** spoiler alert ** Manhunt: The Twelve-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson is by far the best non-fiction book I have ever read. It takes you through the mind of John Wilkes Booth, the infamous assassin of President Lincoln and then drags you with them as they escape.

This book started off with some background information which was great for me, who didn’t know all too much about that time period, before jumping into non-stop action. You are presented with actual letters and posters from that time period and learn the different views of Booth.
You watch over J.W.B’s shoulder as he plans the murder, and then executes it in the ultimate heist, assassinating the president. Knowingly and willingly, John started the countdown for his death date as soon as he pulled the trigger that sent a led ball into Lincolns head. For the time being though, he manipulated his way out of harm because he is a well known “handsome” celebrity who people lend their hand to.
Throughout Booth’s escape, he met up with a few accomplices. The one thing that surprised me the most, was the loyalty of a confederate soldier. A handful of confederates had the chance to turn Booth in and earn $100,000. That’s 4 times more than the president made at that time but the confederates would not take “blood money.” Thomas Jones, one of the greatest contributors to John’s escape. Crossing the Potomac river was no easy thing, and without a doubt, it would have been impossible with this loyal confederate.
As a side story to this feat, you get to read Booth’s Journal that he kept. He talked a lot about Shakespeare and his and connected his writings to plays and described what he did in his opinion. You also get to see pictures of many different accomplices which for me, helped and made the story better.
The style of Swanson’s writing made this book all the more better. He made sure you informed, and went from present to past to present to future to present and it definitely made the story twist. Once a character was no longer part of the story, he would explain how they turned up, for instance Jones, who 20 years later told his part of the story so it did not die.
To enhance his writing, Swanson used thousands of literary devices. The whole book kept you moving and filled you with expert writing, every word drawing you in closer. Describing the city, one is able to picture the all the aspects and James literally drew Lincolns assassination into your mind.

Another thing that the author did well was telling Booth’s side of the story. For the most part, people would know him as the man who murdered the president, but there was also the part of his side. If you looked at Booth’s perspective, some would be inclined to take his side in the murder. You get intrigued with the way he would look at things and then even start believing what he believed.

In all, I would suggest this book to anyone who needs/wants to learn more about the confederates, the union or even Abraham Lincoln. Also if anyone has time to read, this book will definitely grab him or her and pull them in. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t stop. James L. Swanson did a great job of capturing detail’s that bring you back to ride alongside John Wilkes Booth as he escapes half of the country.