The summary sounded interesting, and I was looking forward to reading this. However, it totally missed the mark. The writing is clunky, which makes it virtually impossible to get engaged in the story, let alone stay there. Dialogue is overly wordy and stiff. Plot points and characters aren't fully fleshed out. The potential is there, but it just didn't deliver. It could've benefitted from a much tighter edit. Perhaps that will be done and the story will be re-released in the future. It will likely find an audience with the author's podcast audience.

4.5 stars

This is an amazing debut novel! It’s so nice to read characters that are relatable. The female lead while tough, is also sensitive (not in an “I need saving” kind of way), like real emotions. The male characters were normal and not all macho and super hunky, like normal men (with the exception of the bad guy). The killer was demented and scary. This is exactly what I expected from Alaina (a favorite podcaster). She knows her sh*t, and you can tell. I know there is a second book coming, and I cannot wait!

Thank you Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

I think this was a good first book. The author provided a wealth of knowledge in the medical examiner realm. I have been looking for a book like this to learn more about the death process while being entertained with a mystery. I found our main character, Wren, charming and quick as a whip. I really enjoyed her relationship with John, the detective.

I found the serial killer, Jeremy, interesting and haunting. I found the author took bits and pieces from famous serial killers and created this ass-wipe of a serial killer. I do like that the author did not glorify Jeremy as this evil genius but as this "smart" dumbass. I'm glad we got to see how he messed up his own schemes and that he wasn't smart beyond reality as a lot of authors write their killers.

I found the location as New Orleans to be a great choice as a setting. And I think that the author made New Orleans a sort of character in itself as it aided the killer in a lot of instances. I have never personally been to New Orleans but this was how I would imagine it.

My qualms with the novel would have to be that I wanted more depth for the main characters. I wanted deeper feelings from Wren and her reactions to this trauma that happened to her. I want to just know more of how she had to start over and how she continued to live for 7 years knowing the Bayou Butcher was free. I wanted a greater revelation that Jeremy had been stalking her with the discovery of the ring.

I also wanted John to have more of a backstory and see deeper into his role as a detective and how he slept at night seeing all the things he had seen.

Also, I was going to rate this a four stars out of five until the ending. It felt out of nowhere and in the middle of a scene. It was extremely disappointing to learn that that was how it ended and I'm assuming there will be a second novel because it felt so unfinished. Even with letting Jeremy still be free and not caught, they could of wrapped it up a little bit tighter to show it was the end. I had to double check my copy to make sure that there weren't pages missing. That was how random it felt.

Overall, this felt like a cozy medical examiner mystery. I am not sure this was the intent and I say cozy only for the lack of rounded characters and loose ending. I know that is not everyone's cup of tea but I still enjoyed it. I just wanted more from it. I can't wait to see what Alaina comes out with next. I'm a devoted Morbid fan and can't wait to see how Alaina grows as an author.

Right off the bat, after reading the premise and knowing that the author was from a podcast that I have listened to, I wanted to read this book. This book is told from alternating perspective, the butcher (the serial killer) and the Wren (the medical examiner), which includes a twist that I enjoyed. Some of the descriptions of the actions of the butcher were so great that it made me cringe! The ending was great, and it was left open ended so that there could be another book! If there is, I will read it.

There were some issues though. Some of the writing seemed a bit juvenile. Additionally, the flow of the book needed some extra work in some places. There was an instance where Wren was at home, and then the next sentence she was swiping into work, but there was no transitional sentence such as she left her house to get to work. The other thing that really bothered me is how realistic it is for a medical examiner to be THAT involved in a case from the outset, other than doing what is supposed to be their job.

Overall, 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I would recommend this book to those that like to read a fast, easy to read, enjoyable thriller.

This was very middle-ground for me. The writing was okay. The story piqued my interest enough to finish it. I felt like the ending came too soon and there was more development that needed to happen, but it was a great debut and I hope she writes more of them. The book does a good job setting up the environment… but its lacklustre feel the author was re spinning the wheel pretty predictable story line.

I’m an avid listener of the Morbid podcast, so when I heard Alaina was writing a book I was SO EXCITED!

I loved that this one had dual perspectives, and I loved how the two perspectives came together.

It was fast paced and enjoyable to read, I’d recommend it if you’re a fan of true crime/Criminal Minds type of books/shows or are just fascinated by serial killers. Thank you to the publisher, Alaina, and Netgalley for this ARC!

This book follows a serial killer named the butcher and Wren a medical examiner. The book is very fast paced and you learn about the butcher through him and his victims through Wren. There is a plot twist that you do not expect! I was very excited to read this book because I am a big fan of the morbid podcast! I was not very thrilled with the ending though but maybe it was left like that for the possibility of another book?

This review is very short and simple because I do not want to give away any of the story! Overall I enjoyed reading this book!

Thank you to Zando Projects & the NetGalley for a ARC of this book to read!

I want to do 2.5 Stars, so I'm rounding up to 3.

The Butcher and the Wren is a narrated by Wren, a medical examiner and a serial killer named "The Butcher". I really love the Morbid Podcast and Alaina, so I really don't want to get too negative with this review. This felt incredibly mediocre. I don't think it's a bad first novel, to be honest. It's what I expect out of most thrillers. It's a familiar story with familiar characters. The writing is okay, but a little inexperienced feeling. It was incredibly easy to read and I did enjoy reading it in a couple sittings. I didn't really care for the twist or the ending of the book. Both felt a little rushed to me. I with there was more depth for Wren as a character.

Overall, pretty mediocre with no real surprises. I don't regret it, but I don't know if I would recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for the chance to review this ARC! And to Alaina for being Alaina. I still think she's cool.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my impartial review.

A Psychological thriller that takes you in the mind of the killer, and the ME who desperately wants him caught. The Louisiana bayou holds many deadly creatures, including a killer who is set on taunting authorities and making no mistakes. However, Wren Muller is on the case and she has yet to fail at solving a case. As their stories intertwine however, Wren must face the demons of her past or else she will let down those who can no longer speak that lay on her table in the morgue.

Urquhart expertly weaves descriptions with facts that only someone with her background and training could provide. Her detailed approach to this novel keeps you on your toes. While there were spots where I was a bit confused, once I reached the ending it all came together seamlessly.

If you enjoy thrillers that have twists you didn't see coming, this one is for you! It started off a little slower, but once I got a couple chapters in I couldn't stop reading!

The Butcher and the Wren | Alaina Urquhart

Thoughts | First, Alaina wrote a book!!!! If you don’t know Alaina (and her co-host Ash) that means you are not listening to Morbid Podcast. And I promise, if you are true crime junkie, you need to head over and listen NOW.

Second, I saw that Netgalley had approved me for this ARC, I started reading. And I didn’t stop.
At 256 pages with short chapters, it is very fast paced and I read it in a few hours. It kept my head spinning in a good way with a few surprises.
Go pre-order this now! I can’t wait to get the hard copy to add to my collection.

Trigger Warnings | Torture, murder, stalking

*** Thank you to Netgalley, Alaina Urquhart, and Zando Publishing for gifting me an Advanced Readers Copy in return for an honest review.

Where to begin? I suppose its best to say that I wanted so badly to love this book. Alaina is a very talented woman, her podcast is amazing and you can tell she puts so much heart into it. The concept for this book is interesting, as is the dueling narratives of killer and ME. However it all falls apart so quickly. The most basic part of any novel is fleshing out the main characters. There are no descriptions of people. The title character Wren is a complete blank slate till near the end we learn her hair color. There is no chance to connect with people in the story. It's as if half the book is missing. We begin with the killer already at large, committing pretty basic "bayou murderer" stuff. From the first page it felt like things were missing which only got worse as the book carried on. If only we'd gotten to see the beginning of the hunt for the killer rather than be plopped into the near end of the chase and still expected to care about what's happening.

There is no tension between killer and those that chase him, everything happens too easily. Nothing feels earned. It all feels so bland and overdone. I've seen every aspect of this book done a million times and done better which is so disappointing because as I stated before, normally I'm a huge fan of this author's other work. There wasn't even a real ending the book just stopped. It was so choppy and awkward, I actually had to check and make sure something wasn't wrong with the ARC download.

Overall It's a decent rough draft but with some heavy lifting from an editor this could be a good, albeit uninspired novel.

Morbid fans know we’ve been waiting for this for a MINUTE. I literally screamed when I got the ARC!! I just knew Alaina’s voice would come through heavy in this book and it did. I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next.

Wren is a medical examiner and is helping with the investigation of a series of murders. When the murders start resembling some from years ago, things get personal and Wren starts connecting the dots. I absolutely loved the way this book was written! Getting chapters from both Wren's point of view and the killers point of view made things much more tense, and it was amazing to see how the connections were made. Thrillers can be very predictable, but honestly I was kept guessing until the end of the book, and there were so many twists that I never saw coming! I absolutely need more books about Wren!

I am familiar with the author and her podcast, Morbid and knew she had been writing this for quite a while but has never stepped foot in New Orleans. Still, I think I was able to go in with a pretty open mind. My thoughts:

It's a very fast read and it's short. I wish more time had been spent on character development. Other than the color of the Butcher's hair, I don't think we even learn any physical characteristics of the main character's. Wren is married but I totally forgot until towards the end when he briefly appears again. Less time on other, real-life serial killers would have been better as well.

Some scenes were choppy, is the best way I can describe it. For instance, a car comes to a stop with 2 people in it, there's never any mention of the driver getting out but the next thing they are outside opening the passenger door. Someone throws a spoon in frustration but where did the spoon come from? I would re-read parts thinking I overlooked something.

Regarding the NOLA setting, it was the basics of hot & humid, swamps & bayous, a tarot reading, some street names and a famous cemetery. And no POC in New Orleans? At least, I don't think so due to no physical character descriptions.

The writing has some cliched moments (ex. like a moth to a flame) and moments that were far-fetched; but there are several moments where she has some very nice, vivid phrases (the ground stained like old coffee straight from the pot.) I see a pretty good writer in those moments.
But, annoyingly, every women giggles at some point.

The twist itself was good! I never saw it coming and is a big part of why I gave the 2nd star.
I was having trouble keeping the victims straight in Wren's part of the story as most of them they didn't refer to by name, but this could have been me just having trouble.

The ending was confusing and suggests a sequel but there really should have been an answer given to the most confusing aspect

i was beyond excited to dive into this one and it did not disappoint! to be honest, i think many of the reviews already posted are a little harsh. the only fault i found with it was that the timeline was a little bit confusing at times.

that being said, i absolutely devoured this. it’s short, but it still captures the reader with the suspenseful twists and turns. AND it ends on a major cliff hanger!

alaina’s research and knowledge keeps the story line super realistic, without making it read like nonfiction. it’s a book that will teach you some fun facts about death and decay without taking away from the plot.

every emotion wren feels is easily transferred to the reader and she is a reliable and likable protagonist. jeremy on the other hand…do not even get me started on the RAGE that consumed me during his chapters. i don’t typically consider myself an emotional reader but boy did this book stir up anger, fear, joy, and defeat.

i admit, i want to be best friends with alaina (and ash) and would probably read her grocery lists if asked lol. so maybe i’m a LITTLE biased of a reviewer. but i promise you all, if you need an escape from the horrors of real life for a few hours and want to get lost in fictional horror instead…this is the book for you!

A solid 3 stars. It was a very quick and easy read (took me a day). I would describe it as an R-rated movie for YA. Lots of gory details and scientific explanations but it almost read like a YA novel.

The dialogue was clunky and there was a lot of telling, not showing. The editing left much to be desired and every now and then I came across a sentence that just didn’t read well. There were quite a few spelling errors and repeated words. I’m no grammar connoisseur, but it was noticeable to me. The novel was fast-paced and easy to follow, aside from a few medical references.

If this were fleshed out a bit more and had the dialogue smoothed out I would definitely bump it up to 4 stars. And it is perfectly left open for a sequel, which I wouldn’t be opposed to reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Zando Projects for the copy of The Butcher And the Wren. The writing was hypnotic and drew me into the story. At first it was jarring having the POV change every chapter, but I soon got used to it and I thought it was effective in adding to the tension. This seemed like a standard serial killer book until the timeline was disclosed and then the book was a stunner.
The book has graphic scenes, so be prepared!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

This was just OK. It was a nice cat and mouse game with a little mystery thrown in. I did like one of the twists. I can’t say I am a fan of the ending though. It was abrupt and nonsensical. A clear plea for a sequel that I’m not sure I want or will read.

I really liked how this was told from two different perspectives: a serial killer and a medical examiner. I also enjoyed the setting of the Louisiana bayou, and the way the author described it, it felt like I was there in the muggy, humidity also. I found this to be a very fast paced read, but at times it did feel kind of choppy. The ending was also a bit abrupt,. Overall, this was an interesting suspenseful read.

Interesting (if derivative) plot about a serial killer and the medical examiner investigating his crimes. There's a fun twist, but the writing was clunky and the backstories of the characters weren't fully fleshed out. There was a lot of potential here, and the ending was left wide open for a sequel, so I'm hoping the second book has a little more polish and depth.