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The Gathering
10 hours, 22 minutes
A detective investigating a grisly crime in rural Alaska finds herself caught up in the dark secrets and superstitions of a small town in this riveting novel from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man.
In a small Alaska town, a boy is found with his throat ripped out and all the blood drained from his body. The inhabitants of Deadhart haven’t seen a killing like this in twenty-five years. But they know who’s responsible: a member of the Colony, an ostracized community of vampyrs living in an old mine settlement deep in the woods.
Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampyr killings, is called in to officially determine if this is a Colony killing—and authorize a cull. Old suspicions die hard in a town like Deadhart, but Barbara isn’t so sure. Determined to find the truth, she enlists the help of a former Deadhart sheriff, Jenson Tucker, whose investigation into the previous murder almost cost him his life. Since then, Tucker has become a recluse. But he knows the Colony better than almost anyone.
As the pair delve into the town’s history, they uncover secrets darker than they could have imagined. And then another body is found. While the snow thickens and the nights grow longer, a killer stalks Deadhart, and two disparate communities circle each other for blood. Time is running out for Atkins and Tucker to find the truth: Are they hunting a bloodthirsty monster . . . or a twisted psychopath? And which is more dangerous?
A detective investigating a grisly crime in rural Alaska finds herself caught up in the dark secrets and superstitions of a small town in this riveting novel from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man.
In a small Alaska town, a boy is found with his throat ripped out and all the blood drained from his body. The inhabitants of Deadhart haven’t seen a killing like this in twenty-five years. But they know who’s responsible: a member of the Colony, an ostracized community of vampyrs living in an old mine settlement deep in the woods.
Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampyr killings, is called in to officially determine if this is a Colony killing—and authorize a cull. Old suspicions die hard in a town like Deadhart, but Barbara isn’t so sure. Determined to find the truth, she enlists the help of a former Deadhart sheriff, Jenson Tucker, whose investigation into the previous murder almost cost him his life. Since then, Tucker has become a recluse. But he knows the Colony better than almost anyone.
As the pair delve into the town’s history, they uncover secrets darker than they could have imagined. And then another body is found. While the snow thickens and the nights grow longer, a killer stalks Deadhart, and two disparate communities circle each other for blood. Time is running out for Atkins and Tucker to find the truth: Are they hunting a bloodthirsty monster . . . or a twisted psychopath? And which is more dangerous?
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First published April 11, 2024
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About the author
C.J. Tudor
15 books8,722 followersC. J. Tudor was born in Salisbury and grew up in Nottingham, where she still lives with her partner and young daughter.
She left school at sixteen and has had a variety of jobs over the years, including trainee reporter, radio scriptwriter, shop assistant, ad agency copywriter and voiceover.
In the early nineties, she fell into a job as a television presenter for a show on Channel 4 called Moviewatch. Although a terrible presenter, she got to interview acting legends such as Sigourney Weaver, Michael Douglas, Emma Thompson and Robin Williams. She also annoyed Tim Robbins by asking a question about Susan Sarandon’s breasts and was extremely flattered when Robert Downey Junior showed her his chest.
While writing the Chalk Man she ran a dog-walking business, walking over twenty dogs a week as well as looking after her little girl.
She’s been writing since she was a child but only knuckled down to it properly in her thirties. Her English teacher once told her that if she ‘did not become Prime Minister or a best-selling author’ he would be ‘very disappointed.’
The Chalk Man was inspired by a tub of chalks a friend bought for her daughter’s second birthday. One afternoon they drew chalk figures all over the driveway. Later that night she opened the back door to be confronted by weird stick men everywhere. In the dark, they looked incredibly sinister. She called to her partner: ‘These chalk men look really creepy in the dark . . .’
She is never knowingly over-dressed. She has never owned a handbag and the last time she wore heels (twelve years ago) she broke a tooth.
She loves The Killers, Foo Fighters and Frank Turner. Her favourite venue is Rock City.
Her favourite films are Ghostbusters and The Lost Boys. Her favourite authors are Stephen King, Michael Marshall and Harlan Coben.
She is SO glad she was a teenager in the eighties.
She firmly believes that there are no finer meals than takeaway pizza and champagne, or chips with curry sauce after a night out.
Everyone calls her Caz.
She left school at sixteen and has had a variety of jobs over the years, including trainee reporter, radio scriptwriter, shop assistant, ad agency copywriter and voiceover.
In the early nineties, she fell into a job as a television presenter for a show on Channel 4 called Moviewatch. Although a terrible presenter, she got to interview acting legends such as Sigourney Weaver, Michael Douglas, Emma Thompson and Robin Williams. She also annoyed Tim Robbins by asking a question about Susan Sarandon’s breasts and was extremely flattered when Robert Downey Junior showed her his chest.
While writing the Chalk Man she ran a dog-walking business, walking over twenty dogs a week as well as looking after her little girl.
She’s been writing since she was a child but only knuckled down to it properly in her thirties. Her English teacher once told her that if she ‘did not become Prime Minister or a best-selling author’ he would be ‘very disappointed.’
The Chalk Man was inspired by a tub of chalks a friend bought for her daughter’s second birthday. One afternoon they drew chalk figures all over the driveway. Later that night she opened the back door to be confronted by weird stick men everywhere. In the dark, they looked incredibly sinister. She called to her partner: ‘These chalk men look really creepy in the dark . . .’
She is never knowingly over-dressed. She has never owned a handbag and the last time she wore heels (twelve years ago) she broke a tooth.
She loves The Killers, Foo Fighters and Frank Turner. Her favourite venue is Rock City.
Her favourite films are Ghostbusters and The Lost Boys. Her favourite authors are Stephen King, Michael Marshall and Harlan Coben.
She is SO glad she was a teenager in the eighties.
She firmly believes that there are no finer meals than takeaway pizza and champagne, or chips with curry sauce after a night out.
Everyone calls her Caz.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,041 reviews
August 24, 2025
The easiest 5-star rating I have given thus far in 2024. I adored every moment of reading this story.
C.J. Tudor has explored new territory here. I can't wait for more. It's so good, and C.J., if you happen upon this review, this book was everything...
I basically fell in love with this book the very first time I set eyes on this eerie snow-covered cover. Added to that, the publisher created a fascinating Horror Mystery synopsis.
They had my attention. It was giving me heavy Bone White ((one of my favorites ever)) vibes and I was all over it!
Luckily, I was blessed with an early copy and although I tried to push it off closer to release date, here we are.
In this story, we follow Detective Barbara Atkins, an experienced specialist in vampyr killings. She gets sent to the very small and remote town of Deadhart, Alaska, to investigate the brutal murder of a teen boy.
Deadhart has a Colony of vampyrs living on their periphery with which they have an unsettling history. This most recent murder is the literal match to the wick. The townspeople are fired up and calling for a cull.
Barbara is tasked with determining whether or not a vampyr was responsible for the brutal slaying of the teen, and if so, does that solitary act necessitate a cull.
Needless to say, some of the townspeople don't warm to Barbara's presence. They're a small, tight-knit community and don't feel they need outsiders dictating how they handle their town and it's adjacent Colony.
As the Reader, you go along with Barbara as she inserts herself into this town and really digs into this specific case, as well as anything else that may help her make her determination in regards to this Colony.
I was immediately intrigued with this set-up. I enjoyed how it's essentially our world, with one major difference, vampyrs are real and they live openly amongst humans.
They may live in their own Colonies, but everyone knows they exist. It's an interesting set-up to imagine.
I think Tudor did a great job of developing this. We learn slowly the details of the relationship between humans and vampyrs, historically, so it doesn't weigh you down with major descriptors right off the bat.
It's strictly a need to know basis and I liked that. I never felt like I needed more information. I had exactly what I needed to feel completely enraptured by this world.
I also loved the way the setting of Deadhart is portrayed. The atmosphere is so rich. It's dark, uninviting and feels dangerous. I was shivering and wasn't sure if it is from the cold coming off the pages, or the fear. Tudor created a real sense of dread; my love language.
We do get some other perspectives, so you aren't locked in with Barbara the whole time. The back and forth kept the story going at a nice clip and I felt each perspective added a lot to the build-up.
One of my favorite aspects of this was Barbara's relationship with the local law enforcement, particularly a former deputy, Tucker. They made a great team. Their relationship felt very natural and I enjoyed their coworker energy.
As you get past the mid-point, the pace really kicks up. You can feel the tension rising in the whole town. You can just tell that everything is going to come to a head.
I was nervous. You do start to care about some of the characters and the dangers were everywhere. I was so concerned for everyone that I cared about. I wanted everyone to make it out unscathed.
