As I was reading, there were several times I felt myself thinking, "this is definitely her first book. This is a fascinating story featuring two leads - "Butcher," the serial killer, and "Wren," the medical examiner. Overall, I think this book would have worked if it was fleshed out with some reworking of the characters and exposition. Urquhart does a fantastic job distinguishing between the voices of her two narrators, in both their tone and style of language.

Wren and the Bayou Butcher are well matched and it is an action packed thriller to see who will win this game of life and death. It is SO fun to read a piece of literature created by someone you so deeply admire, and so for that, I am super grateful to have read this story! Unlike other reviews on here, I have read this book and will share my full thoughts, without any spoilers. Part two wraps up somewhat abruptly and with a conclusion that may not leave everybody satisfied, especially if you're used to every book putting everything together in a neat little bow at the end. I finished this book in one sitting and just know that I'll be in a book slump because nothing will be as fast-paced as this book.

I have been writing The Butcher and the Wren for years and the cat-and-mouse structure has always been central to the narrative. I truly, truly believe if she continues (warning, left a cliffhanger), that each one will be better and better. There was no mention of the reasons behind the serial killer's motives or why he was obsessed with Wren.

We do eventually get more of her story with the twist--which is actually really good--but even that isn't enough to make her feel like a real character.Emotionally manipulative and sinister in every way, this serial killer has been able to avoid police apprehensive for a long time. At times, the barbarous, perverted games that the Butcher played with his victims was tough to stomach.