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Only Way Out: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 25A luckless thief’s wrong turn becomes a crooked cop’s fortune in a wild ride of a thriller by a New York Times bestselling author.
Failed lawyer Robert Green has such a good Crack three hundred safe-deposit boxes and sail off to South America with his brilliant, morally flexible sister, Penny. If it weren’t for the damned freezing rain.
In the dying resort town of Granite Shores, cop Jack Biddle is self-appointed king—mostly of bad decisions. Between his family’s crumbling legacy, a wife who just joined the city council, and life-threatening gambling debts, Jack’s looking for a way out. Then he spots a van spinning off a mountain road into the valley below. In the wreckage, Jack finds a very dead Robert, millions in heisted loot…and opportunity.
All Jack has to do is clean up the mess, disappear Robert’s body, make off with the fortune, and not get caught. One hitch is Penny. Another is Mitch Diamond, a wild card ex-con who knows more about the missing fortune than he lets on. Jack, Penny, and Mitch each have an endgame. But there’s only one way out, and they’re crashing headlong toward it.
Failed lawyer Robert Green has such a good Crack three hundred safe-deposit boxes and sail off to South America with his brilliant, morally flexible sister, Penny. If it weren’t for the damned freezing rain.
In the dying resort town of Granite Shores, cop Jack Biddle is self-appointed king—mostly of bad decisions. Between his family’s crumbling legacy, a wife who just joined the city council, and life-threatening gambling debts, Jack’s looking for a way out. Then he spots a van spinning off a mountain road into the valley below. In the wreckage, Jack finds a very dead Robert, millions in heisted loot…and opportunity.
All Jack has to do is clean up the mess, disappear Robert’s body, make off with the fortune, and not get caught. One hitch is Penny. Another is Mitch Diamond, a wild card ex-con who knows more about the missing fortune than he lets on. Jack, Penny, and Mitch each have an endgame. But there’s only one way out, and they’re crashing headlong toward it.
- GenresThriller
367 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 1, 2025
714 people want to read
About the author
Tod Goldberg
34 books542 followersTod Goldberg is the New York Times bestselling author of sixteen books of fiction, notably the acclaimed Gangsterland quartet: Gangsterland, a finalist for the Hammett Prize; Gangster Nation; The Low Desert, a Southwest Book of the Year; and Gangsters Don’t Die, an Amazon Best Book of 2023 as well as a Southwest Book of the Year. Other works include The House of Secrets, which he co-authored with Brad Meltzer, and Living Dead Girl, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His short fiction and essays have been anthologized widely, including in Best American Mystery & Suspense and Best American Essays, and appear regularly in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and Alta. Tod Goldberg is a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of California, Riverside, where founded and directs the Low Residency MFA program in Creative Writing & Writing for the Performing Arts. His next novel, Only Way Out, will be released this fall from Thomas & Mercer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 25, 2025
Have you ever read a book or watched a movie where there are hardly any likable characters? Usually, you would put down the book or walk out of the theater and say that it was bad. Tod Goldberg has changed all that. Instead, in “Only Way Out”, you will walk away knowing you have read something dark, but deliciously good.
We are introduced to a lawyer that is struggling and has come up with a can’t-miss scheme to escape it all. If only the weather would cooperate. Then we meet a crooked, drug-addicted cop. In over his head in debt with some bad people. Someone is about to lose their head, literally.
Things spiral out of control quickly. Then we have a jump in time. Someone is trying to eliminate all of those who know about the scheme. But a mysterious man by the name of Mitch Diamond keeps throwing a wrench in their plans.
This is my first experience reading a book by Tod Goldberg. I was familiar with his brother’s work and am a big fan. Their writing style is completely different, but both show that dark, twisted sense of humor.
“Only Way Out” has twists, turns, and a lot of people with no redeeming qualities. And you will love every minute of it. This book is a must-read book.
We are introduced to a lawyer that is struggling and has come up with a can’t-miss scheme to escape it all. If only the weather would cooperate. Then we meet a crooked, drug-addicted cop. In over his head in debt with some bad people. Someone is about to lose their head, literally.
Things spiral out of control quickly. Then we have a jump in time. Someone is trying to eliminate all of those who know about the scheme. But a mysterious man by the name of Mitch Diamond keeps throwing a wrench in their plans.
This is my first experience reading a book by Tod Goldberg. I was familiar with his brother’s work and am a big fan. Their writing style is completely different, but both show that dark, twisted sense of humor.
