I don’t know what it is about Alaska, but it makes a perfect setting for a vampire book. I’m assuming it’s the bleakness of the landscape, when you’re considering the amount of darkness and snowfall. It gives it that dark setting that is perfect for a battle between humans and vampires.

Going in to this story, you have a set up where humans accept that vampires are living along side of them, but they have set certain rules and regulations to keep everyone separate and on their own part of the land. Acceptance is a strong word here though, there’s a history of vampire slaughter and a thriving black market for vampire “parts”. Barbara Atkins is a detective specializing in vampires, investigating crimes to decide if a colony of vampires has overreached the law and deserving of a cull. She’s here in Alaska to investigate the murder of a teenage boy that has hallmarks of a vampire attack.

This book was so good. It has all of the horror and action that you would expect from a vampire book, with a bit of historical fiction to give it some support. As I was reading I could see the scenes playing out in my mind. It definitely would make a good movie. I was really glad to see from the ending that we might get a follow up Barbara Atkins book, we need more!

Thanks to CJ Tudor, Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for the advance copy!

Set in a remote Alaskan former mining town, The Gathering by C.J. Tudor is a suspenseful mystery with a supernatural twist. Barbara Atkins is a detective with the Department of Forensic Vampyr Anthropology, and is sent to Deadhart, Alaska to investigate the murder of a teenaged boy and determine if the local vampire colony is responsible.
This book is more of murder mystery with vampires, than it is about vampires, and I did like this take on the genre. This book uses religion to justify the townsfolk's hatred for the vampires, not dissimilar to the racism, xenophobia, homophobia that is prevalent in many religions today.
My only real complaint about this book is the almost constant references to Barbara's weight. It added literally nothing to the plot, and being fat is not a personality trait, it just added completely unnecessary commentary throughout the book.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I look forward to reading more by C.J. Tudor in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of The Gathering in exchange for my honest review.

This is the best vampire book I've read since Twilight! Except this isn't a romance.... C.J. Tudor is the master of suspense and horror, I have not read a Tudor book that I don't like.

This book takes place in a small town in Alaska. Detective Atkins is called in to investigate a horrific crime that has been committed. The town is blaming it on the colony, the local "vampyr" group. As vampyr are outcasted in society, many of the townspeople want revenge. This book has so many twists and turns as dark secrets are uncovered with this investigation.

I’m not usually a big fan of classic monsters; Frankenstein, Vampires and Werewolves. But I loved this more modern take on society (in the form of rural small town Alaska) and vampires.

What if Vampires were known? And a protected class? They don’t have rights; can’t get an education or get a job. But their colonies are protected from bigoted and frightened humans.

I loved the unique take on Vampires in this story. Yes they lived on blood. But they weren’t solitary, lonely creatures skulking in the night, Anne Rice style. They have families, can reproduce and can live (with limitations) in the light.

World building was fantastic and main character, Detective Barbara Atkinson, was genuine and likable. I’m hoping there will be more from this universe!

In the small town of Deadheart Alaska a young boy is found with his throat ripped out and drained of blood. Although there hasn’t been a murder like it in twenty five years; the residents know who’s responsible…the Colony. Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist, is called in to determine if this is the work of a vampire and if so to authorize a cull for the safety of the human residents. Barbara enlists the help of former sheriff, Jenson Tucker, whose investigation into the previous murder almost cost him his life. As they begin their investigation, clues lead them down a rabbit hole of criminal activity and the bodies start piling up…are they looking for a vampire or a sadistic serial killer?

The Gathering is a fantastic new thrill ride by author C.J. Tudor set in small town Alaska where humans and a group of vampires coexist…but not peacefully. Honestly, I went into this one somewhat blind without reading the plot synopsis only to realize that it’s a murder mystery with a twist…vampires. I will say most of the townsfolk in this story made me root for the vampires to go on a killing spree and annihilate the whole town. I enjoyed the main characters ability to remain aloof to the pressures and comments she is subjected to throughout the investigation. I would actually love to see Barbara’s reappearance in a future vampy murder investigation. This was definitely one of my favorite reads so far for 2024…so check it out.

I give this book 5 stars! Vampyrs are real and the whole world knows about them. They live separate from humans in groups called Colonies. Barbara is a detective for a special unit that investigates supposed vampyr attacks to judge whether a complete annihilation of the vampyr Colony. When a murder of a 15 year old child happens in Deadhart, AK, she's called to determine if the killer is a Vampyr. In this isolated town, each person has their own secrets that they are unwilling to share with the detective in order to help her solve the case.

This is the perfect blend of investigative murder mystery mixed with supernatural. I really enjoyed how this story unfolded piece This is my first C.J. Tudor read and I'm interested in reading the rest of their works. Highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of “The Gathering” in return for an honest review. In C.J Tudor’s latest, Barbara Atkins is a detective specializing in vampires (or ‘vampyrs’, as they are referred to throughout). In the world of The Gathering, vampires live among humans, though in an ostracized and often violently oppressed manner.

Barbara is sent to the aptly named town of Deadhart, Alaska to investigate the murder of a boy that the townsfolk believe was committed by a local ‘Colony’ of vampires. The town seeks Barbara's approval to implement a “cull”, which is basically an extermination of the vampire colony. Mayhem ensues, with more death and questions as to whether it is the humans or vampires that are the true monsters.

Aside from a somewhat lackluster climax, the story is intriguing with well-developed characters and a very timely notion of herd mentality that permeates throughout. If Tudor was so inclined, this is a fascinating world that would certainly warrant further exploration in future volumes. 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4).

This is a DNF for me at 30%. I enjoyed this author's earlier books but now she is into full horror and vampires??

Thanks for the opportunity to read this title but it's just not for me.

“The Gathering” by CJ Tudor is a psychological thriller set in the dark, cold winter of Alaska. Detective Atkins has come to the small town of Deadhart to investigate the murder of a teen boy. The locals are blaming the murder on the local vampire colony and she has to get to the bottom of it. While vampire fiction isn’t my usual reading, I do like Tudor’s previous books and was caught up in the story. It was a suspenseful read that I enjoyed though I prefer her regular psychological fiction.

I was over the moon ,when i got my hands on an advance copy -talk about a dream come true 🥹 Big thanks to Netgalley & Ballantine Books Publishing and C.J.Tudor ♥️♥️♥️♥️

I'm a huge fan of C.J. Tudor's work, and her latest book, «The Gathering “ is a real page-turner. She's taken her signature dark and twisty style to a whole new level with this one. It's a world where humans and vampyrs coexist, but not exactly peacefully. Think less sparkly vampires and more gritty realism. Be warned, though - there's some heavy stuff in here, like violence and abuse. But if you're up for it, Detective Barbara Atkins is on the case, investigating a murder that could set off a powder keg of trouble between humans and vampyrs.

Barbara's got a personal stake in the game, and her story's a thought-provoking exploration of prejudice and justice. She's a tough cookie, but the story's got some serious bite. I mean, it's not just about good vs. evil - it's about the gray areas in between. And let me tell you, C.J. Tudor knows how to make those gray areas sing. If you're a fan of her unique style, you'll love this. It's like she's taken all the best parts of her previous books and distilled them into something new and exciting.
Aaaand can i just say,the ending was super intriguing? I’m wondering if this means we will see more of Barbara in the future🤞🏽

Very different from CJ Tudor's usual collection, but it worked beautifully! Vampire lovers, this one will eat your heart out.

Meet Detective Barbara Atkins, called to investigate the murder of a man in the middle of Alaska. The small town hasn't seen such a crime since a group of outcast Vamprys were run out of town. But there's something special about the detective and her investigation. She specializes in crimes committed by Vamprys, and the town is certain there's some connection.

This was such an enjoyable read. Mysterious setting (giving True Detective Season 4, Ennis, Alaska). I highly recommend for anyone who loves the supernatural and vampire vibe.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

“You know what they called the last battle between vampires and humans? The Gathering. A battle for people’s very souls.”

A small Alaskan town. A boy found brutally murdered and his body drained of blood. An old mine that is home to an ostracized vampyr colony. Is the killing the work of a madman or is a member of the colony responsible?

I am not a big fan of vampires, but I am a huge fan of C. J. Tudor and once again she did not disappoint with this creative spin on the vampire story. What I loved about this novel is that it is basically a murder mystery. The addition of a shunned group of vampires as the possible source of the grisly killing added an unexpected element to this well done psychological thriller.

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. Near the top is the setting. While I don’t love the cold, I do love a thriller set in an isolated wintry landscape. Tudor’s descriptions created an eerieness that I found enormously effective. And while this is set in modern day, the story sometimes had the feel of a classic with its descriptive language and its vampire versus human theme. This book surprised me in a really good way. Thank you to @netgalley and @randomhouse for this arc. The Gathering releases April 9th.

Welcome to the town of Deadhart, Alaska! A teen has just been found with his throat ripped out and the residents are calling for a cull of the neighboring Vampyre colony and the Vampyre colony is just itching for another Gathering.

Detective Barbara Atkins has been tasked with determining whether the teens death is the result of the Vampyre colony or a resident trying to blame the colony and incite a cull. With the help of a recluse ex-sheriff that is closer to the Colony than anyone else Atkins sets off on a disturbing, cold, and deadly case where the monsters aren’t only living in the woods.

I loved how this story transported you there. The MCs were strong and the storyline moved at a pretty great pace. Detective Atkins inner monologue had me cracking up throughout the entire book. I also loved the undertones Tudor explored and expertly crafted into a story that made it seem natural and didn’t seem like it was forced.

I didn’t like how there seemed to be bits of irrelevant information and secondary story lines that never came full circle or had anything at all to do with what was actually happening, looking at you, Susan.

The ending wrapped up nicely but with less action than I’d hoped but that very last page had me reeling! Always read the Epilogue! Overall it was a fun read that kept my attention and made me what to find out how it ended!

Thank you to Netgally and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC of The Gathering in exchange for an honest review.

“The Gathering” by C. J. Tudor was an unexpected treat. I admit I picked this book because I was looking for a change in genre, one that I never read and so happy I picked this one. The book is a mystery that takes place in a tiny remote town in Alaska where vampyres and humans coexist. The story is about a woman detective who works for the Forensic Vampyr Anthology Department and is assigned this homicide case. She must determine if the killer is human or part of the vampyr colony. The plot is unique, exciting and entertaining and a little scary! I throughly enjoyed this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

C.J. Tudor is one of the most solid authors I read. I am yet to be disappointed by anything she writes and “The Gathering” is no exception. I always go in blind and was excited to see this was about Vampires. Tudor isn’t going to just write any old vampire story, she is able to twist it into something fresh. Vampires were hunted like animals and even taxidermied for fun. Eventually, tensions came to a head and a war between vampires and humans occurred called a gathering. Laws were put in place and special investigators were hired to ensure the safety of all. Detective Barbara Atkins is called to Deadhart, Alaska to investigate the murder of a teenager. As the town prepares to attack and kill the colony of vampires (cull), she has to determine if the evidence supports that claim, or if there is more than meets the eye? Is this truely a vampire on human crime? Is the colony of vampires protecting one of their own? Is there a human in town using this as an excuse to excise the entire colony of vampires? What follows is a bloody good; high tension unraveling of this small Alaskan town.

Calling all Vampire lovers! 🧛🏻‍♂️ I have a new book recommendation for you.

Detective Barbara Atkins is called to investigate the gruesome murder of a young man in the middle of nowhere Alaska. The small town hasn’t seen any crime quite like it for years, not since The Colony was run out of town. The Colony, a group of outcast Vamprys, used to live in the town but weren’t trusted and were forced to leave. They moved deep into the Alaskan forests, never to have contact with the town again.

Barbara Atkins isn’t a normal detective, she specializes in crimes committed by Vamprys. The town is sure that the Vamprys are back and believe the recent murders are caused by them. However Atkins isn’t so sure, and is on a mission to figure out the truth behind all of this before things get out of hand.

I enjoyed this one! It’s a fun horror story and mystery to read in the Winter months with the snowy, dark Alaskan setting. I’m also watching the newest season of True Detective and this book gives off a very similar vibe! I would recommend this if the supernatural and vampires are your thing. Otherwise this probably won’t be for you!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book will be published April 9th.

Loved this vampire, murder mystery from C.J. Tudor! Such a good winter read. Different from their usual work but in a good way!

I should have looked closer to the reviews. Had no idea this was about vampires . That being said, it was just an ok read, but thought the ending was great. Not for me ... but would recommend it.
Thanks NetGalley for the advance copy

I don’t usually love horror or even vampires, but I will pickup anything CJ Tudor writes and I really enjoyed this murder mystery. The alternate POVs were a nice touch, but I was hoping for more character development for some characters. Overall this was great and I can’t wait to see what comes next from CJ Tudor especially if it includes Detective Barbara Atkins.

I will say it…I will read everything that CJ Tudor puts out. When I saw that I was approved for an ARC of this book I couldn’t wait another second to open this up and jump in. I love the setting being in a small little town in Alaska. This absolutely set the tone for this book. You have a killing happen after the towns deaths have been quiet for over two decades and everyone starts to panic wondering if the vampires have come back out or if it is one of their own.

We have Detective Barbara Atkins called in to determine if this was caused by someone within “The Colony” before anything is done—this species is protected by the Vampyr Protection Act and if they in fact are behind this killing that has occurred they can call ‘a cull’ and they can hunt them down. This book will have your palms sweating and the twists and turns will have your heart racing. I loved the secrets and mystery within this book as well. A must have on the TBR for anytime literally.