Now You Owe Me

by Aliah Wright

They spent years abducting young women, until one night they snatched the wrong one.

No one knew witnessing their first murder at seven would propel Ben and his twin toward a killing spree in Pennsylvania. Racked with guilt, they vow to take just one more victim. Too bad they took the wrong one . . . discover why Library Journal says this "intricately woven plot" will keep readers in their seats, and why they recommend it "for fans of Tana French, Gillian Flynn, and Karin Slaughter."

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Adult, Mystery Thriller, Horror

248 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Now You Owe Me is NOW A Foreword INDIES finalist for Book of the Year!

Philadelphia native Aliah Wright worked her way through college as an editorial assistant for The Philadelphia Daily News, and as a stringer for The Philadelphia Inquirer. A successful journalist, she spent her career working for a variety of news outlets. Those include The Associated Press, where she was a Political Correspondent, and at what is now known as Gannett | USA TODAY Network, where she was the Entertainment Editor for Gannett News Service. A Temple University graduate, she lives with her family just outside Philadelphia, where she’s plotting the next two novels in this series. She loves writing and traveling. This is her first novel.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️

“Good. ’Cause you are never getting rid of me—not after today. Know why?” He shook his head. “Because now you owe me.”

— MURDERING TWINS WANTED IN DISAPPEARANCE OF COEDS —

[ Ok, so I started jotting down some ideas for this review around 50%. Let’s just say, everything I wrote in that initial review was so fucking wrong. The plot twist caught me completely off guard, I AUDIBLY gasped so fucking loud my coworkers thought something was wrong. Well, something IS wrong, because WTF. I’m shocked, but ohmygod I love it.
Needless to say, I had to throw out the whole thing and start over. So, let’s get into it. I’m going to try to avoid spoilers, because it’s best to go in blind. That being said, if anyone would like a trigger list just hit me up. ]

For a debut novel this was fantastically written, full of exciting and breath-catching twists, thrilling from start to finish.
Now You Owe Me was a deep dive in total codependency, unhealthy coping mechanisms to trauma, thrilling investigations where the readers can experience both sides of the coin, an intriguing insight into different psychoses.
It was horrifying, chill-inducing, nightmarish. All the right elements for a great thriller.

“Promise me one day we’ll run away.” Ben nodded. “I will always take care of you, sis.” She smiled. “I’ll always take care of you, too, little brother.”

I loved how the author set up the story, beginning with the twins origin. It was interesting to see how they became killers, how they devolved in time, how their crimes escalated. Made me think of the Nature vs Nurture debate. Had Ben and Corinthia had a loving childhood, would they still have became murderers? Was it wired into their DNA, or beat in to them at an early age?

This was a very different read, surprising and excellently written. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Aliah Wright in the future.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[BiblioPeeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He pushed his head into his hands. 'I just can't believe you killed her, ' he whispered. A hush descended over the room. Ben broke the silence. 'We have to leave.' 'I know', she replied, her voice filled with concern. 'Are you afraid we'll get caught?'"

Seven year old twins Ben and his sister Corinthia, witness their father kill someone violently. This pivotal event sets them down a path of strange predilections which include kidnapping and murdering women.

Twins have a close bond right? Well imagine twins who are deranged, disturbing and a little disgusting but also mesmerizing. They’re remorseful and don’t like the compulsions they have, but can’t seem to stop! Ben and Corinthia were as compelling as they were repulsive. At times I even felt sorry for them. It’s like not being able to look away from a speeding train about to crash. The pacing was simply perfection as the twins age from seven to twenty-four and vow to take one last victim...

You might need to suspend some disbelief but for me these are THE BEST kind of tales. It doesn’t happen often, so I love it when I can’t predict what will happen next because it’s just that out there! Aliah Wright has written a gripping story that is dark and twisted with bits of humor, heart and just the right amount of social commentary. It borders on psychological horror with characters you can’t look away from. Amanda is a force to be reckoned with and I loved her moxie! Who is Amanda? You’ll have to read to find out! There is graphic content, but it’s not overdone or exaggerated, however some animal cruelty/harm is included.

NOW YOU OWE ME has truly blown me away! I was pleased as punch to ride this depraved crazy train until the last stop and even then I didn’t want to get off! Though wrapped up beautifully, don’t expect any neat and tidy endings here. I’m hoping for another book and guess what? There will be!! Aliah Wright totally kills her debut! (Pun intended?) I need MORE of these captivatingly lethal twins. Bring on book two!
____

Thank you Red Hen Press for the gifted copy. All opinions are mine.
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Potential spoiler content warnings below.











































⚠️Content Warnings: animal cruelty/harm, gore, child abuse, mental illness, violence, voyeurism, stalking, strangulation, kidnapping, death, Mention of: fatal hit & run

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had many twists and turns I loved it I wish it had
Continued on further.
A great read.
It is quite graphic at times.

[Mandie (allbookedout_with_mj) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed the twists in this one and was totally intrigued about where it was heading and then fooled by the major plot twist. I always love an ending that I can't guess and Wright certainly had my jaw dropping. An addictive read broken into three parts. The first part is quite dark and intense and although not triggering for me, may be for some.

The writing style didnt quite gel for me though and I feel there was excessive use of description of characters clothing and brand names but on reflection think perhaps this was to boost the atmospheric perception of wealth.
Overall a decent read and for a debut had some great concepts and I'll look forward to more from this author in the future.

[Yinka Boudreaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

BUCKLE TF UP because you are going on 👏🏽 a 👏🏽 ride 👏🏽

Push through part 1 because while it is bleak and super descriptive, part 2 is so incredibly worth it!

Before you get mad at the end, I already did my research and I’m happy to share that there’s a book two on the horizon. You’re welcome. lol

Our book club had such a great time talking about these damn twins 😩😮‍💨

[Jody Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not help but be glued to the book from the very first page to the last one! There are a lot of unforeseen turns in the storyline that made me sit on the edge of my seat. One of the greatest advantages is that characters were well-developed and the plot was almost perfect. Wow… What a great start for a new author, this really is quite a remarkable novel. Looking forward to reading other books by this author. Quite prefect, Wright did very well on this one.

Thank you to Red Hen Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Eileen]

Aliah Wright's Now You Owe Me was a DNF for me. Two bad twins were too much, but if you like horror this might be a book for you.

[Claire Burge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I...didn't love this. Don't get me wrong, I was hooked from the dedication page:
"For women who die at the hands of men.", things just went downhill from there.

Personally the character development featured far too much animal cruelty and an inundation of brand names (whyyyyyyyyyy must we keep doing this????? it ages books so fast, and there's not a book on earth I need to read "WAP" in) without enough.....character development to really feel much for Amanda, Corinthia, Ben, or anyone else in the story. By the time things really came to a head in the plot, there was so much left in the book I couldn't figure out where the story was going - is it setting up for a sequel, is it a cliff hanger, or is it just run of the mill plot holes, we may never know.

If you liked the "the things I do for love" aspect of GoT, but could do without the blatant twincest, this book might be for you, it just wasn't my cup of tea.


Thanks to Red Hen Press and Goodreads for sending me a free copy to review!

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book until the end. The first chapter was difficult to get through with disturbing content, but after that I was fine. Maybe I am in the minority, but I did not understand the end at all and it left me confused. Wish someone could explain it to me lol.

[Julie]

DNF. This is a psychological thriller. Corinthia and Ben are twins who had a horrific childhood. I do like psychological thrillers usually. This was just too disturbing for my taste.

[Carson Schulte · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book was simply odd….. grotesque and odd.. the pacing was weird, i had no buy-in to the characters, also the expert witness mixed up cognitive distortion with cognitive dissonance and psychopathy with psychosis, can not stand behind so many choices made in this book… strange stuff

[Shan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Red Hen for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure, I almost stopped reading this after the first few chapters. There should really be trigger warnings clearly stated at the beginning. I am really NOT an advocate for trigger warnings but this one definitely needed it. Animal cruelty is one thing I have the hardest time stomaching. This book had A TON. Yuck!
Once I got past the icky beginning, the pace was good and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved the constant twists. For a debut, it was decent but could use some rewriting with the clunky dialog at certain points.
I would be hesitant to recommend this book unless you are a diehard gore fan... I usually can read ANYTHING but this was too much for me.

