Dead Man's Payback

Frank Mallory #1

by J.C. Moore

They came for him. They killed her instead.

Frank Mallory thought he’d left the violence behind. A former mob enforcer turned quiet private investigator’s assistant, he built a life with Patricia – a life he never believed he deserved.

Then a professional hit meant for Frank takes Patricia instead.

Now, grief burns through him like acid, stripping away the man she made him into. What’s left is what he always was – a predator who knows how to wait, watch, and kill without hesitation.

As Frank hunts down the men responsible, he cuts deeper into the city’s underworld than he ever planned, uncovering old debts and darker secrets. Each step forward drags him closer to the monster he once was… and he’ll have to decide:

Does vengeance matter more than the last piece of his soul she left behind?

Perfect for fans of Harlan Coben, Lee Child, and gritty vigilante thrillers.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

About the author

J.C. Moore is the bestselling author of The Ex She Feared and the Shadow Bay mysteries.

His books blend crime fiction, suspense, and psychological tension, often featuring small towns with dark secrets, missing persons, serial killers, and ordinary people forced into impossible situations.

Influenced by writers such as Robert B. Parker, Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter, Lee Child, and James Patterson, Moore writes fast-paced stories driven by character, consequence, and the choices people make under pressure.

Before becoming a full-time author, he worked as a bartender, IT technician, touring musician, horse farm manager, and restaurant owner. His music has appeared in television and film.

He lives in upstate New York with his partner and their dog Archie and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America.

The Shadow Bay Series

Secrets from a Serial Killer
The Winter of Hidden Knives
Behind All the Dark Roads
Echoes of a Serial Killer

The Frank Mallory Thrillers

Dead Man's Payback
No Way Out Alive

The No Safe Place Series

Brink of Ashes
Brink of Winter

TikTok: @jcmooreauthor

Find out more at jcmooreauthor.com

Reviews

[Jackie Martello]

Super enjoyable for guys that like action and “payback”. There were a few cliches and a few repetitive moments, but overall the story was very well written and entertaining. I also thought that Moore introduced a few too many characters early on that didn’t really need to be there, but really, I am nitpicking a solid book that was an easy, fun read.
Looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Bill]

Frank Mallory's wife is killed by mistake in a hit meant for him. He hunts down and kills those responsible.

[Roger]

good read