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John Hayes #6
Payback
How much would you risk to help out a good friend?
John Hayes has settled into a comfortable life in Lisbon. All his enemies are dead, he is wealthy beyond his dreams, and he shares his days with a beautiful woman he loves with all his heart.
Life is perfect… or is it? Sometimes too much of a good thing can be…. boring.
So when an old friend calls on John Hayes asking for help, John jumps at the chance. Debts must be paid back even if it means putting your own life in danger.
Payback, the sixth installment of the John Hayes Thriller series, takes you from the serene cobblestoned streets of Portugal to the battered bombed-out ruins of Syria, where John faces his most challenging task yet.
Will risking all that he holds dear, including his own life, be too high a price to help a friend in need?
Will John Hayes survive?
John Hayes has settled into a comfortable life in Lisbon. All his enemies are dead, he is wealthy beyond his dreams, and he shares his days with a beautiful woman he loves with all his heart.
Life is perfect… or is it? Sometimes too much of a good thing can be…. boring.
So when an old friend calls on John Hayes asking for help, John jumps at the chance. Debts must be paid back even if it means putting your own life in danger.
Payback, the sixth installment of the John Hayes Thriller series, takes you from the serene cobblestoned streets of Portugal to the battered bombed-out ruins of Syria, where John faces his most challenging task yet.
Will risking all that he holds dear, including his own life, be too high a price to help a friend in need?
Will John Hayes survive?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2020
57 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Mark David Abbott
41 books86 followersMark David Abbott was born in Cyprus but spent most of his formative years growing up in New Zealand. A love for travel has meant that he has spent much of his life living and working in different countries around the world and currently calls India home.
Mark has worked variously as a barman, a factory hand, supermarket shelf stocker, and a real estate salesman, but now devotes his time to writing and traveling.
Mark is a keen runner and in between runs is slowly building an impressive collection of Gin.
Mark has worked variously as a barman, a factory hand, supermarket shelf stocker, and a real estate salesman, but now devotes his time to writing and traveling.
Mark is a keen runner and in between runs is slowly building an impressive collection of Gin.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 24, 2020
John Hayes, a man who has been able to counter extreme odds against in trying to keep himself and family safe, is asked to assist a friend. A man who saved his life in one mishap, so John feels he owes him Everything. But, this man, Steve has a niece that is more like a daughter to him, who fell in love with a man who then took her Syria to join the jihad. War in that country has taken over everywhere, with so many factions fighting it is hard to understand just what is going on. This young lady, Mia, now has an infant and wants to come home. A task so much easier to say then to do! John knows it will be tough...They have no reason to travel around a war torn countryside, they do Not speak the language, and a journalist who works in the area severely warns then off! But..He owes Steve..and how would he feel, if it was his daughter left in terror...John decides to help..Has he finally put himself in to a situation with no way out..Alive?
An outstanding adventure takes you from Portugal to the decimated grounds in Syria, where every person you meet has a side story and you can not know whether to trust them or fear them. John has to accept some to help them make their way , but will they end up being friend or foe..Helpers or leading them to a twisted trap.. Only the hope of getting to Mia and her baby keeps them going, knowing it will end one way or the other...
I really enjoyed this story, as I have the entire series! I received an ARC from the author and I offer you my honest thoughts and opinions. Ready for a spinning adventure? Out SOON!!!
An outstanding adventure takes you from Portugal to the decimated grounds in Syria, where every person you meet has a side story and you can not know whether to trust them or fear them. John has to accept some to help them make their way , but will they end up being friend or foe..Helpers or leading them to a twisted trap.. Only the hope of getting to Mia and her baby keeps them going, knowing it will end one way or the other...
I really enjoyed this story, as I have the entire series! I received an ARC from the author and I offer you my honest thoughts and opinions. Ready for a spinning adventure? Out SOON!!!
May 27, 2020
John Hayes has settled into a comfortable life in Lisbon. All his enemies are dead, he is wealthy beyond his dreams, and he shares his days with a beautiful woman he loves with all his heart.
Life is perfect… or is it? Sometimes too much of a good thing can be…. boring.
So when an old friend calls on John Hayes asking for help, John jumps at the chance. Debts must be paid back even if it means putting your own life in danger.
Payback, the sixth installment of the John Hayes Thriller series, takes you from the serene cobblestoned streets of Portugal to the battered bombed-out ruins of Syria, where John faces his most challenging task yet.
Will risking all that he holds dear, including his own life, be too high a price to help a friend in need?
Will John Hayes survive?
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Life is perfect… or is it? Sometimes too much of a good thing can be…. boring.
So when an old friend calls on John Hayes asking for help, John jumps at the chance. Debts must be paid back even if it means putting your own life in danger.
Payback, the sixth installment of the John Hayes Thriller series, takes you from the serene cobblestoned streets of Portugal to the battered bombed-out ruins of Syria, where John faces his most challenging task yet.
