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Payback
For seven inmates, their luxury weekend prison sentence comes with concierge service—and complimentary homicide.
Welcome to Pay to Stay, Los Angeles’s premier minimum-security facility where the privileged serve time Friday to Monday only.
But this New Year’s weekend, seven inmates—including a driven campaign manager, a disgraced nurse, a party girl, and one mysterious male transfer—discover their abusive guard dead, wrapped in an ironic “Community Payback” vest. Now they must solve his murder before their cushy arrangement becomes a permanent stay in maximum security.
As a storm rages outside and the power fails, alliances shift within. With police knocking at their door and an emotional support iguana named Nacho as their witness, these inmates hustle to collect evidence and plan a killer party—all while dodging suspicion. Because someone in this concrete block is a murderer. And everyone is a suspect. But as New Year’s Eve approaches and bodies pile up, these unlikely allies discover that in Pay to Stay, some debts can only be paid in blood.
Welcome to Pay to Stay, Los Angeles’s premier minimum-security facility where the privileged serve time Friday to Monday only.
But this New Year’s weekend, seven inmates—including a driven campaign manager, a disgraced nurse, a party girl, and one mysterious male transfer—discover their abusive guard dead, wrapped in an ironic “Community Payback” vest. Now they must solve his murder before their cushy arrangement becomes a permanent stay in maximum security.
As a storm rages outside and the power fails, alliances shift within. With police knocking at their door and an emotional support iguana named Nacho as their witness, these inmates hustle to collect evidence and plan a killer party—all while dodging suspicion. Because someone in this concrete block is a murderer. And everyone is a suspect. But as New Year’s Eve approaches and bodies pile up, these unlikely allies discover that in Pay to Stay, some debts can only be paid in blood.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
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April 27, 2026Thank you Brilliance Publishing for the audio arc.
December 7, 2025
Seven people arrive at their “jail” to serve their sentences in relative luxury. It’s all part of the new Pay to Stay program where wealthy citizens get a partial “bye” on their sentences. However, this weekend, murder most strange is the order of business. And as the bodies are found, it becomes imperative the murderer is too!
The book is part murder mystery and part societal statement on prisons. The latter is the better part of the book, though the murder of Bard, the creepy but fascinating character who opens the book, sets off some comedic moments as the seven characters must come together to solve the mystery of his death.
In creating a new prison world, the premise behind Payback, a short dystopian novel, the author is positing an alternative to incarceration- something other than our current system that as she state in her Author’s Note is harmful and does little to rehabilitate. The book has its faults but the author does a nice job of showing through the background stories of her characters that keeping people within a community has a greater impact for the person and society than shutting them up.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this ARC.
The book is part murder mystery and part societal statement on prisons. The latter is the better part of the book, though the murder of Bard, the creepy but fascinating character who opens the book, sets off some comedic moments as the seven characters must come together to solve the mystery of his death.
In creating a new prison world, the premise behind Payback, a short dystopian novel, the author is positing an alternative to incarceration- something other than our current system that as she state in her Author’s Note is harmful and does little to rehabilitate. The book has its faults but the author does a nice job of showing through the background stories of her characters that keeping people within a community has a greater impact for the person and society than shutting them up.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this ARC.
February 3, 2026
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
Seven privileged criminals spend their weekends in a Pay to Stay facility. You get double time for staying over the holidays so they arrive loaded up with all the supplies they can carry and plan for a quiet stay checking off their time. That is until their guard ends up dead and they realize if they don't figure out which one of them did it, they are all getting a much more serious sentence.
The first bit of this book was absolute perfection. I was so invested in Bard as a character. Having a dark Dexter / Joe Goldberg like character to immerse in was so exciting. But turns out he's not in most of the book, cause he's the one that ends up dead. That section alone was more than 5 stars, I was desparate for more of him. The rest of it was a compelling, albiet bonkers murder mystery / horror story which I enjoyed but not as much as the beginning. The characters were completely insane and the deaths viscerally violent. I'd say to read this one if you like something like The Eyes are the Best Part.
Seven privileged criminals spend their weekends in a Pay to Stay facility. You get double time for staying over the holidays so they arrive loaded up with all the supplies they can carry and plan for a quiet stay checking off their time. That is until their guard ends up dead and they realize if they don't figure out which one of them did it, they are all getting a much more serious sentence.
The first bit of this book was absolute perfection. I was so invested in Bard as a character. Having a dark Dexter / Joe Goldberg like character to immerse in was so exciting. But turns out he's not in most of the book, cause he's the one that ends up dead. That section alone was more than 5 stars, I was desparate for more of him. The rest of it was a compelling, albiet bonkers murder mystery / horror story which I enjoyed but not as much as the beginning. The characters were completely insane and the deaths viscerally violent. I'd say to read this one if you like something like The Eyes are the Best Part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
Very enjoyable. Full RTC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely devoured this book. Such a fun, quick, and easy read! The story gripped me from the very start and had me on the edge of my seat, giggling, kicking my feet, all the good stuff! It's the perfect mix between thriller and comedy, AND it also contains an important message about the current (sad) state of the social justice system.
The story itself is a classic whodunit. As classic whodunits do, most of the time you can kind of figure out who did it, but this one outwhodunitted me. The plot twist at the end was just perfect! Everything was hinted at very delicately throughout the whole book, and then tied together so beautifully at the end.
All the characters are very well written and I loved all the little quirks they have! They all have such vibrant personalities, which really added depth to the story. The different POV's made me feel for them individually, and really put into perspective how easily you can end up in the never ending cycle of legal issues. Lowkey wish the book was a little longer, just so I could spend some more time with these characters!
I would recommend this to ANYONE!!!
I'd like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this eArc!
The story itself is a classic whodunit. As classic whodunits do, most of the time you can kind of figure out who did it, but this one outwhodunitted me. The plot twist at the end was just perfect! Everything was hinted at very delicately throughout the whole book, and then tied together so beautifully at the end.
All the characters are very well written and I loved all the little quirks they have! They all have such vibrant personalities, which really added depth to the story. The different POV's made me feel for them individually, and really put into perspective how easily you can end up in the never ending cycle of legal issues. Lowkey wish the book was a little longer, just so I could spend some more time with these characters!
I would recommend this to ANYONE!!!
I'd like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this eArc!
May 1, 2026
I read this book in 2 days. Very fun, gripping and twisty. Payback felt extremely well paced and had me on the edge of my seat at the end of every chapter. I will say, i thought I had it all figured out until the insane twist at the end. I really enjoyed how this book poked fun at all the holes we have in the justice system.
Now, if you like books that lean towards accuracy, this will not be for you. This is a completely fictional story that could absolutely never happen, but I was extremely entertained, and that’s all that matters right?
Now, if you like books that lean towards accuracy, this will not be for you. This is a completely fictional story that could absolutely never happen, but I was extremely entertained, and that’s all that matters right?
May 7, 2026
4.5 stars - I loved this book. It was fun and chaotic and I couldn’t stop reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A basic murder mystery with a cool concept that unfortunately fails to deliver on its setting or characters.
The premise of this book initially caught my attention, specifically the "pay-to-stay" setting. It’s a very cool, concept for a mystery, but unfortunately, it was severely underutilized. Rather than being a functional part of the plot, the setting felt more like background noise (which yes, the characters were connected to in one way or another - but it was only surface level), which was a huge missed opportunity to make the story stand out.
The characterization was the biggest struggle for me. I found the main character to be very basic, with almost nothing interesting about her that made me want to keep reading. She felt very passive, contributing almost nothing to the actual story. The male character was the same; there was no depth to him, which made it impossible to feel invested in their roles in the mystery.
