I finally finished James Swanson’s “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer” today. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction. And when I do, it’s very rarely historical. When “Manhunt” came out, though, I read several good reviews for it. Still, good review alones wouldn’t normally drive me to read historical non-fiction. The real draw here was Dr. Samuel Mudd, the man who set John Wilkes Booth’s leg and was consequently put in jail. Mudd is in my stepmother’s family tree, and I’ve been interested in the Lincoln assassination since I learned there was a family connection.*

Swanson trashes Mudd nearly every time he mentions the doctor. The Mudd story according to the family was that Booth showed up unexpectedly at the Mudd home with a broken leg and that the doctor set the leg, not knowing that he was aiding the president’s assassin. “Manhunt,” on the other hand, says that while Booth’s visit was unexpected, Mudd knew him and had actually been involved in a previous attempt to kidnap Lincoln. When Booth arrived at the house, the book says, Mudd hadn’t yet heard about the assassination. But apparently he did learn of it before Booth left, and he didn’t alert the authorities until well after Booth had gone on his way. I felt an odd sense of loyalty toward Mudd while I was reading all of this.

Also, I learned that John Wilkes Booth was apparently considered a hottie. To which I say: Seriously, 1800s?

Anyway, I enjoyed reading “Manhunt.” It is, as advertised, a pretty thrilling read. And I’m proud of myself for actually finishing a book again. I abandoned the last two I tried to read. And this was a smarty-pants historical non-fiction book! Go me!

*Technically, she isn’t my stepmom anymore. But we still claim her anyway. Love you, Mary!