Summary
Payback is the second novel in Fern Michaels's popular Sisterhood series, published in 2004. The book follows a group of seven women who band together to seek justice for wrongs committed against them. In this installment, the Sisterhood targets a US Senator who has abused and taken advantage of his wife Julia, one of their own. Mixing suspense and romance with themes of female empowerment and justice, the Sisterhood series has attracted a devoted following among readers who appreciate stories of women supporting each other through difficult circumstances.
Plot
In Payback, seven women known as the Sisterhood band together to seek revenge on behalf of one of their own. The target is Julia Webster's husband, a US Senator who has repeatedly abused his wife's trust while exploiting her grace and elegance to advance his political career.
As the Senator approaches his greatest political victory, the Sisterhood gathers at Myra Rutledge's Virginia home to plan their act of retribution. United by their shared experiences of injustice, these women are determined to teach Julia's husband that cheating, lying, and other manipulative actions have consequences.
The novel follows the Sisterhood as they devise and execute their scheme for payback against the Senator. Their mission of sweet revenge unfolds against the backdrop of Myra's elegant home, complete with iced tea, shrimp fritters, and pink tulips—a stark contrast to the serious nature of their undertaking.
Themes
Female empowerment and solidarity
Revenge against abusive men
Justice outside the legal system
Friendship and support among women
Exposing corruption in politics
Overcoming past trauma
Taking control of one's destiny
Setting
Payback is set in the contemporary United States, primarily in Virginia. The story takes place in the early 2000s, during a time of political ambition and social activism. While the exact year is not specified, the novel's themes and context suggest a modern setting aligned with its 2004 publication date.
The geographical focal point is Myra Rutledge's elegant Virginia home, which serves as the headquarters for the Sisterhood's operations. This beautiful residence, with its shell-pink tulips and offerings of fresh iced tea and shrimp fritters, provides a stark contrast to the group's clandestine activities. The broader setting extends to Washington, DC, where the target of the Sisterhood’s revenge, Julia Webster's husband, pursues his political ambitions as a US Senator.
Beyond these specific locations, the novel's setting encompasses a wider American landscape, both literally and figuratively. The Sisterhood's reach extends across state lines as they plan and execute their mission of retribution. This expansive setting reflects the far-reaching nature of political power and the determined spirit of women seeking justice in a system that has failed them.
Characters
Julia Webster: The main protagonist, a US Senator's wife seeking revenge for her husband's abuse and betrayal.
Myra Rutledge: The wealthy founder of the Sisterhood who hosts the group at her Virginia home.
Senator Webster: Julia's abusive husband and the target of the Sisterhood's revenge plot.
Nikki Quinn: A defense attorney and member of the Sisterhood.
Kathryn Lucas: A retired judge and member of the Sisterhood.
Alexis Thorn: An ex-model and member of the Sisterhood.
Yoko Akia: A martial arts expert and member of the Sisterhood.
Isabelle Flanders: A plastic surgeon and member of the Sisterhood.
Charles Martin: Myra's supportive fiancé, who assists the Sisterhood.
Quick facts
Payback is the second book in Fern Michaels's popular Sisterhood series.
The Sisterhood is a group of seven women who help each other get revenge.
The main character, Julia Webster, is seeking revenge against her abusive husband, a US Senator.
Payback is set primarily in the Virginia home of the Sisterhood’s founder, Myra Rutledge.
The novel explores themes of female friendship, empowerment, and justice.
Like other books in the series, Payback is a work of contemporary fiction with elements of thriller and romance.
Payback became a New York Times bestseller upon its release.
The audiobook version is narrated by Laural Merlington.
Payback is the follow-up to the first Sisterhood novel, Weekend Warriors, also published in 2004
About the Author
Fern Michaels (the pen name of Mary Ruth Kuczkir) is a prolific and bestselling American author of contemporary fiction. A native of Pennsylvania who made her home in New Jersey for many years, Michaels began her writing career after raising five children. She has since published more than 150 books, with 110 million copies in print, establishing herself as a fixture on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. She is widely known for her popular Sisterhood series, following the adventures of seven women who band together to right wrongs and make sure justice is served, and its spinoff, the Men of the Sisterhood series. Drawing from her own life experiences, her writing often focuses on themes of women's empowerment and perseverance. Her induction into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame marked a significant milestone in her career.
Beyond her literary accomplishments, Michaels is known for her philanthropic efforts. She has funded several large day-care centers in her hometown and provided bulletproof vests for police dogs across the country. In 1993, Michaels relocated to South Carolina, where she resides in a historic plantation house, sharing the space with her four dogs and, according to local lore, a friendly ghost named Mary Margaret. Through the Fern Michaels® Foundation, she continues to give back to her community, embodying the advice of her Polish grandmother to return kindness when fortune smiles upon oneself.
