The Butcher is back, and this time, it's personal. Wren and The Butcher are once again locked in a dual pov thriller. This sequel gives a new location, new insight, and new chills.

Urquhart has smashed her sophomore book effort, something terribly tricky to do, and she does so with aplomb. The pacing and atmospheric locales are top notch, and I truly hope we continue to see more books from her.

** A Dark and Twisted Thriller That Falls Just Short**

"The Butcher’s Game" by Alaina Urquhart is a chilling thriller that keeps readers engaged with its gripping premise and unsettling atmosphere. The author’s attention to detail in crafting the crime scenes and psychological depth of the characters is commendable, adding an element of realism that fans of the genre will appreciate.

However, the pacing occasionally lags, and the plot becomes a bit predictable in parts, making it feel less suspenseful than it could have been. The protagonist’s motivations are sometimes unclear, which can make it difficult to fully connect with their journey. Despite these drawbacks, the novel still offers enough tension and twists to keep readers invested until the end.

Overall, "The Butcher’s Game" is a solid read for those who enjoy dark and disturbing thrillers, but it may not stand out in the crowded genre. **Three stars.**

Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for providing my me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in this series and in order to understand this one, The Butcher and the Wren needs to be read first. I was not disappointed in this sequel in the least. Maybe by the way it ends with a to be continued, but you see it coming. The story is definitely ampt up in the best possible way. You can definitely tell the comfort of Alaina bringing the story to her home state as she brings you along. The story's devastation hits you hard at times and leaves you mourning along with the characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

(4.5) Okay Alaina! I really enjoyed book one but I loved this one! The plot was so good, so gripping, and had me shocked. I love the multiple POV, it really elevated the entire experience. Wren is such a layered character and so much happens in this one that I am actually beyond nervous for her in the next one. A lot of what I want to comment on, I can’t because I’d give the entire book away but just know the I looooove what Alaina did with this. Okay except that one thing, I’m mad about that, honestly so rude. I haven’t read a thriller in a while but I’m glad this is the one i picked up to dust off the genre. Not to be greedy but when’s the next one!?

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the early access.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Butcher and Wren, and was ecstatic to discover a sequel was in the works, which prompted me to promptly sign up for an advance review. Fortunately, it exceeded my expectations. Dr. Wren Muller remains a captivating character, and I eagerly anticipate the possibility of a third installment in the near future..

In the second installment of the series, Wren is once again on the hunt for serial killer Jeremy Rose, although she's initially hesitant to get involved following the events of the first book. The story unfolds in new locations, showcasing Rose's unrelenting depravity, with some graphic and disturbing descriptions. Familiar characters from the first book return, and the narrative proves to be a quick and engrossing read, culminating in a surprising twist near the end. This book comes highly recommended, and fans will eagerly await the next installment in the series, which promises to be just as captivating!

I loved the first book in this series, so I was super excited to get approved for this ARC! This book picks up shortly after the first one left off. Wren is on leave, recovering from all she went through in the last book. Jeremy is on the run, leaving a trail of dead bodies along the way. Soon, a game of cat and mouse ensues as Wren decides to go after Jeremy. This book was dark and graphic, and I loved it! The ending gives me hope for a third book!

Thank you, @netgalley and Zando, for the #gifted e-arc!

Wow! Urquhart does it again.

I was nervous about the second book because I enjoyed the first one so much but this did not disappoint. It is a high suspense, cat-and-mouse thriller that continues to follow The Butcher and Dr. Wren. It introduces more characters with connections to the butcher and adds more depth to the Butcher, Jeremy.

This series really is mind-bending because of all the POV switching creating a story that makes it easy to see and feel what the bad guy does and the good guy. It is immensely gripping and fast moving book, that I fully recommend to those that read The Butcher and The Wren. And if you haven't you should pick up the series if you like crime thrillers.

Thank you NetGalley and Zando for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

She has survived this killer twice…

…will this be the time their cat and mouse game ends for good?

Jeremy Rose, a suspected serial killer in Louisiana dubbed, “the Bayou Butcher”, recently avoided capture by the authorities. Dr. Wren Muller is a pathologist with whom Jeremy has been obsessed for years; she survived being captured by him and narrowly avoided dying. Now she has been ordered to take time off from the work that fuels her so that she can heal. She regularly suffers nightmares, reliving the night that Jeremy released her into the wilds behind his home so that he could hunt her. When Wren gets a phone call from an old college friend who is now a member of the Salem, Massachusetts PD with news of a killing there that seems to match Jeremy’s MO, she realizes that the only way she will ever fully recover is to make sure that Jeremy is captured and put behind bars. A former childhood friend of Jeremy’s, Philip Trudeau, now lives in western Massachusetts in the Berkshires and is a pastor at a church there. Is Jeremy headed to reconnect with Philip? Wren makes the difficult decision to travel north with her husband Richard and her New Orleans PD colleague Det John Leroux to confront her fears, and she is determined to bring Jeremy’s trail of terror and death to an end…but even she can’t predict the cost she might have to pay.
The Butcher Game is the second in a series featuring Wren Muller (following The Butcher and the Wren) from one of the cohosts of the true crime podcast Morbid, and is a thriller which pits medical examiner against serial killer in a relationship that has crossed the boundary into personal territory. When she was younger, Wren (then known as Emily) knew Jeremy and was courted by him….he created a persona crafted to appeal to her, and he was successful, a fact which shames her now that she knows what he really is. It has taken years of therapy for her to overcome the damage he did to her then, and now she is newly struggling to hold onto the strength and focus she worked so hard to achieve. The reader also gets a peek behind the curtain at what drives Jeremy, his skill at manipulation and how he plans his attacks to maximize the pleasure he feels in terrorizing and killing his victims. Readers of Heather Graham, James Patterson, and Lisa Jackson will enjoy this briskly paced thriller, the finale of which suggests that this series is far from over. Many thanks to NetGalley and Zando for allowing me early access to this unsettling tale of obsession.

Thank you to Netgalley and Zando for the opportunity to read and review The Butcher Game by Alaina Urquhart. All opinions are my own.

I read The Butcher and Wren and loved it. Was then thrilled to find out there would be another in the series, and quickly signed up to review it. I was not disappointed at all. I love the character of Dr. Wren Muller and without giving any spoilers away my hope is there will be a book three in the near future.

Just like the first book in the series Wren is fighting to take down the serial killer, Jeremy Rose. Only this time she is reluctant to get involved again after the ending of the first book. Book two takes us to new locations where Rose exhibits his depravity with no slowing down. Some parts are gross and very depictive. All our favorite characters from the first book return. This was an incredibly quick read for me, and I couldn't wait to find out how it would end. Definitely look out for the twist near the end. I highly recommend this one to just about everyone. Can't wait to find out if there will be more in the series, which I will then devour. The Butcher Game is now available at all major book retailers. Happy Reading!!

I just finished The Butcher Game by Alaina Urquhart in 24 hours by switching between the audiobook and physical book. It is such a creepy sequel to The Butcher And The Wren. The setting has changed from New Orleans to the Berkshires, but Dr. Wren Muller is still on the hunt to take down The Bayou Butcher serial killer, Jeremy Rose. Like the first book, this story is full of twists and you will not want to put it down.

The audiobook is well narrated and I loved how there is a discussion about the book at the end between the two Morbid cohosts.

I highly recommend this book and series if you love reading crime fiction from a forensic pathologist point of view.

(This same review was shared on the Barnes & Noble website)

If you like gory dual pov thrillers that one pov is the mind of a killer and the other is the mind of the person trying to catch them this series is for you!

I would recommend reading the first one before this one as you really do need it as this one continues from that first book and wouldn’t make sense without reading the prior book.

This is also a great thriller for cat and mouse if you really love that vibe!

Thank you so much to the publisher for my ARC and gifted audiobook in exchange for my review!

This is the second book in the Dr. Wren Muller series. I was kind of leery on reading the first book because sometimes celebrities/podcasters get book deals on their popularity instead of writing talent. Their name alone will sale books and ratings can be skewed due to super fans giving them undeserved high ratings. Also the last podcaster's fiction book I read was just okay. But one of my best friends suggested the first book to me and I'm happy I listened because I really enjoyed it.

Since it has been 2 years since I read the first and unfortunately didn't take notes, I ended up listening to the audiobook for a refresh on the minuscule details. ***Spoilers ahead from first book (probably unnecessary since you should read the first before the second). Recap: Seven years ago, Wren was one of Jeremy's victims and the only one to escape. They were in med school together. He leaves clues for her during his current killing spree. Wren & the cops eventually find his house but he fakes his death and is now on the run.***

The new book picks up where the last ended, Jeremy is on the run from the police. There is a multistate manhunt. Some believe he may have died due to his injuries but Wren and Leroux can't be convinced. We learn more about Jeremy's past and how his very first murder went down.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. Thank you Netgalley & the publisher.

The Butcher Game describes how Jeremy's mind works when he realizes he is mad and needs to kill someone to feel better. It also details how he finds pleasure in watching people suffer, he has a deeply troubled and sadistic mind. Wren and Leroux will follow every crumb and lead to find Jeremy, they'll have to face a Police force that does not want them there to help but they'll not stop. What I did not expect was the end of The Butcher Game which leaves an open door for the next book (which I hope will be released soon!).
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

***Thank you Netgalley and Zando for an ARC copy of the second book in the Dr. Wren series.***

First absolutely need to preface that you HAVE to read the first book in the series before reading this one. Heck, I did a year ago and I had to go back to the first book and use the search feature to remember certain things.

The book grabbed me from the beginning but after about 60% through it started slowing down for me and the details became drawn out. I loved the 2 POV’s between Wren and the killer but disliked certain outcomes near the last 20%. I was wanting more to the storyline and expecting different conclusions or drama that never happened which I felt would have made the book more intense. All and all a great addition to the series and will absolutely read the next or honestly anything Alaina writes!

Warning there is a cliffhanger ending!

After the way the first book of the series ended, I was thrilled to see a sequel. In my opinion, this one was even better than the first book. I was glued to the page from start to finish. I love Wren Muller as a character, and her determination to keep hunting Jeremy Rose despite being on medical leave is awesome. If you like scary thrillers then this is definitely the book for you.

I have a confession. I only read the first book in this series (The Butcher and the Wren) because it was set in New Orleans as I was planning a trip there and I like to read about places I’m going. Well… I got this one thinking it would be set in the same place, but the series isn’t in New Orleans anymore!

But guess what? I went to Salem just two years ago! So, this was PERFECT. 😁 I loved how I could see places (like the cemetery) as it was in the book. And the history? Well, I teach about the witch trials, so this was extra fun!

The setting definitely adds to the suspense here. I love the cat and mouse thing that Wren and Jeremy have going. I think my favorite thing about it is that we get both of their perspectives throughout the story.

This is a page-turner and a winner, for sure! 4.5 stars.

What a great second book. Picked up right where the first left off! I was very impressed with this book as much as I was with the first one! I can not wait to see what she comes up with next!!

4.25 stars

Such a great follow up to book 1! I highly anticipated this one as the first book had me captivated. I love Wren Muller's character. Her job, her knowledge, her GRIT - she is so fun to follow through these action-packed dilemmas she finds herself in.
As with the first book I do wish it was written in 1st person - or at least chapter headings to distinguish who's side of the story the reader is getting in that chapter.
Overall it was a great read that had me turning pages rapidly to find out what happened next

I was so disappointed by the first book in this series that I almost skipped this but I am glad I didn't because the sequel delivers!

ME Wren Muller and serial killer Jeremy Rose are back in a deadly game of cat and mouse -- he is on the run and she is reeling from the damage their last encounter brought. Many have written Jeremy Rose off as dead but Wren knows he is alive and will be back to his lethal ways soon. The chase brings them to Massachusetts, where Jeremy is trying to lure her into one final trap. Wren will have to locate him and convince the local PD to let her help with their investigation before she and those she cares about are put in danger yet again.

Their dual POVs are shocking as they are gruesome and really bring something unique to this storyline. The character development that was missing in the short first book came through strong in this one and left me wanting more!

Loved. It.

Reading notes 📝

• Killer POV 🔪
• Good pacing
• Hateable antagonist
• The right amounts of light and dark
• Cat & Mouse 🐁
• Victims to care about
• Protagonist to root for
• Packed Toothbrush 🪥 (this serial killer is special like that)
• Charlie 💔

Fantastic.