this time in history!

Check out these additional resources!

Audio recording of an excerpt from Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Video interview with James Swanson

"Wanted" Poster & John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Front & Back  (PDFs)

Memorabilia from Chasing Lincoln's Killer (PDF)

About the Authors or Illustrators

James L. Swanson

James L. Swanson is the author of young adult title Chasing Lincoln's Killer, which is based on his bestseller, Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer.

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