Overall, this was just so fun. It was well constructed and super gripping. I honestly hope this sets a new trend for vampire stories. It was unsettling realistic.
Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to pick up a hard copy for my shelves!!!
C.J. Tudor has explored new territory here. I can't wait for more. It's so good, and C.J., if you happen upon this review, this book was everything...
I basically fell in love with this book the very first time I set eyes on this eerie snow-covered cover. Added to that, the publisher created a fascinating Horror Mystery synopsis.
They had my attention. It was giving me heavy Bone White ((one of my favorites ever)) vibes and I was all over it!
Luckily, I was blessed with an early copy and although I tried to push it off closer to release date, here we are.
In this story, we follow Detective Barbara Atkins, an experienced specialist in vampyr killings. She gets sent to the very small and remote town of Deadhart, Alaska, to investigate the brutal murder of a teen boy.
Deadhart has a Colony of vampyrs living on their periphery with which they have an unsettling history. This most recent murder is the literal match to the wick. The townspeople are fired up and calling for a cull.
Barbara is tasked with determining whether or not a vampyr was responsible for the brutal slaying of the teen, and if so, does that solitary act necessitate a cull.
Needless to say, some of the townspeople don't warm to Barbara's presence. They're a small, tight-knit community and don't feel they need outsiders dictating how they handle their town and it's adjacent Colony.
As the Reader, you go along with Barbara as she inserts herself into this town and really digs into this specific case, as well as anything else that may help her make her determination in regards to this Colony.
I was immediately intrigued with this set-up. I enjoyed how it's essentially our world, with one major difference, vampyrs are real and they live openly amongst humans.
They may live in their own Colonies, but everyone knows they exist. It's an interesting set-up to imagine.
I think Tudor did a great job of developing this. We learn slowly the details of the relationship between humans and vampyrs, historically, so it doesn't weigh you down with major descriptors right off the bat.
It's strictly a need to know basis and I liked that. I never felt like I needed more information. I had exactly what I needed to feel completely enraptured by this world.
I also loved the way the setting of Deadhart is portrayed. The atmosphere is so rich. It's dark, uninviting and feels dangerous. I was shivering and wasn't sure if it is from the cold coming off the pages, or the fear. Tudor created a real sense of dread; my love language.
We do get some other perspectives, so you aren't locked in with Barbara the whole time. The back and forth kept the story going at a nice clip and I felt each perspective added a lot to the build-up.
One of my favorite aspects of this was Barbara's relationship with the local law enforcement, particularly a former deputy, Tucker. They made a great team. Their relationship felt very natural and I enjoyed their coworker energy.
As you get past the mid-point, the pace really kicks up. You can feel the tension rising in the whole town. You can just tell that everything is going to come to a head.
I was nervous. You do start to care about some of the characters and the dangers were everywhere. I was so concerned for everyone that I cared about. I wanted everyone to make it out unscathed.
Overall, this was just so fun. It was well constructed and super gripping. I honestly hope this sets a new trend for vampire stories. It was unsettling realistic.
Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to pick up a hard copy for my shelves!!!
February 9, 2024
"Soon, we may live in a world where they are nothing more than a legend."
The Gathering is a chilling murder mystery set against the stark backdrop of small-town Alaska, where the murder of a teenager sets off a chain reaction of violence and prejudice against vampires.
Barbara, a vampire anthropologist (what a cool job title), heads to Deadhart, Alaska, to investigate the murder of a teenager. Her findings will determine if the human members of Deadhart can enact a cull on the vampire inhabitants. The town’s human inhabitants are itching for revenge, tensions are high, and a longstanding conflict is on the verge of imploding. Tension escalates, and longstanding animosities threaten to erupt as the narrative explores themes of hatred, racism, and the fear of the unknown.
If I had read the blurb for this book, I probably wouldn’t have read it. Vampires are not my thing, but this isn’t really a book about vampires rather, it is a commentary on hatred, racism, and difference. There is a political divide between those who believe vampires should be killed and those who believe that minorities should be protected.
Baraba is the primary narrator, but also shared are the POVs of Tucker, the former Sheriff; Beau, a vengeful human; and a mysterious girl being held in captivity. Barbara is a likable lead who, unlike many of our heroines, is out of shape, overweight, and not particularly beautiful. She is intelligent, open-minded, and has a compelling voice.
This was an enjoyable read, but the Britishisms coming from American characters took me out of the narrative. In addition, some of the characters were underdeveloped. These are minimal flaws, as the characters and plot kept me riveted. The tone is dark, and the plot delves into darkness. Thankfully, there is minimal gore involved in the human vs. vampire war. In the end, amidst the twists, turns, and deceit, the frigid cold setting of the novel intensifies the suspense as the conflict between humans and vampires reaches an unexpected resolution.
TW: sexual assault
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
The Gathering is a chilling murder mystery set against the stark backdrop of small-town Alaska, where the murder of a teenager sets off a chain reaction of violence and prejudice against vampires.
Barbara, a vampire anthropologist (what a cool job title), heads to Deadhart, Alaska, to investigate the murder of a teenager. Her findings will determine if the human members of Deadhart can enact a cull on the vampire inhabitants. The town’s human inhabitants are itching for revenge, tensions are high, and a longstanding conflict is on the verge of imploding. Tension escalates, and longstanding animosities threaten to erupt as the narrative explores themes of hatred, racism, and the fear of the unknown.
If I had read the blurb for this book, I probably wouldn’t have read it. Vampires are not my thing, but this isn’t really a book about vampires rather, it is a commentary on hatred, racism, and difference. There is a political divide between those who believe vampires should be killed and those who believe that minorities should be protected.
Baraba is the primary narrator, but also shared are the POVs of Tucker, the former Sheriff; Beau, a vengeful human; and a mysterious girl being held in captivity. Barbara is a likable lead who, unlike many of our heroines, is out of shape, overweight, and not particularly beautiful. She is intelligent, open-minded, and has a compelling voice.
This was an enjoyable read, but the Britishisms coming from American characters took me out of the narrative. In addition, some of the characters were underdeveloped. These are minimal flaws, as the characters and plot kept me riveted. The tone is dark, and the plot delves into darkness. Thankfully, there is minimal gore involved in the human vs. vampire war. In the end, amidst the twists, turns, and deceit, the frigid cold setting of the novel intensifies the suspense as the conflict between humans and vampires reaches an unexpected resolution.
TW: sexual assault
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2024
4.5 stars rounded to a five!
The setting in this book is in Deadhart, Alaska which is a very small town with a population of only 673.
A teenage boy is found in an old hunters cabin in the woods and his throat is ripped out and all the blood is drained from his body. They think it could be a colony killing. There is a colony of vampyrs in an old mining settlement in the woods.
There has not been a killing like this in twenty-five years. Should a cull be authorized? The law states that a cull can be sanctioned when a colony is a threat to human life.
Barbara Atkin's is a member of The Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department and is a detective and a specialist in vampyr killings. She is determined to find out the truth. She enlists Jenson Tucker to help her. He is a former Deadhart Sheriff. He knows the colony better than anyone else.
Are they hunting a blood thirsty monster or a twisted psychopath? And which is the most dangerous?
This book gave me a book hangover! I was up till 3 am in the morning reading it. I loved the setting of the book located in Deadhart, Alaska. It was a very atmospheric read.
I was hooked straight from the beginning to the ending. It was a very fast paced read with lots of twists and turns. There are lots of dark secrets that you just can't imagine. This is a vampire light horror story but it's different from any other vampire story. I do not like vampire stories but I loved this one.
The characters are very well done. My favorite character is Barbara Atkins. She was a great detective with lots of empathy and she was very nice and polite to everyone. She was down to earth. I loved everything about this book.
I want to thank Netgalley, and Ballantine Books for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The setting in this book is in Deadhart, Alaska which is a very small town with a population of only 673.
A teenage boy is found in an old hunters cabin in the woods and his throat is ripped out and all the blood is drained from his body. They think it could be a colony killing. There is a colony of vampyrs in an old mining settlement in the woods.
There has not been a killing like this in twenty-five years. Should a cull be authorized? The law states that a cull can be sanctioned when a colony is a threat to human life.
Barbara Atkin's is a member of The Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department and is a detective and a specialist in vampyr killings. She is determined to find out the truth. She enlists Jenson Tucker to help her. He is a former Deadhart Sheriff. He knows the colony better than anyone else.
Are they hunting a blood thirsty monster or a twisted psychopath? And which is the most dangerous?
This book gave me a book hangover! I was up till 3 am in the morning reading it. I loved the setting of the book located in Deadhart, Alaska. It was a very atmospheric read.
