Payback: The Return of C.R.E.A.M.

C.R.E.A.M. #2

by Solomon Jones

Bestselling author Solomon Jones returns to his gritty, street life series with The Return of C.R.E.A.M.

Karima "C.R.E.A.M." Thomas, who has been held as an accomplice in the murders of two drug dealers, is acquitted based on the deathbed confession of her lover, Duane Faison. But triumph soon turns to tragedy when Karima's mother is found dead of an apparent suicide. Karima refuses to believe that things are as they seem. She believes that her mother was murdered, and when the police won't listen, she takes matters into her own hands. She soon finds that her mother's death is just the first indication of a scandal that could rock the very halls of power. Captain Kevin Lynch joins Karima in the search for the truth, despite his family and career on the line.

Genres: Urban, Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2007

About the author

Solomon Jones is an Essence bestselling author whose novels include The Gravedigger’s Ball, The Last Confession, Payback, Cream, Ride Or Die, The Bridge, and Pipe Dream. He has appeared on NPR and CNN Headline News, and is a contributor to short story collections including Philadelphia Noir and Liar Liar. Formerly a professor of creative writing at Temple University, Jones is an award-winning columnist whose work has appeared in Essence, Newsday, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Philadelphia Daily News. Jones, the creator of the Words On The Street Literacy Program, lives in Philadelphia with his wife and children. His next novel, The Dead Man’s Wife, will be published in October 2012 by Minotaur Books, an imprint of Macmillan.

Reviews

[Luis Cuesta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. There were many twists and turns in the plot of this novel written by Solomon Jones, whose main character is Karima "Cream" Thomas. She must stand trial for her part in murdering two drug dealers. Her mother is stabbed as she sits in the courtroom and Karima vows vengeance on the murderer. However, as the killer goes on a rampage murdering anyone he had the slightest grudge with, Karima follows his icy blood trail looking for a confrontation with North Philly neighborhood as the background.
"PAYBACK: The Return of C. R. E. A. M." is the sequel to "Payback", and I think the first book should be read before reading the sequel to have a better knowledge of the motives behind its African-American female avenger.

[Patricia Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

As real as it gets

Its been years since I read a novel by Solomon Jones this book was where I left off. Being a Philly native took me back to the neighborhoods of my youth the characters were true to life. The drama the backdoor deals and betrayals, very good read.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fast paced! And I actually liked this one even more than the 1st one!

[Deedee Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and Gritty

[Nikki]

I find the sequel better written than the first issue of the series. I found myself invested in the story and love how the ending leaves room for a third installment.

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unleashed Boldness

Recently released from prison, Karima Thomas finds herself back in court facing new charges when an unknown assailant stabs her mother. With no possible leads, Karima finds herself depending on the very person who led her to capture in the first place, Captain Kevin Lynch. While Kevin Lynch has vowed to serve and protect, for some reason Karima seems to have a special hold over him. While he's denied that it's anything more than his incessant need to solve the case, he finds himself having to decide between helping Karima or being there for his family.

The city of Philly is under attack and things will be fine once all of the Thomas family secrets have been revealed and they've all been forced to pay for all of the mayhem they have caused. Deathbed confessions and collaborating politicians leave Karima standing in an unknown line of fire.

Troy Williams is looking to reconnect with the long forgotten branches of his politically laced family tree. While there won't be any happy reunions or hopes for keeping in touch, Troy has a list of reasons why the people who've wronged him must suffer.

Karima and Troy find themselves scouring the city of Philly for PAYBACK. Who will be on top?

PAYBACK THE RETURN OF C.R.E.A.M, although a sequel, has a strong enough storyline with new characters that makes for an intriguing read. I do hope that Solomon Jones will continue with his interesting characters soon.


Reviewed by: Crystal

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts off good...gets a little slow in the middle but towards the end picks up and keeps you turning pages to see how it ends. Gritty book but it's a good one.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG, another good read. The way this book ended there definitely needs to be a part 3. Solomon definitely keeps you wanting more to the story.