There are certain books you put down because you want to and those you place down because life takes over and you have to. James L. Swanson’s wonderful book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer was found at a time when I had to put it down though I most certainly did not want to.

From page one Swanson’s wonderful narrative draws you into one of the most important and interesting times in American history. The book is so thoroughly researched and well-written that much of it reads as a captivating non-fiction story and yet it is one of the most thorough and detailed retellings of Lincoln’s assassination I have ever read. It is also a wonderful retelling of a part of the story few spend their time on, the time between just before Booth took Lincoln’s life at Ford’s Theater and the days after when the country entered a time of upheaval.

The most interesting thing I walked away with was a new understanding of Booth himself. So often Booth has been shown simply as a man who alters history with little detail of his motivations, his plotting or the context in which he lives his life. Booth, a budding actor of renown and fame comes alive i this book and yet you feel no sympathy toward his machinations only a deeper understanding.

Also wonderful in this book is the detailed retelling of the scene. The favor of the time period, its people, its cities and the nation was given by the author to the reader adding to the narrative and to understanding.

I cannot recommend this book enough and though I found myself too busy at times to simply sit down and finish the book instantly, I badly wanted to. I am just happy that the holiday season gave me a chance to finish.