Thank you net galley and the publisher for this arc I was excited to get this one. I bought the first book and thought it was ok this one was much better. I enjoyed Jeremys chapters much more then wrens most of the book . I enjoyed most of the book except for the way it ended I just wanted a little more but overall I would purchase and recommend this book. I listen to the podcast when I can and Alaina is a great writer I hope we continue to get more books from her.

I loved The Butcher and the Wren, and absolutely loved this sequel as well. Like the last book, we get dual POVs; Wren and the serial killer. I felt this book was fast paced and dark (as a serial killer book ought to be). I also enjoyed the setting in Salem and the book picks up not long after it left off in the last book. Jeremy Rose, the Butcher of the Bayou is back and out for revenge. I absolutely recommend this book if you liked the last one.

The Butcher Game without a doubt is Alaina Urquhart's better book so far. As much as I loved TBATW, The imagery the author created in this made me feel like I was grabbed by the throat and jerked inside the story. I could feel the woods, hear the water sources, and smell the crime scenes. What Alaina does differently that most other authors is that she takes us WITH Jeremy, the killer. We see the absolute depravity as its happening, rather than just Wren and crew finding the aftermath. I care so much about all the good guys here and I was sobbing at the end. I don't know that I will recover from this for awhile. I'll will be anxiously awaiting the announcement of the next book and HAS TO BE COMING.

The Butcher Game, much like The Butcher and the Wren, was a graphic and disturbing serial killer story, and I could not get enough!! In order to fully understand and appreciate this story, I highly recommend reading the first book, otherwise you will miss so much. I started this one thinking that I would read a few chapters before bed, and I ended up finishing the whole thing! It is dark, it is pretty messed up, it will get into your head.

I loved that this picked up shortly after the previous book ended. Wren is trying to recover from the events in that first book, but Jeremy Rose, the Butcher of Bayou is not done with her yet. This time it is personal. The Salem setting was creepy and perfect! It was so interesting to have a point of view from the killer as well as Wren. It was quite emotional and once again, a cliffhanger ending!! agh, bring on book 3 already!! I need more.

Thanks to Zando for my advanced copy of this fantastic sequel. Publishes on September 17th.

Definitely go back and re-read the first one because I needed it! This was everything that was needed for a sequel! Absolutely dark and twisty, but such a fun ride! Can’t wait for the third!!

Jeremy Rose, the Bayou Butcher serial killer has unfinished business with the “one who got away “, Forensic Pathologist Dr. Wren Muller. Jeremy Rose wants Wren to suffer great loss by leaving a trail of murders with suttle clues the point to his technique of torture. Wren answers his call to put an end to his games once and for all.

This book takes place pretty soon after the first book, The Butcher and The Wren. If you read the first book a while ago, I would recommend reading a recap summary to jog your memory as there is not much of a recap in the first few chapters.

While this book isn’t as much of a cat and mouse thriller, it was very entertaining. I felt like it was a little long at parts but the last 15% had my heart racing. This book sets up for a third book in the series. If you liked the first book, I think you’ll like this one.

This book is graphic and I would recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Projects for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6667375999

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Well, there is a lot to unpack here so let's just dive right in.
I'm assuming there will be another book because damn- the ending!!
I have to say I really enjoy reading dual POV books and this whole cat and mouse thing that Jeremy and Wren have going on is so interesting to watch it unfurl. It's fascinating being in his brain- even if he is profoundly evil.
This book had been holding onto my seat for dear life, especially knowing what the butcher is doing and watching Wren fall upon his carefully laid plans was a thrilling torture.
I liked that we saw some more character development and learned a bit more about characters that were introduced in this book.
For anyone who enjoys a good gruesome read you will find it here, Urquhart makes sure to spare no detail when it comes to describing the murders and makes sure to place you in the setting as much as possible.
For any fans of horror and thrillers I think this is the perfect read for you!

Dr. Wren Muller is back!! Alaina Urquhart’s first book, The Butcher and the Wren, left me on the edge of my seat. The Butcher Game was everything I could’ve wanted in a sequel, and more!

The Butcher Game unfolds with perspectives from both Jeremy and Wren. Wren, still reeling from her encounter with Jeremy, struggles to accept the fact that he’s still out there as a free man. As time goes on, Wren becomes more and more sure that Jeremy is out there, still tormenting and killing people.

The suspense is at an all time high as the two finally come head to head in a cat-and-mouse game, resulting in a shocking ending.

The Butcher Game comes out on September 17, 2024. Thank you to @netgalley, @zandoprojects and Alaina Urquhart for this ARC.

I patiently impatiently waited for this ARC to come out. I devoured The Butcher And The Wren and KNEW this was going to be incredible and folks...it was so good and did not dissapoint. This is book 2 and reading book 1 is a must read before this one, we take off right where we left off with book 1 where we JUST ABOUT but NOT QUITE caught Jeremy.

The book takes off right then and there and it pulls you through SO FAST. We follow forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller and watch Jeremy's obsession with her and her need to stay safe and not fall into his traps again. This is packed with twists, turns and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat flipping page after page. I cannot wait to see what else our author puts out!

Thank you @netgalley , @zando and author for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Dr. Wren Muller returns to continue her search for serial killer, Jeremy Rose. This book started off running and had me grimacing throughout. There was not a slow moment in this book. The violence in the book was dark and at times was
overwhelming. Urquart has created a truly terrifying character, one I am extremely glad is only in the pages of these books.

Thank you to the author and Zando publishing for this ARC.

The butcher game is a captivating thriller that follows Dr Wren Muller in another tense game of cat and mouse with a serial killer. Can she stop him this time or will he get away again?
I really enjoyed this story! Such any easy read and I really loved the two different POV. The ending completely shocked me and I really hope to read more books featuring Wren!!
Thanks to netgalley and Zando published for an advance reader copy of this book!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for this ARC!!!

I am obsessed with Alaina’s writing and plan to purchase this anyways, but was so excited to get to read before. I loved diving into Dr. Muller’s life again. I did not expect the book to end of a cliffhanger though! Do yourself a favor and read this series

4 stars

Great follow up to The Butcher and the Wren
Alaina is growing as an author and it really comes through here. She’s always been a great story teller (I listen to the podcast, have for years now), this just seems like the natural next step.
This is just another edge of your seat unputdownable mystery, Alaina’s experience and expertise in her actual life work really helps her stand apart from other authors.

It’s safe to say no sophomore slump here! This book just seemed a continuation of The Butcher and the Wren, which I absolutely loved and recommend to those who love dark books! This book is so terrifying and realistic and amazing! I love books that put me in real life situations and genuinely scare me! The way the author has two completely different POVs and makes you feel like you’re with each character and truly seeing into their minds is wild! Being inside the head of Jeremy Rose was honestly hard to read at times, but in the best way! Not sure what that says about me 😝 And the strength and courage Dr Wren Muller shows is admirable! I would be terrified after what she went through in the first book, but she is determined to bring Jeremy in and protect others from him. With that being said, I would highly suggest reading the first book, The Butcher and the Wren before picking up this one! And with that wild ending, it seemed maybe this isn’t the last we will see of Wren and Jeremey!!

Thank you, NetGalley for this early copy

I ran to NetGalley after reading the first book and realizing there was a 2nd coming out I had to know what happened. This was a great 2nd book I feel like we are left with just enough curiosity to want to continue but a good amount of closure to be satisfied with the ending. I was obsessed with the story of the first book and loved the way it continued flawlessly into this 2nd one while keeping the perspective of both our FMC and MMC so we got a deep look into both mindsets and thought processes.

WOWZA!!!!! Dark, gripping, tense, pulse pounding and hard to put down, The Butcher Game is a bloody fantastic page turner! It is also the second book in the Dr. Wren Muller series and I highly recommend reading, The Butcher and the Wren prior to reading this book. Would this book work as a stand-alone? Perhaps, but you would be missing so much backstory, the events that led the characters to this book, and fabulous writing. Plus, Alaina Urquhart gives readers a real treat- POV's from both Wren and the Butcher!

I was so excited when I saw that Alaina Urquhart had another book coming in this series. She did not disappoint with this dark, deadly, and thrilling book. Whew! This has some gruesome scenes people so be warned. It also has some brilliant cat-and-mouse scenes that kept me on my toes and with a grin on my face.

Wren is an intelligent, diligent, and courageous medical examiner who is traumatized by events in the first book. The Butcher (Jeremy) is a twisted, clever, diabolical and vicious serial killer. Wren wants justice, but will she get it? You will have to read to find out!

Whew! This book kept me on my toes, and I could not stop turning the pages. I was fully invested in this book from the very beginning. It was hard to put this book down when life got in the way. I loved the plot, the cat-and-mouse, and the introduction of another character with ties to the butcher, who plays an 'interesting' part in this book.

This book is oozing with atmosphere, tension, dread, danger, vivid descriptions, and suspense. It's chilling, graphic, dark, and oh-so-good! Plus, the ending! Man, this book put me through the ringer and left me wanting more. Thankfully, with that ending, there must be another book in the series!!!! I for one, can't wait!

I highly recommended this book series.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publishers, and Alaina Urquhart for an ARC of The Butcher Game. I have been anxiously awaiting this sequel and this fulfilled my expectations and more. This was the sequel we needed of 2024. You can feel Alaina’s heart in this book giving us what we needed and what she’s learned/talked about in Morbid. I am ready for the next book anytime now and don’t know how I’ll be patient until that time comes 😂 I loved that she helped us out by putting little reminders into this book of what happened in the last one going oh yeah! And that it picked up shortly after the first one ended. Alaina’s humor in this book was just the cherry on top as well. Side note: this is a sequel you do have to read The Butcher and the Wren first before reading The Butcher Game. Also can we admire the cover??

Jeremy Rose is the a ruthless killer on his way north to evade his crimes. He seeks coverage with an old friend that he knows will help him. Jeremy keeps his eyes set on Wren, Dr. Muller. She has escaped him twice, but he knows that was the last time. He will do whatever it takes to bring her down. Wren hasn’t recovered from the last attempt the Bayou Butcher tried to kill her. She is now on medical leave trying to heal, but we all know that’s easier said than done. Wren hears about a fresh trail that could only be of Jeremy’s doing and she realizes the only way to actually heal is to see this to the end. Wren makes her way up north to Massachusetts and hopes she doesn’t find herself in another one of Jeremy’s traps. Wren will do whatever it takes to bring Jeremy down and now this is personal.

I happily requested an ARC of The Butcher Game after reading The Butcher and the Wren I love Alaina Urquhart's style and was extremely excited to snag the sequel. Perhaps my favorite part of Alaina's style is the alternating POVs of Wren and the killer. Coupled with a fast-paced plot, I could not put The Butcher Game Down down and am waiting anxiously for Alaina's next book!

A second part to The Butcher and the Wren. I'm glad I read the The Butcher Game because it tied up the storyline nicely. I was a little disappointed by the ending because it left one small part unfinished, which makes me wonder if there will be a third part with a new main villain. I look forward to reading it if there is!

Overall I really enjoyed it, I feel like if you enjoyed the first book, you will love the sequel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭. 𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫. 𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥.

Book two was everything I hoped it would be. I would highly recommend starting with the first installment, THE BUTCHER AND THE WREN, and not read this as a standalone.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller is still recovering from the events in book one; however, Jeremy Rose, the Butcher of the Bayou, isn't quite finished with her yet. Known as the only target who has ever escaped him, he's determined to slink out of the shadows when she least expects it. While on medical leave from her job, she becomes aware of growing evidence that suggests Jeremy has headed north, leaving a trail of freshly mutilated victims in his wake. Feeling the only way to heal her physical and emotional scars is by tracking him down, she heads to Massachusetts. Is she walking into the lair of a monster, or will she finally bring him to justice?

I loved the addition of a character who was important to Jeremy, and while their relationship is tenuous at best, it added an interesting dynamic to the plot. Without giving spoilers, I feel like the author made a bold and shocking choice for the ending (which begs for a third installment) but in my opinion, it was a calculated risk that paid off. I'll let you decide how you feel! Many thanks to NetGalley and Zando Books for this early read. At the time this review was written, this title was slated to release on September 17, 2024.

Morbid and right up my alley! The description that Jeremy uses during his scenes are fantastic. Kept me guessing and brought me closer to the heart of these characters. A great sequel to The Butcher and The Wren.
I can only hope that book 3 is either set decently far in the future and someone picks up where the killer left off OR a childhood look into their upbringings and what lead to this.

Either way I'll be recommending this to anyone looking for a thriller that's easy to get into.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for this ARC!

I was a huge fan of Alaina’s first book and I was so excited for her to continue the Butcher series. I may have liked The Butcher Game more than book one! This book was intense and dark as hell! I read it almost one sitting and finished it in less than 24 hours.

Without spoiling anything, I can definitely say fans of the first book or the Morbid podcast will love The Butcher Game!

It picks up right where the author left us in the previous book and continues with all the gore and the blood too. Wren and Jeremy are now in a cat and mouse game but Jeremy is always ten steps ahead so it was interesting to see how it would all come to an end. Will the end be satisfying? About the end, it leaves us with more questions and now I am more interested in the next book than I was ever with this one. But it wont be a good ending for many readers and even personally I felt divided about it for a while. The setting is now Salem town and we get more of Jeremy's background and his thinking. Wren's constant mulling slowed the pace a bit and it did not add too much to the plot though I understand it was inevitable with the trauma her characters undergoes.

I read the first book and liked it so I was excited to read it this one. I actually liked this one even more than the first one. Alaina has really grown as a writer and I am excited for her to write more books. I definitely think you need to read the first book to really understand this one but I definitely recommend it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Zando for the copy of The Butcher Game by Alaina Urquhart. The first book in this series was so good I couldn’t wait to read this one. It really delivered the scares and chills, so be ready for a hair-raising time. It took a little time to get into Wren’s chapters and her life, but Jeremy’s story was compelling from the start. Be prepared for a lot of blood and gore as you accompany Jeremy on his murderous escapades. If you’re looking for a fast-paced book that will keep you reading until the end, this book is for you! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Alaina did it yet again! I was hooked from the first page and thrown right back into the the Butcher's and Wren's world! I was immediately sucked in from the first page. I absolutely loved The Butcher and The Wren and have been dying for this sequel. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The thrill was there every step of the way and I was so appreciative of that as a huge thriller fan. I will forever read anything that Urquhart writes. Her background and writing skills make for being able to put the perfect thriller books out there.