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Deana: Demon or Diva #1
It's Payback Time
They say the dead walk amongst us – could that be true?
Well, in Fairfield, that unremarkable Hertfordshire town, there are a few that do – apparently.
Thirty-three years after his death, Terry awakes to discover an old acquaintance by his side suggesting that he needs to atone – who is this woman – demon or diva?
1973 – an event that changes the course of many lives. However, forty-three years will pass before they know the truth about what really happened that day.
1983 – his untimely death deprived Terry Walton of the chance to get to know the daughter he never knew existed – or did it?
2016 – Kim Meyer’s life has spiralled down to the pit of despair – now, a thirty-something hapless wreck who’s most definitely not living the dream.
To add to Kim’s growing list of disasters, a series of unfortunate events leaves her pondering a rather unsavoury option – she may have no choice.
Fifteen years after the loss of her mother, with a few failed relationships behind her, Kim’s demonic stepfather continues to ruin her life. Now facing a somewhat perilous future, Kim is left with a rather odd stranger’s offer of help as a last resort.
Can Kim haul herself from the mire? Will Terry put right the wrongs of yesteryear? And who the hell is Deana – demon or diva?
It’s Payback time is the first in a head-spinning, faced-paced, time-leap trilogy – another humorous time-travel adventure by Adrian Cousins.
Well, in Fairfield, that unremarkable Hertfordshire town, there are a few that do – apparently.
Thirty-three years after his death, Terry awakes to discover an old acquaintance by his side suggesting that he needs to atone – who is this woman – demon or diva?
1973 – an event that changes the course of many lives. However, forty-three years will pass before they know the truth about what really happened that day.
1983 – his untimely death deprived Terry Walton of the chance to get to know the daughter he never knew existed – or did it?
2016 – Kim Meyer’s life has spiralled down to the pit of despair – now, a thirty-something hapless wreck who’s most definitely not living the dream.
To add to Kim’s growing list of disasters, a series of unfortunate events leaves her pondering a rather unsavoury option – she may have no choice.
Fifteen years after the loss of her mother, with a few failed relationships behind her, Kim’s demonic stepfather continues to ruin her life. Now facing a somewhat perilous future, Kim is left with a rather odd stranger’s offer of help as a last resort.
Can Kim haul herself from the mire? Will Terry put right the wrongs of yesteryear? And who the hell is Deana – demon or diva?
It’s Payback time is the first in a head-spinning, faced-paced, time-leap trilogy – another humorous time-travel adventure by Adrian Cousins.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2022
1166 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Cousins
36 books92 followersHello ...
I'm a self-confessed time-travel fan. So, unsurprisingly, my books fit into the time-travel genre.
My third book, Eye of Time, will be published in October 2021.
Please drop onto my website for updates.
I'm a self-confessed time-travel fan. So, unsurprisingly, my books fit into the time-travel genre.
My third book, Eye of Time, will be published in October 2021.
Please drop onto my website for updates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
July 25, 2023
So many problems. Apart from being over long, it’s one step removed from being cozy - which is not my favourite part of the genre unless it’s exceptionally well written. And if it’s supposed to be humorous then I’d like to laugh, at least once, between the beginning and the end.
The first half, maybe two thirds of the book, is intent on letting us know how abrasive and actually terminally stupid Kim is. It’s not just self-destructive it’s idiotic. And I don’t care how much she reveres her mother, someone being threatened by gangsters and eviction would not hold on to a £30k+ diamond ring, let alone wait so long to consider selling it.
Terry being a clueless dinosaur from the ‘80s gets old rather quickly as is his inability to grasp that talking to thin air is aberrant behaviour. Deana’s perpetual lasciviousness is also rather wearing.
The plot has many macguffins e.g. Odette popping up at the end because apparently two supernatural entities can’t resolve the plot by themselves. Something for the sequel I guess.
Vinny turns out not to be a simple cleaner but a well-connected millionaire businessman who’s also quite handy in a scrap. And if he and Kim “smirk” at each other one more time I may scream. The word is somewhat lacking in synonyms, but they do exist. What I wouldn’t have given for a grin or a leer. Well, we’ll never know.
The first half, maybe two thirds of the book, is intent on letting us know how abrasive and actually terminally stupid Kim is. It’s not just self-destructive it’s idiotic. And I don’t care how much she reveres her mother, someone being threatened by gangsters and eviction would not hold on to a £30k+ diamond ring, let alone wait so long to consider selling it.
Terry being a clueless dinosaur from the ‘80s gets old rather quickly as is his inability to grasp that talking to thin air is aberrant behaviour. Deana’s perpetual lasciviousness is also rather wearing.
