Payback, by Molly D. Shepard & Peter J. Dean

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