Regarding the pacing, the book is labeled as "a thriller" on the cover, but I honestly do not see how it could be classified as one. The pacing was very slow for the majority of the book, lacking the tension or urgency I expect from a thriller. While the momentum did finally pick up toward the end, it felt more like a standard, slow mystery than a thriller.
Additionally, the prologue was extremely out of place. It felt as though it was written by a completely different author for an entirely different book; the tone was totally disconnected from the rest of the story and, in the end, it added nothing to the narrative.
Overall, while the setting had potential and the ending eventually found its footing, the lack of interesting characters and the mislabeled genre (in my opinion) made this a disappointing read. It was a 1.5 star read for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book initially caught my attention, specifically the "pay-to-stay" setting. It’s a very cool, concept for a mystery, but unfortunately, it was severely underutilized. Rather than being a functional part of the plot, the setting felt more like background noise (which yes, the characters were connected to in one way or another - but it was only surface level), which was a huge missed opportunity to make the story stand out.
The characterization was the biggest struggle for me. I found the main character to be very basic, with almost nothing interesting about her that made me want to keep reading. She felt very passive, contributing almost nothing to the actual story. The male character was the same; there was no depth to him, which made it impossible to feel invested in their roles in the mystery.
Regarding the pacing, the book is labeled as "a thriller" on the cover, but I honestly do not see how it could be classified as one. The pacing was very slow for the majority of the book, lacking the tension or urgency I expect from a thriller. While the momentum did finally pick up toward the end, it felt more like a standard, slow mystery than a thriller.
Additionally, the prologue was extremely out of place. It felt as though it was written by a completely different author for an entirely different book; the tone was totally disconnected from the rest of the story and, in the end, it added nothing to the narrative.
Overall, while the setting had potential and the ending eventually found its footing, the lack of interesting characters and the mislabeled genre (in my opinion) made this a disappointing read. It was a 1.5 star read for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is something so deeply unhinged about a luxury weekend prison that I immediately knew Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn was either going to ruin my life or make my week. Reader, it made my week.
Seven privileged inmates roll up to their "Pay to Stay" facility in Los Angeles ready to serve their Friday through Monday sentences, stash their phones, maybe decorate their little concrete cubbies like it’s a morally compromised dorm room. Double time over New Year’s means they’re settling in for a longer stay. And then their guard, Bard, the walking embodiment of “what if Joe Goldberg had a badge and no supervision,” turns up dead in a “Community Payback” vest. I’m sorry, that visual alone deserves an award.
Let’s talk about Bard for a second because that opening? Deliciously creepy. We start inside the head of a man who treats manipulation like a competitive sport. He is calculated, cold, and getting off on the power imbalance of overseeing this cushy little experiment in incarceration. It has big “Dexter but make it smug” energy. And then, boom. He’s the corpse. I was genuinely gagged. I had mentally prepared for a long psychological chess match and instead we pivot into a locked room whodunit with a storm raging outside and the power flickering like this is the most chaotic version of Clue ever filmed.
The tension immediately shifts from “evil guard lurking” to “oh no, we are all absolutely screwed.” Because if these inmates cannot solve this murder themselves, they are not going back to their cushy weekend arrangement. They are headed to actual prison. Maximum security. No more curated snack bags and holiday double time perks. The stakes are so specific and so delicious.
The characters are a mess in the way I love. Cami, who seems sweet and maybe a little naive, but is absolutely sharper than she lets on. Ayse, calm, rational, and giving final girl energy in a building full of chaos. Maureen the campaign manager who treats everything like a spin opportunity. Didi, wealthy and chaotic. Sister Bridget, whose whole vibe is “nun but make it suspicious.” Janet the hippie. Russell the mysterious transfer who walks in like he knows more than he’s saying. And then Nacho, the emotional support iguana, who honestly has more emotional intelligence than half the cast.
What makes this book work is how self aware it is. It knows this premise is bonkers. It leans into the camp. The humor is sharp and sometimes so dry you have to double take. There were moments I genuinely laughed out loud, and then moments where I had to sit back and go, oh wow, we are actually talking about prison reform right now.
Because under the glitter bracelet chaos and the bodies stacking up, there is a real commentary about the justice system. Who gets leniency. Who gets community based alternatives. Who gets locked away and forgotten. The "Pay to Stay" concept could have just been a quirky backdrop, but it becomes this uncomfortable reminder that money changes the entire game. The book occasionally wobbles between satire and sincerity, and I kind of love that it never fully picks a lane. It feels like it is wrestling with its own ideas, just like the characters are.
As for the mystery itself, I was suspicious of literally everyone. I thought I had it figured out at least three separate times. Every classic whodunit beat is there, shifting alliances, red herrings, secret motivations, but the final twist genuinely got me. It outwhodunnit me. And when everything clicked into place, it felt earned. The hints were there, delicately threaded through the narrative like little landmines I just did not notice in time.
Is it a heart pounding, sleep with the lights on thriller? Not exactly. It is more campy locked room chaos with sharp teeth. Some readers might wish it leaned harder into the darker tone of that opening Bard section, and I get that. That prologue has a very specific flavor that the rest of the book pivots away from. But I had so much fun with the ensemble madness that I did not mind the shift.
By the end, I was weirdly attached to this ragtag group of morally complicated inmates. Their quirks, their petty fights, their unexpected compassion for each other. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a bunch of privileged messes have to cooperate to avoid worse consequences. Growth through homicide investigation, we love to see it.
Four stars. Sharp, funny, a little chaotic, and smarter than it first appears. I devoured it and lowkey wished it was longer just so I could spend more time with these weirdos and their iguana.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Trust Absolutely No One, Including The Reptile
And a chaotic, glitter covered thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC. You handed me a luxury prison murder mystery with an emotional support iguana and said “have fun,” and I absolutely did. Consider me both entertained and emotionally compromised.
Seven privileged inmates roll up to their "Pay to Stay" facility in Los Angeles ready to serve their Friday through Monday sentences, stash their phones, maybe decorate their little concrete cubbies like it’s a morally compromised dorm room. Double time over New Year’s means they’re settling in for a longer stay. And then their guard, Bard, the walking embodiment of “what if Joe Goldberg had a badge and no supervision,” turns up dead in a “Community Payback” vest. I’m sorry, that visual alone deserves an award.
Let’s talk about Bard for a second because that opening? Deliciously creepy. We start inside the head of a man who treats manipulation like a competitive sport. He is calculated, cold, and getting off on the power imbalance of overseeing this cushy little experiment in incarceration. It has big “Dexter but make it smug” energy. And then, boom. He’s the corpse. I was genuinely gagged. I had mentally prepared for a long psychological chess match and instead we pivot into a locked room whodunit with a storm raging outside and the power flickering like this is the most chaotic version of Clue ever filmed.
The tension immediately shifts from “evil guard lurking” to “oh no, we are all absolutely screwed.” Because if these inmates cannot solve this murder themselves, they are not going back to their cushy weekend arrangement. They are headed to actual prison. Maximum security. No more curated snack bags and holiday double time perks. The stakes are so specific and so delicious.
The characters are a mess in the way I love. Cami, who seems sweet and maybe a little naive, but is absolutely sharper than she lets on. Ayse, calm, rational, and giving final girl energy in a building full of chaos. Maureen the campaign manager who treats everything like a spin opportunity. Didi, wealthy and chaotic. Sister Bridget, whose whole vibe is “nun but make it suspicious.” Janet the hippie. Russell the mysterious transfer who walks in like he knows more than he’s saying. And then Nacho, the emotional support iguana, who honestly has more emotional intelligence than half the cast.
What makes this book work is how self aware it is. It knows this premise is bonkers. It leans into the camp. The humor is sharp and sometimes so dry you have to double take. There were moments I genuinely laughed out loud, and then moments where I had to sit back and go, oh wow, we are actually talking about prison reform right now.
Because under the glitter bracelet chaos and the bodies stacking up, there is a real commentary about the justice system. Who gets leniency. Who gets community based alternatives. Who gets locked away and forgotten. The "Pay to Stay" concept could have just been a quirky backdrop, but it becomes this uncomfortable reminder that money changes the entire game. The book occasionally wobbles between satire and sincerity, and I kind of love that it never fully picks a lane. It feels like it is wrestling with its own ideas, just like the characters are.
As for the mystery itself, I was suspicious of literally everyone. I thought I had it figured out at least three separate times. Every classic whodunit beat is there, shifting alliances, red herrings, secret motivations, but the final twist genuinely got me. It outwhodunnit me. And when everything clicked into place, it felt earned. The hints were there, delicately threaded through the narrative like little landmines I just did not notice in time.
Is it a heart pounding, sleep with the lights on thriller? Not exactly. It is more campy locked room chaos with sharp teeth. Some readers might wish it leaned harder into the darker tone of that opening Bard section, and I get that. That prologue has a very specific flavor that the rest of the book pivots away from. But I had so much fun with the ensemble madness that I did not mind the shift.
By the end, I was weirdly attached to this ragtag group of morally complicated inmates. Their quirks, their petty fights, their unexpected compassion for each other. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a bunch of privileged messes have to cooperate to avoid worse consequences. Growth through homicide investigation, we love to see it.
Four stars. Sharp, funny, a little chaotic, and smarter than it first appears. I devoured it and lowkey wished it was longer just so I could spend more time with these weirdos and their iguana.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Trust Absolutely No One, Including The Reptile
And a chaotic, glitter covered thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC. You handed me a luxury prison murder mystery with an emotional support iguana and said “have fun,” and I absolutely did. Consider me both entertained and emotionally compromised.
May 9, 2026
This one had a premise that immediately hooked me: a luxury weekend prison for the wealthy. Seven inmates. A dead guard. A storm rolling in. A locked-room murder mystery set inside a facility where privilege still manages to soften the edges of incarceration. Honestly? That setup is *so* compelling.
And learning about pay-to-stay prisons ended up being one of the most fascinating parts of the book for me. It’s one of those concepts that feels dystopian until you realize versions of it actually exist, which makes the social commentary hit harder. The idea that wealth can still buy comfort, protection, and even hierarchy inside prison is such an interesting lens to explore.
Unfortunately, while the premise was strong, the execution never fully reached the level I wanted it to. There’s an early twist that makes a *very* bold choice, but it also removes one of the most compelling elements from the story too soon. After that, the tension shifted into something much more familiar and predictable than I expected from such a unique setup.
The book also felt like it was juggling several different identities at once: locked-room mystery, prison satire, social commentary, thriller, and at times even dark comedy. Individually, I actually liked many of those elements. There’s a humorous section in the middle that felt tonally out of place compared to the rest of the story, but weirdly enough, I enjoyed it and almost wished the book leaned *further* into that energy.
At the same time, the murder investigation itself never felt as sharp or urgent as it could have been. The setting had so much potential for paranoia, power dynamics, manipulation, and psychological tension, but I never felt like the story fully took advantage of it. The prison environment often faded into the background instead of becoming an active force in the mystery.
The characters also struggled to stand out. With such a contained cast, I wanted stronger development and more distinct motivations, but many of them blurred together for me emotionally.
What kept me reading was the sheer amount of *interesting ideas* packed into the story. There are conversations here about wealth, corruption, the American prison system, and the illusion that justice applies equally to everyone. I appreciated all of that. I just kept wishing the book pushed those ideas further instead of staying relatively surface-level.
Overall, I was entertained, and I never felt bored, but this ultimately felt like a book with incredible concepts that never fully committed to any one direction strongly enough to make it truly memorable.
And learning about pay-to-stay prisons ended up being one of the most fascinating parts of the book for me. It’s one of those concepts that feels dystopian until you realize versions of it actually exist, which makes the social commentary hit harder. The idea that wealth can still buy comfort, protection, and even hierarchy inside prison is such an interesting lens to explore.
Unfortunately, while the premise was strong, the execution never fully reached the level I wanted it to. There’s an early twist that makes a *very* bold choice, but it also removes one of the most compelling elements from the story too soon. After that, the tension shifted into something much more familiar and predictable than I expected from such a unique setup.
The book also felt like it was juggling several different identities at once: locked-room mystery, prison satire, social commentary, thriller, and at times even dark comedy. Individually, I actually liked many of those elements. There’s a humorous section in the middle that felt tonally out of place compared to the rest of the story, but weirdly enough, I enjoyed it and almost wished the book leaned *further* into that energy.
At the same time, the murder investigation itself never felt as sharp or urgent as it could have been. The setting had so much potential for paranoia, power dynamics, manipulation, and psychological tension, but I never felt like the story fully took advantage of it. The prison environment often faded into the background instead of becoming an active force in the mystery.
The characters also struggled to stand out. With such a contained cast, I wanted stronger development and more distinct motivations, but many of them blurred together for me emotionally.
What kept me reading was the sheer amount of *interesting ideas* packed into the story. There are conversations here about wealth, corruption, the American prison system, and the illusion that justice applies equally to everyone. I appreciated all of that. I just kept wishing the book pushed those ideas further instead of staying relatively surface-level.
Overall, I was entertained, and I never felt bored, but this ultimately felt like a book with incredible concepts that never fully committed to any one direction strongly enough to make it truly memorable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A luxury weekend prison for the privileged? Concierge service, cocktails, and curated incarceration? Honestly, the premise alone had me ready to sign up—strictly for research purposes.
“Payback” throws us into Pay to Stay, Los Angeles’s most exclusive minimum-security facility, where wealthy offenders serve their sentences Friday to Monday and head back to their normal lives once the weekend is over. It’s sharp, satirical, and absolutely brimming with potential. Add in a dead abusive guard, a storm cutting them off from the outside world, and a group of inmates who all have secrets to protect, and you’ve got the ingredients for a deliciously dark locked-room mystery.
And for a while, it really works.
The setup is excellent—quirky, bold, and packed with social commentary about privilege, corruption, and justice for sale. The cast is colourful, the atmosphere is claustrophobic in all the right ways, and there’s a real sense of fun running beneath the tension. An emotional support iguana named Nacho? Inspired.
But while the concept sparkles, the execution didn’t always match the ambition. The pacing occasionally wandered, and some character arcs felt underdeveloped when they deserved more depth. With such a large ensemble, not everyone had the chance to fully come alive, which made certain reveals land with less impact than they could have.
The mystery itself kept me engaged, but I wanted the tension pushed further and the emotional stakes sharpened. At times, the novel leaned so heavily into its eccentric charm that it lost some of the urgency needed to make the suspense truly bite.
That said, there’s no denying this is an inventive and entertaining read. It’s clever, unusual, and refreshingly different in a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic. Even when it stumbled, it remained memorable—and I’d always rather read something that swings big than something that plays it safe.
A strong premise, sharp satire, and enough chaos to keep things lively—“Payback” is an enjoyable mystery that just fell short of fully cashing in on its brilliant concept.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the DRC of “Payback” by Elizabeth Rose Quinn.
“Payback” is due to be published and available on Amazon on 5 May 2026.
“Payback” throws us into Pay to Stay, Los Angeles’s most exclusive minimum-security facility, where wealthy offenders serve their sentences Friday to Monday and head back to their normal lives once the weekend is over. It’s sharp, satirical, and absolutely brimming with potential. Add in a dead abusive guard, a storm cutting them off from the outside world, and a group of inmates who all have secrets to protect, and you’ve got the ingredients for a deliciously dark locked-room mystery.
And for a while, it really works.
The setup is excellent—quirky, bold, and packed with social commentary about privilege, corruption, and justice for sale. The cast is colourful, the atmosphere is claustrophobic in all the right ways, and there’s a real sense of fun running beneath the tension. An emotional support iguana named Nacho? Inspired.
But while the concept sparkles, the execution didn’t always match the ambition. The pacing occasionally wandered, and some character arcs felt underdeveloped when they deserved more depth. With such a large ensemble, not everyone had the chance to fully come alive, which made certain reveals land with less impact than they could have.
The mystery itself kept me engaged, but I wanted the tension pushed further and the emotional stakes sharpened. At times, the novel leaned so heavily into its eccentric charm that it lost some of the urgency needed to make the suspense truly bite.
That said, there’s no denying this is an inventive and entertaining read. It’s clever, unusual, and refreshingly different in a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic. Even when it stumbled, it remained memorable—and I’d always rather read something that swings big than something that plays it safe.
A strong premise, sharp satire, and enough chaos to keep things lively—“Payback” is an enjoyable mystery that just fell short of fully cashing in on its brilliant concept.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the DRC of “Payback” by Elizabeth Rose Quinn.
“Payback” is due to be published and available on Amazon on 5 May 2026.
May 2, 2026
Pay to Stay, a new option for the wealthy/connected criminals to serve their sentences. Instead of prison, you show up Friday and stay until Monday, bringing some of the comforts of home with you, as you serve your sentence for non-violent crimes. In Payback we have seven inmates who’ve arrived for a holiday weekend stay, only to find their guard dead the first morning. They must work together to clear their names before the weekend is over, except one of them has to be the killer. Can they work together to figure out who? Or even survive?
I had so much fun with this one!! I was immediately hooked, despite getting the ick from prison guard Bard. The rest of the characters, while privileged and toxic in their own ways, were hard not to enjoy! Each of them were so well written - interesting and suspicious in their own ways. Unsurprisingly, it’s easiest to connect with Cami and Ayse, as they are our narrators, but each character has makes you want to believe they are innocent at different points! This is thoroughly entertaining, darkly funny, has all the elements of a great locked-room thriller and definitely keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I’d figured it out (I did-ish), there is a twist you won’t see coming! The only thing I thought was missing was a follow up with our surviving inmates. I would’ve really loved to have gotten an update on all, not just some.
I definitely will be recommending this to my thriller loving friends! And not only is it great within its genre, but it also tackles the incredibly important and timely issue of our countries corrupt and ineffective prison system. Despite using humor, Quinn is successful in her impact, through the experiences of our different types of inmates and each of their different growth arcs. I hope this gets the love it deserves, and opens up some much needed dialogue.
I also want to add that I was so lucky to receive both an early copy of the book and the audio - which was fantastic! The narrator Mozhan Navabi really sets the tone, captures the characters, and really brings the reader right in. I both read and listened, for a truly immersive experience and really enjoyed every minute!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC, and Brilliance Audio for the ALC of Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn!
I had so much fun with this one!! I was immediately hooked, despite getting the ick from prison guard Bard. The rest of the characters, while privileged and toxic in their own ways, were hard not to enjoy! Each of them were so well written - interesting and suspicious in their own ways. Unsurprisingly, it’s easiest to connect with Cami and Ayse, as they are our narrators, but each character has makes you want to believe they are innocent at different points! This is thoroughly entertaining, darkly funny, has all the elements of a great locked-room thriller and definitely keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I’d figured it out (I did-ish), there is a twist you won’t see coming! The only thing I thought was missing was a follow up with our surviving inmates. I would’ve really loved to have gotten an update on all, not just some.
I definitely will be recommending this to my thriller loving friends! And not only is it great within its genre, but it also tackles the incredibly important and timely issue of our countries corrupt and ineffective prison system. Despite using humor, Quinn is successful in her impact, through the experiences of our different types of inmates and each of their different growth arcs. I hope this gets the love it deserves, and opens up some much needed dialogue.
I also want to add that I was so lucky to receive both an early copy of the book and the audio - which was fantastic! The narrator Mozhan Navabi really sets the tone, captures the characters, and really brings the reader right in. I both read and listened, for a truly immersive experience and really enjoyed every minute!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC, and Brilliance Audio for the ALC of Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Follow Me was one of my favorite reads in 2025 so I was super excited when my copy of Payback arrived.
Payback takes place in a Pay to Stay women's prison. Pay to Stay is exclusive to wealthy women who have been convicted of crimes, but only serve their time on the weekends, continuing to live their regular lives the rest of the week. Sounds like a good way to serve your time, right? Well, or at least it wouldn't be bad if the officer in charge of Pay to Stay wasn't a sociopath. Officer Bard is excited for the week between Christmas and NYE, where the inmates will be at his mercy. Or at least he's excited about it until someone kills him. And now it's up to the inmates to figure out who the murderer is before the week ends.
"A quick U-turn in her thinking reminded her that Bard wasn't just gone, transferred to a new post far, far away. In fact, in many ways extremely obvious ways, Bard was a much bigger problem for her now. Nevertheless, the choice was either dealing with Bard the living person or dealing with Bard the murder victim, and she would choose the murder victim 100 percent of the time. No question. Murder would end. Bullies were forever."
I really liked Bard's character and because I go into everything really blind, I was surprised when he kicked the bucket fairly early on. But it was interesting to see the character development of the women and watch them sleuth it out as the bodies continue to hit the floor.
Quinn also has some commentary on incarceration and the prison system, which was interesting and made me think I need to learn more about prison reform.
"Everyone was politely passing this and that along the long metal table. If Ayse squinted, she could imagine this was not a prison at all, but instead the worst bed-and-breakfast on the planet. The thought oddly cheered her as she imagined writing a review for a travel site. Welcome to PTS B&B. No Windows. Everything bolted to the floor. Two dead bodies. One lizard. Zero stars."
Payback takes place in a Pay to Stay women's prison. Pay to Stay is exclusive to wealthy women who have been convicted of crimes, but only serve their time on the weekends, continuing to live their regular lives the rest of the week. Sounds like a good way to serve your time, right? Well, or at least it wouldn't be bad if the officer in charge of Pay to Stay wasn't a sociopath. Officer Bard is excited for the week between Christmas and NYE, where the inmates will be at his mercy. Or at least he's excited about it until someone kills him. And now it's up to the inmates to figure out who the murderer is before the week ends.
"A quick U-turn in her thinking reminded her that Bard wasn't just gone, transferred to a new post far, far away. In fact, in many ways extremely obvious ways, Bard was a much bigger problem for her now. Nevertheless, the choice was either dealing with Bard the living person or dealing with Bard the murder victim, and she would choose the murder victim 100 percent of the time. No question. Murder would end. Bullies were forever."
I really liked Bard's character and because I go into everything really blind, I was surprised when he kicked the bucket fairly early on. But it was interesting to see the character development of the women and watch them sleuth it out as the bodies continue to hit the floor.
Quinn also has some commentary on incarceration and the prison system, which was interesting and made me think I need to learn more about prison reform.
"Everyone was politely passing this and that along the long metal table. If Ayse squinted, she could imagine this was not a prison at all, but instead the worst bed-and-breakfast on the planet. The thought oddly cheered her as she imagined writing a review for a travel site. Welcome to PTS B&B. No Windows. Everything bolted to the floor. Two dead bodies. One lizard. Zero stars."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Is this seriously happening? We're going to puppet a dead man so we can go to a morgue to solve a murder? Is this Mad libs from hell?"
After all I've heard about Ms Flynns writing, I already knew I was in for something diabolically exciting in this book. But before I even saw her name, this concept had a chokehold on me — you can’t take the locked room murder mystery any further than a literal prison, right?
