The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart is a riveting crime novel that will appeal to fans of true crime podcasts. As the co-host of the popular Morbid podcast, Urquhart brings her expertise to this debut novel, which tells the story of a meticulous killer operating in the Louisiana bayou district and the forensic pathologist, Dr. Wren, who is determined to catch him.
Book review The Butcher and the Wren
The killer’s thirst for medical experimentation on his victims is chilling, and his heinous crimes have managed to evade capture by the authorities. Dr. Wren is committed to cracking the case and has a wealth of experience and knowledge about the killer’s signature style. As the body count rises, it seems the killer has managed to get away with his crimes. Will Dr. Wren manage to capture the monster and put an end to his spree?
Told from the perspectives of the killer and Dr. Wren, the novel’s voices are convincing, with the killer’s perspective particularly chilling. The content is often hard to swallow, especially concerning the medical acts performed on the victims. The murder scenes are gruesome and shocking, reminding the reader that the butcher is a sadistic mastermind. The victims and side characters are well portrayed, although Dr. Wren could have been expanded upon more.
The short chapters and sharp sentence structure help to make The Butcher and the Wren a page-turner. The book’s shorter length means some depth is missing, but the hooking ending and mid-point twist make this a decent serial killer offering. Overall, The Butcher and the Wren is a gripping crime novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Fans of Urquhart’s true crime podcast will undoubtedly enjoy this debut novel, and for those who have yet to listen, this book is an excellent introduction to her work.