“Only Way Out” has twists, turns, and a lot of people with no redeeming qualities. And you will love every minute of it. This book is a must-read book.
May 23, 2025
So creative and entertaining. I had to remind myself numerous times that the setting was created and not a real place. It was so vividly drawn and imagined, I honestly felt like I had been there before. I especially enjoyed the colorful characters,like a grittier, dirtier, grimmer version of a Carl Hiaasen book. So creative and enjoyable.
November 20, 2025
This was my Nov free selection from Amazon kindle first reads. It had its moments, included some clever wry/dry sardonic/sarcastic humor sprinkled throughout, but I just couldn’t get in to it. Lots and lots of characters, and lots of erratical jumping around in time without notice. I spent most of my time confused about what was happening and not knowing who was who, or who did what to whom, and probably should have just DNF’ed it. Started really skimming towards the end. For me it was a snoozer.
November 17, 2025
This book sucked me in right away but then slowed a bit in places, and got kinda hard to keep track of who was who (altho all were shifty characters). Still, good writing and kept me entertained.
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Only Way Out by Tod Goldberg is a gritty, noir-tinged thriller set in Granite Shores—a dying seaside town once dubbed Losertown, shadowed by the ominously named Suicide Ridge. It’s a slow burn to start, but once the action kicks off, it’s a darkly entertaining ride through crime, corruption, and moral decay.
Jack Biddle, a self-deluded, corrupt cop, thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room—and it’s both tense and amusing watching reality prove otherwise. Mitch Diamond is the wildcard ex-con who keeps you guessing, and Penny Green (sister of the unlucky thief) adds intelligence and edge, though I’d have loved to see more of her.
The plot dives into the murky depths of greed, broken systems, and desperate choices. There’s grit, black humour, and a strong sense of place—fitting for a town that feels as lost as its residents.
Not a standout favourite, but a solid, well-paced noir with bite.
Published 1 December 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Only Way Out by Tod Goldberg is a gritty, noir-tinged thriller set in Granite Shores—a dying seaside town once dubbed Losertown, shadowed by the ominously named Suicide Ridge. It’s a slow burn to start, but once the action kicks off, it’s a darkly entertaining ride through crime, corruption, and moral decay.
Jack Biddle, a self-deluded, corrupt cop, thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room—and it’s both tense and amusing watching reality prove otherwise. Mitch Diamond is the wildcard ex-con who keeps you guessing, and Penny Green (sister of the unlucky thief) adds intelligence and edge, though I’d have loved to see more of her.
The plot dives into the murky depths of greed, broken systems, and desperate choices. There’s grit, black humour, and a strong sense of place—fitting for a town that feels as lost as its residents.
Not a standout favourite, but a solid, well-paced noir with bite.
Published 1 December 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2025
This reads like an old Elmore Leonard crime novel, and that is intended as a high compliment.
The characters are gritty, the dialogue is realistic and the story is intriguing.
One thing I really liked is the unusual sentence structure with a few words chopped off here and there but with the thoughts still easily understood. It gives a folksy, informal feel and sounds like a gangster telling a story.
A crooked cop, a crooked security guard and a bored child prodigy all grown up now interact in a twisted tale that feels well thought out and original.
Unscrupulous characters store valuables in hundreds of safety deposit boxes housed at a law firm. With an unscrupulous security guard in charge on the night shift, their valuables are anything but safe.
The villain comes up with what is supposed to be a foolproof heist scheme, which will set up him and his genius sister for life.
The only problem is an even greater villain, the crooked cop, is waiting to foil their plans and take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hijack their scam.
To further complicate matters, a mysterious ex-con is watching and can't wait to step in.
In this story of bad guys and bad gals, you'll have problems deciding who to root for because there really isn't a good guy, but it doesn't really matter because you'll be entertained anyway, and you may feel a bit sorry and sad when it all ends.
The characters are gritty, the dialogue is realistic and the story is intriguing.
One thing I really liked is the unusual sentence structure with a few words chopped off here and there but with the thoughts still easily understood. It gives a folksy, informal feel and sounds like a gangster telling a story.
A crooked cop, a crooked security guard and a bored child prodigy all grown up now interact in a twisted tale that feels well thought out and original.
Unscrupulous characters store valuables in hundreds of safety deposit boxes housed at a law firm. With an unscrupulous security guard in charge on the night shift, their valuables are anything but safe.
