Vampire books are back in a big way this year, and this one is going to show readers what we've been missing. Atmospheric remote Alaska setting, chilling storylines, and a plot that keeps moving though the very end. Loved this one.

Vampires? Humans? Who are the real monsters?

Unravel the truth with Barbara Atkins, a homicide detective as well as a Vampyr Anthropologist while she investigates a brutal murder of a young man in the small chilling town of Deadhart Alaska.

"Well sometimes life gives you lemons. Sometimes a crock of shit."

WHOA! OKAY, after going in completely blind this book took me by complete surprise. I wasn't ready.

Tudor really puts you through it as Barbara investigates her way to a shocking and completely unexpected revelation. Jam packed full of twists, turns, a plethora of suspects, and no way to escape.

I had the best time indulging in this plot. It really stuck its fangs in. Ba dum cha.Not funny? Eh, Well I tried.

I will admit the atmospheric descriptions were my absolute favorite. They really suck you in and make you feel like your actually stuck in this chilly small Alaskan town.

And while the townspeople point blame at the Vampyrs and the Vampyrs fight to prove a point. You become torn and really have the hardest time pinpointing who you can trust. I mean a town full of somewhat corrupt humans who will do anything to be rid of the Vampyr race. And a group of big bad vampires fighting to keep their home. Who would you believe?

Guess you gotta read it to find out!!

"You gotta make sure you're the hunter, not the prey."

Read if you like:
•Vampires
•Small town horror
•Sleuthing
•Isolation

Extending a huge thank you to C.J. Tudor, Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the advanced invitation to tag along with Barbara as she sleuths her way around Deadhart. I had an absolute blast! 🖤

Wow, this was so good!

I loved the blend of police procedural in a small town with a sort of True Blood (vampires are real and known) situation… I felt immersed in this world that was like ours and yet not.

Barbara was an outsider in a small Alaskan town trying to help determine whether a boy’s murder was caused by a vampyr. If so, she could call for a cull, which was a sanctioned attack against vampyrs. The locals treated her like a vampyr sympathizer, as they didn’t view them as people who should be protected by law.

Like any small town murder mystery, town secrets spilled over and what seemed like a straightforward case ended up being anything but.

I highly recommend this. It was well written, immersive, and had a complex cast of characters. Perfect for fans of thrillers and horror!

I'm a C J Tudor fan but The Gathering has taken it to another level - I just adored this book. It has everything I could want in a horror thriller and was the perfect blend of murder mystery, police procedural, vampires and horror. It's certainly the most readable book I've read this year, it flowed so perfectly and was one of those books I just didn't want to put down. What I found really unexpected was the idea that it wasn't a case of vampires suddenly appearing in the town, but that this was set in a world where colonies of vampires were already living alongside humans. This allowed for topics such as racism and herd mentality to be explored using humans v. vampires.

There's something about the darkness in Alaska, that claustrophobic and isolating atmosphere that was the perfect choice for this story. Barbara was the most amazing character to carry the story through and I am REALLY hoping that there might be a follow up story one day!

This was a wild ride and one that had a promising premise. I enjoyed the story, but overall had a difficult time with all the characters. Maybe it was a timing thing for me, but this one didn’t hit the way other books by this author have for me. Still I enjoyed it. One I would recommend.

C. J. Tudor does it again bringing us The Gathering!
This book is so cleverly written.
An atmospheric, engrossing and riveting story that was so hard to get away from.
The writing flows so well and I was pulled into this one quick.
The compelling atmosphere and unease made for an engaging and gripping story.
Tudor is a great writer who has a very unique perspective and brings her characters to life.
The writing, characters and interactions between characters were so bold, rich, vivid and full of life that you could have believed that these characters and events were real.
Another phenomenal read and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to read and review another title by this amazing author!

Thank You NetGalley and Random House & Ballantine Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Stunning cover ✅
Chilling atmospheric writing ✅
Characters to love ✅
Different storyline✅
Twisty mystery ✅

Barbara the Vampyr expert was probably my favorite character. Loved the way she came into this small Alaskan town and did her very best to investigate the murders happening quicker than she could solve. She worked well with Tucker, torn outcast who gets called into help when the other police officer gets injured. Athelinda is described perfectly and for a Vampyr sounds so elegant with a big side of gothic chill.

Story kept me guessing and wanting to know what was happening. Didn’t really have me thinking about the story when I wasn’t reading. Second book by this author for me and noticing she likes to include I’m guessing a personal issue with God, numerous derogatory references to anyone of faith and their beliefs—-definitely could have left that out and made the story better. Such a turn off. Will leave a major spoiler that also pertains to faith out.

Thanks to Netgalley for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Gathering by CJ Tudor is crime fiction and vampyrs…sign me up

"In the small, remote town of Deadhart, Alaska a boy is found with throat ripped out and drained of blood. Residents have not seen a death like this in 25 years. But they know who's responsible - a member of the Colony, a community of vampyrs that have moved back to an old, abandoned mine settlement.
Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialists in vampyr killings, is sent in to determine if this was a Colony killing and authorize a cull. She's convinced that something more is going on in Deadhart. With the pressure coming from her boss and the manic fear of the townspeople, she's not sure she has the time to find answers. Because there are deeper secrets at play..."

I love the premise of this book from Tudor. The idea that vampires exist in a group and need to be protected by law. There are no Medieval castles here. It's wintertime in the aptly named, Deadhart, Alaska.
Det. Atkins has her own family history that drives her. She's willing to get things right no matter how much pressure she's under.
There are clues to the ending along the way. Much of it will surprise you. There are a couple of wild twists.

A great story from Tudor.

C.J. Tudor is back this time with a vampyr book. Set in Deadhart, Alaska, Detective Barbara Atkins specializes in vampyrs. A teenage boy has been killed, and the local vampyr colony is to blame, or are they? This book vampyrs are a protected species but the people of the Alaskan town want to see the entire colony culled. But Barbara Thinks there may be more to this killing than just a hungry vampyr.

This book is very different from others from C. J. Tudor. I like vampire books in general, and I like things that in Alaska. I was just hoping for a little bit more, maybe more background about the vampires, more flushing out of the detective.

Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me a copy to read and review.

Vampyrs? Not my thing. However, this book is so much more; it draws readers into real-life issues such as hate, racism and difference. This book is very engaging, the pace is fast with multiple twists, it kept me wanting to know more. The last several chapters had me on the edge of my seat, trying to calm my racing heart. It’s a well-written story with likable characters. My only dislike is there are a lot of characters to keep up with, and a lot of the characters’ backgrounds aren’t revealed until further into the book, it became slightly distracting because of all the tidbits of info to try and remember. The ending was a little convoluted and left me somewhat confused. I would still recommend this book. The writing style creates such an atmospheric feel that sucks the reader in from start to finish!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the advanced copy of an ebook!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/186872450

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5eWeSIP4zC/?igsh=czg2ZzJtNWxxN3k5

I haven't read a vampire book since the Cullens and the Sookie Stackhouse series, so I wasn't sure how this would go. But it was really good and my favorite C.J. Tudor book to date. This was a dark and creepy page-turner full of twists and turns which kept me reading in anticipation and at the edge of my seat. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

With her latest book, "The Gathering" CJ Tudor again showcases her talent as an incredibly skilled and well rounded author. Is there anything she can't write? I've read 4 other books by her (and have 2 more on the TBR) and each book is creative and unique.

When I read the synopsis for The Gathering, I was surprised to see vampyrs in the mix. I like fantasy, but I am not a fan of vampires. That said, this author earned my trust so I went in open-minded and she didn't let me down.

After reading, I wouldn't classify this as fantasy. The vampyrs in this novel don't sparkle in the sun or turn into bats, and, while they can be killed, it's unlawful under the Vampyr Protection Act. Like any group who isn't white, Christian and male, the vampyrs face severe oppression; they're denied work, can't live in society amongst humans, are hunted for their fangs and other parts which are sold on the black market and their ancestors were killed out of "fear"/hate.

Our main character, Barbara, works for the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department. She is also a detective and it's her job to make sure the laws under the VPA are upheld.

She is sent to Alaska to investigate what appears to be a teenager attacked and killed by a vampyr from a local Colony. If it is found that the killer is from the colony, she can authorize a "cull" which the whole town is urging. But things aren't always what they seem and the evidence isn't adding up. The town has a history with the Colony and Barbara is determined to get the full truth before making a decision.

With a storm coming blocking the route out of town, tensions high from the teen's death, and more bodies dropping, Barbara is stuck in small town mayhem, two steps behind the killer(s), with very few people she can trust. How can she solve a murder when witnesses are dying and the townfolk are keeping secrets?

I absolutely loved this page-turner! It was full of twists and turns, suspense, and a fair amount of blood/gore. I would definitely categorize it as thriller/light horror with a sprinkle of paranormal. Though this book came to a resolution 🫢😯, I would love to see another book with Barbara as the main character!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for allowing me an ARC! Review will be posted on Goodreads, Bookstagram, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I don't know if we are going to get a sequel to this but if there is I will definitely be reading it, especially with that ending!
I loved Barbara's determination to work this case her way, without bowing to the pressures of either her superior or the townsfolk. Althlina was a great antagonist, she was protective of her people and did whatever she needed to have the lies of the past come out.
The townsfolk, or at least most of them want nothing more than to cull the entire colony of vampires, some for personal reasons, some for selfish, and others because they are afraid. I really enjoyed that vampires are well known to be real, and even have some government protections, although it's left up to people like Barbara to make sure the laws are followed.
I loved going along with Tucker and Barbra as they put the clues together, and the other POV we get was super intriguing and I was surprised when it was revealed who it was. I immensely enjoyed this from beginning to end and I'm keeping my fingers crossed we get more or Barbara and her vampire smarts.

I have to say, I am not a typical reader of vampire books (of course, I’ve read Twilight and Vampire Academy, but that was a lifetime ago). I didn’t know this was going to be a story about vampires when I went in, but I have to say, vampire tales have come a LONG way!

I really enjoyed this story! The character and world-building were great. I felt like I was in this town in Alaska that is dealing with the possible vampire killing of a young boy.

I loved that the vampires were not ALL this book was about. It’s a big part of it, but there is so much more going on here.

Also, it’s pretty dark! There are some horrifying things that happen to both human and vampire. It’s actually really sad when you think about it.

My hope is that the ending of The Gathering is the beginning of a second book!!

My only issue with the book is that the characters are all from the US, but many things they say are decidedly European (saying “jumper,” instead of sweater, or “CV” instead of resume). It was a little off-putting.

I dont know what it is about creepy books set in Alaska. You automatically get that dark, cold, creepy vibe just from the setting. CJ Tudor is a relatively new to me author but I so enjoyed this one. The mystery was believable and compelling. Kept me on the edge of my seat! Highly recommend! Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for approving me to read and review this ARC. I cant wait to read more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A fantastic horror/mystery novel that was engaging throughout. The author never disappoints and the vampire plot was unique and frightening. Definitely will recommend to others!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
An excellent horror story that was also a great murder mystery. I love everything I’ve read by this author. An enjoyable yet frightening book (I’m afraid of vampires).

3.5 stars. I was so excited to dive into this book. The genre has been placed on the back burner for awhile. Vampires are slowly coming back and I’m here for it! I could have done with out the religious stuff but still
Enjoyed!

This book was really something else! A teenaged boy is brutally murdered and the blood drained from his body. Is there a murderer in the area or is it someone from the vampire colony? In any case, the book is scary, filled with so many twists and turns it could make you dizzy!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

C.J. Tudor's newest novel, The Gathering, is set in an alternate reality where vampyrs exist, have rights, and follow rules. In the isolated town of Deadhart, Alaska, a teenage boy has been found with his throat ripped out and all his blood drained from his body.

The residents of the town believe that a vampyr from the nearby Colony is responsible. Forensic Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist, is sent to investigate and see if a cull (killing of all the vampyrs) should be authorized. With a snowstorm moving in, Barbara is cut off from outside help and must figure out who the killer is before it's too late.

C.J. Tudor is one of my favorite authors. I don't think I even read the synopsis before I requested this book. But I have to be honest, this doesn't feel like a C.J. Tudor book. It's not a thriller or a horror novel. There's no element of foreboding or feeling creeping dread. There's no gruesome imagery. No one goes through a terrifying ordeal. It's basically a police procedural about a detective investigating a murder, which just happens to involve vampyrs. Most of the book is spent discussing the relationships of the town's residents and how much they all hate the vampyrs and want them gone, one way or another.

I've read all of Tudor's books and this is my least favorite. The characters all felt flat, even though the story was well written and back story for them was provided. I never felt engaged or compelled to read it. The world-building didn't feel consistent.

I know a lot of others have liked this one, so maybe it's just me. Nevertheless, I still love C.J. Tudor and will continue to read and buy whatever she writes.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, C.J. Tudor, and Netgalley for an advance digital copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and given voluntarily.

2½ stars rounded up to 3 stars

Recommended for fans of:
Thrillers, Police Procedural, Mysteries, Paranormal, Horror, Detective, General Fiction, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural