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Summary
A split-second decision sends Marta Crawford's life spiraling out of control. On a business trip she meets the charming Todd Wilson and, much to her regret, wakes up the next morning in his bed. Filled with remorse, she tells Todd she's made a terrible mistake and flees, hoping to put her reckless behavior behind her. But Todd won't take no for an answer.
To her dismay, he worms his way into all corners of her life, befriending her husband and her business partner, and seducing her teenage daughter, Jamie. Payback is a frightening and emotionally gripping tale of deception, determination, and love
What members say
Average customer ratings
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sara Niña
- 07-12-17
Family Drama
This is a truly remarkable tale, one of a family's love overcoming all odds. It follows Marta and her family. Marta is a woman who always plays by the rules, much to her sister's chagrin, but even she can be tempted to let loose. It happened once, only once. She enjoyed herself but vowed 'never again'. But it seems, no matter all her efforts, this mistake will not leave her alone. Not just in her conscience, but her family life, her career. This is a woeful story of cause and consequence, chain reaction, you too will be tempted to play the blame game. But at its core, this is a story of the strength of love. It's not just a gushy tale, but quite true to life. Marta's family is ordinary but her one mistake leads to them becoming a news story.
Everybody makes mistakes. No one is perfect yet even a single regrettable incident can remain difficult to live with. A catastrophic choice like Marta's, for instance. The themes explored in this novel were compelling to a fault- I can't stop thinking about them! Can one forgive themselves for one moment of foolishness? What if said foolishness places one's loved ones in the face of danger? Is it right to blame the victim for their misjudgement (as unfortunately happens in real life only too often)?
This really could be a true story, it was stunningly realistic. Jonnie Jacobs writes with subtle finesse of relationships and how they play out. An author who captures readers' attention for her striking details. It becomes immediately clear that this is a writer who is also a conscientious observer of the human nature and all its flaws.c
The narration by Cindy Piller was also unquestionably suitable: emotive in all the right places, but not overly so, and not at all difficult to follow along with. She did a fantastic job with this, connecting listeners to characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Melanie Preston Lewis
- 05-05-17
Great story
Any additional comments?
This was a really enjoyable listen. Although initially I found Marta a little bit pious, I found myself warming to her as the story played on. In fact, I ultimately thought that she was excellently drawn as a product of her environment. The dependable big sister who had to be in charge. All the other characters were believable and well thought out. The story moved along at a brisk pace and I was desperate to find out what happened as the villain was so evil I felt he was capable of anything. The ending was highly satisfactory and I am so honoured to have received this book for free that it is a privilege to leave a 5 star review and to highly recommend Payback to everyone as a thoroughly enjoyable read/listen!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- SarahC1985
- 26-04-17
Suspenseful. Read it in one sitting.
Where does Payback rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I'm not sure. The story was brilliant. I like how Jacobs builds up the suspense slowly, along with the esculating domestic abuse. I thought the story itself was brilliant, I started it, and next thing I knew I'd finished it! I couldn't stop. I had to know what happened. Took me a while to warm to the narrator, but once I got used to her voice, it made it easier. I think some of the characters didn't match her style of narration, but I think she did ok.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Jamie. She was vulnerable, and typical teenager. I found myself feeling angry and her parents over protection on a 17 year old, but when what happened happened, I felt very sorry for her. She knew she'd made a mistake that she couldn't get out of. I wanted to help her myself....
What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?
I'm not sure she was the ideal narrator for this book. She did the women well, but I don't think she pulled the male characters off that well. Hence my 3-5 rating of the performance. I don't know if I read other books narrated by her, but the plotline grabbed me, and when that happens, I do my best to put the narrator out of the equation.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, and I did.
Any additional comments?
If I was going to compare this to anything, even slightly, it would be in to the darkest corner, by Haynes. Though not exactly the same, the element of domestic abuse and violence is the same, and the way he treats her in the end is the same. Controlling, possessive, he sheds tears when he hurts her etc, just as Lee did in Haynes novel. If you've read that, you really should read this. Very good story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Simone
- 21-07-17
Stalkers are just no fun!
Any additional comments?
"Payback" is a thriller I won't soon forget. The characters in this book felt real to me, and by that I mean they were filled with flaws, often stupid, acting carelessly, acting on passion, making rash decisions, etc. This story feels like it could really happen to someone. In fact, it probably has. One woman's adulterous mistake brings a dangerous man into her family's life that will change them forever. I thought this story was a complex, dynamic tale of obsession, psychosis and revenge gone too far. Jacobs did an excellent job of keeping me on the edge of my seat and Piller kept me listening with her expert narration. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller! 10/10
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lisarami
- 05-05-17
Another nail biter
Where does Payback rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I love all the books I've listened to by this author. I couldn't put this book down it was so good!
What was one of the most memorable moments of Payback?
The sacrifices at the end.
What does Cindy Piller bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Ms. Piller is really a great narrator for this series. I really like her style as it enables me to crawl inside the story.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I held some disbeliefs and shock in different places in the book. My final reaction about Marta's daughter was now maybe she'll listen to her parents since she had to find out the hard way. I'm glad that Marta's husband finally come clean and the marriage was salvageable.
Any additional comments?
If you see any book with Jonnie Jacobs as the author I seriously doubt you'd be disappointed in her works. They are edgy on the tip of your seat type thrillers/mysteries. I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- TinkerMel
- 26-04-17
careful who you pick up from a bar...
Excellent psychodrama thriller.
You just never know how in one night stand will turn out. One night of fun has definitely wound This woman's life marriage you name it. What do you do that I will not take no for an answer, and believes that he is your soulmate and you are meant to be together? Even if you tell him repeatedly no. Before you know it, you come home and he in the kitchen with your husband having a great old time sharing a beer. That is when things start to get very interesting. Some good twist and turns lay ahead.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jane
- 07-10-17
EXCELLENT READ
I received this audiobook for free from the author, narrator or publisher and I am freely offering my unbiased, honest review,
This book kept me completely absorbed from beginning to end and I recommend it highly.!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Suzan
- 03-08-17
Jonnie Jacobs
Another great read by Jonnie Jacobs. I love the fact you get so caught up in the story you don't want to stop listening. I think I have read all the books by Jonnie and loved them all. This book was narrated by Cindy Piller who has a lovely voice. I was lucky to be gifted this audio book from the author. I have left an honest review.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- mrmeeka
- 09-06-17
Not my cup of tea!
This is the story of a married woman that gets drunk and has a one night stand with someone. As a result the man begins to stalk her. He integrates himself into every aspect of her life. Her marriage, her child and her work.
While I don't usually enjoy this type of story line the book is well written and well narrated. Nothing wrong with the book I just didn't enjoy it.
I was provided a free audio version of this book for an honest review.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Alex
- 26-05-17
Pretty good, a little predictable
Would you listen to Payback again? Why?
No, with thrillers, once you know the ending I find it pointless to re-listen as it's usually the suspense that keeps you listening
Would you recommend Payback to your friends? Why or why not?
Yes! I have listened to a few other Jonnie Jacobs audiobooks and really enjoy this author and having Cindy Pillar as the narrator
Which scene was your favorite?
I really liked when Marta and Cassie went to try and find Jamie, I found their sisterly relationship very realistic
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I enjoyed the ending a lot, although predictable it was still good
Any additional comments?
This is a great listen for someone who doesn't want something with too many twists and turns - an easy listen for a mystery
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Daman
- 24-05-17
Couldn't put this one down
Would you listen to Payback again? Why?
The way the story untangled and became exhilaratingly suspenseful mixed with good narration left me wanting more.
What about Cindy Piller’s performance did you like?
Strong, Powerful narration with good cadence.
Any additional comments?
This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost."
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- JenniferLOVESThrillers
- 24-05-17
Great Stalker Story!
I enjoyed listening to this story but boy did the characters annoy me. All of them were clueless and unable to see things for what they were. The mother never listened to her intuition and made excuses for everything and her daughter was a typical teenager. I actually wanted to see the daughter hurt by the experience after awhile because she really thought she knew everything. Everyone except for the villain wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt. The husband was such a weak man too. This book kept my attention despite its flawed characters and maybe because they were so flawed. I actually enjoyed the book despite not liking the characters. I wanted to see the villain pay more for his crimes too. At the same time, I was fully absorbedin the story and will definitely look for more books by Jonnie Jacobs. I also enjoyed the narration by Cindy Piller.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Pamela M. Neumann
- 22-05-17
Great story
I completely enjoyed this story. It had a great story line that kept not wanting to stop listening. I enjoyed it until the very end. I did get frustrated with the characters a few times, but what a great listen.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.