The Butcher and the Wren

A Novel

De: Alaina Urquhart

Narrado por: Sophie Amoss, Joe Knezevich

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 Perimortem LLC (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Read It!!!

If you are looking for a book that's Dexter mixed with Hannibal Lectar look no farther! this book had me yelling, crying, and laughing while sitting at the edge of my seat! Wren is my idol! This book couldn't have been written or done any better!

Morbid listeners

Great first novel, easy read ,with detail that delivers you to the scene. Definitely thumbs up.

Loved it!

The Queen of Darkness and Weirdos has written a truly dark suspenseful thriller! I loved it!

too many ideas, not researched enough

I love that Alaina wrote a book, there is potential. However this seemed to pluck the horrors of a various mixture of famous serial killers and then throw it all into a POV from the killers perspective.

this wasn't a book that I wanted to come back to, or remembered what was going on. I ruminated over some of the just wrong facts - spoiler - no one, absolutely no one takes a deer back home to shoot it if it's injured, you deal with it at the scene of the accident.

Wonderful read/listen

I’m a Morbid listener and originally bought this book purely to support Alaina…I’m more of a nonfiction reader. However, I was completely blown away by the depth and thoroughness throughout the entire book. The descriptions were so clear— I knew what the characters were feeling and felt like I was there. I appreciated how nothing was obvious or a given. I absolutely loved this and I’m just blown away by Alaina’s talent.

need more!

the story draws you in... and doesn't let go until its over. Even then, you are left wanting more!

Good book

I really liked this book. This was a great story and BIG cliffhanger, can’t wait for the next listen

Truly original

Alaina’s background makes the story all the more with every single detail. I already love listening to the Morbid podcast but this book is so good I just finished listening for a second time in honor of book 2 releasing today. Have to go listen to that now!

the differentiation of the character voices was very immersive.

the characters were very likable. i’m looking forward to getting to know Jeremy and what makes him tick a little more in the next book.

Better than expected (is that rude?)

I didn’t have any real expectations, but it was an enjoyable listen with good twist and turns. It went by fast.