The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War by Daniel Stashower is a work of historical narrative non-fiction (available January 29, 2013).
In February of 1861, just days before he assumed the presidency, Abraham Lincoln faced a “clear and fully-matured” threat of assassination as he traveled by train from Springfield to Washington for his inauguration. Over a period of thirteen days the legendary detective Allan Pinkerton worked feverishly to detect and thwart the plot, assisted by a captivating young widow named Kate Warne, America’s first female private eye.
As Lincoln’s train rolled inexorably toward “the seat of danger,” Pinkerton struggled to unravel the ever-changing details of the murder plot, even as he contended with the intractability of Lincoln and his advisors, who refused to believe that the danger was real. With time running out Pinkerton took a desperate gamble, staking Lincoln’s life—and the future of the nation—on a “perilous feint” that seemed to offer the only chance that Lincoln would survive to become president. Shrouded in secrecy—and, later, mired in controversy—the story of the “Baltimore Plot” is one of the great untold tales of the Civil War era.
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The relationship betwwen Lincoln & Pinkerton was a complcated one – this story of it’s beginning is well anticipated.
Fascinating story – thanks for the chance to win an audio version.
Looking forward to the story.
This sounds intriguing.
sounds like a good story…thank you for the chance
Sounds very interesting – thank you for the giveaway
Lincoln’s story and the plots which swirled around him have always intrigued me. Can’t wait to read this!
From what I hear it sounds like a fascinating and well written story. Looking forward to hearing more of it, whether I win it or not.
I always like a good thriller, and when it is true it is only made better.
Sounds fantastic!
Sounds fascinating! Big history buff here
Sounds very interesting. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I’d love to listen to this one, sounds fascinating!
Love stories such as this. Will put it on my to read list for sure!!
Interesting, I’d like to hear the rest.
Looks fascinating.
I love audio-books; it’s allowed me to maintain my reading level despite longer commutes to work! I just finished one about Grant; they alluded to this plot in it.
Lincoln, Pinkerton and the first female private! YES!
Finished the Linciln Diary not that long ago. This would make a nice follow up.
I am very much looking forward to this read. Daniel Stashower’s biography of Arthur Conan Doyle (Teller of Tales) was a wonderful read with historical accuracy of the period, rich detail of Doyle’s experiences and a deft perception into what formed Doyle’s moral character. I could not put it down and expect the same of The Hour of Peril.
Looking forward to reading this.
I am just getting started with audio books, and Hour of Peril seems like a wonderful place to start!
Sounds quite interesting. Thanks for the sweep!
I am intrigued by Lincoln after seeing the recent movie. I would love to listen to this!
I never knew that there had been another plot to assasinate Lincoln. The narrator of the audiobook does a great job of portraying the tension and impending danger. History is fascinating!
Allan Pinkerton as the hero of a mystery? Protecting Abraham Lincoln? I love historical mysteries, so this is one I’d be thrilled to read.
Count me in, please!
Intrigued by the excerpt! Most of my reading is accomplished by listening so I would really like to win a copy.
Interesting audio clip. I’d love to win a copy!
This sounds like a book I would love to read! I become increasingly fascinated by narrative non-fiction.
Fascinating subject. Choose me please. Need something to new for car travel.
Fascinating story idea. Look forward to hearing it all. Thanks for the opportunity to listen.
I have watched a documentary that implied this message…
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
This little known nugget of history has been one of my favorite stories of the Civil War era. I would like to see all the info in place for once.
Sounds interesting, thanks for the auditory preview..I believe my friend on good reads commented about this book. I look forward to reading it..
I’d like to read this.
I would love to win this!
Fascinating story – thanks for the chance to win an audio version.
This would be so perfect for our upcoming road trip. thanks so much for offering an audioCD
This looks like an interesting audio book that both my husband and I would enjoy
abfantom at yahoo dot com
This sounds like a very interesting story. I would love to win! wgbc1446[at]yahoo[dot]com
Love this era of history- thanks for the chance!
Sounds like a great book.
looks like a good one!
I love historical mystery – thanks for this!
Thank you for the great giveaway please count me in 🙂
Since I used to live a few miles from where the conspiracy to kill Lincoln was hatched and used to drive past the former home of Samuel Mudd on my way to school I have always been facinated by Lincoln. This book sounds wonderful and I can hardly wait to read it
teechbiz at gmail dot com
I would love to read the work of Daniel Stashower!
lincoln is one of my favorite pres. i would love to get a copy!
I love true life crime / conspiracy theory books, this is right up my alley. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sounds great
i would really enjoy reading this book, thanks for the chance to win it!!!
would really enjoy this a lot. Big history buff here
!
thanks for the chance
I would love to win. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would love to have this for my collection. I love Lincoln and am facinated about pinkerton and the assasination plot……. the historical setting of trains and railroad mischief….. a must have for my collection. Thanks for the contest.
This sounds so fascinating! I love to read anything about Lincoln either factual or fiction, he is such an interesting person in our history.
I love to read about Lincoln. Thanks for the giveaway.
Looks like an interesting read.
Thanks for the giveaway…a good audio book makes a long car commute bearable !