I was hooked straight from the beginning to the ending. It was a very fast paced read with lots of twists and turns. There are lots of dark secrets that you just can't imagine. This is a vampire light horror story but it's different from any other vampire story. I do not like vampire stories but I loved this one.
The characters are very well done. My favorite character is Barbara Atkins. She was a great detective with lots of empathy and she was very nice and polite to everyone. She was down to earth. I loved everything about this book.
I want to thank Netgalley, and Ballantine Books for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2024
Brew yourself some hot coffee.
You’re going to need it as you will FEEL THE CHILL of Deadhart, Alaska. 673 Living. (But dropping quickly)
In this small town, which remains decorated in Christmas lights year round, a boy named Marcus Anderson has been found with his throat ripped out and all the blood drained from his body.
The residents of Deadhart haven’t seen a killing like this in twenty-five years, but they are convinced that they know who is responsible-a member of “The Colony” an ostracized community of vampyrs living in an old mine settlement deep in the adjacent woods. Despite everything that has been learned about these misunderstood mythical creatures, the town is still filled with hatred and mistrust.
Detective Barbara Atkins, from the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department, is a specialist in vampyr killings, She has been called in to officially determine if this is a “Colony” killing – because the town wants to hunt down the Vampyrs but they are considered a protected species on the verge of extinction and are protected by the Vampyr Protection Act, passed in 1983.
Unless they have killed a human, that is.
Then all bets are off.
If a Vampyr is responsible then Detective Atkins can authorize “a cull” and the hunting can begin.
And, the blood 🩸 can spill.
The residents are becoming restless and impatient as Barbara investigates, but she isn’t so sure that “the Colony” is to blame. How far might someone take things in their zeal for a CULL to be approved?
Determined to find the TRUTH, she enlists the help of the former Deadhart sheriff, whose investigation into the previous murder almost cost him his life. He has become a recluse, since then, but he knows the Colony better than anyone.
After not loving “The Drift” or many of the stories in Tudor’s short story collection, “A Sliver of Darkness”, I was hesitant to request this, but I ended up LOVING the originality and creativity.
It is full of surprising revelations and I am a BIG fan of our unlikely hero, Detective Barbara Atkins. She is admittedly not very physically fit, but she makes up for it with her open mind, her intellect and her unfailing politeness.
And, from the epilogue, it looks like she will be back with us, on another case soon. 😊
Do you need to enjoy Vampire stories to read this? Absolutely not. This story could have been written about any group who has been persecuted for being who they are.
4.5 ⭐️
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to check out her thoughts on this one!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Ballantine for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.
You’re going to need it as you will FEEL THE CHILL of Deadhart, Alaska. 673 Living. (But dropping quickly)
In this small town, which remains decorated in Christmas lights year round, a boy named Marcus Anderson has been found with his throat ripped out and all the blood drained from his body.
The residents of Deadhart haven’t seen a killing like this in twenty-five years, but they are convinced that they know who is responsible-a member of “The Colony” an ostracized community of vampyrs living in an old mine settlement deep in the adjacent woods. Despite everything that has been learned about these misunderstood mythical creatures, the town is still filled with hatred and mistrust.
Detective Barbara Atkins, from the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department, is a specialist in vampyr killings, She has been called in to officially determine if this is a “Colony” killing – because the town wants to hunt down the Vampyrs but they are considered a protected species on the verge of extinction and are protected by the Vampyr Protection Act, passed in 1983.
Unless they have killed a human, that is.
Then all bets are off.
If a Vampyr is responsible then Detective Atkins can authorize “a cull” and the hunting can begin.
And, the blood 🩸 can spill.
The residents are becoming restless and impatient as Barbara investigates, but she isn’t so sure that “the Colony” is to blame. How far might someone take things in their zeal for a CULL to be approved?
Determined to find the TRUTH, she enlists the help of the former Deadhart sheriff, whose investigation into the previous murder almost cost him his life. He has become a recluse, since then, but he knows the Colony better than anyone.
After not loving “The Drift” or many of the stories in Tudor’s short story collection, “A Sliver of Darkness”, I was hesitant to request this, but I ended up LOVING the originality and creativity.
It is full of surprising revelations and I am a BIG fan of our unlikely hero, Detective Barbara Atkins. She is admittedly not very physically fit, but she makes up for it with her open mind, her intellect and her unfailing politeness.
And, from the epilogue, it looks like she will be back with us, on another case soon. 😊
Do you need to enjoy Vampire stories to read this? Absolutely not. This story could have been written about any group who has been persecuted for being who they are.
4.5 ⭐️
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to check out her thoughts on this one!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Ballantine for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.
July 14, 2024
My thanks to Random House/Ballintine, C.J. Tudor and Netgalley.
I'm keeping this one short!
Pretty great book if you're looking for a mystery. Rotten freaking tomatoes if your wanting some scary arsed vampires.
This was a murder mystery that also had vampires.
These vampires weren't necessary for a successful story. Yet..
Also, in the U.S.A, we wear sweaters, not jumpers. Jumpers are onesies. Though I did get a chuckle just thinking about all those hairy Alaskan men running around in their onesies! Lol!
I did have a good time reading this book, and in spite of there not being enough vampire action, I have no problem recommending this story.
I'm keeping this one short!
Pretty great book if you're looking for a mystery. Rotten freaking tomatoes if your wanting some scary arsed vampires.
This was a murder mystery that also had vampires.
These vampires weren't necessary for a successful story. Yet..
Also, in the U.S.A, we wear sweaters, not jumpers. Jumpers are onesies. Though I did get a chuckle just thinking about all those hairy Alaskan men running around in their onesies! Lol!
I did have a good time reading this book, and in spite of there not being enough vampire action, I have no problem recommending this story.
September 25, 2025
This captivating book unveils a dreamlike fusion deserving resounding cheers from the rooftops: Picture a riveting paranormal murder mystery, encapsulated within the claustrophobic confines of a small Alaska town, where the residents grapple with a novel term—previously unacknowledged—"vampire racism"!
C. J. Tudor, you stand as a trailblazer for redefining vampires, meticulously peeling away clichés such as vulnerability to sunlight, immortality, and weaknesses to holy water and garlic (funny enough, my garlic intolerance might make me more of a vampire than I thought).
Envision an enthralling plot: "True Detective: Night Country" colliding with the supernatural allure of "True Blood," while channeling the quirky character dynamics reminiscent of "Fargo." It feels as though this narrative has emerged from a specialized crime literature laboratory, perfectly crafted to satiate the appetite of avid horror enthusiasts!
The stage is set in the fictional enclave of Deadhart, a small Alaska town, where the discovery of a 15-year-old boy with a ripped throat and drained of blood echoes a murder that transpired 25 years ago. The townsfolk suspect a connection between this murder and the resurgence of the Colony—a group of vampires led by the formidable Athelinda, a centuries-old vampire masquerading as a 9-year-old girl, stealthily roaming the town to assert that they are innocent of the deaths.
Enter vampire anthropologist and detective Barbara Atkins—a middle-aged, overweight, yet astute and formidable presence. Her arrival stirs further suspicions among the townsfolk, eager to coerce her into granting consent for a "cull," an act that would sanction the massacre of the remaining Colony members, all in the name of their perceived righteous cause.
Barbara, raised under the influence of a racist and abusive father, remains steadfast in her determination to approach the situation with fresh eyes, unclouded by the biased vampire racism propagated by the townspeople. Adding fuel to the already blazing fire, the enigmatic Reverend Colleen Grey exacerbates tensions, intensifying the conflict between townspeople and the Colony!
Regrettably, young Marcus is not the sole victim claimed to be murdered by vampires. Barbara, an outsider drowning in the town's venomous hatred, finds herself reluctantly partnering with ex-Denhart sheriff Jenson Tucker. Jenson, once in charge of the murder case twenty-five years ago, makes a poignant return to Denhart to confront his past sins and assist Barbara in solving the escalating murder cases before an inevitable and catastrophic war breaks out—a war that pits humans against the Colony, placing countless lives in jeopardy!
I can genuinely affirm that I devoured this literary gem in a single sitting, my eyes reddened and limbs numb—a testament to its undeniable worth! This stands as my favorite among the author's works thus far and is a strong contender for my vote in the Goodreads Choice Awards this year (yes, I acknowledge it's early, but I want to underscore the exceptional quality of this book and fervently encourage you to delve into its pages).
Elevated to a well-deserved status of 5 Alaskan, long-midnight, more vampiric stars!
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballentine for generously providing me with the digital reviewer copy of this outstanding book in exchange for my candid thoughts.
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C. J. Tudor, you stand as a trailblazer for redefining vampires, meticulously peeling away clichés such as vulnerability to sunlight, immortality, and weaknesses to holy water and garlic (funny enough, my garlic intolerance might make me more of a vampire than I thought).
