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Payback
Not yet published
Expected 12 Nov 26Three women. One dead man. Some secrets are worth killing for.
Private investigator Laney Wright thought she'd seen it all-until Amelia Morgan walks into her life with a terrifying stalker case. Someone is leaving dead animals on Amelia's doorstep, vandalizing her property, and making threatening phone calls that promise revenge. But as Laney digs deeper, she discovers Amelia's recently deceased boyfriend was a married man with more secrets than anyone suspected.
When Laney begins to connect the dots between Amelia, the dead man's widow, and another woman from his past, the simple stalking case transforms into something far more sinister. With her loyal dog Elliott by her side, Laney must untangle a web of lies, betrayal, and deadly obsession before she becomes the next target. In a case built on lies, trust is the deadliest weapon.
Private investigator Laney Wright thought she'd seen it all-until Amelia Morgan walks into her life with a terrifying stalker case. Someone is leaving dead animals on Amelia's doorstep, vandalizing her property, and making threatening phone calls that promise revenge. But as Laney digs deeper, she discovers Amelia's recently deceased boyfriend was a married man with more secrets than anyone suspected.
When Laney begins to connect the dots between Amelia, the dead man's widow, and another woman from his past, the simple stalking case transforms into something far more sinister. With her loyal dog Elliott by her side, Laney must untangle a web of lies, betrayal, and deadly obsession before she becomes the next target. In a case built on lies, trust is the deadliest weapon.
272 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 12, 2026
About the author
Christy Cooper-Burnett
7 books240 followersChristy Cooper-Burnett is an award-winning author based in southern California with a degree in Administration of Justice. She has one grown son who inspired her to write her award-winning debut novel, No Way Home.
She enjoys creating relatable stories and characters that encourage readers to imagine what they would do if thrown into the same unique situations as her strong female protagonists. Christy's novels have received numerous awards.
Christy comes from a long line of police officers and worked in crime prevention early in her career. When she’s not writing, she’s been known to binge watch series in a single weekend, throw dinner parties, and will travel anywhere at a moment’s notice as long as her rescue dog Beau can tag along.
You can learn more about Christy or contact her to subscribe to her mailing list for news, book deals, and upcoming events at
https://www.christycooperburnettbooks...
She enjoys creating relatable stories and characters that encourage readers to imagine what they would do if thrown into the same unique situations as her strong female protagonists. Christy's novels have received numerous awards.
Christy comes from a long line of police officers and worked in crime prevention early in her career. When she’s not writing, she’s been known to binge watch series in a single weekend, throw dinner parties, and will travel anywhere at a moment’s notice as long as her rescue dog Beau can tag along.
You can learn more about Christy or contact her to subscribe to her mailing list for news, book deals, and upcoming events at
https://www.christycooperburnettbooks...
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
This is my first read by this particular author and I thoroughly enjoyed this read! I do not want to spoil too much because this absolutely a book you will not be able to put down once you read it. A private investigator named Laney is hired for a stalker case by a seemingly frightened young woman named Amelia. Laney starts nosing around with the assistance of her giant dog, Elliott and her de facto father figure and former law enforcement, Mickey. Laney discovers a whole lot more than she had guessed. Three women connected to a man who died unexpectedly. And so much more. Themes include infidelity, murder, money, manipulation.
The characters are well developed and different from each other. The writing itself is descriptive, human and detailed though I did find some parts lengthy and overly explaining. One thing I personally found annoying was the various nicknames for Elliott but that's just my opinion. By the time I got to the end I was craving more and believe this has potential for a really popular series among thriller lovers.
The three women all went from likeable to extremely unlikable and I really wanted them all to face consequences. By the end I wasn't rooting for either one of the three women as I originally was. They turned on each other, used manipulation, thought they had a one up on each other and what became anger and a resolution changed into cold bloodedness.
This is my first read by this particular author and I thoroughly enjoyed this read! I do not want to spoil too much because this absolutely a book you will not be able to put down once you read it. A private investigator named Laney is hired for a stalker case by a seemingly frightened young woman named Amelia. Laney starts nosing around with the assistance of her giant dog, Elliott and her de facto father figure and former law enforcement, Mickey. Laney discovers a whole lot more than she had guessed. Three women connected to a man who died unexpectedly. And so much more. Themes include infidelity, murder, money, manipulation.