The plot has many macguffins e.g. Odette popping up at the end because apparently two supernatural entities can’t resolve the plot by themselves. Something for the sequel I guess.
Vinny turns out not to be a simple cleaner but a well-connected millionaire businessman who’s also quite handy in a scrap. And if he and Kim “smirk” at each other one more time I may scream. The word is somewhat lacking in synonyms, but they do exist. What I wouldn’t have given for a grin or a leer. Well, we’ll never know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2023
Easy reading,fun and a little emotional,a little gem!!
Having read the authors other books and sulking whilst waiting for the best installation I came across this little gem! As with all his other books you get drawn into the characters,their lives and their very being. The story itself is well written and easily readable and flowed fluidly you just struggle to put the book down! I read it in 3 sections and got so involved in the story that I have stayed up all night reading....again! Currently about 5am and I've not slept yet!
I'm not going to go and give a synopsis,I'm pretty sure that most reviews will have done that and I would have to spoil the story but I will say that it involves a man who essentially had it all and wanted more but it came at a steep price,and now he needs to fight the wrongs,but after around 30 years,is it too late? Read the story, giggle at the humour,swoon at the touch of romance and get your heartstrings tugged a little. I promise you won't be disappointed!!
Having read the authors other books and sulking whilst waiting for the best installation I came across this little gem! As with all his other books you get drawn into the characters,their lives and their very being. The story itself is well written and easily readable and flowed fluidly you just struggle to put the book down! I read it in 3 sections and got so involved in the story that I have stayed up all night reading....again! Currently about 5am and I've not slept yet!
I'm not going to go and give a synopsis,I'm pretty sure that most reviews will have done that and I would have to spoil the story but I will say that it involves a man who essentially had it all and wanted more but it came at a steep price,and now he needs to fight the wrongs,but after around 30 years,is it too late? Read the story, giggle at the humour,swoon at the touch of romance and get your heartstrings tugged a little. I promise you won't be disappointed!!
April 29, 2024
It's ok
September 14, 2025
Enjoyable. A bit of a slow start but a good finish.
Unfortunately, the author chose a writing technique that isn't my favorite. She starts the book jumping from character to character. Being American, it took me a bit to get into the language and setting of 30 years ago, and the British slang threw me, then a new chapter would feature new characters in today's timeline. At first I thought it was an older book – that was a bit disorienting – so it dragged for me while I deciphered what was going on.
I will say that she does pull things all together in an interesting way and I did end up enjoying the book. I will read the next in the series.
If you're like me, and you read the _entire_ book, you'll find a quick note of apology at the end regarding her use of language that used to be quite common but has since fallen out of favor. I did find the terminology a surprise, but not offensive as such. I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. I kind of admire the author for showing things as they were instead of spit-polishing things up for today's readers.
Unfortunately, the author chose a writing technique that isn't my favorite. She starts the book jumping from character to character. Being American, it took me a bit to get into the language and setting of 30 years ago, and the British slang threw me, then a new chapter would feature new characters in today's timeline. At first I thought it was an older book – that was a bit disorienting – so it dragged for me while I deciphered what was going on.
I will say that she does pull things all together in an interesting way and I did end up enjoying the book. I will read the next in the series.
If you're like me, and you read the _entire_ book, you'll find a quick note of apology at the end regarding her use of language that used to be quite common but has since fallen out of favor. I did find the terminology a surprise, but not offensive as such. I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. I kind of admire the author for showing things as they were instead of spit-polishing things up for today's readers.
December 29, 2025
Has its funny moments, but…
This was amusing in places, but it is more of an inept “guardian angel” kind of story than a time travel novel. The time travel aspect was completely secondary, and the story could have dispensed with it entirely without having a lot of effect. There was far too much “it’s complicated” and other hand wavery instead of developing the back story to explain the how’s and what’s. And, if I wanted a lusty milf story, I would pick up a Harlequin Romance bodice ripper and just admit it. The whole “demon or diva” angle doesn’t make any sense since they are clearly trying to correct some bad life situations, but apparently it is fine to do so by flat out murder. Add in all of the other metaphysical and pseudo religious aspects and this turns into something that is just not my cup of tea. I see the author has other series, so I might try one of those, but I don’t think I will follow this one any further.
This was amusing in places, but it is more of an inept “guardian angel” kind of story than a time travel novel. The time travel aspect was completely secondary, and the story could have dispensed with it entirely without having a lot of effect. There was far too much “it’s complicated” and other hand wavery instead of developing the back story to explain the how’s and what’s. And, if I wanted a lusty milf story, I would pick up a Harlequin Romance bodice ripper and just admit it. The whole “demon or diva” angle doesn’t make any sense since they are clearly trying to correct some bad life situations, but apparently it is fine to do so by flat out murder. Add in all of the other metaphysical and pseudo religious aspects and this turns into something that is just not my cup of tea. I see the author has other series, so I might try one of those, but I don’t think I will follow this one any further.
December 10, 2023
A different twist on a ghost story
A ghost story? A time travel story? You decide! A great story that has different elements that all come together, with some delicious twists on the way. I throughly enjoyed the nostalgic trip back to the 80’s and then the jump 30+ years later. I particularly liked the way the language and attitude of men in the 80’s wasn’t watered down. It wasn’t right but it’s how it was back then. So glad we’ve moved on (we’ve got a way to go yet though)
A really refreshing read and I can’t wait to read more in the series. It’s also refreshing to find a book series set in the UK for a change!
Highly recommended.
A ghost story? A time travel story? You decide! A great story that has different elements that all come together, with some delicious twists on the way. I throughly enjoyed the nostalgic trip back to the 80’s and then the jump 30+ years later. I particularly liked the way the language and attitude of men in the 80’s wasn’t watered down. It wasn’t right but it’s how it was back then. So glad we’ve moved on (we’ve got a way to go yet though)
A really refreshing read and I can’t wait to read more in the series. It’s also refreshing to find a book series set in the UK for a change!
Highly recommended.
October 29, 2024
I enjoyed the idea of this story. At first you really do not like the two protagonist. It is amusing to see how the development of the characters change and their immaturity alters as the story progresses, with the one with less life experience developing a stronger sense of responsibility than the one with greater life experience, despite their ages remaining the same. This will make greater sense if you read the book as their age at death and return is different. I like the way modern technology is so alien to Terry, because he missed its development over time. Revenge is not always a good thing, but in this case it is well deserved and too long in coming.
April 14, 2023
I purchased this book on impulse not really knowing what to expect.
It was a great read. A real roller coaster of a story with plenty of humour that continued up until the end.
An intriguing story although not unique. Man dies after living a selfish life but then gets a chance to make it up to his family. Without giving away too much, how this progresses is the core of the 'plot'.
Great characterisation of all the key people was what drew me further into the book.
I read this in record time, I just could not put it down.
It was a great read. A real roller coaster of a story with plenty of humour that continued up until the end.
An intriguing story although not unique. Man dies after living a selfish life but then gets a chance to make it up to his family. Without giving away too much, how this progresses is the core of the 'plot'.
Great characterisation of all the key people was what drew me further into the book.
I read this in record time, I just could not put it down.
June 18, 2023
Fabulously Enjoyable!
I loved this book, there was so much humour running through it, it was definitely a great way to spend a weekend reading. I often marvel at all the technology that has developed since my teenage years and this laid out just how far we have come. I especially loved the reminder of the 118 guys. The author weaves an imaginative and absorbing story with great descriptions, making it easy to bring it to life in your mind. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
I loved this book, there was so much humour running through it, it was definitely a great way to spend a weekend reading. I often marvel at all the technology that has developed since my teenage years and this laid out just how far we have come. I especially loved the reminder of the 118 guys. The author weaves an imaginative and absorbing story with great descriptions, making it easy to bring it to life in your mind. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
June 21, 2023
A book that’s both serious and fun at the same time.
I love how the author can bring back memories of things from my past that I’d forgotten and in doing that, it blows my mind in how much life has changed so quickly.
A fast moving plot that makes me want to keep on reading page after page.
A diverse, detailed and interesting cast of characters and all mixed up in a supernatural, time travel thriller that’s both funny and emotional.
Adrian Cousins is a very clever author and writes incredibly well.
I love how the author can bring back memories of things from my past that I’d forgotten and in doing that, it blows my mind in how much life has changed so quickly.
A fast moving plot that makes me want to keep on reading page after page.
A diverse, detailed and interesting cast of characters and all mixed up in a supernatural, time travel thriller that’s both funny and emotional.
Adrian Cousins is a very clever author and writes incredibly well.
April 24, 2025
I wouldn’t’ strictly call this a cosy mystery, but it is a thriller of a lighter style. Yes, a character has come back from the dead, but this serves to be amusing as a man of the 1980s has to contend with how far technology, speech and female empowerment have come in nearly 40 years. As someone who lived as an adult across these years it has had laugh out loud moments.
I was interested to see there are number of other books in the series and I will definitely be getting to these.
A lighter, but satisfying dip into mystery novels.
I was interested to see there are number of other books in the series and I will definitely be getting to these.
