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Payback: A Thriller
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26For seven inmates, their luxury weekend prison sentence comes with concierge service—and complimentary homicide.
Welcome to Pay to Stay, Los Angeles’ premier minimum-security facility where the privileged serve time Friday to Monday only.
But this New Year’s weekend, seven inmates—including a driven campaign manager, a disgraced nurse, a party girl, and one mysterious male transfer—discover their abusive guard dead, wrapped in an ironic “Community Payback” vest. Now they must solve his murder before their cushy arrangement becomes a permanent stay in maximum security.
As a storm rages outside and the power fails, alliances shift within. With police knocking at their door and an emotional support iguana named Nacho as their witness, these inmates hustle to collect evidence and plan a killer party—all while dodging suspicion. Because someone in this concrete block is a murderer. And everyone is a suspect. But as New Year’s Eve approaches and bodies pile up, these unlikely allies discover that in Pay to Stay, some debts can only be paid in blood.
Welcome to Pay to Stay, Los Angeles’ premier minimum-security facility where the privileged serve time Friday to Monday only.
But this New Year’s weekend, seven inmates—including a driven campaign manager, a disgraced nurse, a party girl, and one mysterious male transfer—discover their abusive guard dead, wrapped in an ironic “Community Payback” vest. Now they must solve his murder before their cushy arrangement becomes a permanent stay in maximum security.
As a storm rages outside and the power fails, alliances shift within. With police knocking at their door and an emotional support iguana named Nacho as their witness, these inmates hustle to collect evidence and plan a killer party—all while dodging suspicion. Because someone in this concrete block is a murderer. And everyone is a suspect. But as New Year’s Eve approaches and bodies pile up, these unlikely allies discover that in Pay to Stay, some debts can only be paid in blood.
287 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 5, 2026
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 7, 2025
Seven people arrive at their “jail” to serve their sentences in relative luxury. It’s all part of the new Pay to Stay program where wealthy citizens get a partial “bye” on their sentences. However, this weekend, murder most strange is the order of business. And as the bodies are found, it becomes imperative the murderer is too!
The book is part murder mystery and part societal statement on prisons. The latter is the better part of the book, though the murder of Bard, the creepy but fascinating character who opens the book, sets off some comedic moments as the seven characters must come together to solve the mystery of his death.
In creating a new prison world, the premise behind Payback, a short dystopian novel, the author is positing an alternative to incarceration- something other than our current system that as she state in her Author’s Note is harmful and does little to rehabilitate. The book has its faults but the author does a nice job of showing through the background stories of her characters that keeping people within a community has a greater impact for the person and society than shutting them up.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this ARC.
The book is part murder mystery and part societal statement on prisons. The latter is the better part of the book, though the murder of Bard, the creepy but fascinating character who opens the book, sets off some comedic moments as the seven characters must come together to solve the mystery of his death.
In creating a new prison world, the premise behind Payback, a short dystopian novel, the author is positing an alternative to incarceration- something other than our current system that as she state in her Author’s Note is harmful and does little to rehabilitate. The book has its faults but the author does a nice job of showing through the background stories of her characters that keeping people within a community has a greater impact for the person and society than shutting them up.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this ARC.
January 2, 2026
Funny, witty, intelligent, and unusual are the first words that come to mind when I think about Payback. It was the cover that initially caught my eye. I knew it would involve crime or something thrilling, but once I read the synopsis and learned about the concept of Pay-to-Stay, I genuinely had no idea what I was getting into. Even now, I’m not sure the cover and the story fully line up, but despite that, I enjoyed this book immensely.
Before reading Payback, I had never heard of Pay-to-Stay within the judicial system, and the fact that it actually exists, where people can serve their prison sentences on weekends only, is absolutely wild. The Pay-to-Stay inmates in this book are as unique and eclectic as they come. There’s Cami, the genius playing dumb; Sister Bridget, a questionable nun; Didi, the wealthy drug addict; and Maureen, the campaign manager who is always campaigning for something. Add Janet, the token hippie; Ayse, the calm voice of reason; and Russell, the odd man out in this mystery, and you have an unlikely group trying to solve a murder. Toss in a psychotic prison guard, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for one unhinged story.
The concept itself is incredibly creative and very out of the ordinary. I especially loved the dual POV between Cami and Ayse, and I genuinely enjoyed both characters. Cami’s compassion and kindness really stood out, and her budding relationship with Russell was unexpectedly sweet. Ayse, on the other hand, was smart, steady, and unflappable. I love a strong character who keeps her cool when everything else is falling apart. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading, which is always a good sign. While the mystery was somewhat predictable, I still had fun suspecting pretty much everyone along the way. Overall, this would make a great beach read for anyone looking for something thrilling, clever, and entertaining without being too heavy.
I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Before reading Payback, I had never heard of Pay-to-Stay within the judicial system, and the fact that it actually exists, where people can serve their prison sentences on weekends only, is absolutely wild. The Pay-to-Stay inmates in this book are as unique and eclectic as they come. There’s Cami, the genius playing dumb; Sister Bridget, a questionable nun; Didi, the wealthy drug addict; and Maureen, the campaign manager who is always campaigning for something. Add Janet, the token hippie; Ayse, the calm voice of reason; and Russell, the odd man out in this mystery, and you have an unlikely group trying to solve a murder. Toss in a psychotic prison guard, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for one unhinged story.
The concept itself is incredibly creative and very out of the ordinary. I especially loved the dual POV between Cami and Ayse, and I genuinely enjoyed both characters. Cami’s compassion and kindness really stood out, and her budding relationship with Russell was unexpectedly sweet. Ayse, on the other hand, was smart, steady, and unflappable. I love a strong character who keeps her cool when everything else is falling apart. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading, which is always a good sign. While the mystery was somewhat predictable, I still had fun suspecting pretty much everyone along the way. Overall, this would make a great beach read for anyone looking for something thrilling, clever, and entertaining without being too heavy.
I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“ Like a Dali painting by way of Olivia Benson on an acid trip.”
I haven’t quite read anything like this one, nor did I expect the stellar and unique way it was written. We follow the members of an inclusive prison for those in a “Pay to Stay” situation where accused of certain crimes can pay to come to a P&S facility to stash their phones and decorate their cells. Each POV consists of a separate person, and we learn who they are to try to figure out who of them is a murderer.
If any of y’all are 90’s babies like me, this book from the very beginning carries a vibe of a glitter bracelet. Not the ones you tied together but the thick circular ones you could watch the glitter slosh around inside of. The way the author described her lovely and multi dimensional characters really impressed upon me that vibe, and I love how damn specific that is and how well she wrote when it came to her descriptors. As far as original thrillers, this one is so literary and also mixed with some bubblegum thriller/ horror elements. It also doubles as a think piece on general of prison reform, if you're looking closely enough. We lost a touch of steam at the end, but overall this one was delightful.
This one is for fans of Mean Girls who might like to experiment with Clue games, those who prefer blue raspberry and cherry to watermelon, or those who find themselves slack jawed over prison reality shows. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and the author for the chance to read and review this eARC! All reviews and opinions here are my own.
I haven’t quite read anything like this one, nor did I expect the stellar and unique way it was written. We follow the members of an inclusive prison for those in a “Pay to Stay” situation where accused of certain crimes can pay to come to a P&S facility to stash their phones and decorate their cells. Each POV consists of a separate person, and we learn who they are to try to figure out who of them is a murderer.
If any of y’all are 90’s babies like me, this book from the very beginning carries a vibe of a glitter bracelet. Not the ones you tied together but the thick circular ones you could watch the glitter slosh around inside of. The way the author described her lovely and multi dimensional characters really impressed upon me that vibe, and I love how damn specific that is and how well she wrote when it came to her descriptors. As far as original thrillers, this one is so literary and also mixed with some bubblegum thriller/ horror elements. It also doubles as a think piece on general of prison reform, if you're looking closely enough. We lost a touch of steam at the end, but overall this one was delightful.
This one is for fans of Mean Girls who might like to experiment with Clue games, those who prefer blue raspberry and cherry to watermelon, or those who find themselves slack jawed over prison reality shows. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and the author for the chance to read and review this eARC! All reviews and opinions here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Payback was a satisfying thriller with an interesting range of characters and a good balance of twists and turns.
It is definitely one of those books that is easy to read in just a few sittings as the pacing is spot on, keeping the tension without feeling too rushed. I really appreciated the depth of the characters - they were all compelling and felt authentic, even in their most eccentric moments. The Pay-To-Stay setting was also a refreshing, interesting one that allowed for an original take on a locked room mystery.
My biggest issue is the opening of the novel as it felt a bit clunky in how the main POVs were introduced. Once the plot got going, the writing was much easier and felt less like the author was trying to tell the reader all the character building she had done. The writing was at its best when the character moments were shown in context of the narrative. If the description of the book intrigues you, and you are looking for an easy, fun thriller, I would recommend powering through the beginning - it does get better.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a advance copy to review.
It is definitely one of those books that is easy to read in just a few sittings as the pacing is spot on, keeping the tension without feeling too rushed. I really appreciated the depth of the characters - they were all compelling and felt authentic, even in their most eccentric moments. The Pay-To-Stay setting was also a refreshing, interesting one that allowed for an original take on a locked room mystery.
