On the Lam: Tales of Great (and Not So Great) Escapes from Prison
Fascinating stories of the age-old tug-of-war between prisons struggling to keep inmates inside and escapees desperate to get out.
A convict who returned to the prison he had recently escaped from in a vain attempt to foment a mass breakout; a murderer on the run who veered from folk hero to persona non grata after killing a police dog; a fugitive from the United States who was seized in Canada after being featured on America’s Most Wanted; a repeat escapee who shot himself, preferring death to recapture; a serial killer on the prowl in a small community — these are just a few of the felons whose prison break escapades continue to enthrall and terrify.
Along with probing the origins, structure, and shortcomings of a variety of historic and contemporary correctional institutions, On the Lam brings into sharp focus the attempts — sometimes successful, occasionally deadly — of masterminds, tricksters, scoundrels, and innocents to claw their way to freedom.
With two award-nominated non-fiction publications with Dundurn Press, articles appearing in The Toronto Star and other publications and on the TV Ontario website, and short stories included in two anthologies, Lorna is establishing herself as an authority on the history of crime and punishment in Canada.
Praise for On The Lam
There’s something irresistibly fascinating about a good prison break. Whether it’s a daring dash through a tunnel or a clever disguise that fools everyone, escape stories tap into our most basic instincts for freedom and defiance.
Lorna Poplak dives headfirst into this thrilling world of jailbreaks, both brilliant and bungled. With her sharp eye for detail and knack for storytelling, Poplak transforms history’s most infamous getaways into page-turning tales that feel as exciting as any heist movie—but all the more gripping because they really happened.
Smart, well-researched, and wildly readable. True crime at its absolute best.
Although On The Lam is non-fiction, Lorna Poplak’s writing style ensures that it is not a “just the facts” read…definitely factual, but sprinkled with humour, insight, and excitement. Some of the escapes were so creative that, had I watched it as an episode on television, I would not have believed it. Canada’s criminal element is far more exciting than most of us would imagine…highly recommend On The Lam as an historical, interesting, surprising, and easy to read true crime book.
A compelling collection of stories of infamous and daring Canadian prison escapes by penal historian Lorna Poplak.
Aren’t we all fascinated by prison life, prisoners, escapes and life on the lam? In On the Lam, Lorna Poplak takes fascinating newsworthy facts and crafts thriling and chilling stories about bankrobbers and bandits. Utterly engaging, Poplak’s style is eloquent and funny, anecdotal and conversational. And, compassionate. I was left with the insights that many of these career criminals led lives of filth, poverty and desperation, while others seemed born evil from the start. And the lives of those affected, as well as glimses into vividly-depicted bygone eras.
Blends true crime, history, and sharp storytelling to reveal not just how escapes happened — but what they tell us about the people and the prisons left behind.
On The Lam is more than just a collection of prison escape stories—it’s a sharp look at the cracks in the justice system. Lorna Poplak mixes true crime with history in a way that’s both entertaining and eye-opening. A must-read for anyone who enjoys real-life thrillers with depth.
On the Lam reads like a thriller. It’s a fascinating exploration of prisoners fleeing Canada’s most notorious and allegedly escape-proof penitentiaries.
Lorna Poplak gives gripping accounts of prisoners’ ingenuity from digging extensive tunnels; stealing identities and even helicopters; and exploiting blundering bureaucracy. But breaking out of jail means staying out.
Poplak goes further and thoroughly entertains readers with the fugitives’ wild adventures after they escaped.
Where to buy On The Lam
LOCAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES
Danforth Location