
The Butcher and the Wren
A Novel
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Narrated by:
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Sophie Amoss
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Joe Knezevich
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Written by:
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Alaina Urquhart
About this listen
From the co-host of chart-topping true crime podcast Morbid, a thrilling debut novel told from the dueling perspectives of a notorious serial killer and the medical examiner following where his trail of victims leads
Something dark is lurking in the Louisiana bayou: a methodical killer with a penchant for medical experimentation is hard at work completing his most harrowing crime yet, taunting the authorities who desperately try to catch up.
But forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller is the best there is. Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of historical crimes, and years of experience working in the Medical Examiner's office, she's never encountered a case she couldn't solve. Until now. Case after case is piling up on Wren's examination table, and soon she is sucked into an all-consuming cat-and-mouse chase with a brutal murderer getting more brazen by the day.
An addictive listen with straight-from-the-morgue details only an autopsy technician could provide, The Butcher and the Wren promises to ensnare all who enter.
©2022 Alaina Urquhart (P)2022 ZandoYou may also enjoy...
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What listeners say about The Butcher and the Wren
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Performance
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- Shannon Shute
- 2022-09-21
Outstanding
I loved it, I devoured it. I was actually shocked that this was Alaina’s first book because of how well it’s written. I can not wait for more, I love the podcast but I’m shocked to say I love this book more! Congratulations Alaina I wish I could reach through my screen and give you a big high five because this book had me holding on for dear life. If you’re on the fence with this book just get it and make sure you have time to spare because you won’t be able to put it down.
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- Anonymous User
- 2022-09-26
Couldn't stop listening!
Really good story, moves well and keeps you intrigued throughout. my only complaint is that I wish it was longer.
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- Charity Weber
- 2023-01-24
Soooo good!
This book was everything I hoped it would be! As a big fan of Alaina and Ash’s podcast Morbid it felt so familiar! Alaina is a fantastic writer and I am so excited for the next book to come out 🤟🏻😝
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- AnnMarie Denis
- 2023-08-18
Twisted and enthralling
Loved it so much. The twists had be gasping out loud. Such a good story.
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- Sydnie Snow
- 2024-06-22
thrills and twists
absolutely riveting and thrilling. filled with twists and turns every page. keeps you holding your breath with anticipation
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- Julie
- 2024-09-09
Love the dual voices
Pleasantly surprised at the high quality with this being a first novel! The choice to give the two characters their own individual voice actors was new for me and I really enjoyed the duelling chapters using it.
Great story, Great pacing.
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- C.Rogers
- 2022-10-11
Blown away by her first Novel
Love the Mirbid podcast so was excited to support Alaina, wasn’t expecting her debut novel to be such a great read! The twists and turns kept me on my toes. Can’t wait for her next book.
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- Jennifer N.
- 2022-09-25
Cool concept and storytelling
I went in not really sure what to expect, so I tried to stay objective because I do listen to her podcast but I wanted to judge it without that in mind.
For a first book, I'm very impressed! The writing and imagery were alluring and as a scientist in a previous life and a med student I was very impressed with the scientific accuracy! Not surprising considering her occupation, however, a lot of research still clearly went into it.
I really liked the concept, the twist really threw me and I had to go back and listen a couple of times to make sure I understood it right. My one gripe is that this story was really good, but it felt like it should've been fleshed out more. I didn't feel that I "knew" the characters as well as I could have and the story felt rushed at times. Basically, I wish I had more story because it was such a solid concept and what's there is really good, just needed a bit more development I think.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and definitely was on the edge of my seat while listening.
3.5/5 for the story**
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- Kalie
- 2022-11-24
Wonderfully written
I loved this story, Jeremy definitely gave me American psycho vibes and it was awesome.
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- Elisabeth Cherewick
- 2023-04-06
Kind of disappointed
Reading it felt more like listening to facts just being told about certain subjects rather than creating an image, as well real serial killers were name dropped multiple times through out, and when they were it felt like I started listening to one of her podcasts giving info about them.
The point from the hunting scene in the “arena” with Jeremy to the end was intriguing and I got really into the book after that. You can definitely tell Alaina put the most effort into that portion of the novel which isn’t a problem at all, I just wish I was that hooked all throughout.
Alaina did leave the ending as a cliff hanger, allowing for another book to follow so I’m hoping that one is a little bit more catching than this one is. She will forever be one of my favourite podcasters and can create a really strong story, so I can’t wait to read whatever she comes out with next!
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