If you're into heart-pounding thrillers with a touch of psychological depth, "The Butcher Game" is a must-read sequel that delivers. Building on the tension and intrigue of the first book, it plunges readers back into Dr. Wren's world as she continues her relentless pursuit of the elusive serial killer, Jeremy. What sets this series apart is its skillful use of alternating perspectives, giving readers a multifaceted view of the cat-and-mouse game between Wren and Jeremy. As a fan of the podcast "Morbid" and the first book, diving into this sequel feels like reuniting with old friends while embarking on a new, adrenaline-fueled adventure. So if you're craving a gripping page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat, "The Butcher Game" is the perfect addition to your reading list.

"The Butcher Game" is the second installment of the captivating Dr. Wren Muller series penned by the talented author, Alaina Urquhart. Although I hadn't read the first book, I found myself engrossed in this gripping tale, despite it being a continuation of a story involving the same notorious serial killer. The book is masterfully written, showcasing exemplary character development throughout. Dr. Muller, our beloved protagonist, is on a mission to recover from her harrowing encounter with the infamous Jeremy Rose. However, when Rose resurfaces and embarks on another killing spree, Dr. Muller, along with her loyal friends and partners, spare no effort in their pursuit to apprehend him before tragedy strikes. The narrative is undeniably suspenseful, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat, while a subtle cliffhanger at the conclusion adds an extra layer of anticipation for the forthcoming installment. I eagerly await the release of the next book in this enthralling series.

Thank you to Net Galley and Zando Publishing for the ARC to read and review.

The Butcher Game by Alaina Urquhart
Publishing Date: September 17, 2024

Thank you to @netgalley and @zandoprojects for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I read The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart last year as I am an avid listener of her podcast Morbid. The first book in the series was interesting, but fell flat for me. That being said I saw the potential for the series.

I went into the Butcher Game hoping to love it, but it also fell flat. I don’t mind a book written in third person, but I felt very disconnected from Wren-the main character whom we were suppose to be rooting for and connected too. The first 30% of the book dragged a bit, and I don’t mind a build up. Unfortunately, the build up felt a little anticlimactic for me. Furthermore, the direction of the story ends up taking doesn’t make sense to me? It just seemed out of nowhere. The next book could tie it all together, but I think I am done with this current series.
That being said I did like parts of. The main characters journey through her trauma and discussing how everyone heals differently, the details for the autopsies and that world was really interesting to read.

Ok. I don’t think I am the best person to review this
So sorry. I read book one before this and it just wasn’t for me I did try to read this one but the writing isn’t for me and I couldn’t really connect with the characters.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5!

This was everything I needed in a sequel after absolutely loving The Butcher and The Wren. Similar to the first book I could not get enough of the alternating POVs between our medical examiner Wren and the viciously twisted serial killer she’s hunting down, and as dark as Jeremy’s mind was to be in - I devoured each of his chapters.

If you loved the Butcher and The Wren, I highly recommend preordering The Butcher’s Game for its release on September 17th. Huge thank you to Netgalley and Zando publishing for my early review copy!

This was fantastic. I really enjoyed reading it and didn’t want to put it down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[REVIEW CROSS-POSTED TO GOODREADS]

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Projects for my advanced digital copy of this book! I was SO thrilled to be able to read the ARC of Alaina Urquhart's first book 'The Butcher and the Wren' in 2022, and exactly as thrilled to be able to read its sequel early as well.

I honestly think I enjoyed this book even more than the first in the series. I feel like Alaina has really grown into Jeremy's character voice especially, and his chapters were particularly strong and entertaining (though horrifying) to read. Alaina's knowledge of anatomy and true crime both shine through to make Jeremy's actions towards his victims feel incredibly visceral. I don't think any other crime writer I've read before has been able to accomplish such a stomach-turning level of realism.

[*****SPOILERS AHEAD*****]

As for Wren's story...I predicted a long way out that she would end up having to work with Jeremy to catch Philip in the next book but I have to say I was absolutely shocked that Richard actually died. I completely expected him to come close and to have permanent physical ramifications, but I did not think for a second that he would actually be written out of the story altogether. So, kudos to Alaina for being able to keep me on my toes, even if I'm not sure I like the route she chose.

I'm very excited to read the next book in the series when we eventually see it!

After reading The Butcher and the Wren, I couldn't wait to read this book. It did not disappoint.
The butcher game follows Dr. Wren and Decitive Leroux on the hunt for Jeremy. Moving from Lousianna to Massachusetts. As their hunt continues we get some of the back story to Phillip.
I enjoyed this sequel, but have to admit it didn't end the way I thought it would. Book #3 coming?!?! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy of The Butcher Game

Well, there is a lot to unpack here so let's just dive right in.
I'm assuming there will be another book because damn- the ending!!
I have to say I really enjoy reading dual POV books and this whole cat and mouse thing that Jeremy and Wren have going on is so interesting to watch it unfurl. It's fascinating being in his brain- even if he is profoundly evil.
This book had been holding onto my seat for dear life, especially knowing what the butcher is doing and watching Wren fall upon his carefully laid plans was a thrilling torture.
I liked that we saw some more character development and learned a bit more about characters that were introduced in this book.
For anyone who enjoys a good gruesome read you will find it here, Urquhart makes sure to spare no detail when it comes to describing the murders and makes sure to place you in the setting as much as possible.
For any fans of horror and thrillers I think this is the perfect read for you!

Dr. Wren Muller is back!! Alaina Urquhart’s first book, The Butcher and the Wren, left me on the edge of my seat. The Butcher Game was everything I could’ve wanted in a sequel, and more!

The Butcher Game unfolds with perspectives from both Jeremy and Wren. Wren, still reeling from her encounter with Jeremy, struggles to accept the fact that he’s still out there as a free man. As time goes on, Wren becomes more and more sure that Jeremy is out there, still tormenting and killing people.

The suspense is at an all time high as the two finally come head to head in a cat-and-mouse game, resulting in a shocking ending.

The Butcher Game comes out on September 17, 2024. Thank you to @netgalley, @zandoprojects and Alaina Urquhart for this ARC.

Absolutely amazing! The story is wonderful! I love that this is a series! Alania is absolutely amazing!! 10/10 recommend!!

I patiently impatiently waited for this ARC to come out. I devoured The Butcher And The Wren and KNEW this was going to be incredible and folks...it was so good and did not dissapoint. This is book 2 and reading book 1 is a must read before this one, we take off right where we left off with book 1 where we JUST ABOUT but NOT QUITE caught Jeremy.

The book takes off right then and there and it pulls you through SO FAST. We follow forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller and watch Jeremy's obsession with her and her need to stay safe and not fall into his traps again. This is packed with twists, turns and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat flipping page after page. I cannot wait to see what else our author puts out!

Thank you @netgalley , @zando and author for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Dr. Wren Muller returns to continue her search for serial killer, Jeremy Rose. This book started off running and had me grimacing throughout. There was not a slow moment in this book. The violence in the book was dark and at times was
overwhelming. Urquart has created a truly terrifying character, one I am extremely glad is only in the pages of these books.

Thank you to the author and Zando publishing for this ARC.

The butcher game is a captivating thriller that follows Dr Wren Muller in another tense game of cat and mouse with a serial killer. Can she stop him this time or will he get away again?
I really enjoyed this story! Such any easy read and I really loved the two different POV. The ending completely shocked me and I really hope to read more books featuring Wren!!
Thanks to netgalley and Zando published for an advance reader copy of this book!!

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I read the first book in this series and while I devoured it, I felt the ending was way too rushed so I was glad to see that there was going to be a second novel. With that being said, even though I did read through this quickly, I felt the ending was still a tad rushed but still definitely makes you want to find out more. We follow Wren as Jeremy is on the loose and the lengths she will go to to track him down. It was nice to see more about Jeremy's past and I do hope there will be a third novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for this ARC!!!

I am obsessed with Alaina’s writing and plan to purchase this anyways, but was so excited to get to read before. I loved diving into Dr. Muller’s life again. I did not expect the book to end of a cliffhanger though! Do yourself a favor and read this series

4 stars

Great follow up to The Butcher and the Wren
Alaina is growing as an author and it really comes through here. She’s always been a great story teller (I listen to the podcast, have for years now), this just seems like the natural next step.
This is just another edge of your seat unputdownable mystery, Alaina’s experience and expertise in her actual life work really helps her stand apart from other authors.