Based on Michael Kauffman’s book, American Brutus: John Wilkes Booth and the Lincoln Conspiracies, this History Channel documentary about the first presidential assassin and his co-conspirator, David Herold, is an engaging account. We’re all familiar with the events at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865, but this documentary follows the conspirators’ flight and the subsequent 12-day manhunt that ensued.

Written and directed by History channel regular Tom Jennings, the reenactments, music and pacing are all top notch.

Grade: A-

The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth is currently available.