The Butcher and The Wren by Alaina Urquhart – Read by Sophia Amos & Joe Knezevich

A Chilling Debut That Delivers on Every Promise – Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars

Alaina Urquhart, co-host of the wildly popular true crime podcast Morbid, makes a stunning transition from podcasting to fiction with The Butcher and The Wren. I am a fellow wierdo and so incredibly excited to write a review of her wonderful book! This psychological thriller showcases exactly why Urquhart has captivated millions of listeners with her deep understanding of the criminal mind.

The suspense in this novel is masterfully crafted, building with the precision of a seasoned thriller writer rather than a debut author. Urquhart weaves together the stories of a forensic pathologist and a serial killer in a cat-and-mouse game that will keep you glued to your headphones. The tension escalates with each chapter, creating an almost unbearable sense of dread that makes it impossible to pause. The author’s background in true crime podcasting clearly informs her ability to construct genuinely unsettling scenarios that feel disturbingly plausible.

The audiobook narration deserves special recognition for elevating an already compelling story. The narrator’s performance is nothing short of perfect, bringing distinct voices to each character while maintaining the dark, atmospheric tone that makes this thriller so effective. Their pacing creates natural breathing room in tense moments while knowing exactly when to quicken the tempo to match the story’s mounting intensity. The vocal characterizations are so well-executed that you’ll have no trouble distinguishing between perspectives, even during the most complex narrative shifts.

What sets The Butcher and The Wren apart is Urquhart’s authentic portrayal of forensic science and criminal psychology. Her Morbid podcast background shines through in the meticulous attention to detail and the realistic portrayal of both victim and perpetrator psychology. This isn’t just another serial killer thriller—it’s a story grounded in genuine understanding of how these crimes unfold and impact everyone involved.

This audiobook is a must-listen for fans of psychological thrillers, true crime enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates expert storytelling paired with flawless narration. Urquhart has created something special here, and the audio format truly brings her dark vision to life. I’m giving this outstanding debut a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. If you are a fellow Morbid Podcast listener, a fellow weirdo, you will love this book! The revelations that take place in this book had me STUNNED! Alaina did an amazing job. I cannot wait to start the second book. The Butcher Game. Review to come soon!

If interested check out the Podcast, available on pretty much every platform where podcasts are available. I personally listen on Wondery+.

Listening Time: Approx. 6 hours

Publisher: Books on Tape

Available free on Libby!