The Payback Man

by Carolyn McSparren

Book Overview

The Payback Man by Carolyn McSparren released on Aug 24, 2001 is available now for purchase. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373710119
• ISBN13: 9780373710119
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Harlequin Books
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.0" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Impressive and original!

Even though this book is out of print, I can't resist giving a five star review to the talented Carolyn McSparren. This book somehow got buried in my massive TBR (To be read) pile, and so I just now got around to it. I was very impressed with Ms. McSparren's writing talent and voice, not to mention the orginality of the way she handled the story of a man accused of a crime he did not do. I could relate to the hero's (Steve's) need for revenge and his frustration at being framed. Who wouldn't be bitter in his shoes? Eleanor, the heroine, is a strong character who falls in love in a believeable manner with a man she knows she shouldn't love, but she loves him anyway. Her heart is drawn to this man she knows is her soulmate, and whom she senses is a good person. The prison setting was unique and therefore refreshing. I loved that Eleanor and Steve truly had to fight their way out of a seemingly hopeless situation to finally be together and prove Steven's innocence. And Bigalow Little was a wonderful secondary character!!! An animal lover after my own heart. I hope we see Big again before this series is done. As a fellow writer, my hat is off to you, Ms. McSparren!

A beautifully rendered tale -- very highly recommended

Carolyn McSpareen's Creature Comfort miniseries began in July with THE MONEY MAN and continues this month with THE PAYBACK MAN. Both books center around the Creature Comfort Veterinarian Clinic, which treats large and small animals including exotic pets. McSpareen's remarkable insight in human and animal hearts makes THE PAYBACK MAN an especially memorable read.A jury of his peers found Stephen Chadwick of murdering his wife - a murder he did not commit. Gone are his beloved wife, a profitable business, and his beloved sport of polo. He's stayed sane these last three years by planning ways to kill Neil Waters, his brother-in-law, business partner, best friend, and murder of his wife. When he sees unexpectedly sights Eleanor, the connection is visceral - as if they were alone. He knew that if he'd met her at cocktail party or at a polo match, his response would have been the same. She not only stirs his blood, but she stirs the imagination. She touches the humane parts of him he thought long buried and forgotten.Dr. Eleanor Grayson's first glimpse of Steve as he disembarked from a prison bus was unwanted moment of recognition. Two years have passed since the death of her much loved husband and the resulting financial devastation. Hard work makes it possible to cope with loss, and Eleanor works very hard. She works not only for Creature Comforts, but she also has accepted a position at the prison helping them to build a prize heard of Beefmaster cattle. Her position brings her into close contact with the prisoners assigned to her. Soon Eleanor finds her compassionate nature reaching out in unexpected ways. She also feels a powerful pull toward Stephen, who is absolutely forbidden. Ironically, she also feels more comfortable with some of the prisoners than she does with the guard assigned to her.As the daughter of a police officer, I found myself constantly challenging the storyline simply because prisoners are not good heros. Despite my prejudice, I found myself drawn into this powerfully told tale that gently broke down my reservations. Author Carolyn McSparren skillfully weaves a convincing tale of love with believable characters and wonderful secondary characters. Bigalow Little, for example, the gentle giant who lacks great intelligence yet processes the skills of a horse whisperer with all animals, isn't a character I'll ever forget and I hope pops up in another novel. In addition, the update on favorite characters from the previous work doesn't detract from the storyline, yet lends continuance. A beautifully rendered tale, THE PAYBACK MAN comes very highly recommended. I do hope this author continues this wonder series!