Payback


Fiction - Drama
240 Pages
Reviewed on 11/06/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

Payback by Molly D. Shepard and Peter J. Dean tells the story of Samantha, a determined woman doing her best to survive and succeed in a toxic work environment. She endures constant insults, physical threats, and sexual harassment from the Executive Vice President, Archer Dunne, and other senior executives. Determined to make Dunne face the consequences of his cruelty, Samantha begins to plot his demise, not out of revenge, but as a form of justice, or payback. When Dunne turns his attention to Samantha’s daughter at a company party, Samantha realizes it is time to walk away and reclaim her life. Finally free from Dunne’s unwanted advances, Samantha looks forward to a new beginning. However, fate has other plans, and her path unexpectedly crosses with Dunne’s once again.

The plot in Payback by Molly D. Shepard and Peter J. Dean was intense and vivid. It was a gripping roller coaster of sexism, abuse, intimidation, and power. The story was filled with suspense and kept me on edge from beginning to end. With the many twists and turns, I never knew what to expect next. The engaging writing style drew me in right away, and I found myself completely immersed in Samantha’s world. The situations she faced were described with striking detail, making her struggles and determination relatable. Samantha was a strong, resilient woman who did her best to stay true to her path despite overwhelming obstacles. The characters felt authentic and believable, and the story held my attention throughout. I truly enjoyed this book and admired Samantha’s courage and determination to create better working conditions for women everywhere.