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I’m a history nerd. I enjoy reading about historical events of all varieties. I’ve read biographies of various historical figures from Hendrick Hamel to “Miura Anjin” William Adams, from Joan of Arc to Elizabeth I, from Adolf Hitler to King Leopold II.

On the subject of Lincoln’s assassination, I’ve read cradle-to-the-grave biographies of several people involved in the plot (both part of the conspiracy, as well as the victims and other potential targets), outlandish theories (one claimed the US Government hired Booth to assassinate Lincoln), and even the transcripts of the conspirators’ trial. Needless to say, I’m well-versed in the subject. I even own a copy of The Conspirator, directed by Robert Redford, which I watch at least once a year.

In fact, it was the film The Conspirator which led me to The Assassin’s Accomplice. In all the years I’ve read about Lincoln’s assassination, I was left with the impression that Mary Surratt had been railroaded. Even the author admits in the introduction she’d believed Surratt to be innocent, until she began viewing the historical record.

Larson does a competent enough job to sow doubt in Surratt’s innocence. For pages on end, she recounts the events preceding, and following, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, as well as the attempted assassination of William Seward, and always uses the words of the other conspirators as evidence. Certainly damning, but Larson never comes close to sealing the deal.

The real problem with the book is twofold. First, it is geared more toward those who already have an interest in the subject. To anyone who wants to know these people, and Surratt in particular, the reader will be left wanting, as it is a cold recitation of facts.

The second problem comes from Larson herself. There are several examples where her choice of words leave a different impression than what history shows. One such example is when describing the assassination of Lincoln, the author claims Booth was crazed. Indeed, he was not. He acted with methodical precision.

All-in-all, it was an okay read, but certainly not worth serious consideration. It is also one of the few times where the book is surpassed by the adaptation.

Follow this link to purchase a copy of the book.

Follow this link to purchase a copy of the film.

Until next time.