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.

I really liked the way that this book unfolded. It was exciting and engaging and there were some very worthy twists and turns. Some of the action became a little convoluted, but I appreciated how Tudor tried to wrap things up and explain some of her choices for the characters. I would've loved to have had more with Tucker, his story was probably the most interesting.

The idea that vampires live among us in colonies that are subjected to laws and codes that were built for them by government agencies is a fascinating concept. I liked the build-up on this and of course, the very apparent analogy that this creates for our situations that are present right now can't be ignored, so bravo to Tudor for writing a book that has us looking at our society and what they're/we're doing to completely foul things up. If it wasn't for some of the unnecessary characters and lack of development this is easily a 5-star read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

The author creates a vivid and atmospheric setting, transporting the reader to the small town of Arnhill, where something sinister lurks beneath the surface. The book also explores themes such as guilt, revenge, forgiveness, and redemption, as well as the power of memory and the bond of friendship. The characters are well-developed and realistic, each with their own flaws and motivations. The book is told from multiple perspectives, switching between the present and the past, which adds to the complexity and mystery of the plot.

The Gathering is a book that will haunt you long after you finish reading it. It is a brilliant debut from CJ Tudor, who has proven herself to be a talented and skillful storyteller. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, horror, or mystery, you will not want to miss this book. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good scare, vampire novels, and a thrilling ride..

Thank you to @randomhouse, @netgalley and CJ Tudor for the ARC of The Gathering!

This was a deliciously creepy read, perfect for a long winter afternoon. It’s based in Alaska and has all things vampire and crime 🥶🧛🏼‍♂️

This book will be released on April 9th

3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#cjtudor #thegathering #alaska #detective #arc #netgalley #randomhouse

Ok this book was creepy. I had no idea it was going to have vampires or I might not have requested it but I had read C.J. Tudor's books before and I knew they were slow burn mystery that I liked and this one was no exception. A kid is dead. Everyone assumes it must be the vampires because, come on, they are vampires! Right? Well, of course not right because if it was that obvious, it wouldn't be a novel. At least not a good one, and she writes good novels. This is creepy, and fun, and interesting. I wasn't crazy about the vampire bits but I loved the book.

with gratitude to netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Thank you Random House/Ballantine for letting me read this eArc.

This mystery novel gets a 3.5⭐. A detective arrives in a rural Alaskan town to help investigate the murder of a teen and determine whether the local colony of vampyrs had anything to do with it. There are several twists I wasn't expecting and the pacing was decent. While there wasn't enough scary scenes for my taste, I still enjoyed it. The remote wintery setting was described perfectly without being too vague and played a significant role in how the story played out. I felt the author nailed all the various characters so well. Each one has their unique voice and it made me really connect with them and Invision them in each scene. I enjoyed the FMC Barbara's quirky, sarcastic personality and her interactions with the other cops. The vampyres in this story were very unique and I loved that the author had a background story for them. This book felt like a combination of Fargo and True Detective and I'd definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys suspense with a supernatural element

This was a fun, creepy read. I wasn't sure what to expect with the vampire aspect but it was worth a read for sure!
Thanks NetGalley!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House and CJ Tudor for this ARC!

A few things I loved about this book…

1. The Setting. The small down of Deadhart, Alaska. I have never been to Alaska but it is on my bucket list! This setting was the perfect vibe IMO for the story Tudor set out for us.
2. VAMPYR. VAMPS. VAMPYRS. VAMPIRES. The inner Twilight loving child in me craves and highly enjoyed this subject matter. And then I realize, I am 32 but why am I still not reading more books with vampires in them? I may or may not have sought out and bought 4-6 vampire-themed books during the time I read this.
3. The main characters. Barbara. Tucker. Athelina. Colleen. Beau. Their present stories and back stories made this an incredibly curated story.
4. Short chapters. Enough said.

The things I didn’t love…

1. The being said, there were a LOT of characters. I should have written them down including their relation to the other characters. It was difficult to keep track of them all and made the resolution and the way the author ended the story a bit confusing and didn’t feel quite as neat and in a “bow” - at least in my head.
2. This author is pretty derogatory and dare I say verging on fatphobic. There are SEVERAL mentions of being thick around the waist…overweight and unfit…needing to cut the carbs…all framed with a character who was neglected and abuse by a parent who was too fat to get off the couch and defend their child from abuse by the other parent. All of those things can be true about a person, but it was evident to me the way these descriptors and conflicts were used, the author may not think highly of people who are any version of overweight. As a plus size girlie, it only took away from the story for me. Of all the negative things you could say about a character - and especially in this book, I would suggest just leaving out the comments about their waist line.

4.5 stars rounded down to 4

This publishes April 9, 2024! I hope you all give it a read and enjoy it as much as I did.

A mystery with vampires, how much fun is that? Quite a lot actually. Good story, but not much horror for a book with vampires. Definitely worth rrading. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

I think this was a very interesting take on the vampire genre! I haven’t every really seen it done before where the vampires kinda assimilate into society as best they can and I think it was really unique. There are some things I didn’t love that are more personal preference. I don’t love when politics are loudly shared in books but I do appreciate when important subjects are talked about that need light cast on them. Overall I think this is an engaging story and unique take on a common horror theme!

I loved everything about this book, setting, characters and pacing were all excellent! I really enjoyed the different take on vampires and specifically them having colonies in Alaska.

In a world where vampires (spelled in the book as vampyres) and humans co-exist, there is a quiet town called Deadhart, Alaska. A teen boy has been found with his throat ripped open and his blood drained. It is a crime reminiscent of another similar crime many years ago. The humans and vampyres may co-exist, but it's not always peaceful. This appears to be a vampyre killing and the town wants justice.
Enter Detective Barbara Adkins, an expert in the field of vampyres. She arrives in the small Alaskan town to examine the crime. She's familiar with what's called "The Colony" which is what the vampyres who live together are called. She is there to get to the bottom of the crime. Her character is well developed and endearing. She's a hardened cop with a love of beer and burgers.
Secrets are uncovered, the worlds of the vampyres and the humans who hate them are examined. There is a sense of questioning the difference between "good and evil."
This is my 5th or 6th novel by C. J. Tudor. She crafts an excellent novel with true to life characters and a thoughtful examination of human nature and prejudice. She also entertains as always. I was glued to the pages, which I have come to expect from her writing style. The ending was SUPERBLY done, and I was left feeling completely satisfied. Tudor has a secured a spot in my TOP authors and a MUST-READ status when it comes to her writing. This book will surely take a spot in my top reads of 2024! It's a MUST for lovers of thriller with a twist of horror. Thank you Ms. Tudor, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this novel early. Publishes April 9th, DO NOT MISS! 5 big, huge, excited stars.

This certainly was a murder mystery with a twist. Welcome to Deadhart, where 873 people live in an area that is not too far from a colony of vampyrs. Twenty five years ago a killing occurred and now with the colony returned and another dead boy killed with blood drained and his throat ripped out, it seems to point to a vampyr killing.

Tensions increase and as Barbara Atkins,a vampyr specialist, deals with a town clamoring for a culling. Kill all the vampyrs. Barbara is sent to determine whether this is the cure for what ails Deadhart.

Barbara teams up with the former sheriff, Tucker, who has spent the last twenty five years as a recluse. He was the one responsible for the colony leaving the last time.

As expected there are many secrets and as the weather becomes more treacherous, the tensions between the humans and vampyrs increase to a furious point.

Will Barbara and Tucker be able to stop the oncoming massacre?

This was an interesting look at a murder mystery with a very diverse cast of characters.
Thank you to C.J. Tudor, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this book due out in April of 2024.