I am a fan of the Morbid podcast, and I loved the first book in the series. This one was an instant need to read, after finishing the first one. This one takes place where the first left off, and kept me reading until the very end.

The book we’ve all been waiting for! The first one left us with so many questions and such a cliffhanger so I ran to read this as soon as possible. I’d recommend reading them back to back if you can.

If you loved the first book, you’ll love this one as it’s more of the same! Cat and mouse game between Wren and Jeremy but who will win this time and will there be causalities?

I was excited to see that there was a second book written after I finished The Butcher and the Wren. This book also gives the point of view from Wren and Jeremy. It was another quick read. I wish that it would have progressed into a trilogy instead of wrapping up. It still could be a trilogy, but it would go in a different direction. Overall, it was a good book. I’d give it a 4.5.

Thank you Zando Projects for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Butcher Game by Alaina Urquhart is a thrilling sequel that delves deep into the intense cat-and-mouse chase between forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller and the ruthless serial killer Jeremy Rose, the Bayou Butcher. While the book starts off a bit slow and maybe could have been a bit shorter, the dual perspectives from Wren and Jeremy create a fascinating and suspenseful narrative. During Jeremy’s perspective we did get quite a bit of information into his past. The final 30% of the novel is an absolute page-turner, with twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages and led to a shocking conclusion. This installment builds on the strength of the first book, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.

Thank you to the author, Alaina Urquhart, Netgalley and the publisher, Zando for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

After the first book I knew I wanted to dive back into Wren’s world of terror and murder. It was full of cool twists and turns, yet the focus on Jeremy was what really drew me into this sequel.

Alaina is such a good writer and, with her background in autopsy’s and true crime you know you’re going to get an all round epic thriller. However, because I’ve listened to Morbid for so long I couldn’t help but feel the references were too close to Alaina and her world. I understand that authors are told to write what they know but this felt more like I was reading about Alaina (this might literally be because I listen to Morbid daily). This book definitely branched out a little more, and the references weren’t as much on the forefront as they were in the first book so I found that I could enjoy the story way more.

Wren is a well developed character and we see her overcome many fears and obstacles throughout this book. Jeremy too we see develop as a character, he becomes reckless and even more terrifying. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Last week, I had the pleasure of reading both of these books back to back. The stories were captivating and unsettling, with a dark and sinister atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat. The dual perspective narrative allowed me to delve into the minds of both the merciless killer and the tenacious medical examiner determined to bring them to justice. The dual timelines were seamlessly intertwined, and had no confusion on my part. Although some may find certain scenes to be more graphic than expected, I found the darker themes explored in this thriller to be thoroughly engaging. 😈

This reminds me of an adult audience version of Holly Jackson's As Good As Dead with its exploration of trauma around "true crime" exploration. Readers will benefit from the context of the first book, but it would also be okay for readers to read this as a standalone.

Book one was a quick read, I believe I have it 3 stars. I couldn't get into this one for some reason. I don't think it's the book itself so I don't feel comfortable sharing my thoughts, I think it's just me being crazy.

I thank you for the ARC and I plan to try again later!

This feels like the middle part of a trilogy. I was impressed with the first book in the series but I am a bit on the fence about this one. The cat and mouse game goes on with some interesting twists and turns

This is a gripping and intense addition to the Dr. Wren Muller series. With a ruthless serial killer on the loose and a forensic pathologist determined to bring him to justice, the story takes readers on a twisted cat-and-mouse game. Filled with true-to-life details, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. While I’m glad there is a sequel to the first book, I think this would have been better if they were combined. 3.5 rounded to 4.

Review for the butcher game

This is book 2 in the book series the butcher and the wren. Judging by the ending I assume it’s book 2 of at least 3.

When it comes to most trilogies while each book has its own beginning middle and end, when you look at the set they are as a whole a beginning middle and end. However this book seemed to only be a middle while not having its own stand alone beginning and end. There was a climax in this book for sure but no finality in my opinion and the beginning - middle was just over flow from book one. Instead of having the normal flow of a book it felt like all filler or connective information. I feel like if the book had its own beginning and end in a more stable way it would have been better. Wrens story line was almost completely unnecessary until the last 15% of the book she didn’t need her own chapters. She could have just had shortened summaries with what was there at the end of each normal chapter OR her story needed more. The butchers storyline was well flushed out giving more back story and answering some questions from book one.

Over all this just wasn’t a hit run for me I probably would have DNF if I didn’t have to review it. However book three hold the power now. It’s either going to make or break this series. We’ll see what happens next.

I was excited to read this after having read The Butcher and the Wren. This is just as excellent as book one with another intense plot and intriguing characters. The main POVs being the killer and the ME makes this series unique and the sarcastic humor is a perfect way to lighten the macabre subject. I flew through it in just a few hours! Looking forward to this series continuing with Wren and John.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received an arc copy and this is my honest review.
I just love Alaina’s personality on her podcast, and her books do not disappoint!

Finally got to jump back in Wren and Jeremy’s heads after that cliffy from the last book.

I love books that make emotions come out in me! I was surprised by twists. I cried at one unexpected moment. I always love it when a good guy and bad guy have to work together.

Overall a great fun thriller… and a tad of horror I’d say!

I cannot wait till the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for the eARC.

I listened to Alaina Urquharts first book in this series and was so excited to receive this ARC. I thought this was a solid sequel and really set up a third book well. It also broke my heart. Im unsure of how to rate it, but I’m going to go with a 4/5.

This book was an incredible sequel to the first book! The characters, just like the first book feel so real and their arcs ars so satisfying to go through with them. As always, I loved the world, and the writing is so lush and atmospheric yet so easy to follow. Alaina Urquhart is an incredibly talented author and it shows through every book she writes.

So excited to get this ARC and be able to read this sequel early! Had no clue where this story would take Wren and Jeremy and had a lot of surprises along the way! Completely shocked by some things that happened!! Can’t wait to see where the next book will go. I always recommend The Butcher and the Wren to anyone I can and I will definitely recommend The Butcher Game too!!

I remember reading the first in this series and while thinking it was clearly a novice effort, the plot and vibes were addictive and so, so dark. Urquhart returns in The Butcher Game, which is creepier because when isn’t it creepier when the villain has escaped! The same dark fears and horrors are alive and well in this sequel, so prepare to be going to sleep with the lights on once more after reading this newest installment.

Another fantastic novel from Alaina! As a long time Morbid listener I was blessed to gain access to this title as a digital arc many thanks to netgalley and Zando for access. Following book one, this is installment too us to another notch on the post. Thrilling, skin crawling and dark. I can't wait to see what happens next. I can assure you'll be kept up at night thinking about this one for days!

If you're into heart-pounding thrillers with a touch of psychological depth, "The Butcher Game" is a must-read sequel that delivers. Building on the tension and intrigue of the first book, it plunges readers back into Dr. Wren's world as she continues her relentless pursuit of the elusive serial killer, Jeremy. What sets this series apart is its skillful use of alternating perspectives, giving readers a multifaceted view of the cat-and-mouse game between Wren and Jeremy. As a fan of the podcast "Morbid" and the first book, diving into this sequel feels like reuniting with old friends while embarking on a new, adrenaline-fueled adventure. So if you're craving a gripping page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat, "The Butcher Game" is the perfect addition to your reading list.

"The Butcher Game" is the second installment of the captivating Dr. Wren Muller series penned by the talented author, Alaina Urquhart. Although I hadn't read the first book, I found myself engrossed in this gripping tale, despite it being a continuation of a story involving the same notorious serial killer. The book is masterfully written, showcasing exemplary character development throughout. Dr. Muller, our beloved protagonist, is on a mission to recover from her harrowing encounter with the infamous Jeremy Rose. However, when Rose resurfaces and embarks on another killing spree, Dr. Muller, along with her loyal friends and partners, spare no effort in their pursuit to apprehend him before tragedy strikes. The narrative is undeniably suspenseful, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat, while a subtle cliffhanger at the conclusion adds an extra layer of anticipation for the forthcoming installment. I eagerly await the release of the next book in this enthralling series.

Thank you to Net Galley and Zando Publishing for the ARC to read and review.