How long do you give a book to win you over? For me, it’s usually within the first 50 pages. I can tell pretty quickly if I’m going to connect with a story, and if not, I’d rather move on. There are too many great books waiting to be read to waste time on something that doesn’t click. When I picked up Jennifer Hillier’s The Butcher, though, I didn’t need 50 pages. A coworker had recommended it, warning that it was dark, twisted, and impossible to put down. By the end of the first chapter, I knew exactly what they meant. I was hooked, and I tore through the rest of the novel in a single breathless rush.
The Beacon Hill Butcher terrorized Seattle for years, abducting and murdering young women with his signature brutality. That reign of terror ended in 1985, when Rufus Wedge—the alleged Butcher—was gunned down by police officer Edward Shank. Overnight, Shank became a hometown hero, celebrated for his bravery and eventually rising to the role of police chief before retiring decades later.
But that was a lifetime ago. Now in his eighties, widowed and slowing down, Edward is ready for one last transition. He's moving into a retirement community and passing his longtime home to his grandson, Matt. Matt Shank has gained local fame as the chef behind a fleet of popular food trucks and a hot new restaurant. Raised by his grandparents, he’s eager to settle back into the house that shaped him. But when backyard renovations uncover a buried, locked crate, Matt pries it open and finds a secret so dark it threatens to unravel not just his family’s legacy, but his entire life.
Jennifer Hillier wastes no time dragging readers into the twisted world of The Butcher. The very first chapter ends with a staggering revelation that reshapes everything you think this story will be. From there, the tension comes from watching the other characters circle around a secret we already know and wondering how long it will take before it all comes bubbling up to the surface.
Hillier doesn’t pull punches when it comes to grotesque violence or the disturbing realities of sexual assault. But she balances the horror with sharp pacing, ratcheting up suspense through a steady stream of reveals and flashbacks. Even though I guessed the final twist long before it landed, I still enjoyed watching it play out. The Butcher is a grim, twisted, and highly original thriller that kept me hooked straight through to the last page.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2025, 70)
I have this on hold at my library and I'm even more excited to read it after seeing how much you enjoyed it! I'm a little hesitant with the gritty parts, though I'll still read it. I can always up the speed of the audio if it gets too intense! Great review, Ethan! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you'll enjoy this one, even with the darker moments!
DeleteUh...I think I know what Matt found - or, found out...
ReplyDeleteSexual assault is a nope for me. But I'm glad it was well written as a whole!
The reveal in the first chapter had me going back a couple of times to reread just to make sure I understood! So crazy!
DeleteI love when a book grabs you by the throat in the first chapter and doesn't let go until you reach the last page. :D I'm going to have to give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteThis one has such a great hook!
DeleteThat really does sound good. I'm glad that you ended up liking this one. I usually give books too much time hoping that they will get better.
ReplyDeleteAs I've gotten older, I've gotten much better about just moving on from something that isn't working for me.
DeleteAhem sometimes within the first 5
ReplyDeleteFair haha
DeleteSee my comment on The Understudy, lol. I'm already forming a theory of what could possibly be in the crate that could destroy a family legacy and I hope it's not something THAT obvious. But you loved this one so I probably will too. Onto the library website I go...
ReplyDeleteSorry to be adding to your list, but I did like this one. And I think you may be onto the big twist.
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