The characters are well developed and different from each other. The writing itself is descriptive, human and detailed though I did find some parts lengthy and overly explaining. One thing I personally found annoying was the various nicknames for Elliott but that's just my opinion. By the time I got to the end I was craving more and believe this has potential for a really popular series among thriller lovers.
The three women all went from likeable to extremely unlikable and I really wanted them all to face consequences. By the end I wasn't rooting for either one of the three women as I originally was. They turned on each other, used manipulation, thought they had a one up on each other and what became anger and a resolution changed into cold bloodedness.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Payback is a thriller that has more twists and turns than can be anticipated or foreseen.
PI Laney has a steady, stable life with enough customers, while she investigates cheating spouses and insurance fraud claims that keeps her bills paid and living her life. Her father's death throws her a curve when she inherits his large, constantly drooling huge mastiff, Elliot.
Laney takes in Elliot and tries to continue her life doing her Private Investigating as before until Amelia Morgan walks into her office and hires Laney to investigate Amelia’s claim that she is being stalked.
Laney is eager and thrilled to begin investigating and finds the case to be very intriguing.
As the investigation continues Laney is thrown into a twisted, dangerous plan where 3 alleged friends are all backstabbing, manipulative, lying women.
As Laney continues investigating the stalking claim the threats are now directed at Laney herself.
Once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. Each time I thought I figured out the plot Cooper-Burnett creates another surprising situation that completely throws me.
You will love this book and find yourself recommending it to your family and friends just like I am.
PI Laney has a steady, stable life with enough customers, while she investigates cheating spouses and insurance fraud claims that keeps her bills paid and living her life. Her father's death throws her a curve when she inherits his large, constantly drooling huge mastiff, Elliot.
Laney takes in Elliot and tries to continue her life doing her Private Investigating as before until Amelia Morgan walks into her office and hires Laney to investigate Amelia’s claim that she is being stalked.
Laney is eager and thrilled to begin investigating and finds the case to be very intriguing.
As the investigation continues Laney is thrown into a twisted, dangerous plan where 3 alleged friends are all backstabbing, manipulative, lying women.
As Laney continues investigating the stalking claim the threats are now directed at Laney herself.
Once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. Each time I thought I figured out the plot Cooper-Burnett creates another surprising situation that completely throws me.
You will love this book and find yourself recommending it to your family and friends just like I am.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Just finished Payback by Christy Cooper-Burnett, and it is an absolute must-read for fans of gritty, fast-paced P.I. mysteries!
The book follows Laney Wright, a sharp and relatable private investigator who is navigating the recent loss of her father while trying to keep her business afloat. Her life gets a lot more complicated (and crowded) when she inherits Elliott, a 130-pound Bullmastiff described as a "slobber factory" but quickly proves to be a "K9 superhero" and loyal protector.
The plot kicks off when a client, Amelia Morgan, hires Laney because she believes she is being stalked. What starts as a seemingly straightforward surveillance job rapidly spirals into a "complicated web of deceit and betrayal" involving hidden affairs, suspicious deaths, and multiple suspects who all have a reason for wanting revenge—or "payback".
There is a unique duo, nonstop action and emotional depth If you're looking for a twisty thriller with a clever protagonist and a scene-stealing dog, pick this one up!
Just finished Payback by Christy Cooper-Burnett, and it is an absolute must-read for fans of gritty, fast-paced P.I. mysteries!
The book follows Laney Wright, a sharp and relatable private investigator who is navigating the recent loss of her father while trying to keep her business afloat. Her life gets a lot more complicated (and crowded) when she inherits Elliott, a 130-pound Bullmastiff described as a "slobber factory" but quickly proves to be a "K9 superhero" and loyal protector.
The plot kicks off when a client, Amelia Morgan, hires Laney because she believes she is being stalked. What starts as a seemingly straightforward surveillance job rapidly spirals into a "complicated web of deceit and betrayal" involving hidden affairs, suspicious deaths, and multiple suspects who all have a reason for wanting revenge—or "payback".
