An informative but slow read
"The Hour of Peril" reminded me a lot of Erik Larson's "Devil in the White City". It takes an interesting subject and tells it is such a didactic manner as to make it difficult to slog your way through. I persevered and learned a lot about Allan Pinkerton and the early science of investigation. The reviewer quoted on the front of the book called it a "riveting" book and a "race-against-the-clock thriller." I don't think he actually read the book.
Rated of 5
by Sherilyn R. (bountiful, utah)
Pinkerton's efforts to protect Lincoln
On a cold winter's day in 1861 Lincoln and two lone bodyguards entered Washington City, capital of thirty four United States. This book detailed the drama, duplicity and secret maneuvers necessary in getting him to the capital to take on his duties as President of the disintegrating union of states.
I liked the book, primarily because it provided information with which I was unfamiliar. But, I also like the characters, Pinkerton and Kate, Lamon and Lincoln himself.
This was a fascinating piece of history and readers of Civil War history will enjoy this book.
Rated of 5
by Joe S. (Port Orange, FL)
Hour of Peril
A very interesting and well researched book about an important time in our nations history . However, it is a real slow starter. The beginning of the book was, for me, difficult to read because of all the quotes but It soon smooths out and becomes much more interesting. I almost gave up on it but am glad that I didn't.
Rated of 5
by Eloise F. (Poway, CA)
Not quite spellbinding
This is a great history book. I love reading about this era and it didn't disappoint as a discussion from a new angle and new participants in history. But: it was billed as 'spellbinding historical narrative.' It was instead a history, slow and cumbersome to read. Not what I expected to review but always a good thing to expand my horizons.
Rated of 5
by Susan C. (Maple Grove, MN)
The Hour of Peril
Slow at times, but full of interesting information about the participants - Pinkerton, Lincoln, the first female private detective and other prominent people of the time. Gives an idea of the mood of the country - how some citizens of the US felt about Lincoln, possible war, slavery.
A book more suited for those interested in history than for thriller fans.
Rated of 5
by Cheryl K. (East Aurora, NY)
The Hour of Peril
Admittedly, when beginning The Hour of Peril, I had just completed the Assassination of Lincoln, as well as seeing Lincoln (the movie). Anxious to learn of the thwarted attempt on Lincoln's life in 1861, I slowly made my way through this book. Although I can appreciate the extensive research by Daniel Stashower, I often felt I was reading a textbook. Pinkerton was definitely more of a presence than Lincoln, and his story was very interesting. I feel this book would appeal more to avid history buffs, who enjoy explicit details of a period in American history that is not well-known. I did not find it a "race-against-the-clock thriller.
Rated of 5
by Karen J. (Bremerton, WA)
Disappointing
The Hour of Peril tells about Alan Pinkerton, his detective agency and the discovered plot to assassinate Lincoln in Baltimore on his way to his inauguration. It is history told in story form so reads like a novel and not like a history book. However, I found it disappointing. It's being promoted as a race against the clock thriller and although eminently readable I found it neither gripping nor riveting which is what I was expecting, but rather slow going and had to push my way through it. Interestingly, I found those sections about Lincoln the most fascinating; less so the parts about Alan Pinkerton and the plot.
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of 5
by Mary G. (Purcellville, VA)
of 5
by Sherilyn R. (bountiful, utah)