The villain comes up with what is supposed to be a foolproof heist scheme, which will set up him and his genius sister for life.
The only problem is an even greater villain, the crooked cop, is waiting to foil their plans and take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hijack their scam.
To further complicate matters, a mysterious ex-con is watching and can't wait to step in.
In this story of bad guys and bad gals, you'll have problems deciding who to root for because there really isn't a good guy, but it doesn't really matter because you'll be entertained anyway, and you may feel a bit sorry and sad when it all ends.
November 21, 2025
This dark, edgy thriller is full of unlikeable but colourful crooks and members of organised crime. Gritty and inventive it is permeated with a twisted sense of wry humour that makes for a very entertaining read.
The action centres around a small crumbling coastal town in Oregon, Granite Shores, known as ‘Losertown’ to its occupants. Robert Green, a smart but struggling lawyer has come up with a brilliant scheme to steal a fortune and get away with it. He has roped his genius, but bored sister, Penny into organising their getaway plan.
The heist goes well, but the only problem is that Robert never meets up with Penny, who is then arrested by the town’s crooked cop, Jack Biddle. But of course, that is not the end of the story.
Some years later, an ex-con called Mitch Diamond arrives in Granite Shores trying to figure out what happened to Robert and the goods and money he stole and that’s when things start to get really interesting.
Don’t be put off if you find the start a little slow, while all the players are introduced, the action will soon ramp up, but you will need to pay attention to who all the bad guys are to keep up with what is going on in this very cinematic and wickedly delectable thriller. 4.5★
With thanks to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for a copy to read.
The action centres around a small crumbling coastal town in Oregon, Granite Shores, known as ‘Losertown’ to its occupants. Robert Green, a smart but struggling lawyer has come up with a brilliant scheme to steal a fortune and get away with it. He has roped his genius, but bored sister, Penny into organising their getaway plan.
The heist goes well, but the only problem is that Robert never meets up with Penny, who is then arrested by the town’s crooked cop, Jack Biddle. But of course, that is not the end of the story.
Some years later, an ex-con called Mitch Diamond arrives in Granite Shores trying to figure out what happened to Robert and the goods and money he stole and that’s when things start to get really interesting.
Don’t be put off if you find the start a little slow, while all the players are introduced, the action will soon ramp up, but you will need to pay attention to who all the bad guys are to keep up with what is going on in this very cinematic and wickedly delectable thriller. 4.5★
With thanks to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for a copy to read.
July 27, 2025
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Penny Green was required to work with a criminal element that held her at the threat of death. There seemed to be no way out.
Those hired to “Protect and Serve” were no help whatsoever. Work with them or expect a bullet in the back of the head.
Jack Biddle has been the Chief of Police in Granite Shores for two decades and has been controlled by the criminal element. He knew where all of the bodies were hidden and how many of the citizens owed him special treatment. Near the end of the book, he finds himself on the wrong side of some very vindictive people.
This book highlights some of the cruel elements that run some of the coastal cities. Gritty, unlikable characters, tends to the profane. 3.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. Any opinion expressed here is my own
Penny Green was required to work with a criminal element that held her at the threat of death. There seemed to be no way out.
Those hired to “Protect and Serve” were no help whatsoever. Work with them or expect a bullet in the back of the head.
Jack Biddle has been the Chief of Police in Granite Shores for two decades and has been controlled by the criminal element. He knew where all of the bodies were hidden and how many of the citizens owed him special treatment. Near the end of the book, he finds himself on the wrong side of some very vindictive people.
This book highlights some of the cruel elements that run some of the coastal cities. Gritty, unlikable characters, tends to the profane. 3.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. Any opinion expressed here is my own
November 19, 2025
Robert and Penny Green hatch a daring multimillion‑dollar scheme: to rob every deposit box from a prestigious Portland law firm and vanish into Latin America. But fate intervenes. On the road back to their hometown of Granite Shore, Robert suffers a fatal accident.
Crooked local policeman Jack Biddle witnesses the crash. Instead of reporting it, he seizes the opportunity—concealing Robert’s body, erasing the evidence, and claiming the stolen fortune for himself. With Penny arrested and imprisoned, Jack begins extorting the law firm’s clients whenever they dare to reclaim their losses.