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually read things so disturbing. My mysteries usually include a sprinkle of murder, homicides that fade to black. So every few pages it took a lot of convincing myself to continue, but continue I did, until the very end.

My initial thoughts are: What the hell did I just read? I was so overwhelmingly uncomfortable reading this whole book, and yet, I couldn’t stop reading. The writing was so good. The story came with so many twists and turns I didn’t see coming, and it left me wanting more. Hats off, I can’t say I’ll go seeking more of these stories out but it did not leave me disappointed.

[Justinstaysreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh this book gives me chills and an uncomfortable crawling feeling all through my skin. The entire premise felt so disgustingly disturbing. This took me a few days to finish despite the length.

[Meghanhope · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up because it did keep me captivated and I flew through this read! At first I didnt know if I should read on because it was rather graphic and it had an inappropriate feel. Dont worry it doesn't get graphic in that way. But the story telling and the trial scenes had me fixated. The author did the research. With that said, my only complaint was the ending, it was rather abrupt and very lackluster. I was left wanting so much more! But great concept overall, and well written.

Thank you NetGallery for the opportunity to read this copy.

[R J Mckay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.

Ben and his twin sister Corinthia never had in easy childhood, but it really turned tragic when the witnessed their father kill someone. That event went on to color the rest of their lives. Ben channeled his life toward abducting women, and Corinthia had to clean up his messes, usually by killing the victims. But one day they abducted the wrong girl. And then things started to go horribly wrong for them.

This pulse pounding story will have you turning back pages to see what you missed. It’s engrossing. It’s compelling. It’s just a little bit scary. It’s ‘oh my gosh’ riveting.

[Habiba Khalid · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nyc read. i read it in 3 sittings while i was skipping pages of 1st half of the book. i really like the 2nd half and the 3rd part. i like the cross examination and the courtroom drama. overall, it was a good read. What i don't like is the last few pages of the book for me that were unnecessary details and changed the mod of the book.

[Monique Rosenbaum · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last 100 pages of the book was the best. I figured out a little before what was going on and found that it made the story better once you got it. Could do without a couple things the author liked to throw in now and again so I took a star off for that. It is very violent and descriptive so sensitive readers might want to skip this serial killer themed book.

[Krista Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked immediately from the beginning of this book. Those twins, Ben and Corinthia are diabolical! But I don’t think I’ve ever shouted at a character as much as I shouted at Amanda!! Like girl 🙄😒 That court scene was well laid out. I felt as if I was there inside the courtroom. The only reason I knocked a star off was bc I’m confused on what Amanda’s plans are.

[Tisa Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the twins were little, they went through some crazy stuff. As time passed, their family's drama just kept getting wilder. It's like this intense game of cat and mouse that totally kept me hooked. I couldn't believe how wild the whole thing was!

[TheLisaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete mind boggling story about twins who are also murders that grew up in a very rough upbringing which could have lead to them being who they are. As I read it I felt like I totally knew what to expect and then the twist hit and I was completely shocked. Not only did the twist get me but it doesn’t stop there.

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Darkly Compelling with a Sharp Edge |

Now You Owe Me by Aliah Write is one wild ride. This debut novel plunges headfirst into a dark, gritty world of secrets, debts, and complicated relationships. If you like your thrillers with a side of twisted morality, this one's for you.

The writing is sharp, the tension is real, and the characters? Let's just say they have more layers than an onion at a French bistro.

Every turn of the page left me wondering who was playing who-and whether anyone would walk away unscathed. Spoiler: most don't.

That said, Trigger Warnings: Prepare for some graphic violence, heavy psychological manipulation, and moments that might make you pause mid-page and stare into the distance. There's some seriously dark material here, including abuse, toxic dynamics, and more than a little blood. If you're squeamish, maybe keep the lights on.