First, the disparity in the justice system is something hopefully we all know about, but this book highlights a very real way that money and privilege can make “doing your time” even easier if you can afford it and the very flawed state of the incarceration systems in place across the world.
We grow complex relationships with the cast- they’re undeniably privileged, spoiled to be able to be there but ranging from prison staff, petty criminals, aging yogi’s with pet lizards, nuns to true psychopaths. It’s almost a cabin fever effect with the reader and them; growing to worry, care and potentially even like some of our inmates. The lines between what a criminal really is become so blurred in the most mind-fuckingly brilliant way that you’re not sure what to think as the inmates try to solve the murder, catch a killer and prove their innocence in one of the most surreally entertaining mysteries I've ever read.
At under 250 pages, Payback is a fairly quick read with jumping perspectives between three key players across five days that change everything. It’s pacey, frantic and loaded with suspicion, flipping between awkward comedy and genuine fear. There was a bit of lull in the midway mark but then we got rolling away It’s a devilishly entertaining mixture of camp comedy, bloody murder and a classic whodunnit.
After all I've heard about Ms Flynns writing, I already knew I was in for something diabolically exciting in this book. But before I even saw her name, this concept had a chokehold on me — you can’t take the locked room murder mystery any further than a literal prison, right?
First, the disparity in the justice system is something hopefully we all know about, but this book highlights a very real way that money and privilege can make “doing your time” even easier if you can afford it and the very flawed state of the incarceration systems in place across the world.
We grow complex relationships with the cast- they’re undeniably privileged, spoiled to be able to be there but ranging from prison staff, petty criminals, aging yogi’s with pet lizards, nuns to true psychopaths. It’s almost a cabin fever effect with the reader and them; growing to worry, care and potentially even like some of our inmates. The lines between what a criminal really is become so blurred in the most mind-fuckingly brilliant way that you’re not sure what to think as the inmates try to solve the murder, catch a killer and prove their innocence in one of the most surreally entertaining mysteries I've ever read.
At under 250 pages, Payback is a fairly quick read with jumping perspectives between three key players across five days that change everything. It’s pacey, frantic and loaded with suspicion, flipping between awkward comedy and genuine fear. There was a bit of lull in the midway mark but then we got rolling away It’s a devilishly entertaining mixture of camp comedy, bloody murder and a classic whodunnit.
January 2, 2026
Funny, witty, intelligent, and unusual are the first words that come to mind when I think about Payback. It was the cover that initially caught my eye. I knew it would involve crime or something thrilling, but once I read the synopsis and learned about the concept of Pay-to-Stay, I genuinely had no idea what I was getting into. Even now, I’m not sure the cover and the story fully line up, but despite that, I enjoyed this book immensely.
Before reading Payback, I had never heard of Pay-to-Stay within the judicial system, and the fact that it actually exists, where people can serve their prison sentences on weekends only, is absolutely wild. The Pay-to-Stay inmates in this book are as unique and eclectic as they come. There’s Cami, the genius playing dumb; Sister Bridget, a questionable nun; Didi, the wealthy drug addict; and Maureen, the campaign manager who is always campaigning for something. Add Janet, the token hippie; Ayse, the calm voice of reason; and Russell, the odd man out in this mystery, and you have an unlikely group trying to solve a murder. Toss in a psychotic prison guard, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for one unhinged story.
The concept itself is incredibly creative and very out of the ordinary. I especially loved the dual POV between Cami and Ayse, and I genuinely enjoyed both characters. Cami’s compassion and kindness really stood out, and her budding relationship with Russell was unexpectedly sweet. Ayse, on the other hand, was smart, steady, and unflappable. I love a strong character who keeps her cool when everything else is falling apart. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading, which is always a good sign. While the mystery was somewhat predictable, I still had fun suspecting pretty much everyone along the way. Overall, this would make a great beach read for anyone looking for something thrilling, clever, and entertaining without being too heavy.
I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Before reading Payback, I had never heard of Pay-to-Stay within the judicial system, and the fact that it actually exists, where people can serve their prison sentences on weekends only, is absolutely wild. The Pay-to-Stay inmates in this book are as unique and eclectic as they come. There’s Cami, the genius playing dumb; Sister Bridget, a questionable nun; Didi, the wealthy drug addict; and Maureen, the campaign manager who is always campaigning for something. Add Janet, the token hippie; Ayse, the calm voice of reason; and Russell, the odd man out in this mystery, and you have an unlikely group trying to solve a murder. Toss in a psychotic prison guard, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for one unhinged story.
The concept itself is incredibly creative and very out of the ordinary. I especially loved the dual POV between Cami and Ayse, and I genuinely enjoyed both characters. Cami’s compassion and kindness really stood out, and her budding relationship with Russell was unexpectedly sweet. Ayse, on the other hand, was smart, steady, and unflappable. I love a strong character who keeps her cool when everything else is falling apart. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading, which is always a good sign. While the mystery was somewhat predictable, I still had fun suspecting pretty much everyone along the way. Overall, this would make a great beach read for anyone looking for something thrilling, clever, and entertaining without being too heavy.
I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“ Like a Dali painting by way of Olivia Benson on an acid trip.”
I haven’t quite read anything like this one, nor did I expect the stellar and unique way it was written. We follow the members of an inclusive prison for those in a “Pay to Stay” situation where accused of certain crimes can pay to come to a P&S facility to stash their phones and decorate their cells. Each POV consists of a separate person, and we learn who they are to try to figure out who of them is a murderer.
If any of y’all are 90’s babies like me, this book from the very beginning carries a vibe of a glitter bracelet. Not the ones you tied together but the thick circular ones you could watch the glitter slosh around inside of. The way the author described her lovely and multi dimensional characters really impressed upon me that vibe, and I love how damn specific that is and how well she wrote when it came to her descriptors. As far as original thrillers, this one is so literary and also mixed with some bubblegum thriller/ horror elements. It also doubles as a think piece on general of prison reform, if you're looking closely enough. We lost a touch of steam at the end, but overall this one was delightful.
This one is for fans of Mean Girls who might like to experiment with Clue games, those who prefer blue raspberry and cherry to watermelon, or those who find themselves slack jawed over prison reality shows. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and the author for the chance to read and review this eARC! All reviews and opinions here are my own.
I haven’t quite read anything like this one, nor did I expect the stellar and unique way it was written. We follow the members of an inclusive prison for those in a “Pay to Stay” situation where accused of certain crimes can pay to come to a P&S facility to stash their phones and decorate their cells. Each POV consists of a separate person, and we learn who they are to try to figure out who of them is a murderer.
If any of y’all are 90’s babies like me, this book from the very beginning carries a vibe of a glitter bracelet. Not the ones you tied together but the thick circular ones you could watch the glitter slosh around inside of. The way the author described her lovely and multi dimensional characters really impressed upon me that vibe, and I love how damn specific that is and how well she wrote when it came to her descriptors. As far as original thrillers, this one is so literary and also mixed with some bubblegum thriller/ horror elements. It also doubles as a think piece on general of prison reform, if you're looking closely enough. We lost a touch of steam at the end, but overall this one was delightful.
This one is for fans of Mean Girls who might like to experiment with Clue games, those who prefer blue raspberry and cherry to watermelon, or those who find themselves slack jawed over prison reality shows. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and the author for the chance to read and review this eARC! All reviews and opinions here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I didn't want to stop reading this campy murder mystery!
"Thriller" may be a stretch, but I don't think this book was ever trying to be a thriller (in spite of the cover/subtitle). It's a locked-room whodunnit with a zany cast of over-the-top characters getting into unbelievable situations—it's a comedy with murder, guys. You'll laugh, you'll get a little grossed out, you might even tear up, just as long as you go into the book with the right expectations.