Years later, Penny is released. Haunted by betrayal and loss, she is approached by one of Jack’s victims, desperate to uncover Robert’s fate. Drawn back into the shadows of Granite Shore, Penny must confront the truth: her brother’s disappearance, Jack’s ruthless grip on the town, and the dangerous legacy of their failed escape plan.
Crooked local policeman Jack Biddle witnesses the crash. Instead of reporting it, he seizes the opportunity—concealing Robert’s body, erasing the evidence, and claiming the stolen fortune for himself. With Penny arrested and imprisoned, Jack begins extorting the law firm’s clients whenever they dare to reclaim their losses.
Years later, Penny is released. Haunted by betrayal and loss, she is approached by one of Jack’s victims, desperate to uncover Robert’s fate. Drawn back into the shadows of Granite Shore, Penny must confront the truth: her brother’s disappearance, Jack’s ruthless grip on the town, and the dangerous legacy of their failed escape plan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2025
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the best mystery novel I have read in years!
I loved everything about this book, it has some many themes running through it, it is about a devious small-minded selfish local cop (Jack Sh*t, who repeatedly earns this nickname) and a genius brother and sister team who steal a fortune in ill-gotten gains from lifelong criminals (including organized crime members) only to have circumstances turn insidiously against them.
This story evolves like poetry in novel form, and I will continue to read anything ever written by Tod Goldberg, he is a marvelous author, and this story is pure gold for mystery and police procedural fans.
I would gladly rate this novel TEN stars if I could, and a symbolic standing ovation from this happy reviewer. When this book is released I am purchasing copies for my family members and friends.
I loved everything about this book, it has some many themes running through it, it is about a devious small-minded selfish local cop (Jack Sh*t, who repeatedly earns this nickname) and a genius brother and sister team who steal a fortune in ill-gotten gains from lifelong criminals (including organized crime members) only to have circumstances turn insidiously against them.
This story evolves like poetry in novel form, and I will continue to read anything ever written by Tod Goldberg, he is a marvelous author, and this story is pure gold for mystery and police procedural fans.
I would gladly rate this novel TEN stars if I could, and a symbolic standing ovation from this happy reviewer. When this book is released I am purchasing copies for my family members and friends.
October 4, 2025
This one is a must read for any thriller fan or any reader in the mood for a massively entertaining story. A hapless lawyer who engineers a lucrative heist dies before he can enjoy the fruits of his labor, leaving his sister Penny to take the fall. A crooked cop with delusions of grandeur and a gambling problem finds the loot and keeps it. After serving her time, Penny just wants to be left alone. But a stranger approaches her about finding the loot and finally discovering what happened to her brother. Penny’s determined to find out what really happened or die trying.
Goldberg’s writing is sharp and he keeps the pace moving. The characters are all flawed and morally gray. Even with all Penny’s faults, I still liked her and was rooting for her. There’s dark and absurd humor throughout the book. It all adds up to a flat out fun read. I can definitely seen this one being made into a movie or a limited series.
Goldberg’s writing is sharp and he keeps the pace moving. The characters are all flawed and morally gray. Even with all Penny’s faults, I still liked her and was rooting for her. There’s dark and absurd humor throughout the book. It all adds up to a flat out fun read. I can definitely seen this one being made into a movie or a limited series.
November 14, 2025
Robert Green has plans buy robbing 300 safe deposit boxes he will be able to escape Losertown with his sister and start a new life. Robert is an unlucky thief and things don't go his way. Penny is left wondering what happened to her brother.
Jack Biddle is a crooked cop who thinks he is always the smartest person in a room. He uses his badge to cover up his crimes. Jack found an opportunity and he is taking advantage of it.
Mitch and Penny team up with a plan of their own. There is only one way out.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer for gifted copy.
Jack Biddle is a crooked cop who thinks he is always the smartest person in a room. He uses his badge to cover up his crimes. Jack found an opportunity and he is taking advantage of it.
Mitch and Penny team up with a plan of their own. There is only one way out.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer for gifted copy.
November 9, 2025
Clever plot
The story starts with a crime which goes sideways. The intrigue and complications arise from that. Desperation leads to so many decisions that echo through several years.
Clever, original plot that follows several characters and the unravelling of deeds done.
Did have to try and remember who did what and was left with some questions that keep the book in my head. Recommended.
The story starts with a crime which goes sideways. The intrigue and complications arise from that. Desperation leads to so many decisions that echo through several years.
Clever, original plot that follows several characters and the unravelling of deeds done.
