Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Dignity is key in both my work as a true crime podcaster and as an autopsy technician. For example, I always try to part the victim’s hair in a way that allows me to make the necessary cuts without damaging their hair. Just like the person on my autopsy table is a human being who has people who love them, the people we discuss on Morbid are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and friends. Gallows humor has a place in the death industry, to allow workers to cope with the sometimes suffocating sadness that comes with the job, but it can never be in relation to the victim. While on the podcast, I maintain a more fact-based/clinical tone to avoid having the stories of real victims feel like exploitative entertainment, in my fiction, I allow myself a bit more creativity in my narrative style. Let's introduce you to Dr. Wren Muller, an over-worked forensic pathologist in the New Orleans area. Every time the sliding doors echo within the examination room, Wren scrunches her shoulders. Maybe a new wing to the Medical Examiner's office will be necessary if they don't catch "this guy"....."this guy" being the latest serial killer who's left his mark for some time now. The detectives have no leads except for the aftermath. No physical evidence or DNA. Just victims. Feisty and well-planned each time. Urquhart does a fantastic job distinguishing between the voices of her two narrators, in both their tone and style of language. The fast-paced story and constant suspense keep you hooked, making it very difficult to put the novel down once you start reading it.” —Alexis Enderle, The Tufts Daily From the popular true-crime podcast MORBID, co-host and creator Alaina Urquhart comes an edgy killer thriller debut, THE BUTCHER AND THE WREN —bloody good!
Urquhart does a fantastic job distinguishing between the voices of her two narrators, in both their tone and style of language. The fast-paced story and constant suspense keep you hooked, making it very difficult to put the novel down once you start reading it.” - Alexis Enderle, The Tufts DailyAs an autopsy technician by trade, the author offers a unique perspective from deep inside the morgue with expertise. THE BUTCHER AND THE WREN is the perfect addition to the author's portfolio with her Morbid Podcast — an author to watch. I cannot wait to see what comes next and my fingers are crossed for a series. #CoverCrush If you're a fan of Patricia Cornwell's Scarpetta series, especially the early novels, you'll enjoy this story. Urquhart has crafted a thriller that is necessarily graphic but not exploitative. The crisp detail, the narrative brevity and the blade-sharp connections between the pathologist and the killer all bode well for future installments.” —Sarah Weinman, New York Times Reasons to read: If you're a big Morbid fan, you'll love to see one of your fav hosts writing a book.
Dr. Wren Muller is the best forensic pathologist around. She's armed with the knowledge of historical crimes and plenty of years working for the Medical Examiner. Solving cases came easy until this recent string of murders. The killer is escalating and all she can do is wait for him to slip up.Urquhart paints a tense and dangerous world for us right from the start and delivers it all with a skilled and evocative hand.” —Aaron Mahnke, creator of the Lore podcast and author of The World of Lore series
Alaina Urquhart is the science-loving co-host of the chart-topping show Morbid: A True Crime Podcast . As an autopsy technician by trade, she offers a unique perspective from deep inside the morgue. Alaina hails from Boston, where she lives with her wonderful husband, John, their three amazing daughters, and a ghost puggle named Bailey. She is about 75 percent coffee, and truly believes she and Agent Clarice Starling could be friends. People look for patterns that aren’t there because they are scared shitless. They can’t handle that they are just as likely to be scooped up by a totally normal-looking psychopath as the victims were, so they make this crap up instead.” The only non-spoilery thing I have to say about this novel was that is was BADDDDDD, so let's get onto the spoilery bits so I can rant properly: This was a book I didn't know about until I stumbled across it at Walmart (of all places!), but the synopsis immediately caught my attention. Add the fact that the cover is absolutely beautiful, and I was ready to start reading this one ASAP. I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed this one, and might actually have found my very first book series (which I normally hate) I'm prepared to invest some time into! the writing: to be honest, I don't think it was well written. For such a storyteller, I just don't think it was well done. I truly, truly believe if she continues (warning, left a cliffhanger), that each one will be better and better.The characters are well developed. If this would turn into a series (please Zando!), there's a lot of room to dive into them more individually. Rating 3.5. This was an enthralling read, reminding me of a Criminal Minds and Bones episode. It's been a long time since I read a thriller from the prospective of the killer and investigator. I enjoyed the writing style that keep the story moving but I just wish it was a bit longer.
Great Deal 
New Comment