Envision an enthralling plot: "True Detective: Night Country" colliding with the supernatural allure of "True Blood," while channeling the quirky character dynamics reminiscent of "Fargo." It feels as though this narrative has emerged from a specialized crime literature laboratory, perfectly crafted to satiate the appetite of avid horror enthusiasts!
The stage is set in the fictional enclave of Deadhart, a small Alaska town, where the discovery of a 15-year-old boy with a ripped throat and drained of blood echoes a murder that transpired 25 years ago. The townsfolk suspect a connection between this murder and the resurgence of the Colony—a group of vampires led by the formidable Athelinda, a centuries-old vampire masquerading as a 9-year-old girl, stealthily roaming the town to assert that they are innocent of the deaths.
Enter vampire anthropologist and detective Barbara Atkins—a middle-aged, overweight, yet astute and formidable presence. Her arrival stirs further suspicions among the townsfolk, eager to coerce her into granting consent for a "cull," an act that would sanction the massacre of the remaining Colony members, all in the name of their perceived righteous cause.
Barbara, raised under the influence of a racist and abusive father, remains steadfast in her determination to approach the situation with fresh eyes, unclouded by the biased vampire racism propagated by the townspeople. Adding fuel to the already blazing fire, the enigmatic Reverend Colleen Grey exacerbates tensions, intensifying the conflict between townspeople and the Colony!
Regrettably, young Marcus is not the sole victim claimed to be murdered by vampires. Barbara, an outsider drowning in the town's venomous hatred, finds herself reluctantly partnering with ex-Denhart sheriff Jenson Tucker. Jenson, once in charge of the murder case twenty-five years ago, makes a poignant return to Denhart to confront his past sins and assist Barbara in solving the escalating murder cases before an inevitable and catastrophic war breaks out—a war that pits humans against the Colony, placing countless lives in jeopardy!
I can genuinely affirm that I devoured this literary gem in a single sitting, my eyes reddened and limbs numb—a testament to its undeniable worth! This stands as my favorite among the author's works thus far and is a strong contender for my vote in the Goodreads Choice Awards this year (yes, I acknowledge it's early, but I want to underscore the exceptional quality of this book and fervently encourage you to delve into its pages).
Elevated to a well-deserved status of 5 Alaskan, long-midnight, more vampiric stars!
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballentine for generously providing me with the digital reviewer copy of this outstanding book in exchange for my candid thoughts.
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February 6, 2024
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.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
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.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
January 22, 2024
C.J. Tudor's latest brings us to the frigid landscape of Deadhart, Alaska. Here, small town life cohabitates with a vampyr colony. Sure, most of the locals would like nothing more than to kill these abominations. Sure, the vampyrs would love nothing more than draining these rednecks of their blood but rules were put in place long, long ago banning either of these things from happening.
Vampyrs are to feed on animals, never humans, and in turn they are allowed to live together in peace within their own colony.
When a teenage boy is found dead and he looks to be killed by a vampyr they recruit Detective Barbara Atkins from the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department to investigate. If it turns out that the boy was indeed killed by a vampire then the townsfolk can order a culling of the entire colony. If it turns out he wasn't killed by a vampyr then they'll have take a hard close look at one of their very own.
The cover of this book and the Alaskan setting really set a perfect tone. I was positively shivering while reading this (though the weather here has scarcely hit 10 degrees for the last week). I adored Barbara. She's in her early fifties with a penchant for burgers and beers, two of my favorite things. 🍔🍺 She's intelligent, witty, humorous, and empathetic. She isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes to be true and always does it with a smile. The townsfolk are all interesting in their own ways. Some are all old school, old ways. While others have adapted a little better to their thirsty neighbors. I thought the mystery was well thought out, and like with all Tudor's books, even a few surprises were discovered along the way. If I had one complaint it would be that I was hoping for this to be a little grislier. A little bloodier. A little more terrifying. That said, I had a great time with this and it seems to have cured my book slump from the last two duds I read so thank you, Tudor. I really needed this. 🧛♀️ 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for my complimentary copy.
Vampyrs are to feed on animals, never humans, and in turn they are allowed to live together in peace within their own colony.
When a teenage boy is found dead and he looks to be killed by a vampyr they recruit Detective Barbara Atkins from the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department to investigate. If it turns out that the boy was indeed killed by a vampire then the townsfolk can order a culling of the entire colony. If it turns out he wasn't killed by a vampyr then they'll have take a hard close look at one of their very own.
The cover of this book and the Alaskan setting really set a perfect tone. I was positively shivering while reading this (though the weather here has scarcely hit 10 degrees for the last week). I adored Barbara. She's in her early fifties with a penchant for burgers and beers, two of my favorite things. 🍔🍺 She's intelligent, witty, humorous, and empathetic. She isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes to be true and always does it with a smile. The townsfolk are all interesting in their own ways. Some are all old school, old ways. While others have adapted a little better to their thirsty neighbors. I thought the mystery was well thought out, and like with all Tudor's books, even a few surprises were discovered along the way. If I had one complaint it would be that I was hoping for this to be a little grislier. A little bloodier. A little more terrifying. That said, I had a great time with this and it seems to have cured my book slump from the last two duds I read so thank you, Tudor. I really needed this. 🧛♀️ 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for my complimentary copy.
December 29, 2023
4-5 stars rounded up
Deadhart, a small, isolated Alaskan town, a missing boy and an horrific murder. Detective Barbara Atkins is on her way from out of state to assist the sheriff and later teams up with the former sheriff to investigate a similar murder from twenty five years ago.
CJ Tudor, the frozen north, small town mentality and a vampyre story? Treble yes please and I’m all in from the start. I love this authors books, they’re all different and I applaud her creativity. This latest novel has the feel of something from a bygone era and still manages to feel fresh and modern, which takes skill. She even manages to provoke some growing sympathy for those assembling for a potential gathering about which my lips are sealed!
Through the character of Barbara you feel that everything in Deadhart (clever name) is wrong from the minute she steps into it. The vibes she gets, the lack of trust and the antagonism she receives positively jumps off the pages. This naturally makes her more and more determined as well as curious and you know what that does to the cat. I really like her as a central character as she feels authentic and real. She’s measured, calm and intuitive which she needs to be as she comes across the more “interesting” personalities in the town. It’s clear there are divisions, even hate and definitively prejudice and I like the strong message the author delivers which is so appropriate in the present day. The choice of setting is perfect, there’s atmosphere in abundance even before adding in the fantastical storyline.
The pace is fast throughout with multiple twists and turns, the threat level continues to rise making it a gripping page turner as you try to second guess things and mine get a bit wild! It’s creepy, eerie, macabre in places (well, it is CJT so don’t expect it to be pretty) and oh boy, does it ever ramp up in danger with accompanying hysteria at every turn. The whole thing is written in full technicolour, it’s vivid, it’s believable as I can buy into it and praise the lord, the ending is terrific
This is how you write a horror story and it has a cover that will entice you to pick this one up. It’s another winner for me.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Deadhart, a small, isolated Alaskan town, a missing boy and an horrific murder. Detective Barbara Atkins is on her way from out of state to assist the sheriff and later teams up with the former sheriff to investigate a similar murder from twenty five years ago.
CJ Tudor, the frozen north, small town mentality and a vampyre story? Treble yes please and I’m all in from the start. I love this authors books, they’re all different and I applaud her creativity. This latest novel has the feel of something from a bygone era and still manages to feel fresh and modern, which takes skill. She even manages to provoke some growing sympathy for those assembling for a potential gathering about which my lips are sealed!
Through the character of Barbara you feel that everything in Deadhart (clever name) is wrong from the minute she steps into it. The vibes she gets, the lack of trust and the antagonism she receives positively jumps off the pages. This naturally makes her more and more determined as well as curious and you know what that does to the cat. I really like her as a central character as she feels authentic and real. She’s measured, calm and intuitive which she needs to be as she comes across the more “interesting” personalities in the town. It’s clear there are divisions, even hate and definitively prejudice and I like the strong message the author delivers which is so appropriate in the present day. The choice of setting is perfect, there’s atmosphere in abundance even before adding in the fantastical storyline.
The pace is fast throughout with multiple twists and turns, the threat level continues to rise making it a gripping page turner as you try to second guess things and mine get a bit wild! It’s creepy, eerie, macabre in places (well, it is CJT so don’t expect it to be pretty) and oh boy, does it ever ramp up in danger with accompanying hysteria at every turn. The whole thing is written in full technicolour, it’s vivid, it’s believable as I can buy into it and praise the lord, the ending is terrific
This is how you write a horror story and it has a cover that will entice you to pick this one up. It’s another winner for me.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 26, 2024
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 vampire 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 The Gathering 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 like police procedurals and/or vampires, this book could be right up your alley.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
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 vampire 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 The Gathering 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 like police procedurals and/or vampires, this book could be right up your alley.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
July 7, 2024
C.J. Tudor Has Done It Again!