Did have to try and remember who did what and was left with some questions that keep the book in my head. Recommended.
November 15, 2025
A believable set of desperate lives, intertwined
It took me about a chapter to read the choppy, abbreviated style of writing without having to reread sections, but once I adjusted to that, I was sucked into the story and couldn’t put it down, waiting for the twists & turns I knew must be coming. Great storytelling. The narrative rings true with my experiences of people”on the edge of society”- there truly is a goodness below their facades & messed up circumstances.
It took me about a chapter to read the choppy, abbreviated style of writing without having to reread sections, but once I adjusted to that, I was sucked into the story and couldn’t put it down, waiting for the twists & turns I knew must be coming. Great storytelling. The narrative rings true with my experiences of people”on the edge of society”- there truly is a goodness below their facades & messed up circumstances.
November 20, 2025
Tod Goldberg writes with utter confidence. He introduces a lot of characters but they are differentiated from one another, a skill for sure. I love snowy settings--and all well-written settings, actually--and we got them here. Penny is a great badass character. A mix of good guys and bad guys--mostly bad guys.
June 22, 2025
Goldberg hits it out of the park with this one!
There are so many twists and turns that really show Goldberg is a master of the craft. I’m not sure how to summarize the book other than the people you think are the bad guys are more good than the “good” guys.
Very much recommend!!
There are so many twists and turns that really show Goldberg is a master of the craft. I’m not sure how to summarize the book other than the people you think are the bad guys are more good than the “good” guys.
Very much recommend!!
November 15, 2025
Lots of cuss words and nonsense
Don't know why I wasted getting to the books end. If there was a plot it went over my head. Not sure if a zero star rating is allowed because it deserves a big zero!
Don't know why I wasted getting to the books end. If there was a plot it went over my head. Not sure if a zero star rating is allowed because it deserves a big zero!
November 17, 2025
meh
Great premise but for me, too slow to develop. A little less conversation, a little more action. Fast read, though, well enough written. Strong female characters and slimy law men.
Great premise but for me, too slow to develop. A little less conversation, a little more action. Fast read, though, well enough written. Strong female characters and slimy law men.
November 22, 2025
This was a deliciously dark and entertaining story. A lawyer who can't pass the bar with a genius sister hatch a plan to get themselves out of "Losertown". A bad cop & a host of seedy characters keep this story moving over 15 years. It's honestly now one of my Top 10 books!
November 2, 2025
I am always so happy when the FirstReads book turns out to be really good.
This one was great. Really fun, caperesque, noirish, and entertaining.
This one was great. Really fun, caperesque, noirish, and entertaining.
November 6, 2025
Very good plot. Terrific characters. Amusing dialogue. I'll have to read more of his stuff.
November 7, 2025
Excellent!
November 8, 2025
I wanted to get this book….. but I didn’t. I liked the premise !! I just didn’t follow
Read
November 10, 2025A little scattered.
Read
November 17, 2025this book is like get shorty, goodfellas and casino all in one
I actually like it!
I actually like it!
November 17, 2025
I found this plot very hard to follow. The characters all bled together and the story line was just all over the place…..I wanted to love this book, but found myself skimming through. 😞
November 21, 2025
Enjoyed reading this one.
July 22, 2025
This book had an interesting premise: a corrupt cop stealing from a dead thief, and the thief’s sister teaming up with an ex-con to unravel the mess. Sounds like a gritty, twisty ride, right? Unfortunately, the pursuit felt unsatisfying.
Jack Biddle, the drug-addicted cop at the center of it all, didn’t seem nearly clever enough to be running a long-term con. The characters were all morally compromised to the point where I couldn’t root for anyone—or even care who stole from whom. It’s hard to stay invested when everyone’s just a shade of shady.
While the writing itself was solid, the excessive foul language was a turn-off for me. It added grit, sure, but it also made the reading experience less enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC. I appreciate the opportunity—but this one just wasn’t for me.
Jack Biddle, the drug-addicted cop at the center of it all, didn’t seem nearly clever enough to be running a long-term con. The characters were all morally compromised to the point where I couldn’t root for anyone—or even care who stole from whom. It’s hard to stay invested when everyone’s just a shade of shady.
While the writing itself was solid, the excessive foul language was a turn-off for me. It added grit, sure, but it also made the reading experience less enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC. I appreciate the opportunity—but this one just wasn’t for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews