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Payback
For 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
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 15, 2026
This was fun and a very original take on a closed setting mystery.
A murder mystery set in a minimum security, pay to stay, women’s prison. This was a fairly fast paced, interesting story. Even though it was a mystery it was very character driven as we get to know two women prisoners and see how they ended up in the system. It had commentary on misogyny, the for profit prison system and the unjust nature of justice during a pretty compelling who done it.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing for the audio arc.
A murder mystery set in a minimum security, pay to stay, women’s prison. This was a fairly fast paced, interesting story. Even though it was a mystery it was very character driven as we get to know two women prisoners and see how they ended up in the system. It had commentary on misogyny, the for profit prison system and the unjust nature of justice during a pretty compelling who done it.
Thank you Brilliance Publishing for the audio arc.
May 12, 2026
"Felon is a permanent status that if you let it will chew away at your identity until only that word is left."
Okay y'all this was a blast; I had so much fun with this book and was chuckling throughout! Six vastly different women are serving time in a pay-to-stay prison facility on weekends. Over a long holiday weekend for New Year's Eve, their manipulative, scheming guard winds up dead. With the six of them locked in—along with a male inmate staying over during a transfer—one of them must be the culprit!
This was wildly entertaining with over the top absurdity and silliness and I loved it! What are these women going to do with a dead guard when they'll undoubtedly take the blame and have to do hard time? Well—they "Weekend at Bernie's" it, of course—and then decide to solve the murder themselves! Dark humor abounds but the satire is also on point and leads to readers contemplating the prison system and recidivism. So while this is a true locked-room mystery mixed with humor, ELIZABETH ROSE QUINN deftly delivers important social commentary on a serious topic in a palatable way—with comedy. Folks who enjoy a thought-provoking read in amongst chaos and ridiculousness will enjoy the romp that is PAYBACK!
____
Thank you MBC Books and Amazon Publishing for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
Okay y'all this was a blast; I had so much fun with this book and was chuckling throughout! Six vastly different women are serving time in a pay-to-stay prison facility on weekends. Over a long holiday weekend for New Year's Eve, their manipulative, scheming guard winds up dead. With the six of them locked in—along with a male inmate staying over during a transfer—one of them must be the culprit!
This was wildly entertaining with over the top absurdity and silliness and I loved it! What are these women going to do with a dead guard when they'll undoubtedly take the blame and have to do hard time? Well—they "Weekend at Bernie's" it, of course—and then decide to solve the murder themselves! Dark humor abounds but the satire is also on point and leads to readers contemplating the prison system and recidivism. So while this is a true locked-room mystery mixed with humor, ELIZABETH ROSE QUINN deftly delivers important social commentary on a serious topic in a palatable way—with comedy. Folks who enjoy a thought-provoking read in amongst chaos and ridiculousness will enjoy the romp that is PAYBACK!
____
Thank you MBC Books and Amazon Publishing for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
May 21, 2026
For the right people, Pay to Stay, a Los Angeles premium, minimum security facility is available to serve out their sentences over weekends, allowing them to maintain regular lives during the week. However, this weekend’s stay is a little different for seven inmates when a mysterious male transfer joins them and a prison guard everyone hates shows up dead.
The premise peaked my interest and I knew I had to pick up this book; I’m so glad that I did! It really exceeded my expectations! This was my first Elizabeth Rose Quinn book and it won’t be the last. I had never read about pay and stay prisons for the wealthy and learning about the cast of characters, knowing that one of them could be the guard’s killer, was intriguing, especially with a character not previously known to the group members thrown into the mix.
This is a well-paced suspense with lots of commentary on the prison system in the U.S. and who gets what kind of treatment.
You would like this book if:
💜 You enjoy heavy topics presented within a lighter storyline
💜 You enjoy your suspense with a dose of humor
💜 You like reading about topics not often explored elsewhere
Overall, I really enjoyed both this story and Elizabeth Rose Quinn’s writing. I listened to this one via audiobook and the narrator did a great job. Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The premise peaked my interest and I knew I had to pick up this book; I’m so glad that I did! It really exceeded my expectations! This was my first Elizabeth Rose Quinn book and it won’t be the last. I had never read about pay and stay prisons for the wealthy and learning about the cast of characters, knowing that one of them could be the guard’s killer, was intriguing, especially with a character not previously known to the group members thrown into the mix.
This is a well-paced suspense with lots of commentary on the prison system in the U.S. and who gets what kind of treatment.
You would like this book if:
💜 You enjoy heavy topics presented within a lighter storyline
💜 You enjoy your suspense with a dose of humor
💜 You like reading about topics not often explored elsewhere
Overall, I really enjoyed both this story and Elizabeth Rose Quinn’s writing. I listened to this one via audiobook and the narrator did a great job. Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
May 9, 2026
Okay, I admit when I read the synopsis, I imagined a group of clueless rich people paying to spend a weekend in prison as sort of a lark, maybe a TikTok thing. Unfortunately, the convicts are actual convicts, they just pay to stay only on weekends in a fairly luxurious and tiny cell block in Los Angeles, watched over by sadistic guard Bard. Bard ends up dead and rather than call the cops, the Scooby gang decides to investigate the murder themselves.
This book never really hit for me. I didn't really care about any of the inmates, nor did I care if they figured out whodunnit. Two and a half stars rounded up because it's an interesting premise, if a clunky execution.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, via NetGalley, for this ARC.
This book never really hit for me. I didn't really care about any of the inmates, nor did I care if they figured out whodunnit. Two and a half stars rounded up because it's an interesting premise, if a clunky execution.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, via NetGalley, for this ARC.
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.
February 3, 2026
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
Seven privileged criminals spend their weekends in a Pay to Stay facility. You get double time for staying over the holidays so they arrive loaded up with all the supplies they can carry and plan for a quiet stay checking off their time. That is until their guard ends up dead and they realize if they don't figure out which one of them did it, they are all getting a much more serious sentence.
The first bit of this book was absolute perfection. I was so invested in Bard as a character. Having a dark Dexter / Joe Goldberg like character to immerse in was so exciting. But turns out he's not in most of the book, cause he's the one that ends up dead. That section alone was more than 5 stars, I was desparate for more of him. The rest of it was a compelling, albiet bonkers murder mystery / horror story which I enjoyed but not as much as the beginning. The characters were completely insane and the deaths viscerally violent. I'd say to read this one if you like something like The Eyes are the Best Part.
Seven privileged criminals spend their weekends in a Pay to Stay facility. You get double time for staying over the holidays so they arrive loaded up with all the supplies they can carry and plan for a quiet stay checking off their time. That is until their guard ends up dead and they realize if they don't figure out which one of them did it, they are all getting a much more serious sentence.
The first bit of this book was absolute perfection. I was so invested in Bard as a character. Having a dark Dexter / Joe Goldberg like character to immerse in was so exciting. But turns out he's not in most of the book, cause he's the one that ends up dead. That section alone was more than 5 stars, I was desparate for more of him. The rest of it was a compelling, albiet bonkers murder mystery / horror story which I enjoyed but not as much as the beginning. The characters were completely insane and the deaths viscerally violent. I'd say to read this one if you like something like The Eyes are the Best Part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2026
leitura divertida. gostei da história, dos personagens e das críticas ao sistema prisional
May 26, 2026
Payback is a locked room mystery that takes place in a “Pay To Stay” Los Angeles minimum security prison. Six women pay to serve their time from Monday through Friday only and they have their weekends free to go back home.
Over the Xmas to New Year’s week, they find their sadistic guard has been un-alived so they spend their days trying to figure out which of them did the deed.
I had fun with this book. I really enjoyed all of the inmates, especially the one lone male hard-core prisoner who was dropped off shortly before discovering their deceased guard.
The twists were fun, and as each of their stories were revealed, secrets were uncovered.
I thought the premise of the story was unique and I flew through this book, eager to turn the pages to see what else I could unravel.
I’ll definitely be reading more from Elizabeth Rose Quinn!
*Thanks so much to MBC Books and Amazon Publishing for the gifted book!*
Over the Xmas to New Year’s week, they find their sadistic guard has been un-alived so they spend their days trying to figure out which of them did the deed.
I had fun with this book. I really enjoyed all of the inmates, especially the one lone male hard-core prisoner who was dropped off shortly before discovering their deceased guard.
The twists were fun, and as each of their stories were revealed, secrets were uncovered.
I thought the premise of the story was unique and I flew through this book, eager to turn the pages to see what else I could unravel.
I’ll definitely be reading more from Elizabeth Rose Quinn!
*Thanks so much to MBC Books and Amazon Publishing for the gifted book!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely devoured this book. Such a fun, quick, and easy read! The story gripped me from the very start and had me on the edge of my seat, giggling, kicking my feet, all the good stuff! It's the perfect mix between thriller and comedy, AND it also contains an important message about the current (sad) state of the social justice system.
The story itself is a classic whodunit. As classic whodunits do, most of the time you can kind of figure out who did it, but this one outwhodunitted me. The plot twist at the end was just perfect! Everything was hinted at very delicately throughout the whole book, and then tied together so beautifully at the end.
All the characters are very well written and I loved all the little quirks they have! They all have such vibrant personalities, which really added depth to the story. The different POV's made me feel for them individually, and really put into perspective how easily you can end up in the never ending cycle of legal issues. Lowkey wish the book was a little longer, just so I could spend some more time with these characters!
I would recommend this to ANYONE!!!
I'd like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this eArc!
The story itself is a classic whodunit. As classic whodunits do, most of the time you can kind of figure out who did it, but this one outwhodunitted me. The plot twist at the end was just perfect! Everything was hinted at very delicately throughout the whole book, and then tied together so beautifully at the end.
All the characters are very well written and I loved all the little quirks they have! They all have such vibrant personalities, which really added depth to the story. The different POV's made me feel for them individually, and really put into perspective how easily you can end up in the never ending cycle of legal issues. Lowkey wish the book was a little longer, just so I could spend some more time with these characters!
I would recommend this to ANYONE!!!
I'd like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this eArc!
May 17, 2026
✨
This was an entertaining locked-room murder mystery with dark humor. The story started off a little slow for me, but quickly picked up once the unaliving started. I was very invested in finding out who was the culprit, that I flew through the book.
The story details a group of individuals that are sentenced to a prison program called Pay To Stay, where they are able to only serve time on the weekends and spend the rest of the week in their normal lives. This is real program that does exist in California. “Wealthy offenders or those convicted of minor, non-violent crimes can pay out-of-pocket to serve their sentences in safer, less crowded facilities that resemble hotels.”
This story addresses some of the privileges those with wealth can receive in the prison system. I thought this was a really interesting idea for a fictional story and reading the authors note at the end was very enlightening on this program and her discussion on the overall corruption and failure of our prison system.
Overall, I liked this book and recommend to those who enjoy thought-provoking thrillers that contain dark humor and pure chaos.
What you will get in this book ✨
🔪 Murder Mystery
🔐 Locked room
⛓️ Pay to Stay Prison System
🗣️ Multiple POVs
🦎 Enotional support Iguana named Nacho
I received this book as an eARC. Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing the book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an entertaining locked-room murder mystery with dark humor. The story started off a little slow for me, but quickly picked up once the unaliving started. I was very invested in finding out who was the culprit, that I flew through the book.
The story details a group of individuals that are sentenced to a prison program called Pay To Stay, where they are able to only serve time on the weekends and spend the rest of the week in their normal lives. This is real program that does exist in California. “Wealthy offenders or those convicted of minor, non-violent crimes can pay out-of-pocket to serve their sentences in safer, less crowded facilities that resemble hotels.”
This story addresses some of the privileges those with wealth can receive in the prison system. I thought this was a really interesting idea for a fictional story and reading the authors note at the end was very enlightening on this program and her discussion on the overall corruption and failure of our prison system.
Overall, I liked this book and recommend to those who enjoy thought-provoking thrillers that contain dark humor and pure chaos.
What you will get in this book ✨
🔪 Murder Mystery
🔐 Locked room
⛓️ Pay to Stay Prison System
🗣️ Multiple POVs
🦎 Enotional support Iguana named Nacho
I received this book as an eARC. Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing the book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 1, 2026
I read this book in 2 days. Very fun, gripping and twisty. Payback felt extremely well paced and had me on the edge of my seat at the end of every chapter. I will say, i thought I had it all figured out until the insane twist at the end. I really enjoyed how this book poked fun at all the holes we have in the justice system.
Now, if you like books that lean towards accuracy, this will not be for you. This is a completely fictional story that could absolutely never happen, but I was extremely entertained, and that’s all that matters right?
Now, if you like books that lean towards accuracy, this will not be for you. This is a completely fictional story that could absolutely never happen, but I was extremely entertained, and that’s all that matters right?
May 19, 2026
The premise of this book intrigued me, a minimum security pay-to-stay women's prison but there was something about the execution which just didn't quite work for me. The closed setting mystery was interesting, however I found the setting became part of the background, and I think it would have been more interesting if it had played a bigger part in the story. I found the pacing was a little on the slow side for me, I think part of that issue was the book was labelled as a thriller rather than a mystery so I had different pacing expectations coming into it.
It was a nice, easy quick read which kept me entertained, it might have benefitted from being read in one sitting, unfortunately I just wanted more based on the premise.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book
It was a nice, easy quick read which kept me entertained, it might have benefitted from being read in one sitting, unfortunately I just wanted more based on the premise.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book
May 7, 2026
4.5 stars - I loved this book. It was fun and chaotic and I couldn’t stop reading.
May 17, 2026
What did I just read
May 24, 2026
Not as interesting or thrilling as I'd expected it to be. It started out strong and then lost my attention the more I kept reading. I am apparently in a book slump right now 😭
May 27, 2026
Clue meets the Breakfast Club meets Orange is the New Black meets Weekend at Bernies.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A basic murder mystery with a cool concept that unfortunately fails to deliver on its setting or characters.
The premise of this book initially caught my attention, specifically the "pay-to-stay" setting. It’s a very cool, concept for a mystery, but unfortunately, it was severely underutilized. Rather than being a functional part of the plot, the setting felt more like background noise (which yes, the characters were connected to in one way or another - but it was only surface level), which was a huge missed opportunity to make the story stand out.
The characterization was the biggest struggle for me. I found the main character to be very basic, with almost nothing interesting about her that made me want to keep reading. She felt very passive, contributing almost nothing to the actual story. The male character was the same; there was no depth to him, which made it impossible to feel invested in their roles in the mystery.
Regarding the pacing, the book is labeled as "a thriller" on the cover, but I honestly do not see how it could be classified as one. The pacing was very slow for the majority of the book, lacking the tension or urgency I expect from a thriller. While the momentum did finally pick up toward the end, it felt more like a standard, slow mystery than a thriller.
Additionally, the prologue was extremely out of place. It felt as though it was written by a completely different author for an entirely different book; the tone was totally disconnected from the rest of the story and, in the end, it added nothing to the narrative.
Overall, while the setting had potential and the ending eventually found its footing, the lack of interesting characters and the mislabeled genre (in my opinion) made this a disappointing read. It was a 1.5 star read for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book initially caught my attention, specifically the "pay-to-stay" setting. It’s a very cool, concept for a mystery, but unfortunately, it was severely underutilized. Rather than being a functional part of the plot, the setting felt more like background noise (which yes, the characters were connected to in one way or another - but it was only surface level), which was a huge missed opportunity to make the story stand out.
The characterization was the biggest struggle for me. I found the main character to be very basic, with almost nothing interesting about her that made me want to keep reading. She felt very passive, contributing almost nothing to the actual story. The male character was the same; there was no depth to him, which made it impossible to feel invested in their roles in the mystery.
Regarding the pacing, the book is labeled as "a thriller" on the cover, but I honestly do not see how it could be classified as one. The pacing was very slow for the majority of the book, lacking the tension or urgency I expect from a thriller. While the momentum did finally pick up toward the end, it felt more like a standard, slow mystery than a thriller.
Additionally, the prologue was extremely out of place. It felt as though it was written by a completely different author for an entirely different book; the tone was totally disconnected from the rest of the story and, in the end, it added nothing to the narrative.
Overall, while the setting had potential and the ending eventually found its footing, the lack of interesting characters and the mislabeled genre (in my opinion) made this a disappointing read. It was a 1.5 star read for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is something so deeply unhinged about a luxury weekend prison that I immediately knew Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn was either going to ruin my life or make my week. Reader, it made my week.
Seven privileged inmates roll up to their "Pay to Stay" facility in Los Angeles ready to serve their Friday through Monday sentences, stash their phones, maybe decorate their little concrete cubbies like it’s a morally compromised dorm room. Double time over New Year’s means they’re settling in for a longer stay. And then their guard, Bard, the walking embodiment of “what if Joe Goldberg had a badge and no supervision,” turns up dead in a “Community Payback” vest. I’m sorry, that visual alone deserves an award.
Let’s talk about Bard for a second because that opening? Deliciously creepy. We start inside the head of a man who treats manipulation like a competitive sport. He is calculated, cold, and getting off on the power imbalance of overseeing this cushy little experiment in incarceration. It has big “Dexter but make it smug” energy. And then, boom. He’s the corpse. I was genuinely gagged. I had mentally prepared for a long psychological chess match and instead we pivot into a locked room whodunit with a storm raging outside and the power flickering like this is the most chaotic version of Clue ever filmed.
The tension immediately shifts from “evil guard lurking” to “oh no, we are all absolutely screwed.” Because if these inmates cannot solve this murder themselves, they are not going back to their cushy weekend arrangement. They are headed to actual prison. Maximum security. No more curated snack bags and holiday double time perks. The stakes are so specific and so delicious.
The characters are a mess in the way I love. Cami, who seems sweet and maybe a little naive, but is absolutely sharper than she lets on. Ayse, calm, rational, and giving final girl energy in a building full of chaos. Maureen the campaign manager who treats everything like a spin opportunity. Didi, wealthy and chaotic. Sister Bridget, whose whole vibe is “nun but make it suspicious.” Janet the hippie. Russell the mysterious transfer who walks in like he knows more than he’s saying. And then Nacho, the emotional support iguana, who honestly has more emotional intelligence than half the cast.
What makes this book work is how self aware it is. It knows this premise is bonkers. It leans into the camp. The humor is sharp and sometimes so dry you have to double take. There were moments I genuinely laughed out loud, and then moments where I had to sit back and go, oh wow, we are actually talking about prison reform right now.
Because under the glitter bracelet chaos and the bodies stacking up, there is a real commentary about the justice system. Who gets leniency. Who gets community based alternatives. Who gets locked away and forgotten. The "Pay to Stay" concept could have just been a quirky backdrop, but it becomes this uncomfortable reminder that money changes the entire game. The book occasionally wobbles between satire and sincerity, and I kind of love that it never fully picks a lane. It feels like it is wrestling with its own ideas, just like the characters are.
As for the mystery itself, I was suspicious of literally everyone. I thought I had it figured out at least three separate times. Every classic whodunit beat is there, shifting alliances, red herrings, secret motivations, but the final twist genuinely got me. It outwhodunnit me. And when everything clicked into place, it felt earned. The hints were there, delicately threaded through the narrative like little landmines I just did not notice in time.
Is it a heart pounding, sleep with the lights on thriller? Not exactly. It is more campy locked room chaos with sharp teeth. Some readers might wish it leaned harder into the darker tone of that opening Bard section, and I get that. That prologue has a very specific flavor that the rest of the book pivots away from. But I had so much fun with the ensemble madness that I did not mind the shift.
By the end, I was weirdly attached to this ragtag group of morally complicated inmates. Their quirks, their petty fights, their unexpected compassion for each other. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a bunch of privileged messes have to cooperate to avoid worse consequences. Growth through homicide investigation, we love to see it.
Four stars. Sharp, funny, a little chaotic, and smarter than it first appears. I devoured it and lowkey wished it was longer just so I could spend more time with these weirdos and their iguana.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Trust Absolutely No One, Including The Reptile
And a chaotic, glitter covered thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC. You handed me a luxury prison murder mystery with an emotional support iguana and said “have fun,” and I absolutely did. Consider me both entertained and emotionally compromised.
Seven privileged inmates roll up to their "Pay to Stay" facility in Los Angeles ready to serve their Friday through Monday sentences, stash their phones, maybe decorate their little concrete cubbies like it’s a morally compromised dorm room. Double time over New Year’s means they’re settling in for a longer stay. And then their guard, Bard, the walking embodiment of “what if Joe Goldberg had a badge and no supervision,” turns up dead in a “Community Payback” vest. I’m sorry, that visual alone deserves an award.
Let’s talk about Bard for a second because that opening? Deliciously creepy. We start inside the head of a man who treats manipulation like a competitive sport. He is calculated, cold, and getting off on the power imbalance of overseeing this cushy little experiment in incarceration. It has big “Dexter but make it smug” energy. And then, boom. He’s the corpse. I was genuinely gagged. I had mentally prepared for a long psychological chess match and instead we pivot into a locked room whodunit with a storm raging outside and the power flickering like this is the most chaotic version of Clue ever filmed.
The tension immediately shifts from “evil guard lurking” to “oh no, we are all absolutely screwed.” Because if these inmates cannot solve this murder themselves, they are not going back to their cushy weekend arrangement. They are headed to actual prison. Maximum security. No more curated snack bags and holiday double time perks. The stakes are so specific and so delicious.
The characters are a mess in the way I love. Cami, who seems sweet and maybe a little naive, but is absolutely sharper than she lets on. Ayse, calm, rational, and giving final girl energy in a building full of chaos. Maureen the campaign manager who treats everything like a spin opportunity. Didi, wealthy and chaotic. Sister Bridget, whose whole vibe is “nun but make it suspicious.” Janet the hippie. Russell the mysterious transfer who walks in like he knows more than he’s saying. And then Nacho, the emotional support iguana, who honestly has more emotional intelligence than half the cast.
What makes this book work is how self aware it is. It knows this premise is bonkers. It leans into the camp. The humor is sharp and sometimes so dry you have to double take. There were moments I genuinely laughed out loud, and then moments where I had to sit back and go, oh wow, we are actually talking about prison reform right now.
Because under the glitter bracelet chaos and the bodies stacking up, there is a real commentary about the justice system. Who gets leniency. Who gets community based alternatives. Who gets locked away and forgotten. The "Pay to Stay" concept could have just been a quirky backdrop, but it becomes this uncomfortable reminder that money changes the entire game. The book occasionally wobbles between satire and sincerity, and I kind of love that it never fully picks a lane. It feels like it is wrestling with its own ideas, just like the characters are.
As for the mystery itself, I was suspicious of literally everyone. I thought I had it figured out at least three separate times. Every classic whodunit beat is there, shifting alliances, red herrings, secret motivations, but the final twist genuinely got me. It outwhodunnit me. And when everything clicked into place, it felt earned. The hints were there, delicately threaded through the narrative like little landmines I just did not notice in time.
Is it a heart pounding, sleep with the lights on thriller? Not exactly. It is more campy locked room chaos with sharp teeth. Some readers might wish it leaned harder into the darker tone of that opening Bard section, and I get that. That prologue has a very specific flavor that the rest of the book pivots away from. But I had so much fun with the ensemble madness that I did not mind the shift.
By the end, I was weirdly attached to this ragtag group of morally complicated inmates. Their quirks, their petty fights, their unexpected compassion for each other. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a bunch of privileged messes have to cooperate to avoid worse consequences. Growth through homicide investigation, we love to see it.
Four stars. Sharp, funny, a little chaotic, and smarter than it first appears. I devoured it and lowkey wished it was longer just so I could spend more time with these weirdos and their iguana.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Trust Absolutely No One, Including The Reptile
And a chaotic, glitter covered thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC. You handed me a luxury prison murder mystery with an emotional support iguana and said “have fun,” and I absolutely did. Consider me both entertained and emotionally compromised.
May 13, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn is full of thrilling craziness.
Will the prisoners find a way out before more of them are killed?
Payback takes place in a women's correctional prison, where the prisoners not only pay for their crimes but also for the privilege of staying at this weekend facility. However, that goes sideways over the Christmas holiday when one guard decides to take things beyond his normal responsibilities.
The lady prisoners are joined by an actual federal male prisoner at the request of their guard. He has decided that it will show the ladies what they have to look forward to. In the process, things go terribly wrong for all of them. And not all of them will make it out alive.
I had a really hard time getting into this story because the author starts from the guard's point of view, and we learn about him growing up and becoming who he is. However, I couldn't stand him, which I know is the point. But honestly, he deserved what he got and more so. Although the other prisoners didn't necessarily deserve what happened to them. Some needed some therapy, and one needed a twelve-step program, not that any of them actually were ready to face their demons, do the work, and turn their lives around.
However, by the end, we did have a few characters with some serious growth and the possibility of some sunny days in their future.
Four Stars
My rating for Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn is four stars. Ms. Quinn is a wonderful storyteller. I was in that prison in Los Angeles with those ladies, hating that guard and judging the other prisoners right along with them. The plot was well laid out, and even though I was paying attention, I still missed a critical piece of the puzzle until all was revealed at the end. Very well played, Ms. Quinn.
If you get the chance to check this one out, I recommend it. Just keep your eyes open, not everything is as it seems.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will the prisoners find a way out before more of them are killed?
Payback takes place in a women's correctional prison, where the prisoners not only pay for their crimes but also for the privilege of staying at this weekend facility. However, that goes sideways over the Christmas holiday when one guard decides to take things beyond his normal responsibilities.
The lady prisoners are joined by an actual federal male prisoner at the request of their guard. He has decided that it will show the ladies what they have to look forward to. In the process, things go terribly wrong for all of them. And not all of them will make it out alive.
I had a really hard time getting into this story because the author starts from the guard's point of view, and we learn about him growing up and becoming who he is. However, I couldn't stand him, which I know is the point. But honestly, he deserved what he got and more so. Although the other prisoners didn't necessarily deserve what happened to them. Some needed some therapy, and one needed a twelve-step program, not that any of them actually were ready to face their demons, do the work, and turn their lives around.
However, by the end, we did have a few characters with some serious growth and the possibility of some sunny days in their future.
Four Stars
My rating for Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn is four stars. Ms. Quinn is a wonderful storyteller. I was in that prison in Los Angeles with those ladies, hating that guard and judging the other prisoners right along with them. The plot was well laid out, and even though I was paying attention, I still missed a critical piece of the puzzle until all was revealed at the end. Very well played, Ms. Quinn.
If you get the chance to check this one out, I recommend it. Just keep your eyes open, not everything is as it seems.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
May 9, 2026
This one had a premise that immediately hooked me: a luxury weekend prison for the wealthy. Seven inmates. A dead guard. A storm rolling in. A locked-room murder mystery set inside a facility where privilege still manages to soften the edges of incarceration. Honestly? That setup is *so* compelling.
And learning about pay-to-stay prisons ended up being one of the most fascinating parts of the book for me. It’s one of those concepts that feels dystopian until you realize versions of it actually exist, which makes the social commentary hit harder. The idea that wealth can still buy comfort, protection, and even hierarchy inside prison is such an interesting lens to explore.
Unfortunately, while the premise was strong, the execution never fully reached the level I wanted it to. There’s an early twist that makes a *very* bold choice, but it also removes one of the most compelling elements from the story too soon. After that, the tension shifted into something much more familiar and predictable than I expected from such a unique setup.
The book also felt like it was juggling several different identities at once: locked-room mystery, prison satire, social commentary, thriller, and at times even dark comedy. Individually, I actually liked many of those elements. There’s a humorous section in the middle that felt tonally out of place compared to the rest of the story, but weirdly enough, I enjoyed it and almost wished the book leaned *further* into that energy.
At the same time, the murder investigation itself never felt as sharp or urgent as it could have been. The setting had so much potential for paranoia, power dynamics, manipulation, and psychological tension, but I never felt like the story fully took advantage of it. The prison environment often faded into the background instead of becoming an active force in the mystery.
The characters also struggled to stand out. With such a contained cast, I wanted stronger development and more distinct motivations, but many of them blurred together for me emotionally.
What kept me reading was the sheer amount of *interesting ideas* packed into the story. There are conversations here about wealth, corruption, the American prison system, and the illusion that justice applies equally to everyone. I appreciated all of that. I just kept wishing the book pushed those ideas further instead of staying relatively surface-level.
Overall, I was entertained, and I never felt bored, but this ultimately felt like a book with incredible concepts that never fully committed to any one direction strongly enough to make it truly memorable.
And learning about pay-to-stay prisons ended up being one of the most fascinating parts of the book for me. It’s one of those concepts that feels dystopian until you realize versions of it actually exist, which makes the social commentary hit harder. The idea that wealth can still buy comfort, protection, and even hierarchy inside prison is such an interesting lens to explore.
Unfortunately, while the premise was strong, the execution never fully reached the level I wanted it to. There’s an early twist that makes a *very* bold choice, but it also removes one of the most compelling elements from the story too soon. After that, the tension shifted into something much more familiar and predictable than I expected from such a unique setup.
The book also felt like it was juggling several different identities at once: locked-room mystery, prison satire, social commentary, thriller, and at times even dark comedy. Individually, I actually liked many of those elements. There’s a humorous section in the middle that felt tonally out of place compared to the rest of the story, but weirdly enough, I enjoyed it and almost wished the book leaned *further* into that energy.
At the same time, the murder investigation itself never felt as sharp or urgent as it could have been. The setting had so much potential for paranoia, power dynamics, manipulation, and psychological tension, but I never felt like the story fully took advantage of it. The prison environment often faded into the background instead of becoming an active force in the mystery.
The characters also struggled to stand out. With such a contained cast, I wanted stronger development and more distinct motivations, but many of them blurred together for me emotionally.
What kept me reading was the sheer amount of *interesting ideas* packed into the story. There are conversations here about wealth, corruption, the American prison system, and the illusion that justice applies equally to everyone. I appreciated all of that. I just kept wishing the book pushed those ideas further instead of staying relatively surface-level.
Overall, I was entertained, and I never felt bored, but this ultimately felt like a book with incredible concepts that never fully committed to any one direction strongly enough to make it truly memorable.
May 2, 2026
Pay to Stay, a new option for the wealthy/connected criminals to serve their sentences. Instead of prison, you show up Friday and stay until Monday, bringing some of the comforts of home with you, as you serve your sentence for non-violent crimes. In Payback we have seven inmates who’ve arrived for a holiday weekend stay, only to find their guard dead the first morning. They must work together to clear their names before the weekend is over, except one of them has to be the killer. Can they work together to figure out who? Or even survive?
I had so much fun with this one!! I was immediately hooked, despite getting the ick from prison guard Bard. The rest of the characters, while privileged and toxic in their own ways, were hard not to enjoy! Each of them were so well written - interesting and suspicious in their own ways. Unsurprisingly, it’s easiest to connect with Cami and Ayse, as they are our narrators, but each character has makes you want to believe they are innocent at different points! This is thoroughly entertaining, darkly funny, has all the elements of a great locked-room thriller and definitely keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I’d figured it out (I did-ish), there is a twist you won’t see coming! The only thing I thought was missing was a follow up with our surviving inmates. I would’ve really loved to have gotten an update on all, not just some.
I definitely will be recommending this to my thriller loving friends! And not only is it great within its genre, but it also tackles the incredibly important and timely issue of our countries corrupt and ineffective prison system. Despite using humor, Quinn is successful in her impact, through the experiences of our different types of inmates and each of their different growth arcs. I hope this gets the love it deserves, and opens up some much needed dialogue.
I also want to add that I was so lucky to receive both an early copy of the book and the audio - which was fantastic! The narrator Mozhan Navabi really sets the tone, captures the characters, and really brings the reader right in. I both read and listened, for a truly immersive experience and really enjoyed every minute!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC, and Brilliance Audio for the ALC of Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn!
I had so much fun with this one!! I was immediately hooked, despite getting the ick from prison guard Bard. The rest of the characters, while privileged and toxic in their own ways, were hard not to enjoy! Each of them were so well written - interesting and suspicious in their own ways. Unsurprisingly, it’s easiest to connect with Cami and Ayse, as they are our narrators, but each character has makes you want to believe they are innocent at different points! This is thoroughly entertaining, darkly funny, has all the elements of a great locked-room thriller and definitely keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I’d figured it out (I did-ish), there is a twist you won’t see coming! The only thing I thought was missing was a follow up with our surviving inmates. I would’ve really loved to have gotten an update on all, not just some.
I definitely will be recommending this to my thriller loving friends! And not only is it great within its genre, but it also tackles the incredibly important and timely issue of our countries corrupt and ineffective prison system. Despite using humor, Quinn is successful in her impact, through the experiences of our different types of inmates and each of their different growth arcs. I hope this gets the love it deserves, and opens up some much needed dialogue.
I also want to add that I was so lucky to receive both an early copy of the book and the audio - which was fantastic! The narrator Mozhan Navabi really sets the tone, captures the characters, and really brings the reader right in. I both read and listened, for a truly immersive experience and really enjoyed every minute!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC, and Brilliance Audio for the ALC of Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn!
May 27, 2026
I really enjoyed the beginning (Part 1, i guess?) of this book. The writing was intriguing and the character was quite interesting and different but well written and thought out.
The story lost my interested a little bit when it got to the “Pay-to-stay” prison -which well i learned something new there because even thought i am not at all surprised that the USA actually has such a thing, i didn’t even know such a thing actually existed in that kind of extreme, but again, not surprised by it one bit.
But while it is believable that such a place exists, the overall way that part of the story was just a bit too much for me in the hand-waving what was happening and how and how much and into the extremist i had do suspend my disbelief to even try to let things go as they were told in the story.
I did think that was a good amount of humanity and an honest and realistic view on imprisonment and treatment of prisoners in this story, and that was told pretty well.
But it got a bit lost in the very questionable way to tell the mystery.
Overall?
It’s okay.
It was a good book, neither great nor bad.
It’s a fast read and while some moments were headshakers of the variety of “why did the author go there instead of kept it a bit more realistic?” In its entirety this book was easy to read and entertaining.
I think it would make for a perfect summer/Vacation read, quick to get through, ultimately forgettable but mostly fun and entertaining while actively reading and not horrible if a few pages are not read in complete detail and every single little thing is remembered. You get the overall gist of it and you’ll be fine (which isn’t meant as a bad thing, not every book needs to be something were very word should be considered at the same weight as gold to understand the ending! Easy reads are necessary and fun and especially great at a time where a lot of distractions are happening!)
So i would recommend this for everyone looking for a fun and easy read that keeps you turning the pages but were you don’t want to think about it all too hard - or at all.
The story lost my interested a little bit when it got to the “Pay-to-stay” prison -which well i learned something new there because even thought i am not at all surprised that the USA actually has such a thing, i didn’t even know such a thing actually existed in that kind of extreme, but again, not surprised by it one bit.
But while it is believable that such a place exists, the overall way that part of the story was just a bit too much for me in the hand-waving what was happening and how and how much and into the extremist i had do suspend my disbelief to even try to let things go as they were told in the story.
I did think that was a good amount of humanity and an honest and realistic view on imprisonment and treatment of prisoners in this story, and that was told pretty well.
But it got a bit lost in the very questionable way to tell the mystery.
Overall?
It’s okay.
It was a good book, neither great nor bad.
It’s a fast read and while some moments were headshakers of the variety of “why did the author go there instead of kept it a bit more realistic?” In its entirety this book was easy to read and entertaining.
I think it would make for a perfect summer/Vacation read, quick to get through, ultimately forgettable but mostly fun and entertaining while actively reading and not horrible if a few pages are not read in complete detail and every single little thing is remembered. You get the overall gist of it and you’ll be fine (which isn’t meant as a bad thing, not every book needs to be something were very word should be considered at the same weight as gold to understand the ending! Easy reads are necessary and fun and especially great at a time where a lot of distractions are happening!)
So i would recommend this for everyone looking for a fun and easy read that keeps you turning the pages but were you don’t want to think about it all too hard - or at all.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Follow Me was one of my favorite reads in 2025 so I was super excited when my copy of Payback arrived.
Payback takes place in a Pay to Stay women's prison. Pay to Stay is exclusive to wealthy women who have been convicted of crimes, but only serve their time on the weekends, continuing to live their regular lives the rest of the week. Sounds like a good way to serve your time, right? Well, or at least it wouldn't be bad if the officer in charge of Pay to Stay wasn't a sociopath. Officer Bard is excited for the week between Christmas and NYE, where the inmates will be at his mercy. Or at least he's excited about it until someone kills him. And now it's up to the inmates to figure out who the murderer is before the week ends.
"A quick U-turn in her thinking reminded her that Bard wasn't just gone, transferred to a new post far, far away. In fact, in many ways extremely obvious ways, Bard was a much bigger problem for her now. Nevertheless, the choice was either dealing with Bard the living person or dealing with Bard the murder victim, and she would choose the murder victim 100 percent of the time. No question. Murder would end. Bullies were forever."
I really liked Bard's character and because I go into everything really blind, I was surprised when he kicked the bucket fairly early on. But it was interesting to see the character development of the women and watch them sleuth it out as the bodies continue to hit the floor.
Quinn also has some commentary on incarceration and the prison system, which was interesting and made me think I need to learn more about prison reform.
"Everyone was politely passing this and that along the long metal table. If Ayse squinted, she could imagine this was not a prison at all, but instead the worst bed-and-breakfast on the planet. The thought oddly cheered her as she imagined writing a review for a travel site. Welcome to PTS B&B. No Windows. Everything bolted to the floor. Two dead bodies. One lizard. Zero stars."
Payback takes place in a Pay to Stay women's prison. Pay to Stay is exclusive to wealthy women who have been convicted of crimes, but only serve their time on the weekends, continuing to live their regular lives the rest of the week. Sounds like a good way to serve your time, right? Well, or at least it wouldn't be bad if the officer in charge of Pay to Stay wasn't a sociopath. Officer Bard is excited for the week between Christmas and NYE, where the inmates will be at his mercy. Or at least he's excited about it until someone kills him. And now it's up to the inmates to figure out who the murderer is before the week ends.
"A quick U-turn in her thinking reminded her that Bard wasn't just gone, transferred to a new post far, far away. In fact, in many ways extremely obvious ways, Bard was a much bigger problem for her now. Nevertheless, the choice was either dealing with Bard the living person or dealing with Bard the murder victim, and she would choose the murder victim 100 percent of the time. No question. Murder would end. Bullies were forever."
I really liked Bard's character and because I go into everything really blind, I was surprised when he kicked the bucket fairly early on. But it was interesting to see the character development of the women and watch them sleuth it out as the bodies continue to hit the floor.
Quinn also has some commentary on incarceration and the prison system, which was interesting and made me think I need to learn more about prison reform.
"Everyone was politely passing this and that along the long metal table. If Ayse squinted, she could imagine this was not a prison at all, but instead the worst bed-and-breakfast on the planet. The thought oddly cheered her as she imagined writing a review for a travel site. Welcome to PTS B&B. No Windows. Everything bolted to the floor. Two dead bodies. One lizard. Zero stars."
May 12, 2026
Elizabeth Rose Quinn looked at the concept of “rich people prison” and said, “Okay, but what if it was ALSO a locked-room murder mystery with a sociopathic guard, morally questionable women, a storm outage, and an emotional support iguana?”
And somehow… it works.
Payback is one of those thrillers where the premise alone does half the heavy lifting. A luxury “Pay to Stay” prison where wealthy offenders only serve time on weekends? That is SUCH a deeply unhinged concept that readers were basically sold before chapter one even ended.
The setup is pure popcorn thriller gold:
Seven privileged inmates arrive for an extended New Year’s stay, only to discover their abusive correctional officer dead in a “Community Payback” vest. A storm traps everyone inside, the power starts failing, bodies pile up, and suddenly everyone has to solve the murder before they all end up in real prison.
Honestly? The vibes are immaculate.
The standout character for many readers was Bard, the prison guard, who apparently radiates “Joe Goldberg with institutional authority” energy. I could not believe how creepy and compelling the opening chapters were because you spend time in his perspective before everything spirals. I was disappointed he dies so early because he was the most fascinating psychopath in the room.
And then there’s Nacho.
The emotional support iguana.
No notes.
This definitely feels like a “turn your brain slightly sideways and enjoy the ride” thriller rather than a perfectly airtight mystery. But if you like:
locked-room murder mysteries
morally messy women
dark humor
isolated settings
privilege satire
fast reads with escalating chaos
…this is probably going to hit for you.
Also, any book brave enough to include an emotional support iguana during a murder investigation deserves at least one extra star from me.
And somehow… it works.
Payback is one of those thrillers where the premise alone does half the heavy lifting. A luxury “Pay to Stay” prison where wealthy offenders only serve time on weekends? That is SUCH a deeply unhinged concept that readers were basically sold before chapter one even ended.
The setup is pure popcorn thriller gold:
Seven privileged inmates arrive for an extended New Year’s stay, only to discover their abusive correctional officer dead in a “Community Payback” vest. A storm traps everyone inside, the power starts failing, bodies pile up, and suddenly everyone has to solve the murder before they all end up in real prison.
Honestly? The vibes are immaculate.
The standout character for many readers was Bard, the prison guard, who apparently radiates “Joe Goldberg with institutional authority” energy. I could not believe how creepy and compelling the opening chapters were because you spend time in his perspective before everything spirals. I was disappointed he dies so early because he was the most fascinating psychopath in the room.
And then there’s Nacho.
The emotional support iguana.
No notes.
This definitely feels like a “turn your brain slightly sideways and enjoy the ride” thriller rather than a perfectly airtight mystery. But if you like:
locked-room murder mysteries
morally messy women
dark humor
isolated settings
privilege satire
fast reads with escalating chaos
…this is probably going to hit for you.
Also, any book brave enough to include an emotional support iguana during a murder investigation deserves at least one extra star from me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Is this seriously happening? We're going to puppet a dead man so we can go to a morgue to solve a murder? Is this Mad libs from hell?"
After all I've heard about Ms Flynns writing, I already knew I was in for something diabolically exciting in this book. But before I even saw her name, this concept had a chokehold on me — you can’t take the locked room murder mystery any further than a literal prison, right?
First, the disparity in the justice system is something hopefully we all know about, but this book highlights a very real way that money and privilege can make “doing your time” even easier if you can afford it and the very flawed state of the incarceration systems in place across the world.
We grow complex relationships with the cast- they’re undeniably privileged, spoiled to be able to be there but ranging from prison staff, petty criminals, aging yogi’s with pet lizards, nuns to true psychopaths. It’s almost a cabin fever effect with the reader and them; growing to worry, care and potentially even like some of our inmates. The lines between what a criminal really is become so blurred in the most mind-fuckingly brilliant way that you’re not sure what to think as the inmates try to solve the murder, catch a killer and prove their innocence in one of the most surreally entertaining mysteries I've ever read.
At under 250 pages, Payback is a fairly quick read with jumping perspectives between three key players across five days that change everything. It’s pacey, frantic and loaded with suspicion, flipping between awkward comedy and genuine fear. There was a bit of lull in the midway mark but then we got rolling away It’s a devilishly entertaining mixture of camp comedy, bloody murder and a classic whodunnit.
After all I've heard about Ms Flynns writing, I already knew I was in for something diabolically exciting in this book. But before I even saw her name, this concept had a chokehold on me — you can’t take the locked room murder mystery any further than a literal prison, right?
First, the disparity in the justice system is something hopefully we all know about, but this book highlights a very real way that money and privilege can make “doing your time” even easier if you can afford it and the very flawed state of the incarceration systems in place across the world.
We grow complex relationships with the cast- they’re undeniably privileged, spoiled to be able to be there but ranging from prison staff, petty criminals, aging yogi’s with pet lizards, nuns to true psychopaths. It’s almost a cabin fever effect with the reader and them; growing to worry, care and potentially even like some of our inmates. The lines between what a criminal really is become so blurred in the most mind-fuckingly brilliant way that you’re not sure what to think as the inmates try to solve the murder, catch a killer and prove their innocence in one of the most surreally entertaining mysteries I've ever read.
At under 250 pages, Payback is a fairly quick read with jumping perspectives between three key players across five days that change everything. It’s pacey, frantic and loaded with suspicion, flipping between awkward comedy and genuine fear. There was a bit of lull in the midway mark but then we got rolling away It’s a devilishly entertaining mixture of camp comedy, bloody murder and a classic whodunnit.
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.
May 11, 2026
Payback is labeled as a thriller, but it really wasn’t one. It was equal parts comedy and murder mystery with a splash of social commentary. I think if I had known this before going in, I might have liked it more. Because I was expecting a thriller, I was let down.
I enjoyed the premise, because the plot is so ridiculous and over-the-top that you can't look away. What do you do when you are wealthy and allowed to serve your time on the weekends, but then your prison guard is murdered and you know you'll get blamed and sent to maximum security prison? Of course you band with your fellow inmates to find the killer, even though it is probably one of you. What a crazy plot! I read this in one sitting because it was a super easy read. It kept me guessing and I really didn't expect the end, so I have to give it credit for that.
But I can't lie, I was kinda disappointed that the person who was murdered at the very beginning is also the most interesting character in the whole book. That prologue had me hooked, and then almost as suddenly as he appears, Bard is dead. What the heck. Compared to his character, everyone else was kind of dull. To be honest, I have already forgotten the names of most of the other characters.
Overall I would rate this 2.75 stars. The premise is good, the writing made me laugh throughout, and it wasn't predictable. The only downside to me aside from being misled into thinking it was a thriller is that I wish the characters were more interesting and memorable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the premise, because the plot is so ridiculous and over-the-top that you can't look away. What do you do when you are wealthy and allowed to serve your time on the weekends, but then your prison guard is murdered and you know you'll get blamed and sent to maximum security prison? Of course you band with your fellow inmates to find the killer, even though it is probably one of you. What a crazy plot! I read this in one sitting because it was a super easy read. It kept me guessing and I really didn't expect the end, so I have to give it credit for that.
But I can't lie, I was kinda disappointed that the person who was murdered at the very beginning is also the most interesting character in the whole book. That prologue had me hooked, and then almost as suddenly as he appears, Bard is dead. What the heck. Compared to his character, everyone else was kind of dull. To be honest, I have already forgotten the names of most of the other characters.
Overall I would rate this 2.75 stars. The premise is good, the writing made me laugh throughout, and it wasn't predictable. The only downside to me aside from being misled into thinking it was a thriller is that I wish the characters were more interesting and memorable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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
I didn't want to stop reading this campy murder mystery!
"Thriller" may be a stretch, but I don't think this book was ever trying to be a thriller (in spite of the cover/subtitle). It's a locked-room whodunnit with a zany cast of over-the-top characters getting into unbelievable situations—it's a comedy with murder, guys. You'll laugh, you'll get a little grossed out, you might even tear up, just as long as you go into the book with the right expectations.
Be forewarned that this is one of those books written in a very intentional comedic voice, the kind that makes you ask, "Have any of these characters heard of contractions, or is the big reveal going to be that they're all secretly robots?" But just go with the flow, and you'll have a good time.
My one qualm with the book is that it was clear that the author wanted to share a commentary on the prison system (read the author's note at the end—it's great), but that commentary tended to vacillate wildly between getting obscured by the book's humor and taking over the page with what sometimes felt like fourth-wall breaking moralizing. I think that if a better balance had been found, this book could have been really powerful, and the message would have come through in the plot itself rather than being relegated to the author's note. But hopefully the author's note makes up for it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for lending me a temporary ebook copy of this book! All opinions are, of course, my own.
"Thriller" may be a stretch, but I don't think this book was ever trying to be a thriller (in spite of the cover/subtitle). It's a locked-room whodunnit with a zany cast of over-the-top characters getting into unbelievable situations—it's a comedy with murder, guys. You'll laugh, you'll get a little grossed out, you might even tear up, just as long as you go into the book with the right expectations.
Be forewarned that this is one of those books written in a very intentional comedic voice, the kind that makes you ask, "Have any of these characters heard of contractions, or is the big reveal going to be that they're all secretly robots?" But just go with the flow, and you'll have a good time.
My one qualm with the book is that it was clear that the author wanted to share a commentary on the prison system (read the author's note at the end—it's great), but that commentary tended to vacillate wildly between getting obscured by the book's humor and taking over the page with what sometimes felt like fourth-wall breaking moralizing. I think that if a better balance had been found, this book could have been really powerful, and the message would have come through in the plot itself rather than being relegated to the author's note. But hopefully the author's note makes up for it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for lending me a temporary ebook copy of this book! All opinions are, of course, my own.
May 6, 2026
Thank you to Elizabeth Rose Quinn, Brilliance Publishing Audio, Thomas and Mercer and netgalley, for this complimentary advanced listening copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
Well wasn't this a hoot!
We are immediately introduced to Baird - as a child he was definitely the kid torturing ants with a magnifying glass in the sun!
He is such an interesting character. He certainly owns his strange and leans into his villainy. He is a prision guard at Pay To Stay, a facility where inmates only serve time Monday to Friday.
It is no surprise when he winds up dead on shift. What ensues is a madcap mystery to uncover whodunnit with seven inmates, including a mysterious male transfer, a campaign manager, a nurse, a party girl, a nun and, the strangest of all, an emotional support iguana named Nacho.
The whole 'pay to stay' premise is such a unique and fresh idea and it really added to the storyline.
I found myself laughing my way through this book, which was made all the better by the narration! The narrator did a great job of bringing all the characters to life!
This book had twists and turns and when all was revealed I was definitely left with my mouth hanging open!
I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend. If you want to elevate your experience, the audiobook is a must! It was such an immersive experience to have both the book and the audio!
Well wasn't this a hoot!
We are immediately introduced to Baird - as a child he was definitely the kid torturing ants with a magnifying glass in the sun!
He is such an interesting character. He certainly owns his strange and leans into his villainy. He is a prision guard at Pay To Stay, a facility where inmates only serve time Monday to Friday.
It is no surprise when he winds up dead on shift. What ensues is a madcap mystery to uncover whodunnit with seven inmates, including a mysterious male transfer, a campaign manager, a nurse, a party girl, a nun and, the strangest of all, an emotional support iguana named Nacho.
The whole 'pay to stay' premise is such a unique and fresh idea and it really added to the storyline.
I found myself laughing my way through this book, which was made all the better by the narration! The narrator did a great job of bringing all the characters to life!
This book had twists and turns and when all was revealed I was definitely left with my mouth hanging open!
I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend. If you want to elevate your experience, the audiobook is a must! It was such an immersive experience to have both the book and the audio!
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