A lighter, but satisfying dip into mystery novels.
October 25, 2025
Strangely compelling book. Have ended up having a few overly late nights. So much so so that I have moved onto book 2. It's Payback Time was meant to be a filler, waiting for another author's work to be released, now that's the one that's waiting.......
My only qualm is the amount of .....fists thumping on hips....... I get it that it was probably a trait of Deana's, but when Kim is said to do it......women have more ways to show annoyance, she says thumping her fists onto her hips and subsequently dropping her phone ;0)
But yeah I enjoyed it.
My only qualm is the amount of .....fists thumping on hips....... I get it that it was probably a trait of Deana's, but when Kim is said to do it......women have more ways to show annoyance, she says thumping her fists onto her hips and subsequently dropping her phone ;0)
But yeah I enjoyed it.
July 17, 2023
You can see by my rating that I thought this book was terrific. The story is very complicated, as Terry and Deana kept saying about time travel and being dead. The beginning of the book was rather hard to figure out but all became clearer the farther one read. The author was very clever in telling the tale from the viewpoint of different characters. Often Kim but also Terry and Deana, even Odette. If you haven't read the book these names will mean nothing, but if you do all will become clear.
March 10, 2024
Can’t wait to read the next in the series !
I really enjoyed reading this book and loved all the characters that were introduced especially Deana. This was an author I hadn’t heard of before but when this book was recommended to me I thought I’d give it a try and I am so glad I did. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series and the other books by this author. Give this book a go you won’t be disappointed.
I really enjoyed reading this book and loved all the characters that were introduced especially Deana. This was an author I hadn’t heard of before but when this book was recommended to me I thought I’d give it a try and I am so glad I did. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series and the other books by this author. Give this book a go you won’t be disappointed.
March 12, 2024
I struggled a bit at the start - it seemed to be long winded and for the first half I felt like some of the sentences could be cut out - there was some repetition of description that I found slightly annoying, and the characters weren’t entirely believable. I persevered because it’s a genre I usually like, and I did ultimately enjoy the read.
There was some attempt to add in some twists and turns, but the ending was essentially predictable, with a set up for the next book in the series.
There was some attempt to add in some twists and turns, but the ending was essentially predictable, with a set up for the next book in the series.
August 16, 2024
I wasn't sure about this when I started reading it, but I persisted and either it improved or I started getting into the story. Either way, I'm glad I finished reading it. It is quite humorous with lots of action and a panoply of characters. As I reached the end of the book I thought how interesting it would be to see this made into a TV series, I could see it working well, and with modern visual effects the storyline could be brought out very well. I am planning on reading the sequel!
November 29, 2024
I have read the Jason Asopley series by the same author. This book is set in the same town and some of the background charactewrs mentioned are the same. The book is so likeWho Sent Clement by Keith Pearson I am not convinced Adrian Cousins and him aren't the same author. The story was ok but after about half the book I grew tired of the interchanges between Deana and Terry To me too much padding - the book should have been half the length
September 16, 2025
Oh my God, I finally deleted this “masterpiece.” Roughly 200 pages (or 40% on my Kindle) were enough torture. Up to this point, absolutely everyone in this book was and is either profoundly evil or completely stupid. There are no nuances or glimmers of a better future, just every cliché you can think of, applied in three or more layers.
And of course, there's the obligatory (hearty) dash of soft porn—apparently a must for certain readers. I don't count myself among them.
And of course, there's the obligatory (hearty) dash of soft porn—apparently a must for certain readers. I don't count myself among them.
October 2, 2022
Adrian Cousins is becoming one of my favourite authors and I’ve just devoured his latest book namely “It’s Payback Time”. As always, I love the typical British humour radiating within his pages. Terry’s sidekick or “Nemesis” Deana will have you chuckling at their banter in the streets as Terry appears to be talking to himself when in actual fact he’s talking to Deana who happens to be invisible to all but Terry. For me, this book invoked drama, amusement, and sad pathos and apart from tears in my eyes through laughing it also brought more than one lump to my throat. Some streams are deeper than they look, well so is this book.
October 9, 2022
Ah-maze-ing!
This book will have you invested from page 1. I have laughed and cried and wanted to reach in and hug and help the characters. So happy there will be a book #2!
The weave of the story was so clever and uplifting.
A great read which will keep you hooked all the way through.
This book will have you invested from page 1. I have laughed and cried and wanted to reach in and hug and help the characters. So happy there will be a book #2!
The weave of the story was so clever and uplifting.
A great read which will keep you hooked all the way through.
December 9, 2022
Great first book in a new series, bring on book two
Any concerns I had embarking on a new series from a favourite author with unknown characters were completely unfounded.
