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The Butcher and the Wren

Dr. Wren Muller, Book 1

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The chilling serial killer thriller from the co-host of chart-topping podcast Morbid.

Wren was never afraid of the dark.

Until she learnt that some monsters are real...

In deep Louisiana, a serial killer with a taste for medical experimentation is completing his most ambitious project yet. The media call him 'The Butcher'—and, so far, he's proved impossible to catch.

With her encyclopedic knowledge of humanity's darkest minds, and years of experience examining their victims, forensic pathologist Dr Wren Muller is the best there is. The longer the Butcher's killing spree continues, the more determined she is to bring him to justice. And yet, he continues to elude her.

As body after body pile up on Wren's examination table, her obsession grows. Pressure to put an end to the slaughter mounts. And her enemy becomes more brazen.

How far is Wren willing to go to draw the Butcher into the light?

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 Penguin Audio Crime Fiction Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Detective Crime Murder Exciting

Critic reviews

"Can a medical examiner outsmart a serial killer? The Butcher and the Wren will keep you waiting for an answer until the last bloody page. Prepare to be disturbed. A deliciously dark debut." (Rea Frey, bestselling author for Not Her Daughter and Secrets of Our House)
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Gripping story, told with real vibrancy and soul. Gave me actual goosebumps at times. I've been looking forward to this book since I knew it was coming and it did not disappoint.

The story clearly came from a place of genuine understanding, and I was captivated by the descriptions.

I thought the performance was well done, and easy to listen to. Can't wait for the next book!

Exceptional debut novel

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Of course, I know Alaina from Morbid but it took me a while to get around to reading this book. I’m so glad that I did! It’s absolutely brilliant and the plot is fantastic. Didn’t really expect anything else from her as she’s a fantastic storyteller. Well worth the read and can’t wait for the next instalment!

Brilliant Story and tremendous first novel

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I couldn't stop listening to this book and I am SO excited to see what more Alaina has in store.

Gripping!

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Loved every second of it can’t wait for the next one come on Alaina we’re waiting x

Fantastic book

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At first I wasn’t sure on the styles of writing but after a few chapters I was hooked and really couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

Great twist

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