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.

The Butcher Game by Alaina Urquhart
Publishing Date: September 17, 2024

Thank you to @netgalley and @zandoprojects for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I read The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart last year as I am an avid listener of her podcast Morbid. The first book in the series was interesting, but fell flat for me. That being said I saw the potential for the series.

I went into the Butcher Game hoping to love it, but it also fell flat. I don’t mind a book written in third person, but I felt very disconnected from Wren-the main character whom we were suppose to be rooting for and connected too. The first 30% of the book dragged a bit, and I don’t mind a build up. Unfortunately, the build up felt a little anticlimactic for me. Furthermore, the direction of the story ends up taking doesn’t make sense to me? It just seemed out of nowhere. The next book could tie it all together, but I think I am done with this current series.
That being said I did like parts of. The main characters journey through her trauma and discussing how everyone heals differently, the details for the autopsies and that world was really interesting to read.

Ok. I don’t think I am the best person to review this
So sorry. I read book one before this and it just wasn’t for me I did try to read this one but the writing isn’t for me and I couldn’t really connect with the characters.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5!

This was everything I needed in a sequel after absolutely loving The Butcher and The Wren. Similar to the first book I could not get enough of the alternating POVs between our medical examiner Wren and the viciously twisted serial killer she’s hunting down, and as dark as Jeremy’s mind was to be in - I devoured each of his chapters.

If you loved the Butcher and The Wren, I highly recommend preordering The Butcher’s Game for its release on September 17th. Huge thank you to Netgalley and Zando publishing for my early review copy!

This was fantastic. I really enjoyed reading it and didn’t want to put it down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[REVIEW CROSS-POSTED TO GOODREADS]

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Projects for my advanced digital copy of this book! I was SO thrilled to be able to read the ARC of Alaina Urquhart's first book 'The Butcher and the Wren' in 2022, and exactly as thrilled to be able to read its sequel early as well.

I honestly think I enjoyed this book even more than the first in the series. I feel like Alaina has really grown into Jeremy's character voice especially, and his chapters were particularly strong and entertaining (though horrifying) to read. Alaina's knowledge of anatomy and true crime both shine through to make Jeremy's actions towards his victims feel incredibly visceral. I don't think any other crime writer I've read before has been able to accomplish such a stomach-turning level of realism.

[*****SPOILERS AHEAD*****]

As for Wren's story...I predicted a long way out that she would end up having to work with Jeremy to catch Philip in the next book but I have to say I was absolutely shocked that Richard actually died. I completely expected him to come close and to have permanent physical ramifications, but I did not think for a second that he would actually be written out of the story altogether. So, kudos to Alaina for being able to keep me on my toes, even if I'm not sure I like the route she chose.

I'm very excited to read the next book in the series when we eventually see it!

After reading The Butcher and the Wren, I couldn't wait to read this book. It did not disappoint.
The butcher game follows Dr. Wren and Decitive Leroux on the hunt for Jeremy. Moving from Lousianna to Massachusetts. As their hunt continues we get some of the back story to Phillip.
I enjoyed this sequel, but have to admit it didn't end the way I thought it would. Book #3 coming?!?! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy of The Butcher Game