There is a unique duo, nonstop action and emotional depth If you're looking for a twisty thriller with a clever protagonist and a scene-stealing dog, pick this one up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Payback is a fast-paced mystery that delivers an engaging protagonist, a compelling investigation, plenty of twists, and interesting characters.
Private investigator Laney Wright is intelligent, relatable, and still grieving the loss of her father while trying to keep her struggling PI business afloat. Elliott, the enormous bullmastiff she inherits, wins her over with both humor and heart, and Elliott nearly steals every scene he's in.
The mystery itself starts with what appears to be a straightforward stalking case, but it quickly evolves into something much darker. The tension builds steadily as the threats escalate.
The investigative details feel believable without becoming overly technical, while the relationships—particularly between Laney and Elliott—add warmth and emotional depth.
Private investigator Laney Wright is intelligent, relatable, and still grieving the loss of her father while trying to keep her struggling PI business afloat. Elliott, the enormous bullmastiff she inherits, wins her over with both humor and heart, and Elliott nearly steals every scene he's in.
The mystery itself starts with what appears to be a straightforward stalking case, but it quickly evolves into something much darker. The tension builds steadily as the threats escalate.
The investigative details feel believable without becoming overly technical, while the relationships—particularly between Laney and Elliott—add warmth and emotional depth.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Laney Wright is a PI who usually works on insurance fraud or cheating spouse cases. She gets a frantic call from a woman about a stalker. There is so much more to this story than a simple stalker problem. When a wife and two of her husband's mistresses get together, you know trouble follows. I don't want to give anything away. Laney's dad recently passed, and she begrudgingly took ownership of his huge dog Elliot; this relationship is great. Laney gets help on her cases from her dad's best friend, Mickey,a great help for her. When Laney gets an idea of what is actually going on, the story gets crazy, and it definitely kept me up late turning the pages. I thought the book might be ending, but oh no, it keeps going, and I love books that wrap up all the story lines for you. A very good book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Payback is the type of cozy mystery that slowly and quietly draws you in, and before you know it, you’re on chapter fifteen and up way too late. Laney is a private investigator taking on a new client who is being harassed by a stalker. She is joined by Elliott, her new K9 sidekick and the real star of the story. Together they investigate the stalking claims, and inconsistencies in the story lead to a much more sinister crime, which leads to a battle for survival. Burnett seamlessly weaves the stories of four women together, building suspense as their stories intersect. This story has it all: crime, deception, betrayal, and a giant, furry hero in Elliott, the K9 superhero.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Payback’s a b*tch when P.I. Laney Wright and her over-sized canine Elliott are on the case. Before long, the bodies are piling up and long-held secrets are being exposed. Payback is an action-packed novel with twists, turns and a whole lot of heart. Don't miss this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Laney, a private investigator gets a new client, Amelia. Amelia is being stalked and there seems to be a connection between Amelia, her deceased boyfriend(married) the boyfriend's widow and another woman. 4 stars
Laney, a private investigator gets a new client, Amelia. Amelia is being stalked and there seems to be a connection between Amelia, her deceased boyfriend(married) the boyfriend's widow and another woman. 4 stars
Review of advance copy
A cheating husband is dead -- whodunit???
This story evolved into a three ring circus or an episode of the long ago Keystone Cops. All they were missing is the clown car!!! It got more real, desperate, and outrageous as I read. I couldn't fathom what would happen next in this story. Funny, entertaining, and suspenseful. The last 100 pages are full of dark twists and turns, that I didn't see coming. Who will survive this debacle? It turned into psycho city really quickly with revenge at the top of the list. Funny turned deadly. Check it out.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
This story evolved into a three ring circus or an episode of the long ago Keystone Cops. All they were missing is the clown car!!! It got more real, desperate, and outrageous as I read. I couldn't fathom what would happen next in this story. Funny, entertaining, and suspenseful. The last 100 pages are full of dark twists and turns, that I didn't see coming. Who will survive this debacle? It turned into psycho city really quickly with revenge at the top of the list. Funny turned deadly. Check it out.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews