It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Back in 2011, I was an avid reader who had somehow lost my way with reading. Between working and being a full-time student, reading for pleasure had slowly fallen by the wayside.

I wanted to change that. So I gave myself a New Year's resolution to read one book every week for a year. I started A Book A Week on January 1, 2012 as a way to hold myself accountable and share what I was reading along the way.

I didn't quite reach my goal that first year, but I kept reading. I kept reviewing. And all these years later, I'm still here, looking forward to whatever book comes next. Some years I crush my goals, some years I don't, but my love for a good book has never wavered.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

I'm a lifelong reader with a particular soft spot for mysteries and thrillers. I've always loved the genre, and I credit those stories—the twists, suspense, and need to know what happens next—with keeping me a reader as an adult. My reading has taken me in all kinds of directions since then, but I'll always come back to a good mystery.

I love creepy horror novels. A fascinating work of nonfiction can completely pull me in, too. And I've found plenty of favorites in science fiction, literary fiction, romance, and other genres I might never have picked up when I first started the blog. That's part of the fun. I never quite know what kind of story is going to grab me next.

When I'm not reading or writing reviews, you'll usually find me at home with my husband and our pets. I'm a classically trained musician and composer, an enthusiastic home cook, and a backyard gardener. There's usually a trip to look forward to or some new project that has caught my interest, too.

At the end of the day, I just really love books. There's nothing quite like discovering a story I can't put down or finding an author I can't wait to read again. Even when a book doesn't quite work for me, I still enjoy thinking about why and putting those thoughts into words. That's what keeps me reading, reviewing, and sharing it all here on A Book A Week.

Honest reviews, always.

Some of the books I review are ones I've purchased myself. Others are provided by publishers or authors in exchange for an honest review. Either way, what I write here is always what I really think.

Not every book is going to work for every reader, and that's part of the fun of talking about books. I'll tell you what worked for me, what didn't, and hopefully give you enough to decide whether a book might be right for you.

Good, bad, or somewhere in between, you'll always get my honest take.

Let's Connect

I'm always happy to hear from readers, publishers, authors, and fellow book lovers.

Review Copies

I'm always open to considering books for review. I read across a pretty wide range of genres, though mysteries and thrillers tend to be particular favorites. If you'd like me to consider a book, send along a little information about it and why you think it might be a good fit for A Book A Week.

Publishers & Authors

Review requests, interviews, features, or something else you have in mind? Send me a note. I'm always happy to hear about new books and opportunities that might be a good fit for the blog.

General Inquiries

Have a question, a recommendation, or just want to talk books? Those messages are welcome, too.

New Orleans, a city brimming with life, culture, and music, is overshadowed by a wave of dread. The Butcher—a sadistic serial killer—has made the vibrant streets his hunting ground. Each victim endures harrowing and bizarre medical experiments before meeting a grisly end, their remains left as grotesque evidence of the killer’s chilling methods. With every new arrival at the city morgue, the pressure to catch The Butcher mounts, yet he leaves no trace—no DNA, no physical evidence—only terror and a growing body count.

Dr. Wren Muller, a seasoned medical examiner renowned for her skill and expertise, has faced her share of horrors, but nothing like this. Her meticulous work has helped solve countless cases, but The Butcher remains elusive. His crimes taunt her at every turn. As his killings grow more brazen and the city descends into panic, Wren is locked in a desperate race against time. Can she uncover the truth before The Butcher strikes again? Or will New Orleans succumb entirely to the darkness he brings?

Alaina Urquhart, co-host of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast, is well-acquainted with the sinister depths of human behavior. In her fiction debut, The Butcher and the Wren, she seamlessly channels her knowledge of real-life horrors into a chilling and gripping thriller. The novel's dual perspectives—those of Dr. Wren Muller, a brilliant medical examiner, and the sadistic killer, The Butcher—create a tense, immersive narrative.

Through Wren's perspective, we delve into the meticulous work of forensic investigation, exploring the science and intuition that guide her deductions. Her character reminded me of Patricia Cornwell's iconic Kay Scarpetta. Wren's expertise and determination shine through the darkness of the crimes she studies. Meanwhile, The Butcher's perspective offers a disturbing glimpse into a twisted psyche, revealing the motivations and methods behind his monstrous acts.

Urquhart doesn’t hold back in her descriptions of the crimes, lending an unsettling authenticity to the story that might be overwhelming for some readers. The narrative's mid-plot twist is a standout, reshaping the entire trajectory of the story and adding urgency to the already propulsive pacing. The climax delivers a shocking finale that sets the stage for future installments. It left me eager for whatever comes next. The Butcher and the Wren is a dark, intense cat-and-mouse thriller that showcases Urquhart’s knack for tackling harrowing stories. It’s a must-read for fans of true crime-inspired fiction and anyone seeking a new twist on the genre.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads.

(2025, 3)

Reviews

A growing library of books and the thoughts they inspired.

Browse the Library

Showing reviews Sort by:

No reviews match those filters.

A Book A Week by the Numbers

14 Years of A Book A Week

— Book Reviews

— Authors Reviewed

— Books Reviewed This Year

14 Comments

Comments

Lark@LarkWritesJanuary 10, 2025 at 12:15 PM
This sounds amazing! Though it also sounds a bit dark, so I'm going to have to be in the right headspace when I pick this one up. But I love thrillers with that forensic science angle, especially ones with some good twists along the way.
Samantha@WLABBJanuary 10, 2025 at 1:49 PM
You got my heart racing just describing it. Glad you enjoyed this book.
Mary KirklandJanuary 11, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I don't know why but I do love a good serial killer type book or movie. If it's good it sure gets the blood flowing *pun intended* and the heart racing. This one sure sounds good.
Roberta R.January 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM
It's not easy to come up with "a new twist on the genre" in thrillers. And this one offers not one, but two twists! "reshaping the entire trajectory of the story", wow.
Rachel @Waves of FictionJanuary 12, 2025 at 7:38 PM
This does sound really good and I'm intrigued by the fact the author is a true crime podcaster! I also like that you've compared the main character to Kay Scarpetta. I will check this one out!
Lindsi January 14, 2025 at 8:37 AM
I haven't read a good thriller in forever! I'm sure the author's "real life knowledge" made this one even more believable. Glad you enjoyed it! I'll keep it in mind the next time I want something dark and disturbing.
BlodeueddJanuary 14, 2025 at 3:12 PM
That is scary, what a horrible serial killer, I mean aren´t they all! But still. It does make for a good thriller

A Book A Week

Reviews

Browse the Library

A Book A Week by the Numbers

About Me

It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

Honest reviews, always.

Contact