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This is a well done exhaustively researched book on the search, capture, and of course the ultimate death of some who conspired together to assassinate President Lincoln.

John Wilkes Booth, the infamous assassin was able to elude the searchers for twelve days, broken leg and all with the assistance of some sympathizers, (Dr Mudd, Mary Surratt, Michael O’Laughlen, Edman Spangler and Samuel Arnold) as well as an accomplice, David Herold. Booth evaded over a thousand Union troops and detectives to escape the confines of Washington DC and contrary to popular belief escaped into Southern Maryland. It was at Dr Mudd's home that they were finally able to ascertain that Booth and Herold had been there in Maryland instead of going to Baltimore, by finding a boot of Booth's. At that point Secretary of War, Stanton also ordered all Union ships to patrol the Potomac south of Washington. Added to the hunt was the offer of a $100,000 reward an unheard of sum at that time. The intensive hunt was on.

This book is a history lover's delight. It had practically hour by hour details of all that transpired. In the end Booth and Herold were found hiding in a farm in Virginia owned by Richard Garrett. The barn was set on fire and while Herold surrendered, Booth was shot dead by Sgt. Boston Corbett.

The trial for the rest was held swiftly and punishment was doled out. Of the eight defendants, Powell, Herold and Atzerodt were fully entrenched in the conspiracy and were sentenced to death along with Mary Suratt, earning her the distinction of being the first woman put to death by a federal court. Her son, John, escaped but was eventually caught in Egypt was tried but released because of insufficient evidence. Arnold and Mudd received life sentences; O’Laughlen and Spangler got a six-year prison term. Arnold, Mudd and Spangler were eventually pardoned by President Johnson.
The team of Powell, Herold, Atzerodt and Suratt were executed by hanging. Swift justice was served.