Overall, this is a gripping debut that will leave you questioning whether anyone really wins when the stakes are this high. Just don't expect to come out of it with your faith in humanity fully intact! 🔪🖤

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Now You Owe Me by Aliah Wright

Aliah Wright delivers a chilling and unrelenting psychological thriller with Now You Owe Me. The story dives deep into the twisted minds of Ben and Corinthia, twins bound by a shared trauma and a dark, murderous pact. From the first page, Wright masterfully sets a tense and haunting atmosphere, drawing readers into the sinister world of two siblings who have spent years preying on unsuspecting victims.

The narrative's sharp focus on the twins’ inner turmoil and fractured moral compass is both disturbing and captivating. Ben and Corinthia's childhood trauma, witnessing a murder at just seven years old, becomes the catalyst for their descent into depravity. However, their plans take a dramatic turn when they abduct the wrong woman, unleashing a gripping sequence of events that keeps readers guessing until the final twist.

Wright’s writing is crisp and visceral, with vivid descriptions that evoke a sense of dread. The characters are complex, particularly the twins, whose guilt and humanity struggle to surface beneath their dark deeds. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter peeling back layers of suspense, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Now You Owe Me is not for the faint of heart, but for fans of dark thrillers and psychological depth, it’s a must-read. Aliah Wright has crafted a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page, a haunting exploration of trauma, guilt, and the terrifying consequences of making the wrong choice.

[Amy V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written thriller with enough twists to keep me entertained!

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★.5

Thank you, NetGalley, Aliah Wright, and Red Hen Press, for providing an early copy of ‘Now You Owe Me’ in exchange for an unbiased review.

What a fantastic debut novel! It is challenging to discuss the plot without giving too much away, but here we go…

Ben and Corinthia are twins who endured a very difficult childhood growing up in rural Pennsylvania. At just 7 years old, they witnessed a murder. With neglectful parents who could not manage their own lives, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, the twins were propelled into becoming serial killers. When their killing spree draws too much attention from both the media and law enforcement, they vow to stop—but not before taking one final victim. On Halloween night, they plan to kidnap their last target, but the abduction does not go as planned, and they soon realize they have gotten more than they bargained for.

Plot twist after unexpected plot twist kept me glued to the pages—chapter 21 had me gasping out loud!

Aliah Wright masterfully weaves together heavy themes, delivering a story that is both spine-chilling and heartbreaking. The disturbing events of Ben and Corinthia’s childhood, the neglect and psychological torment they endured, and the adults who failed them again and again are all portrayed with haunting realism.

I am looking forward to many more novels from Aliah Wright!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book so fast, it was hard to put down!! Just when you thought you'd figured out what was going on, there was another twist! I really wish that the story had continued on further! Maybe there will be a 2nd!

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had so many twists and turns and I didn’t want to put it down. The descriptions can be graphic, so take that into account. But the only thing this book was lacking for me is that I didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait until Aliah Wright writes more books!

[Bessie Bynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this thriller!! It had me sitting on the edge, I couldn’t stop wandering what was happening next. The twins became my family.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Twins Corinthia and Ben embrace the dark side. The story mainly takes place in rural Pennsylvania near a University. This book has twists and turns that I never saw coming! This is a compelling debut novel and I look forward to reading more from Aliah Wright.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book was such a ride! Check the trigger warnings below as it was pretty graphic at times. Benji and Corinthia are twins that live in a rural area of Pennsylvania. Their parents are abusive, neglectful, and unsavory types. At only 7 years old, the twins witness a murder. This triggers something in them, and they eventually become violent. The story follows their childhood and early adulthood. They are responsible for the kidnapping and murdering of several college coeds.

I liked how the story gets into the why of their behavior. How patterns are set in childhood that they don't feel like they can escape. The story is heartbreaking, upsetting, and shocking. I was immediately engrossed in their story and very surprised by the twists it took. The story changes focus as we meet a new character and learn how she fits into the plot. The book is pretty fast-paced and gripping, so readers will want to know what's going to happen next. I do wish it went on a little longer as there as some loose ends that aren't quite resolved. Highly recommend for those who enjoy thrillers and aren't squeamish!

Trigger warnings: child abuse and neglect, sexual assault, graphic violence, manipulation, etc.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.