This was such a quick read for me mainly because once I picked the damn book up I just couldn’t put it down it completely took over my life for a couple of days and oh my it was sooooo good !
The story told by two characters alternately Dr Wren Muller a forensic pathologist and the The butcher / Jeremy and I really liked that aspect it worked well and allowed me to fly through the pages to get to the next bit that I was desperate to read ! It’s a gruesome read that pulls no punches and probably not for the faint hearted and although it had a slow build up for the first quarter it rapidly picked up the pace and hell yes what a twist, I really hadn’t seen that one coming!
I liked Wren she was a well written character, I can’t say the same for the butcher of course and although well written as a character he was just pure evil.
The one thing that stood out for me was the fact I never quite knew where this story was going especially after that twist…. it was never a predictable read and that’s what gave it such an edge and the ending well !!
I can’t say much more as wouldn’t want to spoil it but fingers crossed we get a follow up and I can highly recommend this one as it really was a superb read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I read this book to try out an author I'd never heard of before. I'm glad I did. The plot was good, the characters were interesting and there were some big twists in the plot I never saw coming. It also ends in a way that opens it up to a sequel. In my opinion a book worth a read.

I am sorry to say that I just didn't like this book. I didn't like the writing style, and didn't connect with the book at all. Not a good choice for me.

I was concerned to learn that the author has written this book without visiting New Orleans and I think the story does suffer from this.  Throughout the story there’s nods to NOLA but these seem very stereotypical – swamps, the heat, visits to a mystical woman who does Tarot readings on Bourbon St, a longwinded explanation of the NOLA cemeteries and the list goes on. None of these elements serve to add atmosphere to the story, and this could really be set anywhere.
 
The stereotypes don’t stop with the setting either – the characters are also walking cliches.  And it’s all the characters. They’re all cardboard cutouts which evoke no empathy in the reader at all. There is some attempt at giving us insight into why the killer behaves as he does but I found this heavy handed.  One sequence in particular is undoubtedly meant to horrify the reader and although it is longwinded, what actually happens is fairly common in rural/hunting communities.  However these efforts are fruitless since by the end of the book the killer is just ‘evil’.  We don’t get any understanding of the motives of the killer, especially in relation to Wren, and overall the character is underdeveloped. Nor do we really get any insight into Wren herself, despite being the main character. We get a series of neurotic aspects to her personality but it’s never really explained why she’s even involved in the case, other than doing the autopsies which is her job. The police officers are portrayed as fairly useless unless Wren needs someone to converse with to move the story along.

On the subject of conversations, the dialogue in this is atrocious. At best it’s hackneyed drivel. There’s also an overuse of ‘flick’ - it feels like every movement is described in this way.

There’s several points in the story which are incorrect and this should have been picked up at the writing stage but definitely should have been dealt with during editing. Bodies which are face up but have lividity marks on their cheeks because otherwise Wren wouldn’t be able to be smug (she spends a lot of time smirking) and see them right away, characters suddenly walking when they were sitting in a car. These are small issues, but it takes the reader out of the story.

The author also insists on mentioning other, famous serial killers throughout the book – everyone seems to be a true crime fan in this story – which is offputting. I was half expecting a plug for the author’s podcast to appear, but thankfully she stopped short of this.

The ending is incredibly abrupt but still manages to set things up for more books with The Butcher and The Wren. I can only hope that the publishers don’t allow more of this juvenile writing to be published.

Overall, I’ve given this 2 stars as I was surprised by the ‘twist’ in the book (tho this came very early - it would have more effective if it had been the big reveal at the end). However, the standard of writing and lack of originality in the story mean I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Unfortunately, this was a little bit disappointing hence the star rating.
First the good points. It has a great blurb that really makes you want to read it. The author has obviously done her research on the detail of autopsies so that section comes to life. And finally, the setting in New Orleans has a lot going for it, particularly the author's descriptions of the bayou and its environs.
However, for me, the book lacks characterisation. The policeman particularly seems to be a stock figure, with no back story to make him interesting or give him a motivation for his job. The story is convoluted and ties itself in knots in order to incorporate a 'twist'. Finally, the ending comes far too quickly without all the ends being tied up in a satisfactory way, leaving a wide-open door for the inevitable sequel. All in all, the book seems short and rushed which led me to feel short-changed at the end. Sad really, as the blurb promised so much more....

This boo sounded really good and the story was gripping and kept me engaged all the way through, however the pacing of the boook just didn't work at all, it was far too slow and really took away from the enjoyment. The formatting was also really disjointed which made it hard to read. I also would have liked better character development

Short but omg!! They do say good things come in small packages and this book definitely proves that true. It was so atmospheric and creepy and completely had me hooked from the start. For once I went for the blurb rather than the cover and that calm outer is concealing such a fast paced, roller coaster of a book. A few bits seemed a but rushed but I'd still rather that than having things drawn out and make me stop the book half way. I liked the multiple character narrative and the characters themselves just felt fresh and well formed. Really enjoyed this one

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The premise of this book immediately intrigued me and I enjoyed reading from multiple points of view. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy the packing of the book, I didn't feel the narrative built to a pinnacle and sturggles to engage with the story. The ending felt rushed and ended very abruptly, no doubt in favour of a sequel, but left the tale unfinished. Overall an okay book.

Firstly I would like to thank Penguin Random house and NetGalley for the amazing opportunity to read the ARC of The Butcher and the Wren! I was so excited when I saw this book available as an ARC as a huge fan of Morbid and someone who has already pre-ordered the signed edition! However this has not had an impact on my review and am honest review is what I will give!

“WREN WAS NEVER AFRAID OF THE DARK.
UNTIL SHE LEARNT THAT SOME MONSTERS ARE REAL.”

The butcher and the wren follows a serial killer who is kidnapping and killing victims in elaborate, deadly games in the Louisiana Bayou. We also follow medical examiner Wren Muller who uses her skills to aid the police in the case while the bodies are stacking up

This book was truly captivating and gripping. It was very fast paced and had a few twists that I didn’t see coming. I definitely didn’t see the end coming! I love the different perspectives and the amazing detailing throughout. I have adored Wren from the start and she is definitely a character that will stay with me!

I devoured this book in one sitting. I'm a massive fan of the morbid podcast and was really excited to read this and it didn't disappoint! I loved Wren's character and enjoyed the sense of mystery around the butcher character, I felt the writing of the butcher left the reader wanting to know more about his character and his past and hopefully this could be explored in a follow up! This one was full of twists I didn't see coming and really interesting characters. Would love for this to be part of a series!

There is something deadly hiding in the Louisiana Bayou; a serial killer is kidnapping victims and torturing them in elaborate and deadly games. Medical Examiner Wren Muller has seen the bodies piling up and using her skills and knowledge is aiding the police but can they find this sadistic killer before they strike again?

In short this was an atmospheric, gripping and deadly crime thriller. The story told from different perspectives, the descriptions of the Bayou and the murders themselves as well as the twists and turns had me hooked. An absolute 5 star read and I'm now eagerly awaiting foe anything and everything that Alaina writes.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gruesome book

and what a book it is...it hasnt put me off visiting new orleans though one day that will happen....

the butcher hes been picking off women for years and the police cant get close to him, he likes to hunt his victims in the bayou

dr wren muller is the pathologist and the victims of the butcher are piling up in her morgue... but she is getting closer but so is he.....

an interesting read that had quite a few twists and turns along the way....hopefully there will be more from pathologist to follow...

Fast paced, deliciously dark and a real page turner. Couldn’t put this one down! I did kind of see the ending coming but didn’t spoil the overall enjoyment.

It may only be the middle of the year but this book could well be my book of the year!
One of the best serial killer thrillers I’ve ever read.
An unstoppable read that will have you burning the midnight oil as time flys by and you’ve finished the book and it’s morning already!

3.5 stars

This is short and fast paced.
It could probably do with being a bit longer and fleshing a few details out, and having not such an abrupt ending.
But that's me picking fault just for review purposes.
My first reactions were that it flew by, and had a good few surprises.
I'm thinking this might not be the last we see of some characters.
It's a bit of a creepy one at times, and very enjoyable, if you don't over think it. .

This had a strong start but it went downhill quickly. You could tell Alaina knew what she was talking about from an autopsy perspective but it was almost too focused on that and less on the story. Jeremy felt like a caricature rather than a believable villain, and that's before the twist