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Book Review

Publisher's Note:

A true crime thriller -- the first book for teens to tell the nearly unknown tale of the brazen attempt to steal Abraham Lincoln's body! The action begins in October of 1875, as Secret Service agents raid the Fulton, Illinois, workshop of master counterfeiter Ben Boyd. Soon after Boyd is hauled off to prison, members of his counterfeiting ring gather in the back room of a smoky Chicago saloon to discuss how to spring their ringleader. Their plan: grab Lincoln's body from its Springfield tomb, stash it in the sand dunes near Lake Michigan, and demand, as a ransom, the release of Ben Boyd --and $200,000 in cash. From here, the action alternates between the conspirators, the Secret Service agents on their trail, and the undercover agent moving back and forth between the two groups. Along the way readers get glimpses into the inner workings of counterfeiting, grave robbing, detective work, and the early days of the Secret Service. The plot moves toward a wild climax as robbers and lawmen converge at Lincoln's tomb on election night: November 7, 1876.…

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Lincoln’s Grave Robbers

by Steve Sheinkin

Reviewer: Rachel
Genre: Non-Fiction
Recommended Age: 12+

Overall Book Review:

National Book Award Finalist Steve Sheinkin invites readers on a fast-paced, high-stakes ride in Lincoln’s Grave Robbers. Well-researched, including many first-hand accounts, Sheinkin transforms this little-known historical event into anaction-packed (and age-appropriate) crime thriller. Besides detailing the horrific and complicated plot to steal Lincoln’s remains, Lincoln’s Grave Robbers explains nineteenth century counterfeiting and discusses the 1876 presidential election. The book itself has a striking layout, complete with pictures, maps and easy-to-read text. Readers of all ages will love the bonus section on body snatchers! 

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: 2 religious exclamations; 3 mild obscenities.

Violence/Gore: 1 verbal threat; reports of violences preventing African Americans from voting; in a non-detailed scene of violent death, Lincoln’s assassination is discussed. 

Sex/Nudity: None

Mature Subject Matter:

Robbery, drinking, ethical treatment of human remains, counterfeiting.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Drinking occurs. A few men are described as drunks.

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
2
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
3
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
0
10

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About the Reviewer

Rachel
My mother was the one who sparked my love of books. Long before school instruction, she sat me down and taught me to read. My childhood was filled with trips to the library and bookmobile to find great books. My first loves were The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lingren. Now as a mom and speech pathologist, I am constantly looking for good, clean books to use at home and in therapy. I enjoy reading many different genres, but my favorites are usually historical fiction. I married my best friend, the “boy next door”, and we have a beautiful little girl who we often find sprawled out on the floor, flipping through picture books. Together our family likes to swim, run and play tennis. Besides reading, I also love to bake, garden and travel.

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