Payback

Payback, a delicious page-turner, follows three naïve but ambitious young women chasing their professional dreams in late twentieth-century corporate America. Over the years, their growing friendship forms a tight-knit, supportive bond that sees them through challenges related to gender bias, assault, and racism—as well as the joys of discovering their sexual identity, falling in love, and raising children while navigating demanding careers.

Gripping and heartfelt, this tale offers well-developed characters readers will identify with and truly care about. The desire for revenge causes suspense throughout the story. But, what sets Payback apart is its slyly embedded “how-to” career strategies—practical insights woven seamlessly into the story—that give readers tools to overcome their own workplace challenges.

"In this thrilling debut novel, Molly and Peter dig into their deep experience as executive coaches and the stories they have heard. They have captured the drama between the sexes that occurs daily in corporate America. A page turner from beginning to end, this book keeps the reader in suspense as Samantha decides whether to seek retribution or move on with her life after being assaulted."

-Judith von Seldeneck, Founder and Chair Emeritus, DSG Global

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"One of the most remarkable qualities is how Payback balances fiction with real-world wisdom-delivering career strategy and survival insight through the lives of its characters. The authors, Molly D. Shepard and Peter J. Dean, skillfully weave together story, strategy, and introspection, offering financial, psychological and career insight without losing the flow of narrative. The subtle growth of self-awareness among women and men in the narrative shows that even those complicit in injustices can learn to change to navigate oppressive systems through resilience and community and how silence can often be the greatest danger of all." – Grace Okuba

"The authors, Molly D. Shepard and Peter J. Dean, portrayed a remarkably realistic picture of the shocking toxic environment in Samantha’s workplace. As the story progresses, the reader feels her frustration and mental trauma. But Samantha emerges as a stubborn woman, not accepting defeat." – Andy IcNab and Robert Rigby, Official Online Book Club

"The plot in Payback by Molly D. Shepard and Peter J. Dean, was intense and vivid. It was a gripping roller coaster ride of sexism, abuse, intimidation, and power. With many twists and turns, I never knew what to expect next. The story held my attention throughout." – Alma Boucher, Readers’ Favorite