After a young boy is murdered—similar to a murder from 25 years ago—Barbara Atkins, doctor of forensic vampyr anthropology and homicide detective, heads to the small, remote town of Deadhart, Alaska to investigate. Many of the folks in Deadhart believe it was the doing of a vampire (spelled vampyr). Vampyrs are a protected species living just on the outskirts of town but not everyone agrees that they should be allowed that privilege. Since <I>the Colony</i> moved back a year ago, many townsfolk have been on edge and, now, they are calling for a cull.

Tudor is the queen of creating a creepy, foreboding atmosphere that leaves you feeling uneasy. I loved the religious undertones and how each character stood out as a person of their own. Even though there were many characters to keep track of, I found it quite simple because they were written so well. I had no earthly idea who was guilty, who was innocent, or how this book was going to play out which, of course, added to the excitement. I found it to be a very interesting take on a vampire story; I could see this being an incredibly addicting short series for television.

My only complaint (and it's a small one): I found the epilogue unnecessary. The ending was perfect without it and I don't feel like it added anything to the story.

This story, about vampyrs (aka vampires) vs. humans, has the vibe of a 19th century novel, but is set in modern times.

Vampyrs, who have been declared a protected species in the United States, reside in small colonies in remote areas. By now, most vampyrs live on animal blood and don't bother humans. However, IF a vampyr colony proves dangerous to people, a cull may be authorized by the government. This can only happen after the danger is assessed by a detective from the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department (FVAD).

In any case, vampyrs have very restricted lives, since they're not permitted to go to regular schools or to get jobs. As one vampire leader observes, "They had so many years to live and yet so little of substance to fill their long lives."

Thus vampyrs resent humans and most humans hate and fear vampyrs.

*****

As the book opens, Detective Barbara Atkins from the FVAD is on her way to Deadhart, Alaska, a small town close to a vampyr habitat called the Colony. Atkins is being sent to investigate the murder of a 15-year-old human boy named Marcus Anderson, whose blood has been drained and whose ravaged throat is a mess of torn skin and gristle.

Marcus's death, which looks like a vampyr killing, is reminiscent of an incident that occurred in Deadhart 25 years ago. At that time, the murder of a boy called Todd Danes was blamed on a vampyr, and a cull was authorized. Long after the cull - about a year ago - a group of vampyrs returned to the area, and now lives in the Colony.

When Detective Atkins arrives in Deadhart, she meets Mayor Rita and Police Chief Pete Nicholls, who jokingly call her the 'Fang Doc.' The mayor and police chief - as well as most other Deadhart residents - seem to expect Atkins to just 'check the boxes' and authorize wiping out the Colony. However, after examining the evidence, Atkins isn't so sure a vampyr killed Marcus.

As things play out, Atkins investigate's Marcus's murder with the help of Police Chief Nicholls and former Police Chief Jensen Tucker. Tucker is the cop who looked into the Danes killing a quarter century ago.....which led to wiping out the local vampyrs. Tucker was injured at the time and is reluctant to get back in the saddle. Nevertheless, due to unexpected circumstances, Tucker agrees to lend a hand.

Atkins and her collaborators examine the crime scene and interview the boys who hung out with Marcus on the night he was killed. The investigators also speak to the boys' parents; interview the town's doctor; talk to the boys' high school teacher; interview the anti-vampyr pastor; and more. The detectives also speak to vampyrs from the Colony, who insist on their innocence.

Meanwhile, more deaths occur, and the townsfolk become more and more fearful and agitated, even threatening to take justice into their own hands.

Scenes from Deadhart are interspersed with chapters about a girl who's imprisoned in a basement by a captor, allegedly for the girl's own good. I'll admit I had a hard time guessing who this girl is.

I've enjoyed all the books I've read by author C.J. Tudor, who seems to specialize in spooky supernatural themes. I like this novel as well, and recommend it to fans of chilling suspense literature.

As an aside, I want to say I would deplore this kind of bigotry against vampyrs, not letting them get an education or get jobs. What kind of life it that? If vampyrs were really living amongst us, there should be anti-discrimination laws. A constitutional amendment for women's rights and vampyr rights seems appropirate. 😀

Thanks to Negtgalley, C.J. Tudor, and Random House Publishing Group for a copy of the book.

I have a love-hate relationship with C.J. Tudor's books – they always have such great premises but often fall a little flat in execution for me. When I saw The Gathering, however, I knew I had to read it. I mean, a book that combines two of my favorite genres (police procedurals and horror)? Yes, please!

