Lincoln's Grave Robbers Book Review

Lincoln's Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin

Question: How are master counterfeiter Benjamin Boyd and Abraham Lincoln connected?
Answer: The friends of one guy tried to steal the other guy's dead bones.

Counterfeiting was a big problem in the United States during the Civil War when the U.S. Treasury began mass-producing paper currency, and people began using paper money instead of just coins. Crafty people figured out how to make copies of dollar bills, and then criminals spent the “coneys” (counterfeit money) just like real money.

Benjamin Boyd was a highly talented engraver, notorious for his nearly perfect copies of real money. Once Boyd was arrested, many criminal networks crumbled without Boyd’s expert handiwork. Criminals, Jack Hughes, Terrence Mullen, and James Kennally decided that something needed to be done, so they came up with a crazy plan. They would steal President Lincoln’s remains out of his coffin, and ransom them for $200,000 and Boyd’s freedom. But first, they had to get a team of body snatchers to do the job. . .

This book tells the thrilling true story of how 3 men plotted and nearly executed a plan to break into Abraham Lincoln’s tomb and steal his remains. If you’re looking for a juicy, action-filled bit of American history, this book is certainly worth checking out. It’s full of mystery and suspense, and it reads more like an adventure story than a history lesson. (It has cool pictures too!) Sheinkin switches perspectives between the crooks and the Secret Service agents, so readers get to see both sides of the law as the great Abraham Lincoln grave robbery takes place.

Let us know in the Comments if you like this book, and suggest other fun history reads as well!

— Elysse, STACKS Writer

Comments

[Comment #1]

i think that book would be a little bit creepy because it is true and there is pictures i hope the pictures are not photographs please leave a comment if you read the book and thought it was scary

[Comment #2]

I HATE THIS BOOK TIS BOOK CAME OUT SENT 2012

[Comment #3]

hey that is so good. And i like the front page. so what is up woth all the people out there. what is proples deals yo.

[Comment #4]

so that is a good book. what is up with all the peole out there yo.

[Comment #5]

This is awesome

[Comment #6]

I find that this book would be rather boring.

[Comment #7]

I think after reading this article i might want to read this book.

[Comment #8]

i think it is pointless

[Comment #9]

Yes I must agree that this book is terrible, I don't care about some grave robbers.

[Comment #10]

This book had an awesome plot line. It was a bit creepy at some points though

[Comment #11]

Wow, this book sounds very interesting! I'm very interested i mysterious books. This may be a book i would read in the future.

[Comment #12]

This book seems like is has an interesting plot.

[Comment #13]

This sounds like a really good book, I might have to read it

[Comment #14]

This book looks very good and I would love to read it!

[Comment #15]

I haven't read this book, but believe that it would be an interesting and fun book to read.

[Comment #16]

is this history becuase we have to do a history project about AbarhimLincoln

[Comment #17]

BRRR... even the mention of that book gives me the shivers..
and + it is real so...

BOO!!! ME GHOST OF LINCLON!
:O

[Comment #18]

This book looks really interesting, can't wait to read it! I watched a "Mysteries at the Museum" about the robbery and can't wait to get a copy of this.

[Comment #19]

I finished it yestorday, I LOVE IT

[Comment #20]

The book is so cool. xD

[Comment #21]

Ithink it is amazing how they robbed lincolns grave

[Comment #22]

I would love to read this book!