San Quentin Exodus

By Bill Smoot

James, a still-water-runs-deep boy, struggles to navigate the rough streets of Oakland, California, in the 80s. His only friend is a pit bull he rescues from dog fighting. On the cusp of college, James commits a crime that results in a prison term of thirty to life.

Allison, a young Indiana girl obsessed with Nancy Drew novels, vows that her life's mission will be to solve mysteries and help people. Introverted yet daring, Allison moves to Berkeley to teach prep school and volunteers as a tutor at San Quentin. She meets James when he is approaching fifty, learns his story, and after his parole denial, channels Nancy Drew to plan his improbable escape.

San Quentin Exodus is a braided novel about two people whose lives cross in a quest to reset an ill-fated life. It is a story infused with misfortune and pain, but also with hope and a fierce humanity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1627206728
• ISBN13: 9781627206723
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Apprentice House
• Length: 356 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"