Why I can't wait to read The Butcher and the Wren

As a reader and writer, I'm always looking for the next thing to read and to inspire me. The Butcher and The Wren is the debut novel by Alaina Urquhart and has been on my radar since it was announced. I know it will be the perfect mix of entertainment and inspiration for writers and readers alike. Read on for the reasons why The Butcher and The Wren is the book I've been waiting for.

*Disclosure: This post features a product sold on Amazon, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.*

*You can purchase your copy of The Butcher and The Wren by following this link*

Before I dive into what the book is about, let me share why the author, Alaina, is the reason I'm excited about this story. Being her debut novel, I've technically never read any of her work before, but at the same time, I'm very familiar with the content she creates.

As I said, the author is Alaina Urquhart. What I didn't say was that she is the cohost of the wildly popular podcast, Morbid.

Morbid is one of my absolute favorite podcast of all time. Alaina and her cohost Ashleigh Kelley (technically niece, but basically sisters) have over 350 podcast episodes recorded and available for your listening pleasure at the time of me typing this blog post.

I first discovered Morbid in the early days of the pandemic, and listening to these two lovely weirdos and their occasional equally strange guests quickly became one of my top methods of self-care.

Their voices and bantering soothed my brain during long walks on the beach where I lived. Their flowery yet filthy commentary brought life back to my, at times, cold dead heart. These two helped me through some of the worst moments of my life, and I know I'm not the only one they've touched.

The way they roast various serial killers and douchebags alike has given me the confidence to face my own demons, both inside and in the outside world.

I feel a kinship with these two, unlike I could've imagined. If you haven't yet listened to Morbid, I highly recommend it. Some good places to start would be:

Episode 206 - The Bennington Triangle - One of their "Spooky Places" episodes. Good if you're testing the waters of true crime and don't want to be too freaked out.

Episode 229 - The Tragic Death of Natalie Wood - Even if you're familiar with Natalie Wood, I guarantee you'll learn something new, and old Hollywood cases are one of Ash's specialties.

Episode 210 - Willie Pickton Part One - If you're ready to dive into some heavy killer shit, listen to part one of this three-part case.

As I mentioned above, even if you're already familiar with a particular case, you'll definitely learn something new. These podcasters go to great lengths to be thorough with their research of the cases. And unlike many true crime episodes, whether it be a podcast or documentary, the hosts of Morbid focus a lot of their attention on who the victims were before the tragedy. Essentially they're giving the victim a voice while also dissecting the crime and the case.

By listening to the show, I've gathered their research often includes reading multiple books, watching documentaries, scanning social media, visiting blogs, and even listening to other podcasts. They also cite all these sources in the notes of the particular podcast episode. And for some cases, they've taken the time and care to interview family members of the beloved victims.

The Butcher and The Wren is the book I've been waiting for because it takes place in the Louisiana bayou, a place of my own heart and one I've called home. It's a multi-point-of-view story, sharing the sides of both the serial killer and the forensic pathologist on the case.

With Alaina's background as an autopsy technician, I'm positive this book will have the nitty-gritty details only someone with her expertise could share. And those details give this writer and true crime weirdo something to look forward to.

I'm also waiting for this book because I LOVE a good mystery/thriller story. With all the cases Morbid has covered, I'm interested in any plot twists and scares Alaina has to offer.

Another reason I'm looking forward to this book is for the WRITING. I love the verbiage, and no-hold-back attitude both Alaina and Ash share on the podcast. I'm sure the prose will be a bit different for the book but am hoping for some colorful language, humor, and maybe even some roasting.

The book's official release date is September 13th, and you can preorder copies at this link on Amazon, or get a signed copy from the UK publisher here.

The Morbid podcast and its creators are a part of my own heart. They always ensure the audience feels engaged in the discussion and often share heartwarming advice and hilarious stories. There's always room for you at Morbid, unless you're a scumbag. Then you can go f yourself. With Morbid, you're family and always welcome, especially the weirdos.

Have you ever listened to Morbid? Did this post convince you to give it a try? Will you read Alaina's book? Inquiring minds (me) want to know. Stay dank, my friends.