What do you think?
Rate this book
Hanged! Mary Surratt and the Plot to Assassinate Abraham Lincoln
"The thrilling story of Mary Surratt, the first woman to be executed by the US government for her alleged involvement in the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln"--
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2022
33 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Miller
10 books863 followersSarah Miller began writing her first novel at the age of ten, and has spent the last two decades working in libraries and bookstores. She is the author of two previous historical novels, Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller, and The Lost Crown. Her nonfiction debut, The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century, was hailed by the New York Times as "a historical version of Law & Order." She lives in Michigan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 1, 2022
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
On the 14th of April 1865, the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was shot in the head at Ford’s Theatre in front of a full room of theatre goers. His killer, ironically a famous actor, hurtled from the theatre box onto the stage and made his escape, managing to evade capture for weeks until he was apprehended and accidentally killed before being put in front of a jury. John Wilkes Booth will go down in history as the main orchestrator, but he also had many co-conspirators, the most controversial of them being the one woman named Mary Surratt.
Hanged! is a historical non-fiction story of the first woman to ever be executed by the United States federal government after being convicted for conspiracy to assasinate the president. Surratt was the owner of the boardinghouse that Booth and his co-conspirators were believed to have frequented to plan their plot; a woman who succeeding president Andrew Johnson called the one who “kept the nest that hatched the egg”. The mystery of Mary Surratt has interested and divided the public since the time of her trial, and while we will never get a definitive answer, the book is a solid addition to the debate of how complicit this woman was and whether she should be considered a co-conspirator at all.
While Mary Surratt is at the centre of the book, it is necessary to look at the other people involved. The author chronologically builds the conspiracy around her, introducing the other key players and a timeline is established of the investigation following the president’s assasination. The omnipresent narrator voice presents the objective facts - it neither paints the characters in sympathy nor damnation. The audience is not forced to think either way, we are just left to ponder the case.
The second half of the book largely focuses on the trial of the conspirators. Even though history has already revealed the final outcome of the trial, we see all the testimonies both against and in Surratt’s favour relayed as if you are sitting in the courtroom watching in real time. You watch piece by piece how her defense falls to pieces, despite the best attempts of her legal counsel. We follow the swift execution order and rejection of the clemency deal, right up to the moment of her hanging and the reactions years afterwards.
This is very well-researched and Sarah Miller does an excellent job of critically analysing her sources: considering who said it, their biases, what information was given voluntary vs coerced, and what was the motivations for why and when they spoke. Photos and sketches of the key players, the infamous boarding house, the box where President Lincoln was shot, the layout of the courtroom, and photos from the day of the hanging are also included to immerse you further into the time period.
This controversial case has had historians debating for years about Mary Surratt’s involvement in one of America’s biggest historical events, and I believe Miller’s Hanged! is a worthwhile addition to this unsolved mystery.
If history, museums, assassinations, and famous mystery cases interest you, I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
On the 14th of April 1865, the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was shot in the head at Ford’s Theatre in front of a full room of theatre goers. His killer, ironically a famous actor, hurtled from the theatre box onto the stage and made his escape, managing to evade capture for weeks until he was apprehended and accidentally killed before being put in front of a jury. John Wilkes Booth will go down in history as the main orchestrator, but he also had many co-conspirators, the most controversial of them being the one woman named Mary Surratt.
Hanged! is a historical non-fiction story of the first woman to ever be executed by the United States federal government after being convicted for conspiracy to assasinate the president. Surratt was the owner of the boardinghouse that Booth and his co-conspirators were believed to have frequented to plan their plot; a woman who succeeding president Andrew Johnson called the one who “kept the nest that hatched the egg”. The mystery of Mary Surratt has interested and divided the public since the time of her trial, and while we will never get a definitive answer, the book is a solid addition to the debate of how complicit this woman was and whether she should be considered a co-conspirator at all.
While Mary Surratt is at the centre of the book, it is necessary to look at the other people involved. The author chronologically builds the conspiracy around her, introducing the other key players and a timeline is established of the investigation following the president’s assasination. The omnipresent narrator voice presents the objective facts - it neither paints the characters in sympathy nor damnation. The audience is not forced to think either way, we are just left to ponder the case.
