Erik Larson delves into the six months between Abraham Lincoln's election and the first shots fired on Fort Sumter to start the Civil War. In a period of betrayal, error, and miscommunication, Larson focuses on the stories of four individuals: Sumter's commander caught between sympathy to the South and loyalty to the Union; a bloodthirsty radical promoting secession at every turn; the wife of a local planter who is conflicted about marriage and slavery; and in the thick of it all, is Abraham Lincoln, desperately trying to avert a war.

The Demon of Unrest is a detailed look at the months leading up to the Civil War that is perfect for fans of Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals. I don't often read history books but, when I do, I love when they can captivate my attention. I enjoyed Larson's narrow focus on the lead-up to the war because it really helped place this large world event into perspective. If you don't mind a long read, The Demon of Unrest manages to be extremely informative while also keeping my attention.