Be forewarned that this is one of those books written in a very intentional comedic voice, the kind that makes you ask, "Have any of these characters heard of contractions, or is the big reveal going to be that they're all secretly robots?" But just go with the flow, and you'll have a good time.
My one qualm with the book is that it was clear that the author wanted to share a commentary on the prison system (read the author's note at the end—it's great), but that commentary tended to vacillate wildly between getting obscured by the book's humor and taking over the page with what sometimes felt like fourth-wall breaking moralizing. I think that if a better balance had been found, this book could have been really powerful, and the message would have come through in the plot itself rather than being relegated to the author's note. But hopefully the author's note makes up for it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for lending me a temporary ebook copy of this book! All opinions are, of course, my own.
"Thriller" may be a stretch, but I don't think this book was ever trying to be a thriller (in spite of the cover/subtitle). It's a locked-room whodunnit with a zany cast of over-the-top characters getting into unbelievable situations—it's a comedy with murder, guys. You'll laugh, you'll get a little grossed out, you might even tear up, just as long as you go into the book with the right expectations.
Be forewarned that this is one of those books written in a very intentional comedic voice, the kind that makes you ask, "Have any of these characters heard of contractions, or is the big reveal going to be that they're all secretly robots?" But just go with the flow, and you'll have a good time.
My one qualm with the book is that it was clear that the author wanted to share a commentary on the prison system (read the author's note at the end—it's great), but that commentary tended to vacillate wildly between getting obscured by the book's humor and taking over the page with what sometimes felt like fourth-wall breaking moralizing. I think that if a better balance had been found, this book could have been really powerful, and the message would have come through in the plot itself rather than being relegated to the author's note. But hopefully the author's note makes up for it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for lending me a temporary ebook copy of this book! All opinions are, of course, my own.
May 6, 2026
Thank you to Elizabeth Rose Quinn, Brilliance Publishing Audio, Thomas and Mercer and netgalley, for this complimentary advanced listening copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
Well wasn't this a hoot!
We are immediately introduced to Baird - as a child he was definitely the kid torturing ants with a magnifying glass in the sun!
He is such an interesting character. He certainly owns his strange and leans into his villainy. He is a prision guard at Pay To Stay, a facility where inmates only serve time Monday to Friday.
It is no surprise when he winds up dead on shift. What ensues is a madcap mystery to uncover whodunnit with seven inmates, including a mysterious male transfer, a campaign manager, a nurse, a party girl, a nun and, the strangest of all, an emotional support iguana named Nacho.
The whole 'pay to stay' premise is such a unique and fresh idea and it really added to the storyline.
I found myself laughing my way through this book, which was made all the better by the narration! The narrator did a great job of bringing all the characters to life!
This book had twists and turns and when all was revealed I was definitely left with my mouth hanging open!
I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend. If you want to elevate your experience, the audiobook is a must! It was such an immersive experience to have both the book and the audio!
Well wasn't this a hoot!
We are immediately introduced to Baird - as a child he was definitely the kid torturing ants with a magnifying glass in the sun!
He is such an interesting character. He certainly owns his strange and leans into his villainy. He is a prision guard at Pay To Stay, a facility where inmates only serve time Monday to Friday.
It is no surprise when he winds up dead on shift. What ensues is a madcap mystery to uncover whodunnit with seven inmates, including a mysterious male transfer, a campaign manager, a nurse, a party girl, a nun and, the strangest of all, an emotional support iguana named Nacho.
The whole 'pay to stay' premise is such a unique and fresh idea and it really added to the storyline.
I found myself laughing my way through this book, which was made all the better by the narration! The narrator did a great job of bringing all the characters to life!
This book had twists and turns and when all was revealed I was definitely left with my mouth hanging open!
I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend. If you want to elevate your experience, the audiobook is a must! It was such an immersive experience to have both the book and the audio!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Welcome to Pay to Stay, Los Angeles’s premier minimum-security facility where the privileged serve time Friday to Monday only." Seven "inmates" arrive for their weekend stay over New Year's weekend, bringing all they need to keep them comfortable. The rich really do have it differently than the rest of us. The prison is run by Steven Bard, and he is a central character in the first part of the book, until he is the first to be killed. Let's just say he is not a nice person, apparently he had a plan for the inmates this weekend. As the weekend progresses, the body count rises.
This is a clever premise to the locked room mystery, setting it in a prison, during a storm with the doors locked and no power. There was however, an emotional support iguana, Nacho. The inmates have to clear themselves and find the murderer. The book is humorous and at the same time serves as a commentary on our prison system. The characters are well developed and we get the different POVs.
I didn't think of this book as a thriller. I found it more mystery centric. I will say that the deaths are violent. I found this to be a good read, a bit slow at the start but it does pick up and takes us to that twisty end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
This is a clever premise to the locked room mystery, setting it in a prison, during a storm with the doors locked and no power. There was however, an emotional support iguana, Nacho. The inmates have to clear themselves and find the murderer. The book is humorous and at the same time serves as a commentary on our prison system. The characters are well developed and we get the different POVs.
I didn't think of this book as a thriller. I found it more mystery centric. I will say that the deaths are violent. I found this to be a good read, a bit slow at the start but it does pick up and takes us to that twisty end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
February 24, 2026
Review of an advanced reader copy from NetGalley.
I’m an absolute sucker for a locked-room thriller, so when I heard about Payback, I was IMMEDIATELY interested. Setting this kind of story inside a jail is, in my opinion, so refreshing and kind of brilliant. Instead of the usual cast of unsuspecting victims, you have seasoned criminals navigating the mystery, which completely reframes the tension and adds a darkly comic edge that the author leans into so well.
Is it a perfect book? No - there are plot holes, and I won’t pretend otherwise. But this is, at its heart, a popcorn thriller - fast-paced, witty, and unapologetically fun. The author is clearly in on the joke, so if you go in expecting a meticulously constructed mystery, you might find yourself frustrated. It’s a wildly entertaining, laugh-out-loud ride with a sharp comedic voice that runs through every single page from the plot down to the characters.
My one piece of advice going in: come ready to suspend your disbelief. I say that as someone who is chronically terrible at turning off the part of my brain that picks things apart (🫠) - even I had to consciously let go, and the book was so much better for it. What makes Payback work is that it never pretends to be something it isn’t. It’s pure entertainment!
I’m an absolute sucker for a locked-room thriller, so when I heard about Payback, I was IMMEDIATELY interested. Setting this kind of story inside a jail is, in my opinion, so refreshing and kind of brilliant. Instead of the usual cast of unsuspecting victims, you have seasoned criminals navigating the mystery, which completely reframes the tension and adds a darkly comic edge that the author leans into so well.
Is it a perfect book? No - there are plot holes, and I won’t pretend otherwise. But this is, at its heart, a popcorn thriller - fast-paced, witty, and unapologetically fun. The author is clearly in on the joke, so if you go in expecting a meticulously constructed mystery, you might find yourself frustrated. It’s a wildly entertaining, laugh-out-loud ride with a sharp comedic voice that runs through every single page from the plot down to the characters.
My one piece of advice going in: come ready to suspend your disbelief. I say that as someone who is chronically terrible at turning off the part of my brain that picks things apart (🫠) - even I had to consciously let go, and the book was so much better for it. What makes Payback work is that it never pretends to be something it isn’t. It’s pure entertainment!
April 20, 2026
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (rounded to 4)
Point of View: alternating 3rd person
This book’s take on the locked door style murder mystery was an interesting, fast read. For six women who “Pay to Stay” in a minimum security prison on weekends or extended holidays, they expect the week after Christmas to be just an extended stay. Their prison warden is manipulative, but they expect him to be that way. After an inmate from another prison is temporarily brought to their facility as part of a transfer, it starts a chain of events that none of them fully predicted. They must work together to determine what happened before they are all blamed, while still figuring out who is responsible.
I don’t want to spoil the story, so I will keep this brief. While I recognized some of the twists, others kept me guessing. While one relationship seemed to have an unlikely leap of faith to come together, I appreciated the character’s backstories and growth in the different people’s interactions.
If you are looking for a whodunnit with some educational aspects regarding the prison system as a bonus, this is a solid choice.
Thank you to publisher Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are given freely and are my own.
Point of View: alternating 3rd person
This book’s take on the locked door style murder mystery was an interesting, fast read. For six women who “Pay to Stay” in a minimum security prison on weekends or extended holidays, they expect the week after Christmas to be just an extended stay. Their prison warden is manipulative, but they expect him to be that way. After an inmate from another prison is temporarily brought to their facility as part of a transfer, it starts a chain of events that none of them fully predicted. They must work together to determine what happened before they are all blamed, while still figuring out who is responsible.
I don’t want to spoil the story, so I will keep this brief. While I recognized some of the twists, others kept me guessing. While one relationship seemed to have an unlikely leap of faith to come together, I appreciated the character’s backstories and growth in the different people’s interactions.
If you are looking for a whodunnit with some educational aspects regarding the prison system as a bonus, this is a solid choice.
Thank you to publisher Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are given freely and are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
📚 Thank you to MB Communications and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
😵💫 This book is completely unhinged — and somehow funny as heck while doing it 😂
It definitely pulled the rug out from under me. I genuinely did not see the full reveal coming 🤯 My jaw was on the floor more than once.
👀 Very early on, I started side-eyeing every character and questioning every motive, which kept me hooked the whole way through. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story would pivot and completely wreck my theories 🔄
That said, it did feel like the book tried a little too hard at times to be witty and “cool.” Some of the references felt forced, like it was working overtime to target a certain audience 🫠
But honestly? It was still wildly entertaining.
The chaos, the absurdity, and the constant twists had me laughing, questioning everything, and wondering what the heck was actually going on 😅
Looking back, the clues were definitely there — I should’ve trusted my gut when that small moment made me pause — but I still second-guessed myself right up until the reveal 🤯
🫠 If you think you’ve solved it early... trust me, you probably haven’t.
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
😵💫 This book is completely unhinged — and somehow funny as heck while doing it 😂
It definitely pulled the rug out from under me. I genuinely did not see the full reveal coming 🤯 My jaw was on the floor more than once.
👀 Very early on, I started side-eyeing every character and questioning every motive, which kept me hooked the whole way through. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story would pivot and completely wreck my theories 🔄
That said, it did feel like the book tried a little too hard at times to be witty and “cool.” Some of the references felt forced, like it was working overtime to target a certain audience 🫠
But honestly? It was still wildly entertaining.
The chaos, the absurdity, and the constant twists had me laughing, questioning everything, and wondering what the heck was actually going on 😅
Looking back, the clues were definitely there — I should’ve trusted my gut when that small moment made me pause — but I still second-guessed myself right up until the reveal 🤯
🫠 If you think you’ve solved it early... trust me, you probably haven’t.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Thomas & Mercer, and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me a physical, digital and audio ARC of the sophomore book by Elizabeth Rose Quinn, author of Follow Me. The audiobook is narrated by Mozhan Navabi, who does a fabulous job with all of the different voices. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!
Pay to Stay is LA's premier minimum-security facility where the privileged can serve time just on the weekends, letting them live normal lives during the week. But this weekend just days after Christmas, the inmates discover their abusive guard dead. Now they must solve his murder before ending up in maximum security or worse, because someone in this block is a murderer and everyone is a suspect.
I love a locked-room mystery and this one kept me on my toes throughout. All of the inmates are women except for one male prisoner, and each has a voice and a story. You'll find yourself rooting for people you might not otherwise do. It's entertaining from the beginning - and there's even a support iguana named Nacho! It's also part social commentary of the state of our penal system - be sure to read the author's note.
Pay to Stay is LA's premier minimum-security facility where the privileged can serve time just on the weekends, letting them live normal lives during the week. But this weekend just days after Christmas, the inmates discover their abusive guard dead. Now they must solve his murder before ending up in maximum security or worse, because someone in this block is a murderer and everyone is a suspect.
I love a locked-room mystery and this one kept me on my toes throughout. All of the inmates are women except for one male prisoner, and each has a voice and a story. You'll find yourself rooting for people you might not otherwise do. It's entertaining from the beginning - and there's even a support iguana named Nacho! It's also part social commentary of the state of our penal system - be sure to read the author's note.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Payback was a satisfying thriller with an interesting range of characters and a good balance of twists and turns.
It is definitely one of those books that is easy to read in just a few sittings as the pacing is spot on, keeping the tension without feeling too rushed. I really appreciated the depth of the characters - they were all compelling and felt authentic, even in their most eccentric moments. The Pay-To-Stay setting was also a refreshing, interesting one that allowed for an original take on a locked room mystery.
My biggest issue is the opening of the novel as it felt a bit clunky in how the main POVs were introduced. Once the plot got going, the writing was much easier and felt less like the author was trying to tell the reader all the character building she had done. The writing was at its best when the character moments were shown in context of the narrative. If the description of the book intrigues you, and you are looking for an easy, fun thriller, I would recommend powering through the beginning - it does get better.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a advance copy to review.
It is definitely one of those books that is easy to read in just a few sittings as the pacing is spot on, keeping the tension without feeling too rushed. I really appreciated the depth of the characters - they were all compelling and felt authentic, even in their most eccentric moments. The Pay-To-Stay setting was also a refreshing, interesting one that allowed for an original take on a locked room mystery.
My biggest issue is the opening of the novel as it felt a bit clunky in how the main POVs were introduced. Once the plot got going, the writing was much easier and felt less like the author was trying to tell the reader all the character building she had done. The writing was at its best when the character moments were shown in context of the narrative. If the description of the book intrigues you, and you are looking for an easy, fun thriller, I would recommend powering through the beginning - it does get better.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a advance copy to review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was diabolical, and I enjoyed every twisty second of it.
I went in almost completely blind, only reading the first line of the description, so all I knew was that it involved “weekender” inmates in LA. Because of that, I’m keeping this intentionally vague. A big part of the experience was watching everything unfold and realizing what was actually going on.
About a third of the way through, I was already looking up the author because I was completely locked in. I was excited to see this is her sophomore novel, and I immediately added her debut to my TBR.
The writing is sharp, witty, and incredibly easy to sink into. I immediately became a full-time Bard-the-guard hater.
The pacing in the first half leans more toward a slow burn, but it worked for me. I liked getting to know each of the women and hearing the stories behind how they ended up there.
It’s giving Orange Is the New Black, but with rich Cali women trying to solve a mystery.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration really helped bring the story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars rounded up.
I went in almost completely blind, only reading the first line of the description, so all I knew was that it involved “weekender” inmates in LA. Because of that, I’m keeping this intentionally vague. A big part of the experience was watching everything unfold and realizing what was actually going on.
About a third of the way through, I was already looking up the author because I was completely locked in. I was excited to see this is her sophomore novel, and I immediately added her debut to my TBR.
The writing is sharp, witty, and incredibly easy to sink into. I immediately became a full-time Bard-the-guard hater.
The pacing in the first half leans more toward a slow burn, but it worked for me. I liked getting to know each of the women and hearing the stories behind how they ended up there.
It’s giving Orange Is the New Black, but with rich Cali women trying to solve a mystery.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration really helped bring the story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars rounded up.
December 21, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
*Payback* is a fast-paced, sardonic thriller with 3 POVs. Most of the characters start out unlikeable and are introduced in a very tongue-in-cheek way. White feminism abounds. They are incarcerated in a Pay-to-Stay facility that enables them to only be in prison on weekends, and so they are also presented as hyper-privileged. There are some extremely funny moments, and while I did see *some* of the twists and plot points coming, the author also was able to maintain the element of surprise at other points (no spoilers 😉). I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a propulsive, engaging read.
However, the book’s intention is not to mock Pay-to-Stay, as the author believes it is better for people to remain part of their community. I really appreciate that the author provides a note at the end advocating for prison abolition and throwing out our extremely biased criminal justice system and starting from scratch.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
*Payback* is a fast-paced, sardonic thriller with 3 POVs. Most of the characters start out unlikeable and are introduced in a very tongue-in-cheek way. White feminism abounds. They are incarcerated in a Pay-to-Stay facility that enables them to only be in prison on weekends, and so they are also presented as hyper-privileged. There are some extremely funny moments, and while I did see *some* of the twists and plot points coming, the author also was able to maintain the element of surprise at other points (no spoilers 😉). I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a propulsive, engaging read.
However, the book’s intention is not to mock Pay-to-Stay, as the author believes it is better for people to remain part of their community. I really appreciate that the author provides a note at the end advocating for prison abolition and throwing out our extremely biased criminal justice system and starting from scratch.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was initially drawn to The Payback by its cover art, and I can confirm that the content more than lived up to the aesthetic. This was my first introduction to Elizabeth Rose Quinn’s work, and it certainly won’t be my last.
The plot is refreshingly original: a "pay-to-stay" luxury prison in Los Angeles where seven inmates serve their time Friday to Monday only. The story kicks off with Brad, a manipulative and "creepy" kid who grows up to be an abusive prison guard, only to be found murdered in an ironic "Community Payback" vest. Setting the story around New Year’s felt incredibly timely for a winter read.
The story is a fast-paced locked room mystery that kept me on my toes with some good plot twists that I didn't see coming. Pop culture references, sharp humor, and mystery blend together perfectly. What impressed me most was the underlying depth; beneath the engaging prose lies a poignant social critique of the prison system and the complexities of rehabilitation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC and letting me discover this great book.
The plot is refreshingly original: a "pay-to-stay" luxury prison in Los Angeles where seven inmates serve their time Friday to Monday only. The story kicks off with Brad, a manipulative and "creepy" kid who grows up to be an abusive prison guard, only to be found murdered in an ironic "Community Payback" vest. Setting the story around New Year’s felt incredibly timely for a winter read.
The story is a fast-paced locked room mystery that kept me on my toes with some good plot twists that I didn't see coming. Pop culture references, sharp humor, and mystery blend together perfectly. What impressed me most was the underlying depth; beneath the engaging prose lies a poignant social critique of the prison system and the complexities of rehabilitation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC and letting me discover this great book.
January 17, 2026
3.5/5
I found this to be a fast paced book, and even though it was a thriller involving murder, it was a light read.
As I’m sure with anyone reading this novel, I thought it was going to be regarding Bard due the first several chapters being about him. However, a twist so early on in the novel was unexpected and quite refreshing as it disrupted any potential thought on what the novel could be about.
I thought pay-to-stay concept was great, although a lot more could have been done with that in the story. It felt more like a background detail while it could have been more integral to the storyline and added a different angle to the “whodunnit” plot.
I did enjoy reading this novel, especially the focus on the different characters. The underlying focus on prison rehabilitation was brilliant. It brought attention to a huge aspect of society that is often overlooked.
Themes include: survival, deception, justice/injustice, freedom/confinement.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I found this to be a fast paced book, and even though it was a thriller involving murder, it was a light read.
As I’m sure with anyone reading this novel, I thought it was going to be regarding Bard due the first several chapters being about him. However, a twist so early on in the novel was unexpected and quite refreshing as it disrupted any potential thought on what the novel could be about.
I thought pay-to-stay concept was great, although a lot more could have been done with that in the story. It felt more like a background detail while it could have been more integral to the storyline and added a different angle to the “whodunnit” plot.
I did enjoy reading this novel, especially the focus on the different characters. The underlying focus on prison rehabilitation was brilliant. It brought attention to a huge aspect of society that is often overlooked.
Themes include: survival, deception, justice/injustice, freedom/confinement.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2026
many thanks and gratitude to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an early audiobook copy of Payback by Elizabeth Rose Quinn in exchange for my thoughts and honest review.
wow! i really enjoyed this! i didn’t know what to expect, but the premise sounded interesting and i am a sucker for whodunnit, a we-need-to-uncover-the-real-culprit story. this begins in such a way to make the reader (me) feel so negatively toward the central character that when he ends up d**d, it’s both a relief and the uh-oh moment that sends the plot into overdrive. it is so smart and cleverly executed that all i wanted to do was know the outcome.
i think knowing as little as possible before reading this is the best way to approach this book. mostly because there are some parts that should be experienced blindly. i have to give a huge standing ovation to Mozhan Navbi who read the audiobook and brought the characters to life. they were already well-written and compelling, but she made the reading experience even better. i think the dynamics between the characters worked well, especially since they’re all different and have layered backstories. if you enjoy locked-room mysteries, fast-paced plots and stories that include a mix of characters that are imperfect but worth rooting for, definitely check this book out!
Pub date: May 5, 2026
wow! i really enjoyed this! i didn’t know what to expect, but the premise sounded interesting and i am a sucker for whodunnit, a we-need-to-uncover-the-real-culprit story. this begins in such a way to make the reader (me) feel so negatively toward the central character that when he ends up d**d, it’s both a relief and the uh-oh moment that sends the plot into overdrive. it is so smart and cleverly executed that all i wanted to do was know the outcome.
i think knowing as little as possible before reading this is the best way to approach this book. mostly because there are some parts that should be experienced blindly. i have to give a huge standing ovation to Mozhan Navbi who read the audiobook and brought the characters to life. they were already well-written and compelling, but she made the reading experience even better. i think the dynamics between the characters worked well, especially since they’re all different and have layered backstories. if you enjoy locked-room mysteries, fast-paced plots and stories that include a mix of characters that are imperfect but worth rooting for, definitely check this book out!
Pub date: May 5, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you do the crime, sometimes you don't have to do the time. Or, at the very least, you can do the time on the weekends in a minimum security facility. That's what 7 "lucky" female criminals in Los Angeles are doing to pay their debt to society.
The first few chapters aren't about the prison, though — they follow the boy who grows up to be the warden, a man who is equal parts Dexter and major womanizer creepizoid. Not that he's unlikable; he's actually a pretty fun character to get to know!
But if you've read the synopsis (no spoilers here), you know he ends up murdered at the facility, and the prisoners band together to solve the crime before their minimum security paperwork gets ripped up for bad behavior.
Sometimes in locked room thrillers I have a hard time keeping characters straight — especially when they're all female — but the honest, detailed portrayals and wonderful narration (all by Mozhan Navabi) made it easy to always know who was speaking.
This book kept me guessing until the very end, and I loved every twist and turn.
The first few chapters aren't about the prison, though — they follow the boy who grows up to be the warden, a man who is equal parts Dexter and major womanizer creepizoid. Not that he's unlikable; he's actually a pretty fun character to get to know!
But if you've read the synopsis (no spoilers here), you know he ends up murdered at the facility, and the prisoners band together to solve the crime before their minimum security paperwork gets ripped up for bad behavior.
Sometimes in locked room thrillers I have a hard time keeping characters straight — especially when they're all female — but the honest, detailed portrayals and wonderful narration (all by Mozhan Navabi) made it easy to always know who was speaking.
This book kept me guessing until the very end, and I loved every twist and turn.
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