Module 6 Review - Lincoln's Grave Robbers

 

Bibliographic Information

Sheinkin, Steve. 2013. LINCOLN’S GRAVE ROBBERS. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 978-0545405720

Plot Summary

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 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.

Critical Analysis

As a self-proclaimed history lover, I will admit that nonfiction has never been my strong suit, but this novel was a strong step in the right direction to changing my mind. Lincoln’s Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin is an exciting nonfiction book about a real-life plan in 1876 to steal President Abraham Lincoln’s body. Before reading, I had no idea that such a plot ever existed. The book starts with a cast of characters and most of the ‘bad guys’ are counterfeiters. I think while reading that I learned more about counterfeiting in the 1870s than anything. I didn’t realize it had been so profitable or such a major problem. The detail that Sheinkin put into his research is obvious and I learned a lot. For example, learning that the Secret Service was first established to deal with counterfeiters. I had absolutely no idea this was true! Sheinkin tells the story like an adventure, introducing key characters such as James “Big Jim” Kennally, the leader of the criminals, and Patrick Tyrell, the Secret Service agent who worked to stop them. Even with it being nonfiction, the story is told in a way that holds your attention and keeps you wondering what the heck is going to happen next! 

The criminals, led by Kennally, were driven by greed and desperation. They wanted to get their counterfeiter, Benjamin Boyd, out of prison and believed the government would pay a ransom for Lincoln’s body. Throughout his writing, Sheinkin reveals how flawed their plan was; the criminals lacked the organization and the resources to pull a plan of this magnitude off. I thought the glimpse into the early life of the Secret Service was really interesting since it was still new and learning how to deal with organized crime. Steve Sheinkin writes in a way that makes the book easy to read and exciting for young readers. The short chapters, fast pace, and use of real-life photos and documents help readers understand and stay interested in the story. The book mixes history with the excitement of a crime thriller, making it fun and educational at the same time. From now on, this will definitely go on my recommendation list for students who are interested in true crime and exciting history!

Awards Won & Review Excerpt(s)

*Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults

*Booklist Online Award: In January 2013

*This meticulous and tremendously suspenseful account of the attempted heist of Abraham Lincoln's body in 1876 reads like a smartly cast fictional crime thriller, with a skillful buildup of tension and sharp character portrayals. Sheinkin (Bomb) lays the groundwork for the plot by delving into the history of counterfeiting, a booming business during and after the Civil War ("By 1864, an astounding 50 percent of the paper money in circulation was fake"). James Kennally, leader of one of the largest counterfeiting rings in the Midwest, masterminded the plot to steal the late president's body from the Lincoln Monument, outside Springfield, Ill. He intended to ransom the purloined corpse, hitting up the government for a tidy sum of money and the freedom of his jailed, top-notch engraver. Perhaps the most dynamic player is Lewis Swegles, a shrewd career criminal who juggled double roles as Secret Service informer and alleged conspirator. Sheinkin's study of Swegles's thought process and machinations intensifies the drama of the showdown between the would-be robbers and government officials. A sizzling tale of real-life historical intrigue. - Publishers Weekly starred review

Connections

*Design a mock-up of a security plan for Lincoln's tomb, including potential security measures.

*Research the author Steve Sheinkin (start at his blog: https://www.stevesheinkin.com/.

Then, create a speech that introduces him at a book signing. What information is

interesting about Sheinkin as an author? What life experiences and inspirations led

him to write the Miss Peregrine story? What does he have coming up next?

*Research the details of Lincoln's burial site at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. https://dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/sites/central/lincoln-tomb.html