Whilst I didn't warm to Deana initially, and maybe I never will, she works well with Terry and they do make a great team.
Any concerns I had embarking on a new series from a favourite author with unknown characters were completely unfounded.
Whilst I didn't warm to Deana initially, and maybe I never will, she works well with Terry and they do make a great team.
April 24, 2023
Another intriguing and atmospheric take on time travel from Adrian. The plot was well crafted and held its momentum throughout with some juicy twists and surprises, keeping the reader guessing all the way. Liked most of the characters and what they offered but if he's going to use them again for a sequel needs another new idea for a plot.
September 26, 2023
Hilarious and brilliant.
New author to me but has imbedded himself onto my list of favourite authors.
I loved this book so much. The banter between Terry and Deana was so well written, I laughed so much throughout this book.
Lots of intermingling plot lines, humour and emotion throughout the book. I just really, really enjoyed this book and I am running to get the next one.
New author to me but has imbedded himself onto my list of favourite authors.
I loved this book so much. The banter between Terry and Deana was so well written, I laughed so much throughout this book.
Lots of intermingling plot lines, humour and emotion throughout the book. I just really, really enjoyed this book and I am running to get the next one.
October 31, 2023
loved this book…
Was unsure to begin with but my, how I enjoyed it. Wether this book was good or not was totally irrelevant as I just loved his style of writing. I loved the way he wrote, was totally the way I would have written a book if I was able, I loved the way the characters spoke, I loved the way the characters thought. It carried a certain amount of humour that was consistent with mine and I’m now off to buy the rest of his books. Thoroughly, thoroughly recommend it.
Was unsure to begin with but my, how I enjoyed it. Wether this book was good or not was totally irrelevant as I just loved his style of writing. I loved the way he wrote, was totally the way I would have written a book if I was able, I loved the way the characters spoke, I loved the way the characters thought. It carried a certain amount of humour that was consistent with mine and I’m now off to buy the rest of his books. Thoroughly, thoroughly recommend it.
October 31, 2023
I'm not sure if it's a time travel story; rather, it feels more like a ghost story. The tale revolves around ghosts trapped in purgatory, seeking redemption before they can move on. It reminded me of an episode of Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased). However, it was a compelling read with well-rounded characters, a solid plot that flowed seamlessly, and was thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable.
November 15, 2023
It's Payback Time. Review.
Easy to read, but unfortunately not for me. The idea of the unquiet dead returning to seek atonement and retribution is fine with me. But a sensitive, kind, well educated millionaire company director who buffs floors in his spare time is a step too far into fantasyland, even for me.
Easy to read, but unfortunately not for me. The idea of the unquiet dead returning to seek atonement and retribution is fine with me. But a sensitive, kind, well educated millionaire company director who buffs floors in his spare time is a step too far into fantasyland, even for me.
January 21, 2024
Too long
This was slow going. The characters never seem ed to come to life for me. It was hard to know who was doing what since it jumped around from one person to the next without a way to tell who was speaking. Sorry, its not the beat book I've ever read. I only finished it because I'm stubborn, not because I cared how it would end.
This was slow going. The characters never seem ed to come to life for me. It was hard to know who was doing what since it jumped around from one person to the next without a way to tell who was speaking. Sorry, its not the beat book I've ever read. I only finished it because I'm stubborn, not because I cared how it would end.
February 23, 2024
Confusing in the beginning 9not unlike the 1st 4 episodes of the Witcher).
I gave it 60% of the way through before gave up - just too slow tbh!
The ethos of the story is great - but too much padding and too much fluff conversation.
There are too many other books to read to continue flogging this dead horse for me!
I guess this is the whole point of Kindle Unlimted!
I gave it 60% of the way through before gave up - just too slow tbh!
The ethos of the story is great - but too much padding and too much fluff conversation.
There are too many other books to read to continue flogging this dead horse for me!
I guess this is the whole point of Kindle Unlimted!
July 25, 2024
Wow
OK this book is not a genre I would normally read and I was confused but gripped at first then I was truly lost in the story. The author's descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was watching a series on TV (fyi I would watch it if it was made!) amazing and unexpectedly good 👍
OK this book is not a genre I would normally read and I was confused but gripped at first then I was truly lost in the story. The author's descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was watching a series on TV (fyi I would watch it if it was made!) amazing and unexpectedly good 👍
February 1, 2025
After reading half the book, I stopped. The main character continues doing an idiotic behavior over, and over, and over…with no end in sight. The other main character has just done a repeated action with caused her a tremendous problem the first time. I can’t take any more. Continuing sexual situations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews