I'm not a huge fan of vampire or vampyr books unless of course they are written by what is becoming my favorite author, C.J. Tudor! I could not put this down, This was a one day read.

Quick Synopsis: Vampyr's currently co-exist with humans but in their own colonies. There are laws in place to help protect them as well as to lawfully prosecute if crimes have been committed by them against humans. This is where we meet Barbara. Barbara is a detective with the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department, who is called to help investigate a murder in an isolated Alaskan town. Her job entails investigating when a Vampyr is a suspect in a crime and if a cull is in need. As can be expected she is met with hostility from the local townspeople who want a cull ordered asap.

What I liked: Basically, all of it! While we follow Barbara (who i loved!) we are introduced to a ton of townspeople and her interactions with them in trying to solve the crime. Each character had a distinct role and was written in very well. I love reading characters that are used for depth and not just plot development. Tucker and Athelinda were a close second, I loved their storyline and how it came together. There were so many layers to this mystery that just kept unfolding and holding my attention and surprisingly there wasn't much gore considering the topic. Which is good for me as I stated above the topic of Vampyr's isn't my cup of tea. Till, now!

I feel like Tudor is a very versatile author, with each book being unique and going outside the box of her previous novels. This one felt like it could be left open for a sequel and I would certainly read. Even if this doesn't seem like your type of novel, I recommend giving it a try. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Detective Atkins is called to investigate a brutal murder in a small Alaska town. She enlists the help of a former sheriff to uncover dark secrets while trying to determine if they are dealing with a supernatural killer or a human psychopath. Their investigation becomes more urgent when another body is found, and they race against time to solve the case.

In this book, vampires are real and protected by the law, challenging our ideas about good and evil. There are many surprises and kept me interested until the end. It's not a typical scary story, but it keeps you engaged with its spooky atmosphere and discussions about prejudice and morality.

If you know me at all, you know I love books with vampires, so this was an easy 5 star for me!

This was an excellent crime mystery. I really enjoyed our "non mainstream" lead characters. A slightly, overweight, middle-aged detective ends up sent to Alaska to deal with a Colony (read Vampires) murder. And then chaos ensues. This was a really fun and exciting read.

I had previously read The Drift by C. J. Tudor and really enjoyed it, so when The Gathering came on my radar I immediately requested it. I once again really enjoyed Tudor's writing (she crafts a spooky atmosphere so well!) but the pacing of this book didn't work for me. I think I came in expecting the pacing of The Drift and The Gathering is much slower since it is a detective novel. While there are other POV's, we don't spend as much time with them as we do our detective protagonist but I appreciated how Tudor used the POV's to bring in the backstories or show us other things that were happening elsewhere in the small town.

I don't read a lot of horror novels, but I think what I like best about Tudor's horror elements is that they are the horrors of human nature. She has some moments of blood and gore but it's really the horror in how we treat each other that shines through in this one. There is a lot of thinly veiled commentary in this book that some people might not enjoy having to confront but I thought it was very fitting to use the vampyrs as an example of how groups can be pitted against each other by colonialism, sexism, racism, etc.

Overall, I think this is a well written book and if you enjoy slow burn mysteries with some horror/paranormal elements, I think you would enjoy your time with this one.

I enjoyed this murder mystery/police procedural about a small town in Alaska. In this book world vampyrs exist and are known. After a boy is killed by one, the town wants to cull the entire vampyr colony. But the forensic specialist Barbara Atkins comes to sort out what actually happened before authorizing a cull.

I do wish there had been a bit more focus on the vampyrs because that is what made this book unique. You could replace any marginalized group and the result would be the same. So this isn’t so much a horror as it is a social commentary. It does do that well, but I think it’s good to know in advance.

There are some good twists, and it is set up for a sequel. My one complaint would be a spoiler, but I could’ve done with less of those reveals at the end.

Overall I recommend this for a good, atmospheric murder mystery.

Loved this book! C.J. Tudor never fails to disappoint and I'm happy to say this book continues to prove this. I loved how the vampyres and hate toward them seemed to be an allegory for antisemitism. I actually gasped outloud when the killer was revealed. Definitely recommend.

Oh my gosh!! I hope this ends up a series! I loved this book and the world CJ Tudor built! The perfect winter read! It has vampires, lore, dark and snowy Alaska. It’s perfect!

The Gathering is an atmospheric and suspenseful novel that explores the darker side of human nature. To quote The Hunchback of Notre Dame, “Who is the monster and who is the man?”