The second half of the book largely focuses on the trial of the conspirators. Even though history has already revealed the final outcome of the trial, we see all the testimonies both against and in Surratt’s favour relayed as if you are sitting in the courtroom watching in real time. You watch piece by piece how her defense falls to pieces, despite the best attempts of her legal counsel. We follow the swift execution order and rejection of the clemency deal, right up to the moment of her hanging and the reactions years afterwards.
This is very well-researched and Sarah Miller does an excellent job of critically analysing her sources: considering who said it, their biases, what information was given voluntary vs coerced, and what was the motivations for why and when they spoke. Photos and sketches of the key players, the infamous boarding house, the box where President Lincoln was shot, the layout of the courtroom, and photos from the day of the hanging are also included to immerse you further into the time period.
This controversial case has had historians debating for years about Mary Surratt’s involvement in one of America’s biggest historical events, and I believe Miller’s Hanged! is a worthwhile addition to this unsolved mystery.
If history, museums, assassinations, and famous mystery cases interest you, I would definitely recommend.
November 13, 2022
HANGED! MARY SURRATT AND THE PLOT TO ASSASSINATE ABRAHAM LINCOLN
BY: SARAH MILLER
After reading the epic book called, "Booth," written by Karen J. Fowler and another maybe lesser known work by Jennifer Chiaverini, called, "Fates and Traitors," I was interested in a much more detailed biography of alleged involvement into the plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln, his Vice President Andrew Johnson, Secretary of State, William Seward, and General Grant. This was very meticulously researched by Sarah Miller who is the Author of this thought provoking Historical Biography.
It tended to lean towards letting the reader decide whether or not Mary Surratt was guilty in the plot to assassinate these four men. The more that I read the more that I gained in details I wasn't already familiar with.
I thought that it was interesting to learn that Mary Surratt, who owned a boardinghouse and was a widow, a Catholic, who was the mother of John Surratt, Jr., who was also believed to have involvement in conspiring the deaths of these men in government was tried by a tribunal. John Surratt, Jr. who was in hiding was granted his Constitutional right to a jury, where his mother was denied access to that same right.
This book begins with a list of all of the participants, which I would urge the Young Adult audience this book is geared towards to spend some time memorizing. I say this because at times I was confused exactly who was who. Although, I knew who was in the Commission that was a part of the prosecution and who Mary's lawyers were.
I did come away with mixed feelings tending to challenge all of what I knew about Mary Surratt's guilt or whether she was innocent. It helps that this Author used authentic sources which she lists after the Epilogue in which chronicles John Surratt Jr.s capture. It doesn't seem fair that Mary and the others were not given a court with legal representation entitled to more than a day or a month of the prosecution's discovery in order to be prepared. One has to wonder whether the outcome would have been much different if these men and Mary were afforded their rights to due process.
One thing is for sure, and that is still after 150 years, or more later it remains a mystery as to how much, if any, did Mary Surratt actually know of the plot. Especially with the changing of accounts of at least three people involved, including President Johnson's regarding Mary's clemency. I can guarantee that this book has me rethinking everything that I thought I knew about her. It held my attention and was well written and I would recommend highly.
Publication Date: 11/08/2022
Thank you to Net Galley, Sarah Miller and Random House Children's-Random House Studio for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#Hanged!MarySurrattandthePlottoAssassinateAbrahamLincoln #SarahMiller #RandomHouseChildrensRandomHouseStudio #NetGalley
BY: SARAH MILLER
After reading the epic book called, "Booth," written by Karen J. Fowler and another maybe lesser known work by Jennifer Chiaverini, called, "Fates and Traitors," I was interested in a much more detailed biography of alleged involvement into the plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln, his Vice President Andrew Johnson, Secretary of State, William Seward, and General Grant. This was very meticulously researched by Sarah Miller who is the Author of this thought provoking Historical Biography.
It tended to lean towards letting the reader decide whether or not Mary Surratt was guilty in the plot to assassinate these four men. The more that I read the more that I gained in details I wasn't already familiar with.
I thought that it was interesting to learn that Mary Surratt, who owned a boardinghouse and was a widow, a Catholic, who was the mother of John Surratt, Jr., who was also believed to have involvement in conspiring the deaths of these men in government was tried by a tribunal. John Surratt, Jr. who was in hiding was granted his Constitutional right to a jury, where his mother was denied access to that same right.
This book begins with a list of all of the participants, which I would urge the Young Adult audience this book is geared towards to spend some time memorizing. I say this because at times I was confused exactly who was who. Although, I knew who was in the Commission that was a part of the prosecution and who Mary's lawyers were.
I did come away with mixed feelings tending to challenge all of what I knew about Mary Surratt's guilt or whether she was innocent. It helps that this Author used authentic sources which she lists after the Epilogue in which chronicles John Surratt Jr.s capture. It doesn't seem fair that Mary and the others were not given a court with legal representation entitled to more than a day or a month of the prosecution's discovery in order to be prepared. One has to wonder whether the outcome would have been much different if these men and Mary were afforded their rights to due process.
One thing is for sure, and that is still after 150 years, or more later it remains a mystery as to how much, if any, did Mary Surratt actually know of the plot. Especially with the changing of accounts of at least three people involved, including President Johnson's regarding Mary's clemency. I can guarantee that this book has me rethinking everything that I thought I knew about her. It held my attention and was well written and I would recommend highly.
Publication Date: 11/08/2022
Thank you to Net Galley, Sarah Miller and Random House Children's-Random House Studio for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#Hanged!MarySurrattandthePlottoAssassinateAbrahamLincoln #SarahMiller #RandomHouseChildrensRandomHouseStudio #NetGalley
October 22, 2024
I thought this was an amazing book. I understand it's not for everyone, but if you are a history nut and like detail, this one is for you. The book explains the Lincoln assassination and the group of people who accomplished it. It covers their arrest and the evidence that convicted them. A large portion of the book concerns Mary Surret and her trail.
February 28, 2023
Fascinating and impeccably researched. This book draws on a variety of primary source documents to chronicle the trial and eventual hanging of Mary Surratt. Readers are left to decide for themselves if she was innocent or guilty.
September 17, 2022
This one read more like Violet and Daisy than The Borden Murders or the Dionne Quintuplets and what I mean by that is that it fell into the trap of adding too much to the detriment of the overall story. Details for a YA audience were distracting to the overall story however I loved the author's note at the end that her research is impeccable-- ALL of the dialogue in quotes was taken from documents used in her research to create authentic and historical facts woven into the question mark of what truly happened during the most heinous nights in history with Lincoln and Seward.
I was definitely interested and had the distinction of visiting Seward's grave recently. But as with The Borden Murders, she walks the middle line, letting readers decide for themselves and I can appreciate that.
I was definitely interested and had the distinction of visiting Seward's grave recently. But as with The Borden Murders, she walks the middle line, letting readers decide for themselves and I can appreciate that.
July 30, 2022
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher.
I am obsessed with Sarah Miller as a YA true crime writer. First, because almost no one writes true crime for the younger set and second, because it's so incredibly engaging. I loved the Borden Murders so when I saw this was an upcoming release, I knew I had to read it. Not only does Sarah Miller research things impeccably, but I love how much she puts in the hands of readers. No hard and fast conclusions, just "hey reader here's the evidence and here are some scenarios that COULD have happened" What more could teens working on their critical thinking skills ask for? As an adult, I enjoy seeing the evidence and feeling empowered to make my own conclusions.
I am obsessed with Sarah Miller as a YA true crime writer. First, because almost no one writes true crime for the younger set and second, because it's so incredibly engaging. I loved the Borden Murders so when I saw this was an upcoming release, I knew I had to read it. Not only does Sarah Miller research things impeccably, but I love how much she puts in the hands of readers. No hard and fast conclusions, just "hey reader here's the evidence and here are some scenarios that COULD have happened" What more could teens working on their critical thinking skills ask for? As an adult, I enjoy seeing the evidence and feeling empowered to make my own conclusions.
June 15, 2022
As a former history teacher I was so excited when I saw this book! It did not disappoint and is one of the best nonfiction books that I have read in quite some time, Miller's narrative transports the reader to 1865 to Lincoln's assassination, the attack on William Seward (Secretary of State), and the events that followed including the arrest and trial of those thought to be involved. Miller thoroughly chronicles the proceedings especially those that related to Mary Surratt who ran the boarding house where many of the conspirators, including her son, met to form their plans. Witness accounts are evaluated and facts are laid out leaving the reader wondering if Mary Surratt was aware of what was going on under her roof and if she helped the conspirators carry out the plan.. Miller does an excellent job exposing the many injustices that took place including the horrid prison conditions the accused were subjected to. I believe students who love history will be drawn to this book and find it enjoyable and hard to put down. Thank you NetGalley for giving me a digital ARC to read and review.
November 16, 2022
First sentence: It was two or three o'clock in the morning when the bell of Marry Surratt's boardinghouse at 541 H Street rang "very violently."
Premise/plot: Narrative nonfiction. Sarah Miller's newest [nonfiction] book is a dream for all #lawnerds. Her book focuses on Mary Surratt--a woman charged and tried for her [alleged] involvement in the plot to assassinate President Lincoln. She was the only woman charged, but there were plenty of other men also facing trial. Though the war was over and the courts were open again, I believe, it was decided--for better or worse--to hold a military tribunal instead. The book focuses on the crime, the arrest[s], the trials, and the sentences. It was packed with information, with details. It is not a definitive narrative; Miller cannot know--no one can actually actually know whether or not she was guilty or innocent. But she can recount how it all unfolded at a very turbulent time in American history. She can discuss the legal arguments and presentations.
My thoughts: I found this one to be so thought-provoking! The story is interesting and bittersweet. Whether she is guilty or innocent, the crime--the assassination of the President--was tragic no matter how you look at it. The book asks--as many have done, I assume--if a fair trial in this circumstance could have happened. In a country so torn apart, so polarized, so weary and burdened, could Mary have received a fair trial when she was facing such serious charges? But could those accusing her have had ulterior motives? Was the evidence all circumstantial? Was there actual evidence at all? Other than the boardinghouse that connected them all...
There is no "taking sides" in a meaningful way. There are legal arguments presented, questions asked. Again, there is no way to know a hundred plus years later if she *was* guilty or if she *was* innocent. We just know that she was found guilty in this trial and sentenced to death.
The book was GREAT.
Premise/plot: Narrative nonfiction. Sarah Miller's newest [nonfiction] book is a dream for all #lawnerds. Her book focuses on Mary Surratt--a woman charged and tried for her [alleged] involvement in the plot to assassinate President Lincoln. She was the only woman charged, but there were plenty of other men also facing trial. Though the war was over and the courts were open again, I believe, it was decided--for better or worse--to hold a military tribunal instead. The book focuses on the crime, the arrest[s], the trials, and the sentences. It was packed with information, with details. It is not a definitive narrative; Miller cannot know--no one can actually actually know whether or not she was guilty or innocent. But she can recount how it all unfolded at a very turbulent time in American history. She can discuss the legal arguments and presentations.
My thoughts: I found this one to be so thought-provoking! The story is interesting and bittersweet. Whether she is guilty or innocent, the crime--the assassination of the President--was tragic no matter how you look at it. The book asks--as many have done, I assume--if a fair trial in this circumstance could have happened. In a country so torn apart, so polarized, so weary and burdened, could Mary have received a fair trial when she was facing such serious charges? But could those accusing her have had ulterior motives? Was the evidence all circumstantial? Was there actual evidence at all? Other than the boardinghouse that connected them all...
There is no "taking sides" in a meaningful way. There are legal arguments presented, questions asked. Again, there is no way to know a hundred plus years later if she *was* guilty or if she *was* innocent. We just know that she was found guilty in this trial and sentenced to death.
The book was GREAT.
December 23, 2022
Mary Surratt holds the dubious distinction of being the first woman to be executed by the United States for her role in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Sarah Miller, author, has presented a detailed account of her connections to the others involved in the crime, but leaves the reader with no definitive decision of Surratt's guilt or innocence. President Andrew Johnson famously said,she “kept the nest that hatched the egg." He refused to delay her hanging even though new evidence had been presented early the morning of the hanging.
Surratt, living in Maryland, was a widow, a devout Catholic, a boarding house owner, and had Southern sympathies. Her son was a known courier for the Confederate army. Several of those involved in the assassination planning and the attack on William Seward boarded with her, or visited at the boarding house with some of the known perpetrators.
The author has done extensive research on the guilt or innocence of Surratt. Surratt's trial is detailed with actual exchanges between the co-conspirators and their accusors, the military tribunal. All those accused were tried in one trial, and the attorneys representing the accused were given little to no access to information, and left with little time to prepare cases.
The author also details the inhumane conditions under which the prisoners were held. Miller used many resources including transcripts of the trial. It is left to the reader to determine Surratt's guilt or innocence. Geared for middle school readers and young adults, adults will find this to be an informative, readable account of a less-known event in history.
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley and Random House Children's Random House Studio, in exchange for a review.
Surratt, living in Maryland, was a widow, a devout Catholic, a boarding house owner, and had Southern sympathies. Her son was a known courier for the Confederate army. Several of those involved in the assassination planning and the attack on William Seward boarded with her, or visited at the boarding house with some of the known perpetrators.
The author has done extensive research on the guilt or innocence of Surratt. Surratt's trial is detailed with actual exchanges between the co-conspirators and their accusors, the military tribunal. All those accused were tried in one trial, and the attorneys representing the accused were given little to no access to information, and left with little time to prepare cases.
The author also details the inhumane conditions under which the prisoners were held. Miller used many resources including transcripts of the trial. It is left to the reader to determine Surratt's guilt or innocence. Geared for middle school readers and young adults, adults will find this to be an informative, readable account of a less-known event in history.
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley and Random House Children's Random House Studio, in exchange for a review.
October 10, 2022
What role did Mary Surratt really play in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln? Her role has been disputed a lot over the course of history. The fact that there were two simultaneous attempts on the president’s life, via John Wilkes Booth and Senator William H. Seward, suggests there was a conspiracy. Mary Surrat was a widow, a former enslaver, and devout catholic who ran a boardinghouse where the conspirators often met. Newspapers gave her bad rap from the start by reviling her and posting sexist comments. She was sentenced to death and refused clemency from Andrew Johnson. However, her former boarder contradicted testimonies that were given. Was Mary Surrat part of the assassination or was she given an unfair rap?
This book gives a no holds barred, at times gruesome and difficult to read, account of what happened to Abraham Lincoln and paints a sympathetic, well-researched account with relation to Mary Surrat. Miller does a great job of exploring this unsolved mystery by sifting through source materials and judicial prejudice. The author chronologically builds the conspiracy that went on as well as other key events and players. She provides a unique account that most readers will have never heard. Facts are presented objectively and presented logically. Readers interested in history, mysteries, and post-civil war events, and assassinations will want to pick this one up.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
This book gives a no holds barred, at times gruesome and difficult to read, account of what happened to Abraham Lincoln and paints a sympathetic, well-researched account with relation to Mary Surrat. Miller does a great job of exploring this unsolved mystery by sifting through source materials and judicial prejudice. The author chronologically builds the conspiracy that went on as well as other key events and players. She provides a unique account that most readers will have never heard. Facts are presented objectively and presented logically. Readers interested in history, mysteries, and post-civil war events, and assassinations will want to pick this one up.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
January 27, 2023
Widow. Mother. Businesswoman. Traitor? On July 7, 1865, Mary Surratt became the first woman to be executed by the United States government. Her crime? Conspuring in the plot to assassinate President Lincoln, the vice president, the secretary of state, and General Grant. But was she truly guilty or was she the victim of a serious injustice?
I will admit I don’t remember hearing the name Mary Surratt before, but given my interest in history, I was intrigued when I saw this book. I’ve enjoyed how the author presented the facts in other books (The Borden Murders specifically) so I was curious to see what this case was all about. And I was not ready for the huge sense of injustice I would feel by the end.
The author does an excellent job of showing both sides of the case, especially the circumstances around why so many were certain Mrs. Surratt was guilty. At the same time, it is clear that some of the evidence was purely circumstantial. After so many years, no one can really know the truth of what happened. But speculating is a fun pastime!
Detailed, well-plotted, this was a highly enjoyable read for me. I would recommend this to readers with an interest in American history. I received a free copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
I will admit I don’t remember hearing the name Mary Surratt before, but given my interest in history, I was intrigued when I saw this book. I’ve enjoyed how the author presented the facts in other books (The Borden Murders specifically) so I was curious to see what this case was all about. And I was not ready for the huge sense of injustice I would feel by the end.
The author does an excellent job of showing both sides of the case, especially the circumstances around why so many were certain Mrs. Surratt was guilty. At the same time, it is clear that some of the evidence was purely circumstantial. After so many years, no one can really know the truth of what happened. But speculating is a fun pastime!
Detailed, well-plotted, this was a highly enjoyable read for me. I would recommend this to readers with an interest in American history. I received a free copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 18, 2022
The YA Historical Fiction book, Hanged', by Sarah Miller is an engaging book on Mary Surratt, the first woman to be executed by the United States for her role in President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. The mother of one of the co-conspirators with John Wilkes Booth (JWB), her son who also a Confederate Secret Service courier during the Civil War. The co-conspirators were known to have met at her Maryland boarding house, but there remains a debate as to how involved the Widow Surratt was in the planning and implementation of the assassination of Lincoln and the attempted assignation of other leaders.
An area of interest to YA readers will likely be how the prisoners were treated as they were held for trial, how quickly the trial took place, and the way in which they were tried. Normal court protocols were not followed as the believed co-conspirators were tried by a military tribunal rather than in criminal court. The release of this book at shortly after Booth by Karen Joy Fowler will allow YA readers delve deeper into the lives of the individuals involved in this tragic event in our history. Thank you NetGalley.
An area of interest to YA readers will likely be how the prisoners were treated as they were held for trial, how quickly the trial took place, and the way in which they were tried. Normal court protocols were not followed as the believed co-conspirators were tried by a military tribunal rather than in criminal court. The release of this book at shortly after Booth by Karen Joy Fowler will allow YA readers delve deeper into the lives of the individuals involved in this tragic event in our history. Thank you NetGalley.
January 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this book.
Civil War history is one of my niches. I read a lot about the Civil War. I also read a lot about presidential history. One cannot read these two subjects and not know who Mary Surratt is. One cannot study these subjects and not realize that Mary Surratt's treason trial was a shambles.
This book really highlights that fact.
I mean, the fact that the prosecution had over a month to prepare for the trial, but the defense was appointed days before the trial.
The fact that the prosecutors were high power attorneys and the defense was essentially novices.
The fact that the key witness for the defense gets on the stand and completely refutes the testimony he provided to the defense and bragged about how he lied. Bragged about how he had to get on the stand to testify and knew that the only way he could do so was by telling the defense attornery what the defense wanted to hear. The jury accepted his testimony as he was NOW under oath and not a self confessed liar.
I really enjoyed this book because it was an analysis of a trial that I knew was a sham, but didn't know why/how it was a sham.
Civil War history is one of my niches. I read a lot about the Civil War. I also read a lot about presidential history. One cannot read these two subjects and not know who Mary Surratt is. One cannot study these subjects and not realize that Mary Surratt's treason trial was a shambles.
This book really highlights that fact.
I mean, the fact that the prosecution had over a month to prepare for the trial, but the defense was appointed days before the trial.
The fact that the prosecutors were high power attorneys and the defense was essentially novices.
The fact that the key witness for the defense gets on the stand and completely refutes the testimony he provided to the defense and bragged about how he lied. Bragged about how he had to get on the stand to testify and knew that the only way he could do so was by telling the defense attornery what the defense wanted to hear. The jury accepted his testimony as he was NOW under oath and not a self confessed liar.
I really enjoyed this book because it was an analysis of a trial that I knew was a sham, but didn't know why/how it was a sham.
October 15, 2024
Widow. Mother. Businesswoman. Traitor? On July 7, 1865, Mary Surratt became the first woman to be executed by the United States government. Her crime? Conspiring in the plot to assassinate President Lincoln, the vice president, the secretary of state, and General Grant. But was she truly guilty or was she the victim of a serious injustice?
I will admit I don’t remember hearing the name Mary Surratt before, but given my interest in history, I was intrigued when I saw this book. I’ve enjoyed how the author presented the facts in other books (The Borden Murders specifically) so I was curious to see what this case was all about. And I was not ready for the huge sense of injustice I would feel by the end.
The author does an excellent job of showing both sides of the case, especially the circumstances around why so many were certain Mrs. Surratt was guilty. At the same time, it is clear that some of the evidence was purely circumstantial. After so many years, no one can really know the truth of what happened. But speculating is a fun pastime!
Detailed, well-plotted, this was a highly enjoyable read for me. I would recommend this to readers with an interest in American history.
I will admit I don’t remember hearing the name Mary Surratt before, but given my interest in history, I was intrigued when I saw this book. I’ve enjoyed how the author presented the facts in other books (The Borden Murders specifically) so I was curious to see what this case was all about. And I was not ready for the huge sense of injustice I would feel by the end.
The author does an excellent job of showing both sides of the case, especially the circumstances around why so many were certain Mrs. Surratt was guilty. At the same time, it is clear that some of the evidence was purely circumstantial. After so many years, no one can really know the truth of what happened. But speculating is a fun pastime!
Detailed, well-plotted, this was a highly enjoyable read for me. I would recommend this to readers with an interest in American history.
March 7, 2023
When we think about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln these days, the first (and probably only) name to come to mind is John Wilkes Booth. However, there is a lot more to the story as he had a number of accomplices and there were also a lot more to the plot included other attempted assassinations that night. One person, who was among the most hated at the time of the event was Mary Surratt - a name most people have never heard of now. She was the mother of John Surratt Jr, a friend of Wilkes Booth. She ran a boarding house, was a known Confederate sympathizer, and was also deeply (Catholic) religious. After the assassination, a furious and grieving nation put 8 suspects on military (not civil court) trial. Mary was one of these and despite a lack of solid evidence ended up being the first woman to suffer capital punishment in the United States.
Solidly researched. I found it engaging but students may struggle to get through the dense text. There is a spread of photographs in the middle. Extensive source notes.
Solidly researched. I found it engaging but students may struggle to get through the dense text. There is a spread of photographs in the middle. Extensive source notes.
November 5, 2022
Miller's Hanged! offers a fascinating account of the investigation and trial of Mary Surratt--a little known player in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. For one of the most significant events in American History, it's interesting that most people do not know anything about that event other than a single actor with a pistol in Ford Theater. With a smattering of direct quotes peppered throughout the historical account, this book is interesting without reading like a dry history paper so even a casual history buff can get through the pages.
Most surprisingly, Hanged! does not provide evidence to exonerate or condemn Mary Surratt for her role in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Instead, It offers an opportunity to see a time when an appallingly biased and unjust court proceeding left a smear of shame upon the American Judicial System.
Perhaps one day more people will learn about Mary Surratt and her place in history. I, for one, am glad I now do.
Most surprisingly, Hanged! does not provide evidence to exonerate or condemn Mary Surratt for her role in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Instead, It offers an opportunity to see a time when an appallingly biased and unjust court proceeding left a smear of shame upon the American Judicial System.
Perhaps one day more people will learn about Mary Surratt and her place in history. I, for one, am glad I now do.
November 18, 2023
Fascinating little piece of history regarding the possible co-conspirators of John Wilkes Booth. Mary Surratt seems to have been sucked in to the plot by matter of proximity and history may never know her true intent/involvement. This text makes an interesting look at the fervor for justice that so many felt after the assassination, the military commission that tried her, the suspension of many of her rights as an American, and the justice that found her hanged (the first woman to be hung for a capital offense). I'm astonished the crime she was accused of could be considered a capital offense. The non-fiction story reads like a narrative and is engaging and thought-provoking, even though you know from the outset that she's going to hang :)
July 6, 2024
Sarah Miller's Hanged! Mary Surratt and the Plot to Assassinate Abraham Lincoln definitely gives pause for reflection in possibly one of the darkest chapters of American history as Miller explores the incarriage of justice in having the conspirators tried by a military tribunal rather than through public courts in a time of peace. On the heels of the end of the Civil War public officials were bitterly possessed to secure not only guilty verdicts but to see that as many of the conspirators were executed as well. Enter Mary Surratt who ran a boarding house where many of the conspirators congregated was one such person whose true involvement was never without a reasonable doubt proven, yet she hung to her death as a victim of civil rights violations of the U.S. Constitution.
October 31, 2022
I had little knowledge of Mary Serratt, or her family, before reading this book. Although a weighty matter, it was interesting to read about this era in history following along with court matters surrounding the assassination of President Lincoln. The author presents much evidence, as well as trickery, to help one to come to his or her own conclusions. Why do I feel aggravated that Mary's son got away with a great deal towards this mission? This is a book that will stay with me as I consider all sides presented. Thank you to Netgalley for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2023
Mary Surratt was the first woman executed by the US government. Debate has raged ever since 1865 concerning the guilt of Surratt in relation to Lincoln’ s assassination.
