The Butcher and the Wren: A Novel

Written by Alaina Urquhart

Narrated by Sophie Amoss and Joe Knezevich

From the co-host of chart-topping true crime podcast Morbid, a thrilling debut novel told from the dueling perspectives of a notorious serial killer and the medical examiner following where his trail of victims leads Something dark is lurking in the Louisiana bayou: a methodical killer with a penchant for medical experimentation is hard at work completing his most harrowing crime yet, taunting the authorities who desperately try to catch up. But forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller is the best there is. Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of historical crimes, and years of experience working in the Medical Examiner's office, she's never encountered a case she couldn't solve. Until now. Case after case is piling up on Wren's examination table, and soon she is sucked into an all-consuming cat-and-mouse chase with a brutal murderer getting more brazen by the day. An addictive read with straight-from-the-morgue details only an autopsy technician could provide, The Butcher and the Wren promises to ensnare all who enter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zando
• Release date: Sep 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781666621716

Alaina Urquhart

Alaina Urquhart is the science-loving co-host of the chart-topping show Morbid: A True Crime Podcast. As an autopsy technician by trade, she offers a unique perspective from deep inside the morgue. Alaina hails from Boston, where she lives with her wonderful husband, John, their three amazing daughters, and a ghost puggle named Bailey. She is about 75 percent coffee, and truly believes she and Agent Clarice Starling could be friends. Before writing her first psychological horror novel, she received degrees in criminal justice, psychology, and biology. When she isn't hosting Morbid, she hosts the Parcast original show Crime Countdown, and a horror movie podcast called Scream! Her days are usually spent either recording or eviscerating. The way she sees it, when she hangs up her microphone for the day, it's time to let the dead speak.

Reviews for The Butcher and the Wren

[Debbie Hampshire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it! I read it one day and can’t wait for the next book! I listen to morbid also and both are my favorites ♥️

[Rachel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As a first time author, I wasn’t expecting a lot from this. Well, I was blown away. This book is beautifully written and I enjoyed every moment. Look forward to the next in what I hope to be a series.

[Veronica Segarra · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love it! Waiting on the 2nd part!! Alaina please 2nd part!!!!

[Faith Horton · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I thought this was a great book. But I couldn’t help but to feel it was so similar to an SVU episode.
But all in all- good suspense, an interesting “twist” and over all good story telling.

[maddie · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

*yawn* this book kinda felt like a retelling of Dexter without actually retelling. I don’t dnf books which was unfortunate while reading this

[Caitlin Hamann · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a book that I love to read and reread! So amazing.

[J · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Skip it. It was far from good. The very fact of who the butcher is completely ruins the book because, well, I can't say why or I'll spoil it.

[Tanita Davis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wish it was more, but I really enjoyed it. The ending has you thinking it might be a part two.

[Shay Creech · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the way she painted a picture for me!

[Jenna Silonov · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved this book! I’m a huge Scarpetta fan but this has to be my new favorite medical examiner. I can wait for the next one. As a fan of her podcast I was really interested to see how the book would turn out. She definitely did not disappoint!

[Karla Savard · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Better than Expected
I was a fan of the podcast Morbid. When I found out about this book I had to read. I was blown away! Great story and cadence of the words!

[Hannah Alyss Noe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Full review on my Goodreads! Really enjoyed this book as a fellow werido!

[Wesley Lang · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I wasn’t sure what to expect due to the mixed reviews. I love the podcast Morbid, so this book has been on my list for awhile. I really enjoyed this story. The only downside is that it ended on a big cliffhanger. So now, I must wait for the next book for any conclusion.
I had read on the reviews about issues with grammar, etc. I did listen to this, so I didn’t notice any of these issues. I would recommend, but unless you want to be left with a feeling of needing more, you might wait until the next book is out before reading this one.

[Christine Niemi Watson · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The story could have been so much better….poor character development and the story felt rushed and incomplete.