Review: Killing Patton

Fox News' Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard have written a series of volumes about the killings of historical figures. The latest - Killing Patton - is about the death of General George Patton.

Is it a good read? Yes. Much of the book is truly historical and yet written in a way that makes it pleasant to read, something not always true of such narratives.

Is it totally factual? Maybe. Allegations about the marital infidelities of Generals Patton and Eisenhower and President Roosevelt are treated as established fact when most careful historians would call them "allegations." It was an era when public figures never admitted infidelity, unlike our current casual attitude toward such matters.

The authors also raise the issue of various groups which would be pleased at Patton's death, very pleased in the case of the Russians. They hint at conspiracy, but never draw any conclusions. The authors end up reluctantly implying the car accident that led to his death was probably the result of drunk driving by the joy-riding truck driver who hit his limo. 

My bottom line: it is a fun book but not a great book. A good read but only so-so as history.