And, well, I'm happy to report that I really enjoyed this one. It takes the traditional police procedural and turns it on its head with the addition of vampires (or "vampyrs," as they're called in this book). It's a dark read filled with lots of hateful characters (almost an entire town of them, really) and it's sometimes difficult to read, but the writing is top-notch and keeps you coming back for more.

This storyline of this novel strikes me as particularly relevant in today's world. The townsfolk of Deadhart despise the vampires because they're different and are intent on punishing the entire colony because of the actions of one of its members. Basically, this book is about bigotry but against vampires instead of [insert a minority group here]. There's even a KKK-like anti-vampire organization (appropriately named Helsing). Detective Atkins, however, is all about fairness and following the letter of the law, which the residents of Deadhart aren't exactly happy about.

And speaking of Detective Barbara Atkins, can I say how happy I am that she's a “normal” fat and dumpy woman? So often women main characters are described as gorgeous, with red hair and green eyes and a stunning figure, so it's kind of refreshing to have the opposite. And there's no romance! I thought for sure that Atkins was going to find herself in bed with one of the male cops, but there's not even a hint of anything flirtatious. As someone who despises unnecessary romance in novels, thank you, C.J. Tudor!

The mystery itself was intriguing and well-written. Who killed Marcus Anderson and why? And is his murder connected to one that happened twenty-five years previously? The townspeople are certain that the killer is a vampyr but Detective Atkins isn't so sure. I went back and forth on who I thought it might be, but in the end I was 100% wrong. I did not see that twist coming! My one small complaint is that I really didn't feel as if the killer's motives were explained particularly well. I would have appreciated a bit more of a backstory as to why they did what they did, but it just seemed kind of glossed over instead.

Speaking of the ending, however, it sounds like <i>The Gathering</i> might be the start of a series, so … yay! Well, kind of. I already have way too many series started that I'm never going to finish, but this is one I'll definitely have to continue.

My overall rating: 4.05 stars, rounded down. If you enjoy police procedurals and/or books about vampires, this one might be right up your alley.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

I loved this book! First off I would put C.J. Tudor in my top 10 list of authors. Every book is unique and interesting and keeps me highly engrossed waiting for the little extra "gotcha" to happen. This book is a break from their normal style but just as fascinating. I truly hope this continues as a series (which I think it is going to be). I loved the main detective; she is not the normal superhuman female cop that is all skinny and muscular and can do no wrong. Barbara is overweight and older and does not exercise and loves cheeseburgers. But she is brilliantly smart as a detective. The other main characters were fantastic too and I loved the small setting in Alaska that was both creepy and had an old atmosphere. The vampires were also complex characters and not just falling in love with humans or attacking them brutally all the time. I cannot iterate enough how much I hope this turns into a series because there is so much to work with and so much about Barbara I still want to know about.

4.25 ✨✨✨✨✨The Gathering" by CJ Tudor is a captivating exploration into the supernatural, skillfully weaving a tale of dark secrets, superstitions, and a grisly crime in the remote town of Deadhart, Alaska. Tudor's writing prowess shines through, making this novel a compelling read.

This was my first foray into a vampire-themed book, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Tudor's narrative prowess takes center stage as Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampyr killings, delves into the mysterious death of a young boy with his throat ripped out in Deadhart. The eerie atmosphere of the small town and the secrets lurking in its history add layers of suspense and intrigue.

The collaboration between Detective Atkins and former sheriff Jenson Tucker brings a dynamic element to the story. As they navigate through the town's dark past, the tension builds, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Tudor masterfully explores the fine line between a bloodthirsty monster and a twisted psychopath, leaving us to question the true nature of the killer stalking Deadhart.

The snow-thickened landscape and the lengthening nights provide an atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding mystery. "The Gathering" skillfully merges the detective thriller genre with elements of the supernatural, creating a unique and enthralling reading experience. Tudor's ability to craft a well-written narrative while introducing readers to a fresh take on vampire lore makes this novel a standout addition to the genre.

In conclusion, "The Gathering" is a compelling read that seamlessly blends crime, supernatural elements, and an intricate plot. CJ Tudor's storytelling prowess shines, making this novel a must-read for fans of mystery, suspense, and those open to a surprising twist on vampire lore.

I like CJ Tudor. She writes solid, serviceable thrillers that can be easily digested in a couple of sittings. Tudor does some interesting world-building here where humans live alongside vampyrs with a Y. There is no glamor to these vampires, they live as outcasts in squalid "colonies" feeding on animals. The government offers them little more protection than it does to other wild animals and inexplicably does not take advantage of their strength, historical knowledge, or longevity. When a teenage boy appears to be killed by a vampyr in the unsubtly named town of Deadhart, Detective Barbara, a "forensic vampyr anthropologist" is sent to investigate. From here the story follows a formulaic who-done-it (with a twist of vampyric supernatural elements) in the howling Alaska wilderness. Cold, icy, and isolated seems to be the trope de jour in thrillers, and a similar setting is employed in Tudor's last book, "The Drift". The ending is ripe for a sequel, which I would happily welcome on a cold winter night.

Wow! I didn't realize I needed a police detective story with vampires. I have read several of C.J. Tudor's books, but this one is my favorite so far, I really do hope this becomes a series.
This story has it all, vampires, the detective, the not so friendly sherif, the bored kids, grouchy old man and the odd priest
We follow Barbara into Alaska to solve a mystery of a murdered boy . You can feel the tension in the small town when the outsider comes into town.
The chapters are short enough to keep you wanting more, yet long enough to give you details. I was never bored with this book. I loved that I didn't know who the murderer was till it was revealed in the story.
This is the perfect book if you love mystery, horror and a little paranormal.

Truth be told, I did not read the synopsis before I requested this book. CJ Tudor is an auto author, so I went in blind. I was thrown off by the vampyr plot, but I really grew to love it, especially when character stories intertwined. I love a small town story and I feel like stories in Alaska are having a moment, which I’m also really enjoying. The setting, the atmosphere and the darkness really added to the mysterious, ominous vibe suited for this story. In a small town, there were a lot of players, so it was hard to remember them all, so I didn’t relate as much to them, but overall, a really quick read that captivated my attention, with a twisty ending that satisfied.

Honestly not my cup of tea. I hate to say it because the book was an arc yet it didn't give me what I wanted in this type of story.

Refreshingly Unique. A little bit horror, a little bit crime, and a whole lot of mystery is happening in this vampire-themed story set in the small town of Deadhart Alaska. Barbara Atkins, a vampyr expert is called in to evaluate the unfortunate demise of a youngster. Tensions run high between the angry townsfolk and the resentful inhabitants that reside in a protected vampyr colony nearby. Barbara’s job is to determine the exact cause of death and whether or not to permit an authorized cull to remove any further threat to human life. Finding the true culprit, human or Vampr,  is imperative. Her ultimate decision could place a whole community in imminent danger. It can be hard to know which of the local hunters have colder blood . . . some are just looking for sustenance, some for trophies, and some are out for revenge.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Gathering for my unbiased evaluation.  4 stars

Detective Barbara Atkins from the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department is sent to Deadhart, AK, after a teenager is killed in a suspected vampire attack. In The Gathering, vampires are a protected species, but the town wants revenge for the killing. But was it really a vampire who killed the boy?
This is essentially a police procedural with vampires. I wanted to like it, but it took me forever to read because I didn't find it that engaging. There were A LOT of characters to keep track of.
Also, I believe Tudor is British and, while this book takes place in the US, there are a lot of British words used instead of American words, such as windscreen, jumpers, trainers. It's very distracting.
Not my favorite Tudor book.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of The Gathering by C.J. Tudor.

Even though Twilight took from us, I have to admit, vampire stories are still pretty fun, or in this case, should I say vampyre. Add a frigid mysterious Alaska town, with even more mysterious and grizzled characters, and you have yourself quite the chilly adventure going. It sets itself up quite nicely for a sequel too, I'll I'll be ready when that comes out!

C.J. Tudor has thrown her hat in the ring of 'books featuring vampires' and bloody nailed it! I devoured this book and had a difficult time putting this book down. It was gripping, atmospheric, tense and well thought out. This hit all the bells and whistles for me. It is set in a cold unforgiving setting, is a police procedural and has vampires in it! Woohoo! I had such a great time sinking my teeth into this book!

Deadhart, Alaska.

Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampire killings, has her work cut out for her when the body of a teenager is found with his throat ripped open and drained of blood. Along with former Deadhart sheriff, Jenson Tucker, Barbara sets out to catch a killer! Was the killer a vampire? Did someone kill the boy and made it look like a vampire killed the youth? Whodunit?????

I thought Tudor did a fantastic job of nailing the description of the small town feel of this book. Small towns have a strong sense of community. Everyone knows everyone or at least knows them. Outsiders may be welcomed or viewed with a sense of "they are not one of us" or "they don't know our ways." Tudor brilliantly depicted the sense of mistrust the townspeople felt when Barbara came to town.

I also enjoyed the chilling feel to this book. This is not only from being set in the cold Alaskan setting but from Vampires and humans living near each other. But do they live in harmony??? They have an agreement that both sides have agreed to follow.

I was instantly sucked into this book from the very beginning. As I mentioned, I had a hard time putting this book down. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, the detective work and the many, many secrets that the town harbored.

This book also asks the question, who are the real monsters in this book?

As with Tudor's other books, this book was well written, well thought out, perfectly plotted, and paced. I enjoyed the mystery, the secrets, the mounting tension and danger in The Gathering.

Another plus is that this book is not scary or gory. Some horrific things do happen but not in graphic detail. I doubt this book will keep anyone up at night, unless someone is kept up thinking about how much they enjoyed this book. I also have my fingers and toes crossed hoping there will be more books to come.

Atmospheric, chilling, gripping, and so bloody good!!

4.5stars

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine (Ballantine Books) and NetGalley for this eARC. I have been a fan of CJ Tudor for some years and have read several of their previous books. I did enjoy this book, especially the alternate universe where vampyres and humans have lived together for hundreds of years. I liked the main character, Detective Barbara Atkins and the remote setting in Alaska. It gave creepy vibes and this would be a great book to read in the fall (or anytime if you like spookiness). The mystery kept me on my toes, and I didn't know what to expect at the end.

Barbara Atkins is a forensic detective specializing in vampyrs. She travels to Deadhart Alaska where a teenage boy has died, presumably at the hands of a vampyr from the Colony. The town is convinced it was a Colony member and are calling for a cull of the entire Colony. When more details come out possibly connecting this to a case that happened 25 years Barbara isn't quite sure a cull is the right thing.

I quite literally jumped up and down when I got the email from random house approving my request for this book. Thank you Random House! I've read almost all of CJ Tudor's books and I could not wait to read this. I went in blind, as I usually do and was sucked in immediately. The way CJ Tudor writes is what draws me in. She connects me to the characters and I find myself needing to know what really happened just as much as Barbara does. She has a nack for writing about the weird, the creepy, and the strange. For a long time now The Burning Girls has been my favorite of her books but this might just be my new favorite! If you love thrilling books that keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time then I highly recommend this book! I'm not sure I've read a book where my jaw physically dropped so many times. It's available for preorder now and releases April 9th!

First off- I have enjoyed every book this author has written and was so happy to receive this eARC! Thank you!
I loved this thriller- had me on the edge of my seat, never saw the twists coming, and really liked seeing how all the characters played out! Highly recommend!!

The Gathering

It hasn’t been since Buffy the Vampire Slayer that I’ve gone for the vampire flavor, but I was all here for it in this book! The Gathering is fast paced, intriguing, and the rural Alaskan scenery is a whole mood.

In a town that exists at the edge of a vampyr colony, a boy is murdered and the suspected killer is one of the colony members. In comes Barbara Atkins, detective and expert on vampyr killings, who is determined to catch the killer while maintaining the balance between the living and undead. As the story advances, many secrets of town members and a dark town history are unraveled. The story culminates in some pretty wild revelations leaving me shocked.

I would absolutely recommend this book for someone who enjoys a fast paced mystery/thriller and who is able to suspend disbelief enough to appreciate the existence of vampyrs in colonies just beyond our towns’ borders…

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy of this book!

**3.5

Enjoyed this one a lot! Tudor’s last book threw me for a loop and I wasn’t sure if her books were gonna jive with me anymore, but this one had all the things I’ve skeet’s liked about their books! I think Tudor writes very well and is able to fully flesh out a story, which bodes well for mysteries. Everything that’s happening seems to unravel seamlessly and there’s never any lull in the story. My only complaints with this book are that I felt it was very slightly too detailed at some parts and I didn’t really understand the perp’s motives, but was a solid fun time and I would recommend!

I knew I enjoyed CJ Tudor’s books. And she has done it again with The Gathering. What a gripping story with some colorful characters. I didn’t want the book to end (even though I wanted to find out what happened)

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.