Will risking all that he holds dear, including his own life, be too high a price to help a friend in need?
Will John Hayes survive?
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 25, 2020
Fall back into the life of John Hayes.
This book opens with a bit of a backstory. It sets the premiss for the story that follows. We then see John and his mood probably mirrors many of us these days. There is a sense of restlessness in the world due to a certain situation leaving many of us feeling at uneasy and needing to do something but not sure what that is. Even though John seems to have the perfect life, without something bigger going on he finds himself bored.
When his friend Steve reaches out to John needing help he doesn’t hesitate. Him and Adriana hop on a plane to Dubai to help out Because Steve’s niece is in serious trouble....
I don’t want to give away anything but just know you are in for a ride.
This book is part of a series and I would strongly recommend reading these books in order. You would probably be a bit lost if you tried to jump in here. If you’ve read the other books you’ll be right at home. The scenery is described in such a way that you feel transported into it, you can taste the bitter coffee, feel the fear, excitement and misery. The story is fast paced, nothing drags and if you are like me by chapter 6 you’ll already be hooked and unable to put it down.
I received an advanced copy of this story from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
This book opens with a bit of a backstory. It sets the premiss for the story that follows. We then see John and his mood probably mirrors many of us these days. There is a sense of restlessness in the world due to a certain situation leaving many of us feeling at uneasy and needing to do something but not sure what that is. Even though John seems to have the perfect life, without something bigger going on he finds himself bored.
When his friend Steve reaches out to John needing help he doesn’t hesitate. Him and Adriana hop on a plane to Dubai to help out Because Steve’s niece is in serious trouble....
I don’t want to give away anything but just know you are in for a ride.
This book is part of a series and I would strongly recommend reading these books in order. You would probably be a bit lost if you tried to jump in here. If you’ve read the other books you’ll be right at home. The scenery is described in such a way that you feel transported into it, you can taste the bitter coffee, feel the fear, excitement and misery. The story is fast paced, nothing drags and if you are like me by chapter 6 you’ll already be hooked and unable to put it down.
I received an advanced copy of this story from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
May 27, 2020
This is the 6th book of a series, however I had not read any of the previous ones. The book stands well alone however. Its a gripping book from the start. The characters are real and sympathetic. I easily got caught up in the story which is very current about the problems in Syria. I will certainly want to read more about these characters.
Exciting, lots of action and well researched current affairs. Really great book.
Exciting, lots of action and well researched current affairs. Really great book.
May 26, 2020
Always a pleasure to read the adventures of John Hayes, the ex-banker who doesn't back down from the rich and powerful bullies. While he's living a peaceful, quiet life in Porugal with Adriana, John gets a bit bored. So when his friend Steve, who helped them in Oman, asks for his help to rescue his niece and her new born daughter out of Syria John doesn't hesitate for a bit. So his most dangerous mission so far starts. Another amazing page-turner from Mark Abbott that was over way too fast.
May 27, 2020
Another fast-paced story that keeps you riveted! John Hayes is a loyal and devoted friend and agrees to help a friend in need. Each adventure is, incredibly, better than the one before. Each scenario is so full-on realistic, that it could be seen as an empowering true story. The author is an exceptional story teller which has become a rarity these days. Fantastic book!
May 24, 2020
John is enjoying his life with Adriana after taking care of his enemy in India. John's friend,Steve, who saved his and Adriana's lives asks for a favor. Steve's niece and her daughter in in Syria in an isis controlled camp. She went with her boyfriend who is now a radical. Steve asks his friend to help him rescue them in a war torn country. This is another page turning thriller.
April 20, 2023
Constant action and constant terror. These books are hard to put down. I found myself reading into the wee hours. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
May 31, 2020
The John Hayes series started off really well, and has been further improving from there, this 6th book is the best in the series so far.
Hayes is a bit of an anomaly in terms of thriller heroes, in that he is not a current or ex spy, or assassin or special forces, in fact, apart from the fact that he is very wealthy, he is quite ordinary. However the adventures he gets into are anything but ordinary, and this time he is really up against it.
Helping a friend to rescue a young woman and her baby from Syria, where they were taken by the woman's boyfriend who has become an al-Qaeda extremist and is fighting on the front line.
This is a real thrill ride, and John and his friends face defeat several times as they make their way to Idlib where the woman is.
As well as a really well written, exciting, thriller this book also deals with a whole lot of issues, radicalisation, the conflict not only between A-Qaeda and the west, but also between them and other Muslim cultures, and also the use of sex-slaves by the fighters.
The story is extremely realistic and this realism extends to the characters who are really well developed and 3 dimensional.
All I can really say is that I can't wait for John's next adventure!
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
Hayes is a bit of an anomaly in terms of thriller heroes, in that he is not a current or ex spy, or assassin or special forces, in fact, apart from the fact that he is very wealthy, he is quite ordinary. However the adventures he gets into are anything but ordinary, and this time he is really up against it.
Helping a friend to rescue a young woman and her baby from Syria, where they were taken by the woman's boyfriend who has become an al-Qaeda extremist and is fighting on the front line.
This is a real thrill ride, and John and his friends face defeat several times as they make their way to Idlib where the woman is.
As well as a really well written, exciting, thriller this book also deals with a whole lot of issues, radicalisation, the conflict not only between A-Qaeda and the west, but also between them and other Muslim cultures, and also the use of sex-slaves by the fighters.
The story is extremely realistic and this realism extends to the characters who are really well developed and 3 dimensional.
All I can really say is that I can't wait for John's next adventure!
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
May 27, 2020
Hurrah John's back.One of my most favourite characters.I have been privileged to be part of Mark's advance reading team since the beginning of this fabulous series.Each book just gets better and better.Payback,book 6,is my new favourite.I won't write about the story much,just my thoughts on the writing,the feeling I had.I do recommend that you read the books in order to get the full enjoyment,to get the most from the characters and their relationships and the full John Hayes experience.This book is set in Syria and once again John shows his courage,his loyalty and morality.Mark's descriptions of the area are really brought to life.I don't know why but I found this book more realistic than some of the others.I absolutely loved this story but found it hard to read in parts!!! My heart was pounding.I've invested in John and his friends and got a bit scared that something could go wrong.This really is a thriller.I cannot recommend it highly enough and can't wait for the next adventure.Thank you Mark
May 28, 2020
John and Adriana are leading a happy life after there troubles in India. John is feeling a bit bored with things being slow. Then he gets a call from his friend Steve. Steve needs his help to get his niece and her daughter in Syria in an isis controlled camp.
This book is full of action, with twists and turns. Also can the group trust all the people they are getting to help drive them there? This was one heck of a good read and very hard to put down. Really looking forward to the next one.
This book is full of action, with twists and turns. Also can the group trust all the people they are getting to help drive them there? This was one heck of a good read and very hard to put down. Really looking forward to the next one.
May 30, 2020
Another exciting adventure with John Hayes. I like this character so much. This book (and entire series) is so very entertaining. There are so many twists and turns and so much drama. I highly recommend this series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
May 23, 2022
fantastic tale of choices to be made of right and wrong and how they affect others.
John gathers a team together to help save a friends niece and her sick baby from war torn Syria. It will involve more danger than he has ever been in and almost cost his and his friends lives. It also involves way more people than he thought it would.
John gathers a team together to help save a friends niece and her sick baby from war torn Syria. It will involve more danger than he has ever been in and almost cost his and his friends lives. It also involves way more people than he thought it would.
September 1, 2020
I have followed John Hayes through all six books and thoroughly really enjoyed the journey. I am not sure if a seventh book is on the horizon. In any event, each one of the books has held my attention. This particular one was not only a great read, it also successfully brought together several of the characters from the previous books. A huge pat on the back for the author and a well deserved 5 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 8, 2020
Loved the story.
I definitely recommend Mark David Abbott. Good action story about how far we would go for our loved ones. It also pointed out how unfortunately religion has divided the earth. Drawn lines were the Creator didn't put any. How the wars and conflicts world-wide destroy lives of the masses on all sides and benefit the Greedy Puppeteers.
I definitely recommend Mark David Abbott. Good action story about how far we would go for our loved ones. It also pointed out how unfortunately religion has divided the earth. Drawn lines were the Creator didn't put any. How the wars and conflicts world-wide destroy lives of the masses on all sides and benefit the Greedy Puppeteers.
October 7, 2021
another exciting read with a good plot that does not let the reader down. One gets a revealing glimpse into war torn Syria. The final page gives a mysterious scenario that likely will be revealed in a forthcoming book.
June 13, 2020
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. What a terrific story this is. I think it is one of the best, if not the best, of the John Hayes series. There is action, suspense, twists and turns galore. The reader, along with the 'good guys', is never sure who is trustworthy and who will wind up betraying them. The loyalty, care, concern, and willingness to put themselves in danger for others is one of the outstanding components of this story. Be prepared to not get anything done except reading once you start this book because the not knowing what will happen next makes it almost impossible to put down until the end. Kudos to Mr. Abbott for another great read!
June 23, 2020
As always...an AWESOME read!
This latest installment in the John Hayes series does not disappoint!.. in fact, it left me craving more! The characters of John and friends continue to develop, mature and grow until we become even more fond of them!
There is always an opening for a next book... or not. (hoping for #7🤞) and a new adventure in a new location.
Keep 'em coming Mark!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review!
This latest installment in the John Hayes series does not disappoint!.. in fact, it left me craving more! The characters of John and friends continue to develop, mature and grow until we become even more fond of them!
There is always an opening for a next book... or not. (hoping for #7🤞) and a new adventure in a new location.
Keep 'em coming Mark!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews