The unpredictable truth will be revealed in Payback, the stunning conclusion to Kristen Simmons’ Edgar-nominated thriller series that started with The Deceivers…
Brynn Hilder has conned a lot of people. From the spoiled rich kids of Sikawa City to her mom’s loser ex-boyfriend, from a motorcycle gang to a senator’s son. If there was money to be gained, or a secret to uncover, she figured out how to get it done. And thanks to Vale Hall and its director, Dr. David Odin, she’s found a family of hustlers just like her.
Together, Brynn and her friends have overcome doubt, deceit, and betrayal to unearth the truth–a truth even a group of professional scammers couldn’t have predicted.
And now they must tackle the biggest con artist of them all: the man who brought them all together.
With it’s clever, fully-fleshed characters and many unexpected twists, I’ve been a fan of this series from the first book. I’m sad to leave Vale Hall, but very pleased with how this adventure ends.
Even though it’s difficult to know who to trust at times since most of them are trained cons, I adore these characters. Brynn makes the statement that she’s finally found her family, and that’s exactly how it feels with these friends who offer unconditional support through some harrowing and life-threatening situations. I’ll miss all of them. I’m grateful to the author for the epilogue that allows the reader a glimpse into what the future holds for these characters.
Taking on Dr. O, the man who brought them all together, is their ultimate challenge, and the author strips away every last hope from them. I had no idea how they’d pull this off. And the secrets that are revealed! Some are pretty shocking and offer an exciting turn of events. When all is said and done, it’s an intricately layered plan that pulls elements in from several areas and plays out like a scene from Ocean’s Eleven. I loved every minute of it.
With a complex plot, a deep well of secrets, and fully developed, magnetic characters, this is a series I’d highly recommend to thriller/suspense fans. I’d be all in if the author decided to do a spinoff featuring some of these characters (Henry and Grayson especially!).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Thrillers. Now you’re talking my language! Glad you liked the ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was such a compelling series, Staci. So many layers of secrets and characters you come to care so much about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic review, Teri. It sounds like a must-read for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whether you’re a YA reader or not, this is a series that would make any thriller fans happy, Gwen. I’m sad to see it end, but keeping my fingers crossed for spinoffs.
LikeLike
I hate when a series I love ends….but I also feel so satisfied in reaching the conclusion. It’s like a love/hate relationship, LOL.
Glad you enjoyed the wrap to this series, Teri. It sounds intriguing and complex.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was just thinking yesterday that so many of my favorite series are coming to an end. I know there are plenty more out there, but it’s still kind of sad. Series hangover!
LikeLike
It seems kind of funny that you will miss a group of cons but it says a lot about the story and how amazing it is. Sounds like a wonderful book and trilogy ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? Because clearly you can’t trust them, but I promise you’d love this group, Tessa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Teri! Sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye to a series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jill! It really is – like saying goodbye to a dear friend. Good thing rereads are always a possibility, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for dropping in, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope the ceiling and roof can be fixed. I’ll have my maintenance guy call yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is interesting that a group of con-artists need to uncover a truth, Teri. It is almost an oxymoron, isn’t it? Thanks for the review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? That’s part of what made this series so intriguing, Robbie. Talk about your useful skills!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for visiting, Jan – have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Wow. Great review, Teri. I can tell that you really enjoyed this. Another series to add to my kindle. I can’t believe I almost had it emptied a month ago! Lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Diana! Wow – a nearly empty Kindle. I can’t even imagine it, although it’s a dream of mine, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My 60-book autumn reading challenge did it for me. But I didn’t do a speck of writing either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds fantastic. I like it when author takes away all the hopes for characters. It makes it even more interesting to see how whole story was going to wrap up. Great review, Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? I hate if for the characters, but it sure does make for a tense and exciting read. Thanks, Yesha!
LikeLiked by 1 person