In this book, we detail the true story of how convicted murderers Richard Hickock and Perry Smith spent their last years on death row trying to avoid their execution at the Kansas State Penitentiary (now the Lansing Correctional Facility) - often referred to as the Kansas death house. Our extensive research has revealed many new and intriguing facts regarding the killers' capture, the highly publicized murder trial, the many desperate attempts to have their convictions overturned, and - finally - the day they paid the ultimate price. Much of this information has never before been compiled and published. It's a fascinating tale - one that explores in great detail both the workings of the criminal mind and the many ways in which our legal system can be used to delay and deflect the best efforts of society to exact rightful punishment for even the most heinous of crimes. The authors will dig deeper, unearthing new information about the five years convicted killers Richard "Dick" Hickock and Perry Edward Smith spent on death row trying to appeal their convictions. The book is based on the authors research at the Kansas Historical Society's state archives, Kansas State Penitentiary official records, and other related historical documentation preserved for review.