Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Honestly, aren't there enough books already written about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln? Isn't the evidence there as to who killed him and why? The answers: No and No.

History buff or not, you'll be immersed in this story of Lincoln's assassination - Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard. It's the style in which it is written, rather than the facts unveiled, that make this an enjoyable and informative read. It reads like a suspenseful thriller outlining the day-by-day, hour-by-hour events beginning with the final days of the Civil War and culminating with the sentencing and execution of assassin, John Wilkes Booth, and his accomplices.

The story alternates between Lincoln's and Booth's days. The bedraggled Union and Confederate armies challenges. The jubilation taking place in Washington, D.C. as word spread of General Lee's surrender. The world of theatre and acting that provided Booth with the opportunity to move freely through Ford's Theatre plotting the assassination.

Bonus: The appendix includes a reprint of the April 29, 1865 edition of Harper's Weekly, a news magazine of that time, exclusively covering the assassination and death of President Lincoln. The sense of loss felt by the nation is apparent.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Psychic Powers - Terrorism - Misfits - Fugitives - Romance - Gritty - Foster Child - Riveting - Thriller: All elements to be found in Num8ers by Rachel Ward.

Jem and Spider, are fifteen year old classmates who become friends because they each need a friend. They are both on the fringe in their school, not easily liked by others. Although Jem has kept her psychic power to herself, she is withdrawn from making connections to people because when she looks them in the eye, she sees a date. 12152010 - 3242034 - 6122051. Can you tell what these number combinations are? Look closely for a pattern. They are dates - the date in which the person she is looking at will die. Yes, Jem knows the date of death for everyone she meets. What a burden! Even as she connects with Spider and their friendship becomes a relationship, she knows the exact date that he will die.

While in London, the story's setting, Jem and Spider visit London's Eye Ferris wheel. She notices that several people in the crowd have the same date of death - that day. She tries to make sense of that when suddenly she knows that she and Spider must leave immediately. Within moments, a terrorist attack happens and people are killed. Security cameras reveal two teens fleeing the scene just before the explosion so the police are hot on their trail. Jem and Spider's adventure begins as they avoid capture by the police heading into the countryside. With little food, no shelter, stolen cars, and a wad of cash Spider has stolen, the pair plan their new life.

The thrills will keep you on the edge of your seat. The love will warm your heart. The ending will surprise you. This is a 5 star read so find a copy and enjoy!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm