Dannemora

The True Story of the Prison Escape That Inspired the Documentary “How It Really Happened”

In June 2015, two convicted murderers broke out of the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, in New York’s North Country—launching the most extensive manhunt in state history and dominating the news cycle with the sex scandal linking both inmates to the prison employee who aided them.
 
Double murderer Richard Matt and cop-killer David Sweat slipped out of their cells, followed a network of tunnels and pipes under the thirty-foot prison wall, and climbed out of a manhole to freedom. For three weeks, residents of local communities were prisoners in their own homes as law enforcement swept the wilderness near the Canadian border.
 
Dannemora is a gripping account of the bold breakout and the search that ended with one man dead, one man back in custody—and lingering questions about those who set the deadly drama in motion.
 
“A dramatic story. . . . A true community insider’s perspective on a legendary manhunt.”
—Booklist
 
“A gripping account of the daring prison break. . . . True crime fans will be more than satisfied.”
—Publishers Weekly 
 
“More than just a page-turner—a true story about people who are dedicated to seeking justice.”
—Robert K. Tanenbaum
 
“An exciting read, full of shocking revelations. . . . Don’t miss this stunning true story.”
—Gregg Olsen
 
“Eye-opening, provocative . . . a true story, full of shocking twists and turns.”
—M. William Phelps