Miller proffers a no frills approach to the story. Her rendition is a good place to begin for any reader who is new to the story and doesn’t know the basic facts.
I was curious about one fact: Surratt was buried with the hood she wore when executed, but when her daughter claimed her body for reburial in 1869, Miller, using resources, Makes no mention of the hood, when the coffin was opened for examination. This inconsistency jumped out at me.
Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the digital copy.
Miller proffers a no frills approach to the story. Her rendition is a good place to begin for any reader who is new to the story and doesn’t know the basic facts.
I was curious about one fact: Surratt was buried with the hood she wore when executed, but when her daughter claimed her body for reburial in 1869, Miller, using resources, Makes no mention of the hood, when the coffin was opened for examination. This inconsistency jumped out at me.
Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the digital copy.
May 15, 2025
This is a very good retelling of the events after Lincoln's assassination and the resulting trial of the conspirators, although it mainly focuses on Mary Surratt's involvement, the case against her, her defense, and the controversy surrounding it to this day. A great read for anyone interested in the trial or Mary Surratt. Like much of the history of the Civil War/Lincoln assassination, one book can barely scrape the surface of trial with all its complexity, but I think this book does a good job with the information it provides as well as giving some insight into interesting aspects of the trial and the controversy.
3.75 stars
3.75 stars
May 10, 2023
This book follows the assassinations and attempted assassinations against Abraham Lincoln, vice President Johnson, and secretary William Steward. It follows the trial afterwards and some of the aftermath of that.
It's main focus of course is on Mary surrat, who owned an inn of sorts. She was accused of being involved with the entire plot, however the book leaves it very up to the reader to decide if she is guilty or not.
I really liked this book, but I more enjoyed the audio book. It was a fascinating story especially how the evidence came out and even the contradictory tales.
It's main focus of course is on Mary surrat, who owned an inn of sorts. She was accused of being involved with the entire plot, however the book leaves it very up to the reader to decide if she is guilty or not.
I really liked this book, but I more enjoyed the audio book. It was a fascinating story especially how the evidence came out and even the contradictory tales.
April 21, 2024
Maybe more like 2.5 stars. Interesting in that I didn’t know much more than the basics about the assassination/trial. However the book itself was dry and not a read I could get into. For a book that was designed to focus on Mary Surratt you don’t get much sense of her and her personal story; would have been better framed as a story of the trial in general. I feel like this has the potential to be an interesting story but there’s nothing here to draw the reader in
July 20, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’m ashamed to admit I had never heard of Mary Surratt’s involvement in the plan to execute President Lincoln. This historical non-fiction story was captivating and well researched.
Definitely recommend.
I’m ashamed to admit I had never heard of Mary Surratt’s involvement in the plan to execute President Lincoln. This historical non-fiction story was captivating and well researched.
Definitely recommend.
January 24, 2023
I think this was meticulously researched and not only taught me a lot but made me think. I can definitely see this being used in schools and the surrounding debate being really fascinating! Is the writing the most engaging thing, eh, I didn't feel that way up until the very end--the suspense to Surratt's death was super well done.
April 15, 2023
Detailed investigation into the trial and execution of Mary Surratt, convicted as a conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Although the narrative gets bogged down by the many legal and historical details, the chapters discussing Surratt’s imprisonment and execution are both heartbreaking and terrifying. A fascinating story.
April 11, 2024
It's History so sometimes a little slow. I loved it mostly because you think you know but when faced with the actual facts...I would never have condemned her. Mary Surratt's era was not kind to her or women in general and that often came from other women of her day.
If you love history I think it's a must read.
If you love history I think it's a must read.
February 27, 2023
Well written young adult account of the capture, trial, and execution of the Lincoln Murder Conspirators specifically focused on Mary Surratt.
Sarah Miller captures the attention of the reader and doesn't let go until the book is finished.
Sarah Miller captures the attention of the reader and doesn't let go until the book is finished.
March 4, 2023
An intriguing, well researched read about Mary Surratt. What did she know about Lincoln's assassination? Was she involved? Or is she an innocent victim as well? There are still many unanswerable questions. But, I'm inclined to be more sympathetic to her after reading this book.
August 8, 2023
This book was so slow. I really tried to like it..I really did. Maybe I hate the Civil War? But it just seemed drawn out in every way - over a topic that SOUNDS really interesting. It definitely was not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews