The Way Out

by B. Fox

Far from anyone’s sight, in a forgotten corner of West Virginia lies Denmore Penitentiary, whose grimy walls house everything from pickpockets to serial killers. Starting the tenth year of his life sentence, Morris Jackson has nothing to look forward to except a hard day’s work and the four o’clock chess game he can never win. But his life is about to be turned upside down when the silver bus rolls into the prison yard, bringing five more inmates in, among them a boy accused of murder who doesn’t seem to know how to hold a gun. What Morris does not yet know is that his strange new neighbor is hiding something that will change the fate of every man in Denmore Pen.
The Way Out is a story about guilt, redemption, and the search for freedom beyond a prison wall.

425 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2025

Reviews

[Vicky Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful books I've ever read!!
A moving story of friendship and heartache, this book takes us on a journey of two men as they experience the harsh realities of prison. I was completely gripped by this novel. It was easy to get drawn into their lives as every part of the story added further to the powerful nature of it. This is not a book I will forget easily. Fantastic story. Can't recommend it enough!

[Michael Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked up B Fox's The Way Out, I expected it to take me a while to make it through (l'm not the fastest reader). I was wrong. With their second novel, Fox has crafted a story that draws you in and won't let you go.

The Way Out takes you through a gauntlet of emotions. As the story progresses, you fall in love with the main characters, build hope, careen into darkness, only to find the glimmer of light again. This tale is not for the faint of heart and will leave you feeling raw. It is, however, a wonderful story you won't want to put down.

[Rob H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a Flower in a Littered Parking Lot

Denmore Penitentiary of West Virginia houses brutal murderers serving life sentences. It is a cold, gray place filled with hatred, anger, racism, temporary alliances, opportunistic guards, bad food, disinterested doctors, thankless jobs, and as many secrets as there are inmates.

But hidden behind ventilation grates and deep within dormant hearts grows a fragile beauty.

The Way Out is a touching story of an unlikely friendship in an unforgiving place, just like the bright flower that finds a crack in the blacktop. Having enjoyed B. Fox’s first book, Paper Castles, I was looking forward to this one. It was well worth the wait.

Fox has a gentle touch with characters in difficult situations, of which there are many in an environment like Denmore. Like the main character, Morris (don’t call him Mo), I experienced the full spectrum from being broken-hearted to anxious and from calm exhaustion to near violent outbursts.

Highly recommended. I can’t wait for Fox’s next offering. I’m a fan!

[Paola Méndez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este es el segundo libro que leo de B. Fox, y amo sus sutilezas. Me fascina y me sorprende, que incluso en el contexto de una historia tan dura como lo es El Camino de Salida, que transcurre en una lóbrega prisión, el autor tenga la genialidad de utilizar el humor en varias partes de su relato.
El Camino de Salida es una historia triste y a la vez esperanzadora, es un relato que aunque lo he leído ya unas tres veces, no deja de conmoverme, y en varias partes, incluso hasta las lágrimas.
Fox hace un buen estudio del corazón humano en sus personajes, y les da vida auténtica. Es una novela más bien corta, con un relato concreto, que obliga a sus lectores a permanecer activos, por momentos a estar atentos a los detalles pasados, en otras situaciones, a anticiparse a los hechos futuros, y siempre a sacar conclusiones sobre puntos que deja abiertos a la propia reflexión.
La psicología, filosofía, suspenso, humor y sentimiento, además de la precisión en el manejo del lenguaje con que El Camino de Salida está escrito, hacen de él una joya, y ya estoy esperando el nuevo lanzamiento de B. Fox. Ojalá no tengamos que esperar mucho!

[M.H. David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was nearly in tears when I finished this book. The Way Out is an emotional journey, delving into the harsh realities of life behind prison bars. The author doesn't hold back when it comes to the details of filth and evil that is captive behind the gray walls of Denmore Penitentiary. The flawed characters drive the story, especially Morris, whose true nature kept me on edge. Through his unlikely friendships, his sketchy deals and “plans”, and his interactions with the unrelenting guards, I yearned to uncover what seemed to be haunting him. While the answer felt slightly ambiguous, (at least to me,) I wasn't disappointed. There is so much heart in this story, and every ounce of it felt way too real.
B Fox's books challenge me beyond my usual reading, stirring deep emotions and thoughts. After loving Paper Castles, I couldn't miss The Way Out.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

B. Fox's second novel is yet another wonderful achievement of literary fiction. The story, the setting, and its characters feel almost eerily familiar from the start, but Fox's talent shines through as the narrative thread consistently takes the reader in unanticipated, yet satisfying, directions. Upon reflection, this felt like an interweaving of some of the best elements of King, McCarthy, and Fox's own, signature style. It's an absolutely unique ride, that almost feels like allegory at times. It's not an "easy" read, emotionally, that is, but if your familiar with Fox's work, you shouldn't expect it to be. And if you're not familiar with Fox's work, this is another great opportunity to change that!

[Tyler Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way Out is a gripping tale set in the bleak Denmore Penitentiary, where a life sentence and a chess game lead Morris Jackson to an unexpected twist. With themes of guilt, redemption, and hidden secrets, it delivers an intense journey of self-discovery and freedom.
Thematically, The Way Out explores guilt and redemption, powerful topics in any setting but especially poignant within the context of a prison, where every individual is defined by past actions.