My biggest issue is the opening of the novel as it felt a bit clunky in how the main POVs were introduced. Once the plot got going, the writing was much easier and felt less like the author was trying to tell the reader all the character building she had done. The writing was at its best when the character moments were shown in context of the narrative. If the description of the book intrigues you, and you are looking for an easy, fun thriller, I would recommend powering through the beginning - it does get better.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a advance copy to review.
December 21, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
*Payback* is a fast-paced, sardonic thriller with 3 POVs. Most of the characters start out unlikeable and are introduced in a very tongue-in-cheek way. White feminism abounds. They are incarcerated in a Pay-to-Stay facility that enables them to only be in prison on weekends, and so they are also presented as hyper-privileged. There are some extremely funny moments, and while I did see *some* of the twists and plot points coming, the author also was able to maintain the element of surprise at other points (no spoilers 😉). I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a propulsive, engaging read.
However, the book’s intention is not to mock Pay-to-Stay, as the author believes it is better for people to remain part of their community. I really appreciate that the author provides a note at the end advocating for prison abolition and throwing out our extremely biased criminal justice system and starting from scratch.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
*Payback* is a fast-paced, sardonic thriller with 3 POVs. Most of the characters start out unlikeable and are introduced in a very tongue-in-cheek way. White feminism abounds. They are incarcerated in a Pay-to-Stay facility that enables them to only be in prison on weekends, and so they are also presented as hyper-privileged. There are some extremely funny moments, and while I did see *some* of the twists and plot points coming, the author also was able to maintain the element of surprise at other points (no spoilers 😉). I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a propulsive, engaging read.
However, the book’s intention is not to mock Pay-to-Stay, as the author believes it is better for people to remain part of their community. I really appreciate that the author provides a note at the end advocating for prison abolition and throwing out our extremely biased criminal justice system and starting from scratch.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was initially drawn to The Payback by its cover art, and I can confirm that the content more than lived up to the aesthetic. This was my first introduction to Elizabeth Rose Quinn’s work, and it certainly won’t be my last.
The plot is refreshingly original: a "pay-to-stay" luxury prison in Los Angeles where seven inmates serve their time Friday to Monday only. The story kicks off with Brad, a manipulative and "creepy" kid who grows up to be an abusive prison guard, only to be found murdered in an ironic "Community Payback" vest. Setting the story around New Year’s felt incredibly timely for a winter read.
The story is a fast-paced locked room mystery that kept me on my toes with some good plot twists that I didn't see coming. Pop culture references, sharp humor, and mystery blend together perfectly. What impressed me most was the underlying depth; beneath the engaging prose lies a poignant social critique of the prison system and the complexities of rehabilitation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC and letting me discover this great book.
The plot is refreshingly original: a "pay-to-stay" luxury prison in Los Angeles where seven inmates serve their time Friday to Monday only. The story kicks off with Brad, a manipulative and "creepy" kid who grows up to be an abusive prison guard, only to be found murdered in an ironic "Community Payback" vest. Setting the story around New Year’s felt incredibly timely for a winter read.
The story is a fast-paced locked room mystery that kept me on my toes with some good plot twists that I didn't see coming. Pop culture references, sharp humor, and mystery blend together perfectly. What impressed me most was the underlying depth; beneath the engaging prose lies a poignant social critique of the prison system and the complexities of rehabilitation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC and letting me discover this great book.
December 12, 2025
Payback is both a good thriller and a social commentary about the prison system and the inequalities it exacerbates.
The writing feels a bit cluttered but has a good pace, and telling the story through the point of view of two different characters allows the reader to understand the group dynamics better (though sometimes the pov feels quite external and could be more focused on what the characters telling the story are feeling and thinking). Overall, it's still an enjoyable read, filled with fun and mystery.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I really enjoyed the twists at the end : they were unexpected but still coherent with the rest of the story, as the author has cleverly spilled clues since the beginning. It really gives the "all of these loose ends make sense now" moment to the reader that a lot of stories lack.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a advance copy to review.
The writing feels a bit cluttered but has a good pace, and telling the story through the point of view of two different characters allows the reader to understand the group dynamics better (though sometimes the pov feels quite external and could be more focused on what the characters telling the story are feeling and thinking). Overall, it's still an enjoyable read, filled with fun and mystery.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I really enjoyed the twists at the end : they were unexpected but still coherent with the rest of the story, as the author has cleverly spilled clues since the beginning. It really gives the "all of these loose ends make sense now" moment to the reader that a lot of stories lack.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a advance copy to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Payback” has such an ingenious concept from the very beginning. The start of this novel introduces us to the perfect villain. He is deliciously evil. His plans to be in control and manipulate for pure joy take him to a Pay-For-Stay style prison. Here, the wealthy can do their time during the week and be out on the weekends to live it up. Our villain isn’t there to “serve time”, instead, he finds more joy manipulating from a place of power in the system.
After we meet a cast of characters that all have interesting stories, a murder takes place and those that are serving time decide to solve the mystery themselves.
This novel is an incredible ride. I loved every minute of it. There were some head scratching moments, but they were few and far between. This will be the perfect beach read for the summer.
I received the ARC from the publisher and NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.
After we meet a cast of characters that all have interesting stories, a murder takes place and those that are serving time decide to solve the mystery themselves.
This novel is an incredible ride. I loved every minute of it. There were some head scratching moments, but they were few and far between. This will be the perfect beach read for the summer.
I received the ARC from the publisher and NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2025
Payback: A Thriller is a very suspenseful, intelligent, psychological thriller of a murder mystery. And it all takes place in a pay-for-stay prison. Where 7 convicts agree to spend their weekends to serve their time. In the week between Christmas and New Year's their time is doubled and they get to stay longer with their lovely jailer. Until they find him dead. Now scrambling to figure out who the murderer is before someone realizes and they all get thrown into super max!
I really appreciate the author's commentary on the US prison system. I enjoyed the complexities having to do with these individuals coming from different backgrounds and how they ended up in these prison situations. The mystery kept me guessing, and I will definitely look for this author's future works.
If you're looking for a unique thriller murder mystery standalone this is the right book for you.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really appreciate the author's commentary on the US prison system. I enjoyed the complexities having to do with these individuals coming from different backgrounds and how they ended up in these prison situations. The mystery kept me guessing, and I will definitely look for this author's future works.
If you're looking for a unique thriller murder mystery standalone this is the right book for you.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
December 19, 2025Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story is full of tension and unexpected twists that make it hard to put down.
Quinn does a great job developing her characters, making their choices and motivations feel realistic and compelling. The pacing is strong, balancing fast-moving suspense with quieter, character-driven moments that add depth to the story.
While a few plot points were slightly predictable, the overall experience is engaging and satisfying. Payback is a solid thriller that fans of Elizabeth Rose Quinn and suspense novels will thoroughly enjoy.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Quinn does a great job developing her characters, making their choices and motivations feel realistic and compelling. The pacing is strong, balancing fast-moving suspense with quieter, character-driven moments that add depth to the story.
While a few plot points were slightly predictable, the overall experience is engaging and satisfying. Payback is a solid thriller that fans of Elizabeth Rose Quinn and suspense novels will thoroughly enjoy.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A great mystery that will keep you guessing though the whole book! This book touches on the horrible prison system in America. A group of women go for their weekend pay to stay prison system, ran by a corrupt, sociopath correctional officer. The weekend takes a turn when the bodies start piling up, and just when you think the twists are done, another one pops up! Just when you think the story is done, another twist pops up. Always watch out for the ditzy ones, they may just be pretending and will be able to figure out all your secrets.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
DNF’d at 14% which is literally one chapter in (why so long that’s insane)
I felt like the author was trying to show the reader that they had done so much background work for the characters instead of actually giving us the story. Many reviews said to stick it out because it gets better but I couldn’t do it. I simply could not read any more and dear god did I try
DNF’d at 14% which is literally one chapter in (why so long that’s insane)
I felt like the author was trying to show the reader that they had done so much background work for the characters instead of actually giving us the story. Many reviews said to stick it out because it gets better but I couldn’t do it. I simply could not read any more and dear god did I try
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
Great concept, and the author's note about what her aim was with this story contextualizes it nicely- though I don't think that her goal comes through very strongly until the end. It's nicely paced and with some solid reveals.
Great concept, and the author's note about what her aim was with this story contextualizes it nicely- though I don't think that her goal comes through very strongly until the end. It's nicely paced and with some solid reveals.
December 11, 2025
Payback by new to me author Elizabeth Rose Quinn, published by Thomas & Mercer is a mesmerizing thriller, literally unputdownable, twisty and full of unexpected turns. I liked the storybuilding, the writng is great and the end, pheww.
4,5 Stars.
4,5 Stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Twisted, convoluted, devilish!
At every turn the author has you tricked and gasping. Six women and a guest. Who did it?
Every scene is a visual delight - from the introduction of Bard's childhood, to the murder or even Nacho soaking up the sun. An intelligent, complicated psychological thriller that will leave you thinking - about the way people are, why they do the things they do, and if prison really has any benefits for so many of the inmates.
At every turn the author has you tricked and gasping. Six women and a guest. Who did it?
Every scene is a visual delight - from the introduction of Bard's childhood, to the murder or even Nacho soaking up the sun. An intelligent, complicated psychological thriller that will leave you thinking - about the way people are, why they do the things they do, and if prison really has any benefits for so many of the inmates.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The overall concept of this book is very interesting! I would have enjoyed a quickened pace, and for the twists to come sooner. I enjoyed the humor within each chapter and realism that the author gave each of the characters.
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