What a ride! For someone who was on the fence about vampires and any sort of fantasy elements in my horror books, I'm so glad I took the plunge and read this one. I knew Tudor wouldn't disappoint.

The highlight of this one that stands out most is the atmospheric setting. Tudor did such a phenomenal job setting the scene here and dropping the reader right into it to make for a more intense and enthralling horror filled with twists, turns, and secrets galore.

The pacing was a bit slower in the beginning but I found that once it picked up, I was struggling to put it down. The character development really stood out to me, especially among this genre. I will be highly recommending this one to any horror fans!

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. Let me explain. When I first realized the book included vampires, I was surprised. (Not a spoiler. You learn this almost immediately.) I don't usually read vampire books, but I soon realized the mystery and the atmospheric setting of the book would be the main drivers of the story. There were unfolding twists and red herrings provided, however I have this book 3 stars for the following reasons. I felt there were too many similar characters that were not developed enough to keep them straight in my mind when mentioned. Also, I enjoyed the story well enough but never got that "I can't wait to get back to the book" feeling.

The Gathering by C. J. Tudor is a mystery/thriller with some horror vibes that follows Detective Barbara Atkins who is a specialist in vampyrs are she is sent to investigate the murder of a young man in a small Alaskan town. While the murder looks like it was done by the Colony, Barbara isn’t completely convinced and doesn’t want to accuse the vampyrs without evidence. As more and more is revealed, Barbara isn’t sure who she can trust and who might be an enemy in disguise.

I am a huge C. J. Tudor fan so I was so excited to see her do a book with a paranormal element. There were a lot of things I liked about this book and a few things I didn’t. I love the fact that we got vampires just in the story. There isn’t any looking around to see if they exist. We know from chapter one that they are there and that they have their own little colony. I loved the Alaskan atmosphere. It is winter in this book so there is a lot of snow and the daylight is barely there which adds to the creepy vibes of the book. I really enjoyed Barbara and thought her character was interesting to follow even though I don’t always love a detective perspective.

I think my biggest complaint about the book is there are so many characters and some of them do not get fully fleshed out so it makes it hard to be invested in what they are doing. This caused reveals to not be as impactful because there were just too many storylines going at once. I also think there were too many plot points on this book. It seemed like every other chapter, a small mystery was being solved and it was just too much for me. I think if this would have only been on Barbara’s point of view, it would have been better. I do with there would have been more about the vampire lore as well because that was really interesting.

Overall, this was a fun read but I wanted something a little different.

A solid 3.5/5 (rounding up to 4)! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Very entertaining and fast paced. A little all over the place and some of the twists felt a bit too contrived and forced. Seems to be setting up for a sequel, and I like the Detective Atkins character. Wish we got a little more vampyr perspective and world building, but overall a fun read!

I didn't refresh myself with the synopsis before I started reading The Gathering so I was excited to see there was vampires. I haven't picked up a vampire book in a few years and I'm kinda glad it was this one. The Gathering is an atmospheric (wintery and cold) slow burn of a murder mystery. It's the kind of vampire book where they are NOT necessarily the villains. There IS a lot of characters mentioned but it wasn't hard to keep them separated. Everything is wrapped up at the end but the groundwork was laid for a sequel.

If you liked Twilight for the vibes and lore but wish it had cut out the love story, wolves, and sparkles you will definitely like The Gathering!

An imagined world where vampyre and humans live side by side.

Tensions emerge when a young man is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Was it suicide? Murder? Did humans kill him or have vampires overstepped their bounds?

Intrigue. Religion. Politics. They all collide in this dark thriller!

4 stars to this unique, supernatural spin on the police procedural.

This book definitely isn't your typical vampire story, but in a good way. It is full of originality as it approaches vampirism through the lens of prejudice and discrimination. It took a bit of time to get into the story; there were a lot of characters and I had trouble keeping them straight at first. But the lead characters were well developed, especially Barbara, who I really enjoyed, and who I would love to see in a sequel, which is hinted at in the epilogue. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a fresh take on a murder mystery.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc of this upcoming book! Right off the bat, at the conclusion of chapter 1, I knew I was hooked. Hooked, line and sinker kind of hooked.
CJ Tudor is an author that had always been on my radar but I never read before. The book is written with such a fiery pace, that there is never a point in time where it lulled. This does have enough horror elements to it, to satiate my horror loving heart. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say just go in with an open mind and be ready to be swept off with the mystery of this Alaskan town!

I have been waiting for another C.J Tudor to love. As the last two were disappointments to me.

This book follows a more traditional and enjoyable storyline for me. A detective is investigating a crime that has happened in Alaska.
This small town is not used to crimes like this happening, and the detective must uncover what is going on, before the town loses it.

As I said before, I really like the story even though it was not anything revolutionary. I like the way that Tudor weaves and tells us a story.

Thank you to netgalley & the publisher for my arc copy!

The Gathering is an intriguing vampire detective story.. In this world, vampires live in colonies and are none to the world.

When a teenager in Alaska is apparently killed by a colony vampire, Detective Barbara Atkins of the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department is called in. The detective faces a challenging task trying to gain the cooperation of a small Alaskan town who are ready to hunt down all the vampires while trying to untangle the truth.

A really unique murder mystery. The town of Deadhart, Alaska grudgingly accepts the existence of a vampyr colony set up on the site of an abandoned mine on the outskirts of town, but when a local boy is found with his throat torn and his blood drained, the residents are calling for a cull (basically genocide of the colony). Vampyrs are somewhat protected and although they aren’t allowed to work or mix with general society, it is no longer legal to hunt them for sport and claim body parts as trophies. When there is a suspected vampyr related murder, a government official is called in to investigate.

Enter Detective Barbara Atkins. Despite the town’s pressure to authorize a cull, she delves deeper and uncovers ties to a quarter century old murder, a right wing evangelical sect, a racist group and an old boys hunting club.

An entertaining read. Highly recommended.

🩸🩸🩸🩸
As with my previous experiences with this author...I was expecting one part horror and 2 parts thriller. I quickly realized I’d need to add vampires into the mix, or should I say Vampyrs !🧛‍♀️

I was a bit concerned it wasn’t going to work for me. I’ve never read a vampire-themed book before and not really sold on starting one now. But, it found its way to my shelf, and I've been wanting to expand my reading... so why not!

And yes…🥁🥁 it worked! This is a tale of small town America living next to a Colony of vampyrs. Can they coexist? Or is one group bent on seeking total control, eliminating the other? Who will win this centuries-old battle?

In Deadhart Alaska a teenage boy has been killed. And all roads point to a vampyr as the murderer. To solve the case and bring those responsible to justice, Barbara Atkins is brought in. Not only is she a highly respected homicide detective, she’s also a doctor of forensic vampyr anthropology. (2 for 1…can’t beat that!)

When Barbara is handed evidence of the killing in the form of a video, everyone assumes it’s an open and shut case. Everyone but Barbara! Can she get to the bottom the killing before an all-out killing spree (I mean culling) erupts?

This was quite a suspenseful and captivating read and was pleasantly surprised how much I really enjoyed it. I applaud, and tip my hat to CJ Tudor for always writing outside the box and tackling something just a bit different! Can’t wait for her next!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group -Ballantine via NetGalley

The Gathering was exactly the type of book I have been looking for. Very suspenseful, with a great setting, interesting characters and many twists along the way. I was unable put this book down, and can't wait to read more from this author! Definitely recommend.

A murder with facts that don’t point toward the conclusion that those in a small Alaskan town want uncovers something darker and more complicated in The Gathering by C.J. Tudor.
Called to a rural Alaskan town to investigate a murder of a teenage boy, Detective Barbara Atkins must determine if the Colony is responsible for the killing and whether a cull of the vampyrs should be authorized. With the death of the boy drawing eerie comparisons to the last killing like this twenty-five years ago the emotions of those in the small town are running high and the residents aren’t taking too kindly to Barbara, both as an outsider and in her role glibly referred to as a Fang Doc, which they fear makes her sympathetic to the vampyrs; however, Barbara is simply determined to find the truth and hold the perpetrator responsible so when facts and evidence raise more questions she enlists the aid of the former sheriff, Jenson Tucker, who worked on the previous case and has been reclusive since then. As the pair investigate, they uncover the long-kept dark secrets of the town as the vampyrs and humans draw ever closer to each other’s throats seeking to land a killing blow.
Combining perspectives of a variety of characters to provide a fuller view of the situation and version of the world with a vampyr society beside a human one the story’s tension and intrigue is slowly built up as pieces of the mystery’s puzzle are slotted into place and eventually understood in context, after various misdirects. The narrative depicts small town dynamics well, with the distrust of outsiders loudly presented and deep-seated prejudices exemplified through both the actions and words of those in the town toward Otherness, which in this instance is vampyrs. Though this particular case seems to be fairly well wrapped up, there’s a much larger story to be told within this world and through these characters, which was hinted at throughout the narrative with portions of Barbara’s past and that of a trapped vampyr as well as with another inciting event to offer an opening for and tease of what Barbara might encounter next.
Overall, I’d give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

WOW WOW WOW!! I absolutely loved The Drift by Tudor last year; so much so that I knew even though I would like The Gathering (her writing is phenomenal!), I wasn't sure it would be as good. OMG this one blew me away too! What great characters and setting. I could see myself in the town of Deadhart, cold and all. I could feel the tension in my bones in this small Alaskan town. What a ride this was! Suspenseful and thrilling, I could not put this down!! Bravo to C.J. Tudor for another amazing story!!

Detective Barbara Atkins is summoned to investigate a grisly murder in a remote Alaskan town where a boy is discovered with his throat torn out and his body drained of blood. Specializing in vampyr killings, Barbara holds the authority to sanction a cull of the local clan if deemed necessary. However, her findings in Deadhart unsettle her, prompting her to seek the truth despite the town's suspicions. Teaming up with former Sheriff Jenson Tucker, Barbara delves into the town's hidden secrets amidst a raging snowstorm, racing against time to stop further bloodshed. The narrative's exploration of vampirism as a recognized condition facing prejudice, set against the backdrop of Alaska's vast and desolate landscape, adds depth to the story. While the characters and their backgrounds contribute to the atmospheric setting, the excessive focus on Barbara's weight and self-deprecation detracts from her role as a skilled detective. Such characterization, applied to other characters as well, feels like a simplistic approach to portraying flaws. Overall, I appreciated the opportunity to review this ARC provided by NetGalley and Ballantine Books.

Sometimes a book surprises you, leaves your jaw hanging on the floor. This was that book for me. I had initially requested this title having read and enjoyed other works from the same author and because of that beautiful cover. But boy! I was in for a ride.

Following a cast of characters whom you will certainly come to relate with, this book is the perfect horror-thriller that brings vampires into the equation. And as is the classic CJ Tudor style, we are given a wonderful case study of the human psyche and how deeply bloodthirsty we can be.

A perfect five stars. This book is not something that I can recommend for light reading. It will definitely leave its mark and make a reader think about many a things. Truly, I am glad to have enjoyed it as much as I did.

I spent many years living in Alaska and the setting alone sucked me right in. Once I opened the book, I could not put it done. There were so many twists and turns and some surprises along the way. The characters are well written, and the atmosphere made this book even better. I would highly suggest if you are looking for something different but amazing. Thank you NetGalley.

The Gathering was a compelling dark telling of vampires and humans. Are the vampires the evil ones or could it be the humans? A teenage boy is found dead and the police will have to investigate to find out who’s responsible for this. Things are not what they seem and this story will take several turns before the truth is found out. Well done and worth the read.
4.5⭐️
Thanks Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley.

Wow, this was incredible. Everything from the characters and setting to the intricate web of deceit was so well done. I would die for a sequel based on that epilogue.

The intricacies of the vampyr world were explained in a simple way that flowed well within the story. It never felt like it was being over explained. The pacing was fast, but not too fast where it felt like you were getting whiplash.