A friend gave me this book to read. I picked it up to read but then set it back down to read something else. While the Arctic blast made its way across the nation, I decided to pick it back up and finish.
Synopsis:
Something dark is lurking in the Louisiana bayou: a methodical killer with a penchant for medical experimentation is hard at work completing his most harrowing crime yet, taunting the authorities who desperately try to catch up.
But forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller is the best there is. Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of historical crimes, and years of experience working in the Medical Examiner’s office, she’s never encountered a case she couldn’t solve. Until now. Case after case is piling up on Wren’s examination table, and soon she is sucked into an all-consuming cat-and-mouse chase with a brutal murderer getting more brazen by the day.
An addictive read with straight-from-the-morgue details only an autopsy technician could provide, The Butcher and the Wren promises to ensnare all who enter.
My thoughts…well, I liked it but didn’t. I did like how she developed Part 1 and brought the entire story together. I did not like the ending. Without giving away spoilers, let’s just say I hope there is a sequel. I felt like it was similar to Silence of the Lambs. Later, she did reference the movie in the book, so I guess I wasn’t completely out of my mind for thinking that. It is a fast-paced book once you get started. And…it isn’t terrible for a first book (anyone who spends time writing a book deserves some kind of accolades). Should you read this? Yes, if you like criminal narratives and forensics detail. No, if you get grossed out or want something sweet and up-lifting.
I decided to finish this book while in New Orleans (few weeks after a New Orleans trip with a friend). After my previous trip, I decided to stay at the Olivier House Hotel again (I knew my girls would love it). We dropped off my husband at the WWII museum while the girls and I shopped. As always, the food was great. We did try some different places – Mother’s and The Ruby Slipper (breakfast). We did not visit St. Louis Cemetery #1 (which was the one mentioned in the book). We did, however, visit Metairie Cemetery. We also toured some older home in the Garden District and found one of Anne Rice’s homes which was the setting of her book The Witching Hour. The homes are absolutely gorgeous!!!!
