Alcatraz

The Last Escape

By: Ken Widner, Mike Lynch

Narrated by: Christopher Grove

When Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin boldly escaped from Alcatraz prison on June 11, 1962, it is widely believed that they succumbed to the waters of San Francisco Bay, though no trace of the men has ever been found, only their makeshift raft.

In this reexamination of the escape and its aftermath, the Anglin brothers' nephew presents compelling evidence that his uncles did, in fact, survive, and eventually made their way to Brazil, where they married and had children. Using official, government documents showing how mobster Mickey Cohen may have been involved in the escape, some revealing letters from fellow inmate Whitey Bulger, and recorded testimony from the person who facilitated their escape to Brazil, the authors make a strong case for the Anglin brothers' survival.

In addition, a 1975 photograph of the brothers in Brazil has overcome all challenges to its authenticity by skeptics. This book provides a plausible outcome to one of America's enduring mysteries.

©2024 Ken Widner and Mike Lynch (P)2024 Tantor

I really enjoyed this !

I live for everything Alcatraz ! Loved it ! I saw the documentary! This just expanded on that !

Great story and story telling

A new, exciting and very informative telling of the story. a little disjointed in places making me repeat those bits to make sure I didn't miss something, but that is slight compared to the overall enthrall of this passionately written account of what really happened.

Great story!

This was a very interesting story and the author did a great job telling it. I really enjoyed the research and the history that went into this book. Also the narrator did a fantastic job. I would absolutely recommend this book!

well researched

Lots of interesting details not included in the movie Escape From Alcatraz. Totally kept my interest.

Not JUST possible, but...

... the much more likely outcome and fate of the three men, at least two of whom were certified geniuses, who escaped from Alcatraz, a prison thought so secure that the federal government saw fit to confine the worst of the worst kidnappers, robbers, rapists, and murderers, less than two miles from and well within sight of downtown San Francisco. As told by one of the escape’s relatives. Outstanding; highly recommend.

Very Interesting! Loved it!

I very much enjoyed this book! I have been fascinated with Alcatraz for a long time and have read many books, written by both historians and prisoners. I have always believed these guys made it, but there were a few details that were missing . This book answers all of my questions. I have no doubt that they were successful. I enjoyed learning about their pre- Alcatraz criminal careers, and their connection to Mickey Cohen, and also the additional details regarding Alfred's death. I recommend this book Alcatraz to fans who are still waiting for new information. For me, this subject never gets old. Narration was perfect.

Pleasant listening narrator

Incredible unknown content. Finally have details everyone has waited for. Thanks to the family for sharing.

Great listen

Heard about this book on a crime podcast. It did not disappoint. Enjoyed each chapter with back stories to factual.

Excellent

Would love to see a remake of the movie incorporating the interesting details from this book!

Is History About To Be Redone?

Alcatraz was "The Rock." The prison that was considered escape proof. While a handful tried to escape, they were either captured, or drowned during their attempt. Alcatraz continued to tout their mantra of being THE one prison no one could escape from - or so they thought.

There is a small group of men that are going to try and test the theory of escape, and what they begin to plot is far more advanced than any other group has tried yet. Every single detail has to be thought out meticulously, and every movement planned with care. But when you reside in a maximum security prison, how likely is it that your plans are going to go unnoticed?

June 11, 1962 is when everything kicked off, and became, perhaps, the greatest prison break of all time. Frank Morris and John and Clarence Anglin had planned, re-planned, got around all expected barriers, and figured out how to get off the island, with a little help of course. Who else would offer this help? (Seriously, I can't give EVERYTHING away here, otherwise you might not enjoy the book).

Once off the island, the water would be freezing cold. With above said help, and some good luck, the impossible might just be possible.
Based on new evidence, and some pretty compelling photographic evidence on top, it looks as though the three did, in fact, make it off Alcatraz, escaping to Brazil, where they started new lives. In addition to this book, there is an episode on Expedition Unknown (season 10), where this case is examined, and further evidence is brought forth.

My Thoughts:
Honestly, this was a hard book to put down. There are some areas where it feels a bit slow, but overall, the narrative was well-done. You are going to be introduced to the major players, and the lives they led before they were imprisoned at Alcatraz. These details are important, as they will come to bear later in the story.

But to think that three men actually made it, alive, and were able to escape under one of the most daring feats is incredible. Using ingenuity, some down home know how, and what seems to be a complacency of the guards on Alcatraz, the events and items all came together to allow the men to plan and execute this plan.

I was not sure at first, whether the evidence put forth was going to be believable or not. It is hard to think that this massive undertaking could be going on, under the noses of the guards, and no one notice.

Further, it is hard to believe that out of those involved, not one person snitched, trying to gain a lighter sentence or just out of spite. As stated, there is some pretty compelling evidence and data to show that they did escape, and were able to start a new life. However, I think the case cannot be conclusively closed without some DNA evidence as proof. While DNA was not a thing back in the 1960s, today, it would be the ultimate show stopper, allowing history to be re-written, and tearing the idea apart that Alcatraz was an "unescapable fortress."

For those who enjoy history, this is going to be a book you do not want to pass up. Interesting and full of colorful characters.