"The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War" is a non-fiction book by Daniel Stashower, published in 2013. The book recounts the true story of a little-known conspiracy to assassinate Abraham Lincoln before he could take the oath of office as President of the United States in 1861. Stashower delves into the details of the plot, which involved a group of Baltimore secessionists planning to attack Lincoln during his train journey from Springfield, Illinois, to Washington, D.C., for his inauguration. Stashower's narrative highlights the efforts of Allan Pinkerton, the famed detective, and his agency, who were hired to protect Lincoln during this critical journey. The book examines the tense atmosphere of the time, the political divisions that were tearing the country apart, and the challenges faced by those trying to safeguard the President-elect. "The Hour of Peril" provides readers with a gripping account of a pivotal moment in American history, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the plot against Lincoln's life and the efforts to thwart it. It's praised for its meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and its contribution to our understanding of the events leading up to the Civil War and Lincoln's presidency.