If you’re looking for the next I Am Legend, this book isn’t it. It’s got a really poignant theme focused on vampyr rights that I’m sure you could replace with any number of marginalized groups, including indigenous communities. What I liked the most, though, was the focus on the mystery. Unlike The Drift, which combined horror, supernatural, and mystery elements, this book follows a more classic detective storyline. It unravels almost like a police procedural with suspect interviews, assumptions, re-interviews, and more.

I appreciated the inclusion of the historical elements, which helped contextualize the reckoning of the small town’s history with its innate prejudices and those who turn a blind eye in the name of capitalism and religion. I wish there had been steadier pacing, but all the characters were extremely well developed and I found the conclusion satisfying. Highly recommend!

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

Dude, writes some weird books, and this one is no exception. The small town Alaska setting is timely if you’re watching the new series of TrueDetective- it definitely captures the creepiness of the dark remote space. Fresh, enjoyable, take on what makes someone a monster.

[Blurb goes here]

This intriguing alternate history novel delves into the complex relationship between vampyrs and humans, exploring a world where the two coexist, yet are starkly divided. The vampyrs, relegated to isolated colonies, face stringent rules that bar them from utilizing technology or engaging in human occupations. The delicate peace between the species is threatened when a tragic incident in rural Alaska sparks word of a ruthless cull by the human population, prompting Detective Barbara Atkins to intervene.

As Atkins delves into the investigation, she unravels a tapestry of deceit woven by both species. The narrative skillfully exposes a web of lies and half-truths, leaving no character untouched by guilt in the eerie setting of Deadhart Alaska.

The author paints a vivid picture of a game that began over a century ago when human settlers displaced vampyrs from their town to mine copper.

What sets this novel apart is its portrayal of the deeply ingrained prejudices and fear among the human population. The depiction of ignorant, god-fearing humans is particularly chilling, drawing uncomfortable parallels to contemporary societal issues. The author masterfully explores how prejudice runs rampant, and morality becomes a tattered excuse to justify questionable actions.

You will find yourselves captivated by the intricate plot, with characters who are mere pawns in a larger, century-spanning conflict. The narrative's exploration of historical events and their lasting impact adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read for those seeking a fresh take on the vampire trope.

I highly recommend this read, especially for those looking for a novel approach to the timeless vampire narrative. The author skillfully weaves together elements of alternate history, mystery, and social commentary to create a captivating and thought-provoking experience.

Thank you for the advanced copy!

Sigh.

I was really really hoping to like this one. It has a winter setting and a really interesting premise. Also, I absolutely loved her books the chalk man and the drift. Especially the drift. I was hoping this book would be more like that.

There’s no question that it’s an interesting concept: a police procedural that also deals with a world where Vampires are real and studied as a species and have laws that protect them and their lands.

I loved that concept and there were several things throughout the book that were interesting around it.

I also really loved a lot of the characters in the character development in this book.

So those are the things that worked for me. But, again here we get to an issue of pacing. There were things that were interesting but they were only mildly interesting. And then there were things that were happening, but then there would be long periods of time we’re just not very much moved the story forward.

But, I pushed through till the end and it had a reasonably satisfying ending. Overall I’m only gonna give this one 3.25 stars. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who really has always wondered what a world might look like if vampires were treated as a normal part of society.

I felt like maybe CJ tudor was trying to give us a metaphor for maybe indigenous people? And done well I think that could’ve been incredibly affective. But here, I kept grasping for the metaphor and just not finding it.

The Gathering

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Gathering is a new novel by CJ Tudor. I had her novel The Chalk Man on my shelf for over a year before I read it and was so engrossed with it I read it in days (a major feat for me) so I was thrilled for @netgalley @randomhouse approval for this one. Fun fact; right after reading Chalk Man I followed @cjtudor on instagram and she was documenting her time in Alaska doing research for this book.

Set in a very small town in Alaska, homicide detective/fang doc Barbara is dispatched from the Big Apple to investigate a murder of a local teen. The townspeople point the finger at the well known colony of vampyrs (or vampires if you will) and call for a cull aka mass execution of the group. The colony denies the murder and Barbara is there investigating on all ends.

The town definitely has a colorful cast of characters and CJ herself describes this a “30 Days of Night Meets Fargo”. I love the writing style and she just draws me in to where I can’t bear to look away. Also, very Kingy vibes to me. Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend however the ending did fall a little flat for me.

Pros: couldn’t put it down, some twists I didn’t see coming, I enjoy Tudors writing style overall

Cons: too many characters/names, in the beginning I kept mixing up who everyone was along with too many side/back stories, overuse of the word sir

Thank you to @netgalley @randomhouse @cjtudor for this ARC. Book comes out 04/09/24

Chills, thrills, and a haunting exploration of human nature.…..

Book Information

The Gathering by C.J. Tudor is a 352 page mystery/thriller/horror scheduled to be published on April 9, 2024. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy for review.

Summary

In the quiet town of Deadhart, Alaska, a boy is found with his throat ripped out and his blood drained, bringing back memories of a similar horror from years ago. People quickly blame the Colony, a group of vampires living deep in the woods. Detective Barbara Atkins, an expert in vampires, isn't convinced. She teams up with former sheriff Jenson Tucker, who knows a lot about the Colony and the town's secrets.

Together, they uncover more secrets as another body is discovered, putting Deadhart on edge. With tensions rising and a dangerous killer on the loose, the town faces a chilling future where two different groups might clash violently.

My Thoughts

C.J. Tudor's ‘The Gathering’ is a relentless page-turner, defying any attempt to set it aside. It beckons you to keep reading, knowing that if you pause, curiosity about what comes next will keep pulling you back, compelling you to return and unravel its mysteries. With a captivating premise that vampires are not only real but protected by legislation, Tudor reshapes the conventional vampire narrative into a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and prejudice. With 'The Gathering,' Tudor proves that the line between monster and mankind is thinner than we dare to admit.

The novel unfolds with a fascinating twist: vampires are not just mythical creatures but acknowledged beings with legal rights, challenging characters to grapple with their existence and societal implications. Through well-developed characters, Tudor crafts a narrative that humanizes these vampires, prompting readers to question traditional notions of good and evil, and challenging their perceptions. Tudor redefines the vampire genre, breathing new life into a tale as old as time.

‘The Gathering’ is a bit of a departure from Tudor’s previous works but retains the author's signature style—well-written, easy to digest, and rich in suspense. In this tale, the pace remains brisk, propelled by numerous twists, red herrings, and hidden agendas that keep readers guessing until the very end.

While the book may not cater to those seeking a high body count or typical horror movie monsters, its spooky, thrilling, and eerie atmosphere captivates from start to finish. Through its exploration of themes like prejudice and varying perspectives on morality, ‘The Gathering’ offers more than just a supernatural tale—it's a reflection on the complexities of the human condition.

I had the privilege of interviewing Tudor as she was on the brink of a trip to Alaska, just as she was crafting the book. It was evident that her thorough research and dedication contributed immensely to the incredible quality of the final product. From its spine-tingling premise to its jaw-dropping finale, 'The Gathering' is a literary feast that will leave you thirsting for more.

Recommendation

‘The Gathering’ invites readers to question who the real monsters are—and whether darkness lurks within us all. It’s more than a book—it's a gripping journey that sinks its teeth into your imagination and refuses to let go. ‘The Gathering’ delivers a terrific ending that is sure to leave readers craving more, cementing its place as a standout in the realm of modern horror fiction. Highly recommended.

Rating

5 Bloody Stars

A murder mystery in an Alaskan isolated town with Vampires ummm yea please!!!
The cover and knowing it’s a vampire horror enticed me right in. Definitely fade paced & gripping thriller.
I loved other books from CJ Tudor, auto buy author for me.

You think you know where there this book is going but you don't. This book has red herrings, twists galore, feints, double backs and it's all bloody. Very, very bloody.
I read this book while there's at least four feet of snow on the ground where I live northeast Nebraska and the cold adds so much to this book. The gist of this book is that vampyrs live in same world as humans and are regarded spawns of Satan and more or less generally evil while humans are just as bad but that's how it is.
There's a killing in small town Alaska and did vamyprs do it? Does it have something to do with a killing that happened 25 years ago?
This book kept me guessing and flying through the pages. Top marks to C.J. Tudor with a great follow up The Drift.

A twist on a mystery. A teenager is murdered in a small Alaskan town and 25 years ago another boy was murdered as well. The twist is the suspect in both cases is a vampire. In this alternate world, vampires exist and aren't the usual vampires portrayed in stories and films. They have been ostracized into living away from humans and aren't allowed to feed on humans. If a vampire is found guilty of murder, they can sentenced to death and if others are found to be accomplices they can also be sentenced to death. In extreme cases, the whole colony can be culled. Barbara is a forensic vampire detective and is sent in to investigate the murder. The majority 0f the town is in favor of the whole colony being culled but Barbara wants to fully solve the case before hasty decisions are made. We also learn about Barbara's childhood and her first meeting with a vampire and other interesting characters in the town who may have secrets of their own.

This is a world in which vampyrs live in colonies, with some protections but mostly ostracized from the rest of civilization. They can’t go to school, get jobs, and I really didn’t understand how they survived. They live off the blood of animals, leaving humans alone.

Detective Barbara Atkins is a doctor of forensic vampyr anthropology and a homicide detective. When a teenage boy is found dead and possibly killed by a vampyr, she is called to Deadhart, Alaska, population 672, to investigate. If it is deemed a Colony killing, they need to have the killer or the entire colony could be culled. It’s her job to find the killer, even as the entire town wants to kill the all the vampyrs in the colony.

This is not a typical vampire story, there is so much history and the reader is only given a glimpse of the lives of the vampyrs living in the colony. Deadhart, the town, is poor and only getting worse since there are fewer tourists/hunters coming to the town. Barbara does have some history with a colony where she grew up in the Midwest, which adds to her understanding of the fears of the townsfolk living near the vampyrs. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, to learn more about the world Barbara lives in.

Thank you Ballantine Books, NetGalley, and C.J. Tudor for this copy of The Gathering. This is my honest review.

C. J. Tudor’s forthcoming novel, The Gathering, is set in an alternate version of our current world, in which humans coexist with vampires (called vampyrs in the book). The vampyrs are segregated into colonies and are federally protected. When the murder of a teenaged boy occurs in a remote town in Alaska, reminiscent of a similar murder 25 years previously, and blamed on the neighboring Colony, an investigator with the authority to ask for a culling of the vampyrs is dispatched to look into the murder. What happens from there forms the core of a terrific story.

As with her prior novels that I’ve read (The Drift, A Sliver of Darkness), Tudor’s storytelling is top notch and engaging. And just like those books, I just couldn’t put this one down. Engaging, suspenseful and well written, The Gathering was a hugely entertaining read. The final reveal came as a total shock to me.

The author’s use of the anti-vampyr prejudice seen in the book was an obvious reference to our own society’s issues, but Tudor, to my reading pleasure, made her point without beating this reader over the head.

Highly recommended.

My thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing an ARC of the novel.

The Gathering was a fun police procedural thriller with a twist - vampyres in Alaska. If you’re expecting Twilight vibes, you’d be sorely disappointed. The only thing The Gathering and Twilight have in common is a setting with little daylight and surviving on animals instead of humans. I can’t say anything was incredibly profound about this book, but it was still an enjoyably atmospheric read. C.J. Tudor rarely misses.

"A storm was coming, something foul on the air...that smell...that chill...they were back. It was about to begin again."

Deadhart, Alaska...population 673, an isolated town held captive by harsh winters with little sunlight. Twenty-five years ago, it was assumed that a vampyr killed teenager, Todd Danes. Those deemed responsible were hunted down, the colony then driven away.

The Vampyr Protection Act 0f 1983 was meant to protect the returning colony, however, battle lines were drawn between those who wanted vampyrs hunted and killed and others who believed in protecting and respecting minorities. Deadhart needed a firm investigative presence to defuse their potential rush to judgement when the body of fifteen year old, Marcus Anderson was found in a cabin, his throat "a mess of torn skin and gristle." A scant amount of blood at the crime scene leant credence to a colony killing.

Enter Detective Barbara Atkins from the New York Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department. "Barbara's presence here was an unwelcome necessity." In her words, "authorizing a cull is a very serious call. That's why it happens so rarely...The law states that a cull can be sanctioned when a colony poses a threat to human life...authorities are far less forgiving about unauthorized culls...". Barbara's meticulous and thorough investigation riled up the town which wanted an immediate cull. Her NY boss insisted that the case be wrapped up "yesterday". Not so fast...Barbara has her own ideas about the killer. Tucker, the prior sheriff, who investigated the murder of Todd Danes 25 years ago, signed on as assistant deputy sheriff. The current sheriff was in hospital nursing a broken leg. Will the "goods" on former Sheriff Tucker return to haunt him?

"The Gathering" by CJ Tudor is a vampyr horror tale with many well developed characters who twist and turn the facts to create their own reality. Barbara perseveres, at times stepping outside her comfort zone, in order to unravel the murder mystery. Heavy snow adds a claustrophobic element making the town residents edgier. One thing for sure, the town locals are bent on a cull!

An unputdownable read!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books and Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.