It's early in November as Detective Barbara Atkins arrives in the small rural town of Deadhart, Alaska when she sees lighted Christmas decorations everywhere quite unusual to see them up so early in the season but she will soon learn why although she's sure she knows the reason already and also knows her work ahead will not be easy. Deadhart is one of those towns where they they are experiencing thirty days of darkness except for a few hours of hazy daylight and Barbara wishes she didn't have to come to this dark, dismal and freezing town.
A teenager has been viciously murdered and drained of blood so she has been sent to investigate the killing since her specialty is in vampyr crimes. The town is in an uproar and Barbara must determine if a cull will be issued as the town wants and expects but Barbara will never make that decision unless she can't find the vampyr suspect responsible although the townspeople just want the whole Colony of vampyrs gone, exterminated, they don't want legal justice only vengeance.
A brutal snow storm complicates her job when more bodies are found and the angry townspeople are holding secrets from the past and the Colony hates the town as well so they have no interest in helping the detective and if she doesn't make a decision quickly there will be more lives at stake including her own.
Loved, loved, loved this horror/thriller! I can't get enough of C.J. Tudor's books and I hate when they come to an end because I have to impatiently wait while she writes her next horror novel. This was a new and fresh take on vampires and I thought everything about the story was spot-on while feeling the frigid cold and the anger and hatred was just oozing out of many characters. The atmosphere was eerie and downright creepy plus racism was brought forward of a different kind since vampyrs weren't quite human yet they weren't portrayed as the old vampire lore which was so intriguing.
The story wasn't a slow-burn but it wasn't action packed either until the last quarter of the book which was edge of your seat material. The character of Jensen Tucker became a favorite of mine and I hope another book or two can someday be written about this mysterious man who I think many readers may fall in love with as I did! There were many puzzles to solve within the story and every one was covered by the end of the book but it made me hope there will be more stories of vampyrs and Barbara in the future.
I highly recommend this book and as usual I can't wait to read this author's next book!
Many thanks to the publisher "Random House Publishing - Ballantine" for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 5 DANGEROUS AND GRITTY 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
It's early in November as Detective Barbara Atkins arrives in the small rural town of Deadhart, Alaska when she sees lighted Christmas decorations everywhere quite unusual to see them up so early in the season but she will soon learn why although she's sure she knows the reason already and also knows her work ahead will not be easy. Deadhart is one of those towns where they they are experiencing thirty days of darkness except for a few hours of hazy daylight and Barbara wishes she didn't have to come to this dark, dismal and freezing town.
A teenager has been viciously murdered and drained of blood so she has been sent to investigate the killing since her specialty is in vampyr crimes. The town is in an uproar and Barbara must determine if a cull will be issued as the town wants and expects but Barbara will never make that decision unless she can't find the vampyr suspect responsible although the townspeople just want the whole Colony of vampyrs gone, exterminated, they don't want legal justice only vengeance.
A brutal snow storm complicates her job when more bodies are found and the angry townspeople are holding secrets from the past and the Colony hates the town as well so they have no interest in helping the detective and if she doesn't make a decision quickly there will be more lives at stake including her own.
Loved, loved, loved this horror/thriller! I can't get enough of C.J. Tudor's books and I hate when they come to an end because I have to impatiently wait while she writes her next horror novel. This was a new and fresh take on vampires and I thought everything about the story was spot-on while feeling the frigid cold and the anger and hatred was just oozing out of many characters. The atmosphere was eerie and downright creepy plus racism was brought forward of a different kind since vampyrs weren't quite human yet they weren't portrayed as the old vampire lore which was so intriguing.
The story wasn't a slow-burn but it wasn't action packed either until the last quarter of the book which was edge of your seat material. The character of Jensen Tucker became a favorite of mine and I hope another book or two can someday be written about this mysterious man who I think many readers may fall in love with as I did! There were many puzzles to solve within the story and every one was covered by the end of the book but it made me hope there will be more stories of vampyrs and Barbara in the future.
I highly recommend this book and as usual I can't wait to read this author's next book!
Many thanks to the publisher "Random House Publishing - Ballantine" for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 5 DANGEROUS AND GRITTY 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
December 10, 2024
It didn’t suck, but I wouldn’t say it sunk its teeth into me either. Right off the bat, I never felt like the stakes were that high. It just wasn’t a good reflection of a vampire tale. I’d say overall, it just didn’t invite me in.
April 23, 2024
In a small rural Alaskan town, the colony of vampyrs (vampires) and regular townspeople have an uneasy truce of sorts. The colony lives deep in the woods outside of town and must leave the townspeople alone or risk officials authorizing a cull of their colony.
But a boy is found dead, apparently from a vicious vampyr attack. Barbara, the lead detective, and a vampyr expert, arrives to investigate if it was indeed a vampyr attack and authorize a cull of the colony of vampyrs, which many of the townspeople want. As she works the investigation, she suspects something even more sinister is afoot.
I loved Barbara. She’s in her 50’s a bit out of shape, loves food (but no reindeer please), and is intelligent, empathetic, and unafraid to stand up for what’s right.
I think the author did a great job of including vampires (vampyrs) in her story without making it into a traditional horror book. These are not the vampires we know from Dracula-type stories. Instead they look and act just as normal people do. Except of course they need to drink blood and they live hundreds of years (Ha!)
This story, at its heart, is about discrimination and hatred and two opposing viewpoints: those who think the only good vampyr is a dead vampyr vs those who have empathy for the vampyrs and are content to let them live in peace. There are laws that protect the vampyrs but that doesn’t stop the crimes against them.
C.J. Tudor is one of my favorite authors and gets props for writing such a unique murder mystery/police procedural with a side helping of horror lite that felt strangely believable.
*I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
But a boy is found dead, apparently from a vicious vampyr attack. Barbara, the lead detective, and a vampyr expert, arrives to investigate if it was indeed a vampyr attack and authorize a cull of the colony of vampyrs, which many of the townspeople want. As she works the investigation, she suspects something even more sinister is afoot.
I loved Barbara. She’s in her 50’s a bit out of shape, loves food (but no reindeer please), and is intelligent, empathetic, and unafraid to stand up for what’s right.
I think the author did a great job of including vampires (vampyrs) in her story without making it into a traditional horror book. These are not the vampires we know from Dracula-type stories. Instead they look and act just as normal people do. Except of course they need to drink blood and they live hundreds of years (Ha!)
This story, at its heart, is about discrimination and hatred and two opposing viewpoints: those who think the only good vampyr is a dead vampyr vs those who have empathy for the vampyrs and are content to let them live in peace. There are laws that protect the vampyrs but that doesn’t stop the crimes against them.
C.J. Tudor is one of my favorite authors and gets props for writing such a unique murder mystery/police procedural with a side helping of horror lite that felt strangely believable.
*I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
April 15, 2024
A teenage boy is found with his throat ripped out and all the blood drained from his body. It has been 25 years since the small town of Deadhart, Alaska has seen a killing like this. The townsfolk believe that an ostracized community of vampyrs (vampires) known as the Colony is responsible. Is it coincidence that this killing happened after the colony returns to the area after a very long absence? Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampyr killings, is called to investigate the case to determine if this is truly a Colony killing. Only once this is determined can a cull be authorized. Detective Atkins is determined to find the truth and ends up enlisting the help of former Deadhart sheriff, Jenson Tucker, who investigated the previous murder 25 years prior.
The cover really fits the book perfectly. Deadhart has a dark and ominous feel which is well-written. The locals are not hospitable and they do not make Barbara feel welcome as she proceeds with the investigation, but despite their mistrust and poor attitudes towards her, she remains always polite and determined to do the right thing.
I don’t usually read books about vampires, but The Gathering brings a fresh perspective that I really enjoyed. With so many lies and secrets, the mystery kept me glued to the pages trying to figure it out and as usual, the author had a few surprises up her sleeve that I didn’t see coming. While there always tends to be a supernatural element to her stories, I love how each of her books are all so different and always look forward to what she is going to come up with next. Although it veers a little into the horror genre, at the heart of the story is the mystery. I am quite a wimp when it comes to horror, so if I can handle it, the horror element isn’t heavy handed. I sure hope the epilogue was a teaser for another Detective Atkins book because I thought she was a great character and given her past, there is much more to explore with her. 4 stars 💫
My thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The cover really fits the book perfectly. Deadhart has a dark and ominous feel which is well-written. The locals are not hospitable and they do not make Barbara feel welcome as she proceeds with the investigation, but despite their mistrust and poor attitudes towards her, she remains always polite and determined to do the right thing.
I don’t usually read books about vampires, but The Gathering brings a fresh perspective that I really enjoyed. With so many lies and secrets, the mystery kept me glued to the pages trying to figure it out and as usual, the author had a few surprises up her sleeve that I didn’t see coming. While there always tends to be a supernatural element to her stories, I love how each of her books are all so different and always look forward to what she is going to come up with next. Although it veers a little into the horror genre, at the heart of the story is the mystery. I am quite a wimp when it comes to horror, so if I can handle it, the horror element isn’t heavy handed. I sure hope the epilogue was a teaser for another Detective Atkins book because I thought she was a great character and given her past, there is much more to explore with her. 4 stars 💫
My thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 31, 2024
WOW! What a captivating horror story that kept the pace and the pressure turned up full blast in frozen Alaska.
I think anyone would enjoy this horror mystery. 🧛❄️🥶
I think anyone would enjoy this horror mystery. 🧛❄️🥶
June 8, 2024
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House - Ballantine, and C.J. Tudor for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 4.9!**
"Dash her on the paving stones
It may break your heart to break her bones
But someone's got to do the culling of the fold" -"Culling of the Fold", The Decemberists
It may be time for just such a cull...and the residents of the tiny isolated town of Deadhart Alaska are determined to make that decision. It's been many years since they've had a resurgence of vampyrs...but the fear is real, and after a teen boy is murdered, they call in the Authority on Vampyr Killings: Detective Barbara Adkins. She's seen her share of grisly murders, and when she arrives in Alaska, the evidence at first seems pretty clear cut: the teenage boy's body has been drained of blood and his throat has been violently ripped out. Although it's been several years since vampyrs have proven a threat in the area, the residents of Deadhart are VERY aware that they lurk close by...a Colony, in hiding.
But when Barbara takes a closer look at the video footage, she discovers that the murder looks a bit TOO neat...and several clues point to the possibility that the video footage was staged...and someone is out to FRAME the vampyrs to launch the cull, regardless of the ramifications for the town. Barbara reaches out to former police officer, Sheriff Jenson Tucker, who used to be very involved at keeping the Colony at bay, but has been living the hermit life in recent years after being ostracized by the citizens of Deadhart. Despite his recent years of solitude, he has plenty of knowledge about the secrets of Deadhart and is still dedicated to protecting and serving his town and working through the mystery with Barbara.
But as Barbara quickly discovers, the folk of Deadhart don't take kindly to strangers...and when more bodies start piling up, it's clear that Barbara has ruffled the wrong feathers (or WINGS, perhaps! 🦇) Can she, along with Tucker, discover if and when the vampyrs are set to make their next move and proceed with the cull... or is this all an elaborate ruse to disguise an even DEADLIER enemy?
After my encounter with the The Burning Girls (which led me to an EASY 5 star review) and also being thoroughly entertained by the creepy anthology of stories that was A Sliver of Darkness, to say I sped to add EVERY Tudor book to my TBR is an understatement. When I heard her latest book was about VAMPIRES, I was even more excited. What started as a love borne from R.L. Stine's Goodnight Kiss books back in my youth developed over time (okay, yes Twilight did have something to do with that too...it is what it is! 😆) and vamps have long been my favorite mythical creatures, so I was excited BEYOND belief to jump into this book!
All of this excitement, however, MAY have caused me to overlook a couple of things...namely, that this read is far more of a police procedural than it is anything else...and unfortunately, police procedurals are not normally my cup of tea. That is not to say this book gets too far into the weeds, because it doesn't delve into super forensic, scientific, wordier-than-it-needs-to-be blather that often makes police procedurals a dull experience for me. The main characters are also competent in general, which was a HUGE relief: no armchair detectives here, and it was nice to have a team that worked well together rather than one bumbling around and missing the obvious while you the reader scream out loud at the book.
Despite the different 'feel' of this read vs. my previous Tudor reads, there is plenty of 'signature Tudor' to be found here, from a chilling atmosphere (if you don't feel like you NEED a blanket while reading about the all of the snow and cold, you're better than I am!) to a strong female lead who takes no guff (yes, Rev. Jack Brooks, I was thinking of you!) and I felt right at home in many respects reading this one. The mystery aside, there is plenty of social commentary woven slyly in, from what it means to be an outsider to the dangers of judging a whole group based on the actions of one or two misguided individuals (sound familiar?) and the disturbing role that preconceived notions can play in society and how we govern in general. I found this especially interesting as Tudor is British and yet has such a clear and interesting viewpoint on how politics and prejudice plays out in different countries, how various groups handle differences in either a more equitable or less equitable way, and also just how dangerous it can be to ignore the disparate treatment entirely. "Don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes" certainly fits the bill here. (Although in this case, maybe it's don't judge a vampyr...but I'll leave that for you to find out!) 😉
Another quibble with this particular story was the plethora of characters and just the pacing in general. Although the chapters were short, there was A LOT of information presented at times and also plenty of different characters (both vampyr and human) to keep track of, and at times I felt like we were bouncing all over the place a lot...and this subsequently slowed the pace down for me. With so much history and backstory to get through (especially in regards to the Colony and their past) it almost felt like Tudor could have written ANOTHER book (or a supplementary book) to help elucidate some of the more complex plot threads and help expand on the past. There is also a mysterious (unnamed) captive for much of the story who also tells you THEIR story, and it just felt like a LOT to keep top of mind at once. By the end, Tudor DOES deliver a couple of fun twists, and writes an enticing, leading epilogue, so that was all the encouragement I needed to bump up my rating...AND to possibly strap in for a TRUE part two in a sequel!
And in the end, although this book is a little less on the scary and gory side of the street, Tudor DID play on my biggest fear.
While being trapped near a colony of vampyrs is bad...being trapped near a colony of vampyrs in SNOW?
🧛♀️ ❄
Color me TERRIFIED!
😉
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for solid writing
"Dash her on the paving stones
It may break your heart to break her bones
But someone's got to do the culling of the fold" -"Culling of the Fold", The Decemberists
It may be time for just such a cull...and the residents of the tiny isolated town of Deadhart Alaska are determined to make that decision. It's been many years since they've had a resurgence of vampyrs...but the fear is real, and after a teen boy is murdered, they call in the Authority on Vampyr Killings: Detective Barbara Adkins. She's seen her share of grisly murders, and when she arrives in Alaska, the evidence at first seems pretty clear cut: the teenage boy's body has been drained of blood and his throat has been violently ripped out. Although it's been several years since vampyrs have proven a threat in the area, the residents of Deadhart are VERY aware that they lurk close by...a Colony, in hiding.
But when Barbara takes a closer look at the video footage, she discovers that the murder looks a bit TOO neat...and several clues point to the possibility that the video footage was staged...and someone is out to FRAME the vampyrs to launch the cull, regardless of the ramifications for the town. Barbara reaches out to former police officer, Sheriff Jenson Tucker, who used to be very involved at keeping the Colony at bay, but has been living the hermit life in recent years after being ostracized by the citizens of Deadhart. Despite his recent years of solitude, he has plenty of knowledge about the secrets of Deadhart and is still dedicated to protecting and serving his town and working through the mystery with Barbara.
But as Barbara quickly discovers, the folk of Deadhart don't take kindly to strangers...and when more bodies start piling up, it's clear that Barbara has ruffled the wrong feathers (or WINGS, perhaps! 🦇) Can she, along with Tucker, discover if and when the vampyrs are set to make their next move and proceed with the cull... or is this all an elaborate ruse to disguise an even DEADLIER enemy?
After my encounter with the The Burning Girls (which led me to an EASY 5 star review) and also being thoroughly entertained by the creepy anthology of stories that was A Sliver of Darkness, to say I sped to add EVERY Tudor book to my TBR is an understatement. When I heard her latest book was about VAMPIRES, I was even more excited. What started as a love borne from R.L. Stine's Goodnight Kiss books back in my youth developed over time (okay, yes Twilight did have something to do with that too...it is what it is! 😆) and vamps have long been my favorite mythical creatures, so I was excited BEYOND belief to jump into this book!
All of this excitement, however, MAY have caused me to overlook a couple of things...namely, that this read is far more of a police procedural than it is anything else...and unfortunately, police procedurals are not normally my cup of tea. That is not to say this book gets too far into the weeds, because it doesn't delve into super forensic, scientific, wordier-than-it-needs-to-be blather that often makes police procedurals a dull experience for me. The main characters are also competent in general, which was a HUGE relief: no armchair detectives here, and it was nice to have a team that worked well together rather than one bumbling around and missing the obvious while you the reader scream out loud at the book.
Despite the different 'feel' of this read vs. my previous Tudor reads, there is plenty of 'signature Tudor' to be found here, from a chilling atmosphere (if you don't feel like you NEED a blanket while reading about the all of the snow and cold, you're better than I am!) to a strong female lead who takes no guff (yes, Rev. Jack Brooks, I was thinking of you!) and I felt right at home in many respects reading this one. The mystery aside, there is plenty of social commentary woven slyly in, from what it means to be an outsider to the dangers of judging a whole group based on the actions of one or two misguided individuals (sound familiar?) and the disturbing role that preconceived notions can play in society and how we govern in general. I found this especially interesting as Tudor is British and yet has such a clear and interesting viewpoint on how politics and prejudice plays out in different countries, how various groups handle differences in either a more equitable or less equitable way, and also just how dangerous it can be to ignore the disparate treatment entirely. "Don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes" certainly fits the bill here. (Although in this case, maybe it's don't judge a vampyr...but I'll leave that for you to find out!) 😉
Another quibble with this particular story was the plethora of characters and just the pacing in general. Although the chapters were short, there was A LOT of information presented at times and also plenty of different characters (both vampyr and human) to keep track of, and at times I felt like we were bouncing all over the place a lot...and this subsequently slowed the pace down for me. With so much history and backstory to get through (especially in regards to the Colony and their past) it almost felt like Tudor could have written ANOTHER book (or a supplementary book) to help elucidate some of the more complex plot threads and help expand on the past. There is also a mysterious (unnamed) captive for much of the story who also tells you THEIR story, and it just felt like a LOT to keep top of mind at once. By the end, Tudor DOES deliver a couple of fun twists, and writes an enticing, leading epilogue, so that was all the encouragement I needed to bump up my rating...AND to possibly strap in for a TRUE part two in a sequel!
And in the end, although this book is a little less on the scary and gory side of the street, Tudor DID play on my biggest fear.
While being trapped near a colony of vampyrs is bad...being trapped near a colony of vampyrs in SNOW?
🧛♀️ ❄
Color me TERRIFIED!
😉
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for solid writing
September 25, 2024
4.0 Stars
Prepare to be transported to the chilling setting of Deadhart, Alaska, where small-town life collides with the secrets of a vampyr colony returning after a twenty-five-year absence in C.J. Tudor's gripping novel, "The Gathering." Join Detective Barbara Atkins as she assists the town's Sheriff, Pete Nicholls, in a thrilling investigation into the brutal murder of Marcus, a 15-year-old teenage boy; navigating the complex dynamics of the small town of Deadheart, their fear and suspicion are palpable and running at an all-time high. When Sheriff Nicholls is injured and hospitalized, Detective Atkins calls former Sheriff Jensen Tucker to help her with the case. Will he help her or turn her down? Does Tucker have something to hide or want answers? The brutality of the murder chilling echoes a killing from when he was in charge decades ago. Could the same killer be responsible for the two murders twenty-five years apart? Who is sending clues, and what message are they trying to send? Are they friends or foes? Tudor masterfully weaves an atmospheric narrative that will keep you on edge and guessing, blending mystery with supernatural elements, horror and suspense. Atkins emerges as a captivating protagonist, balancing intelligence with humour and empathy. The town's inhabitants' diverse perspectives and personalities add intrigue and depth to the story. Many are hiding secrets they don't want to be revealed and will go to great lengths to bury them. While the mystery unfolds with tantalizing surprises, some may crave a deeper delve into the darkness.
Nevertheless, "The writing is clever, sharp, and descriptive, and the characters are well-developed, intriguing, and driven. The plot unfolds quickly into a taut, suspenseful, action-packed narrative full of twists and turns, betrayal, deception, violence, and supernatural elements. The writing is clever, sharp, and descriptive, and the characters are well-developed, intelligent, and driven. The plot unfolds quickly into a taut, suspenseful, action-packed narrative full of twists and turns, betrayal, deception, violence, and supernatural elements. It's a dark, riveting thrill ride with just the right surprises to keep you thoroughly engaged from start to finish. Lorelei King's narration brings the characters to life. You've got to experience this book and won't be disappointed! It is an engaging read that leaves a lasting sense of unease, perfect for fans of atmospheric thrillers. To fully immerse yourself in this gripping tale, I highly recommend pairing your copy with the audio version narrated by the fantastic Lorelei King, who expertly brings the characters to life.
I want to thank Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC copy of The Gathering by C.J. Tudor in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Now available and released on April 9, 2024
Prepare to be transported to the chilling setting of Deadhart, Alaska, where small-town life collides with the secrets of a vampyr colony returning after a twenty-five-year absence in C.J. Tudor's gripping novel, "The Gathering." Join Detective Barbara Atkins as she assists the town's Sheriff, Pete Nicholls, in a thrilling investigation into the brutal murder of Marcus, a 15-year-old teenage boy; navigating the complex dynamics of the small town of Deadheart, their fear and suspicion are palpable and running at an all-time high. When Sheriff Nicholls is injured and hospitalized, Detective Atkins calls former Sheriff Jensen Tucker to help her with the case. Will he help her or turn her down? Does Tucker have something to hide or want answers? The brutality of the murder chilling echoes a killing from when he was in charge decades ago. Could the same killer be responsible for the two murders twenty-five years apart? Who is sending clues, and what message are they trying to send? Are they friends or foes? Tudor masterfully weaves an atmospheric narrative that will keep you on edge and guessing, blending mystery with supernatural elements, horror and suspense. Atkins emerges as a captivating protagonist, balancing intelligence with humour and empathy. The town's inhabitants' diverse perspectives and personalities add intrigue and depth to the story. Many are hiding secrets they don't want to be revealed and will go to great lengths to bury them. While the mystery unfolds with tantalizing surprises, some may crave a deeper delve into the darkness.
Nevertheless, "The writing is clever, sharp, and descriptive, and the characters are well-developed, intriguing, and driven. The plot unfolds quickly into a taut, suspenseful, action-packed narrative full of twists and turns, betrayal, deception, violence, and supernatural elements. The writing is clever, sharp, and descriptive, and the characters are well-developed, intelligent, and driven. The plot unfolds quickly into a taut, suspenseful, action-packed narrative full of twists and turns, betrayal, deception, violence, and supernatural elements. It's a dark, riveting thrill ride with just the right surprises to keep you thoroughly engaged from start to finish. Lorelei King's narration brings the characters to life. You've got to experience this book and won't be disappointed! It is an engaging read that leaves a lasting sense of unease, perfect for fans of atmospheric thrillers. To fully immerse yourself in this gripping tale, I highly recommend pairing your copy with the audio version narrated by the fantastic Lorelei King, who expertly brings the characters to life.
I want to thank Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC copy of The Gathering by C.J. Tudor in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Now available and released on April 9, 2024
April 6, 2024
Available April 9th, 2024
Before I start, you must know that I really love C.J. Tudor. I have read everything she has written. With the exception of Sliver of Darkness, however, it’s still on the shelf. She writes light horror, however, this one is a little darker than her previous work.
*** Trigger Warnings- violent scenes, child abuse, and I might be missing some ***
In Alaska, there is a world where humans and vampires (spelled vampyr) coexist. Only, vampyrs have been ostracized and live deep inside the woods, called The Colony. Just picture southern America during the civil war but vampyrs. It’s US or Them. Now, vampyrs have rights. You cannot kill them unless it’s self defense.
This is not a typical vampire story either. Be prepared.
Detective Barbara Atkins has been sent to the town of Deadhart. She specializes is vampyr killings, determining whether they are justified or if it’s a crime. A human teenage boy has been brutally killed and the murder caught on video. It appears he was attacked by one of Satan’s spawn, a vampyr. People are outraged and want justice. The town is in an uproar, ready to attack.
I enjoyed Barbara’s character. She was all about equality. You’ll soon find out there is a reason she is this way, as we are taken back to the past of her childhood. Subjects of sexuality, race, and abuse are mentioned here. One flaw I found was that I felt Barbara was a little dry. Not much emotion to her. I see this a lot with female detectives.
Picture a story about racism only with vampyrs. Pretty cool right? I enjoyed this one quite more than The Drift and flew right through it. If you love strange and are already familiar with her style, I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much Ballantine Books, NetGalley, and C.J. Tudor for this opportunity. Publication April 9, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Before I start, you must know that I really love C.J. Tudor. I have read everything she has written. With the exception of Sliver of Darkness, however, it’s still on the shelf. She writes light horror, however, this one is a little darker than her previous work.
*** Trigger Warnings- violent scenes, child abuse, and I might be missing some ***
In Alaska, there is a world where humans and vampires (spelled vampyr) coexist. Only, vampyrs have been ostracized and live deep inside the woods, called The Colony. Just picture southern America during the civil war but vampyrs. It’s US or Them. Now, vampyrs have rights. You cannot kill them unless it’s self defense.
This is not a typical vampire story either. Be prepared.
Detective Barbara Atkins has been sent to the town of Deadhart. She specializes is vampyr killings, determining whether they are justified or if it’s a crime. A human teenage boy has been brutally killed and the murder caught on video. It appears he was attacked by one of Satan’s spawn, a vampyr. People are outraged and want justice. The town is in an uproar, ready to attack.
I enjoyed Barbara’s character. She was all about equality. You’ll soon find out there is a reason she is this way, as we are taken back to the past of her childhood. Subjects of sexuality, race, and abuse are mentioned here. One flaw I found was that I felt Barbara was a little dry. Not much emotion to her. I see this a lot with female detectives.
Picture a story about racism only with vampyrs. Pretty cool right? I enjoyed this one quite more than The Drift and flew right through it. If you love strange and are already familiar with her style, I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much Ballantine Books, NetGalley, and C.J. Tudor for this opportunity. Publication April 9, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 21, 2024
I don't think I've ever read a book by C.J. Tudor that was bellow 4 stars.
This one was also good. I am still gathering my thoughts and will write my review tonight if I won't be too tired.
It was more like a mystery then horror.
Awful weather outside, perfect for chilling vampyres.
I don't know what I signed up for, but my guts tell me I am ready.
This one was also good. I am still gathering my thoughts and will write my review tonight if I won't be too tired.
It was more like a mystery then horror.
Awful weather outside, perfect for chilling vampyres.
I don't know what I signed up for, but my guts tell me I am ready.
July 22, 2024
3.5 rounded up
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would as I was a little underwhelmed by one of her earlier novels (The Burning Girls)
The amount of twists at the end were really well done and I hadn't worked any of them out.
Looking forward to reading more by C.J. Tudor
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would as I was a little underwhelmed by one of her earlier novels (The Burning Girls)
The amount of twists at the end were really well done and I hadn't worked any of them out.
Looking forward to reading more by C.J. Tudor
August 16, 2024
I loved the character of Barbara, the vampire expert sent to a remote Alaska town to see if the murder of a teenage boy calls for a "cull" of the vampire colony that lives there. She is not your typical protagonist, being brainy and contemplative and no beauty queen.
Also. I thought the author did a good job giving the reader a feeling for the isolation and harsh environment of the tiny town. One of the things that was a little perturbing was the lack of individuality of the town's people. They are a monolithic group of backwards thinking and racist tropes. Alaskans are that as much as anywhere else in the US, but from what I've read about Alaska they are not group thinkers. They go their own way, that's one of the reasons that Alaska appeals to them.
The few that aren't a part of the racist mob are a teenage girl and the retired police chief, I just think there would be more. I would have liked to have seen the ex-chief fleshed out more too. Overall I enjoyed this unusual take on a vampire story.
Also. I thought the author did a good job giving the reader a feeling for the isolation and harsh environment of the tiny town. One of the things that was a little perturbing was the lack of individuality of the town's people. They are a monolithic group of backwards thinking and racist tropes. Alaskans are that as much as anywhere else in the US, but from what I've read about Alaska they are not group thinkers. They go their own way, that's one of the reasons that Alaska appeals to them.
The few that aren't a part of the racist mob are a teenage girl and the retired police chief, I just think there would be more. I would have liked to have seen the ex-chief fleshed out more too. Overall I enjoyed this unusual take on a vampire story.
April 9, 2024
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 vampyr 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.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
April 1, 2024
I must say, I was pleasantly taken aback! In this book, Vampyrs aren't the stuff of myth; they're a norm among society. But don't mistake this for your typical Twilight or Vampire Diaries fare! When the lifeless body of a 15-year-old boy is discovered, suspicion blankets the colonies. Though they're meant to coexist peacefully with humans, something has clearly breached the boundaries set in place. Barbara, a specialist in Vampyr killings, is summoned to the quaint town of Deathart in Alaska to unravel the mystery and determine if drastic measures, like colony destruction, are necessary.
This book delves into so much more than meets the eye, and any review would merely skim the surface. While it may not be spine-chilling, it's certainly a thrilling journey. One character that stood out to me was the Vampyr Athelinda. It's a truly gripping tale, masterfully crafted by CJ Tudor, and what's more, it's a refreshing take on adult Vampyr storytelling.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This book delves into so much more than meets the eye, and any review would merely skim the surface. While it may not be spine-chilling, it's certainly a thrilling journey. One character that stood out to me was the Vampyr Athelinda. It's a truly gripping tale, masterfully crafted by CJ Tudor, and what's more, it's a refreshing take on adult Vampyr storytelling.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
October 30, 2024
reading vlog: https://youtu.be/8rbmmASEkrs
love a bit of vamps
love a bit of vamps
April 15, 2025
It was no surprise that drug addicts and alcoholics found God during their recovery. They had to replace one addiction with another.
Darkly enrapturing, well contrived, eerie thriller set against a cold, remote town where vampyrs and humans reside in an inequitable, highly strung and prejudiced settlement. The precarious situation flares uncontrollably after a savagely violent murder blows tolerance out of the window. Called in to scrutinize the crime, Detective Atkins is fair to a fault, cool headed and empathetic- one cannot help but admire her resilience to get to the depth of the murder investigation and bring the guilty party to heel. Sinister secrets are uncovered as hatred, skepticism, misogyny and bigotry come out to play. Interesting premise that was intricately executed by Tudor. Get a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle in your weighted blanket and brace yourselves as temperatures plunge, grievances escalate and humanity deteriorates. Atmospheric, bone chilling and disturbingly close to reality.
Darkly enrapturing, well contrived, eerie thriller set against a cold, remote town where vampyrs and humans reside in an inequitable, highly strung and prejudiced settlement. The precarious situation flares uncontrollably after a savagely violent murder blows tolerance out of the window. Called in to scrutinize the crime, Detective Atkins is fair to a fault, cool headed and empathetic- one cannot help but admire her resilience to get to the depth of the murder investigation and bring the guilty party to heel. Sinister secrets are uncovered as hatred, skepticism, misogyny and bigotry come out to play. Interesting premise that was intricately executed by Tudor. Get a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle in your weighted blanket and brace yourselves as temperatures plunge, grievances escalate and humanity deteriorates. Atmospheric, bone chilling and disturbingly close to reality.
January 22, 2024
Two-thirds in and I can't finish this nonsense. Every stereotypical woke cliche you can think of is in here. The most insufferable, judgmental, smug, arrogant and self-righteous lead character I've ever read. Tudor actually compared the wearing of an anti-vampyre tattoo with wearing a swastika. Seriously? Sad that this is passing for a "thriller" these days. Tudor has gone off the rails with her woke lecturing. A shame, because she's written some very good books. This is not one of them. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free ARC, and it's only because of that I read as far as I did.
May 28, 2024
3.5
This is my second C.J. Tudor book after The Burning Girls, and although they have very different settings and premises, they are comfortably similar. Namely, these novels are fast paced and entertaining mysteries with strong supernatural elements, and decent characters. Like with the books of Simone St. James, I've enjoyed the books of Tudor in the same way - they don't require a whole lot of attention and the reader can just coast along and enjoy the story. But by the same token, I don't get really invested either.
I'm ambivalent about vampires, but I was intrigued by The Gathering based on the murder mystery and the setting in a small town in Alaska. I had read in a review that the vampire element wasn't very prevalent, so I thought this might work for me. But I feel like there was an awful lot of vampire (or vampyr, as this book would have it), and they were of the kind that I've gotten really tired of - the superior and arrogant type, who also suffer from complex human emotions. If there are going to be vampires, I want there to be something unique about them, or I want 30 Days of Night style beasts. The whole vampyr colony and precarious co-existence with humans didn't really do it for me. But if vampires are your thing and you've enjoyed other works by Tudor, you may love this book.
I did rate this 3.5 because for the most part I enjoyed it, the character work and writing was solid, the chapters are short and the story moved quickly. I'm rounding up because Tudor successfully threw me off course with some red herrings and there was a twist I didn't expect that worked really well. The ending seemed set up for a sequel or even series, but one was enough for me.
This is my second C.J. Tudor book after The Burning Girls, and although they have very different settings and premises, they are comfortably similar. Namely, these novels are fast paced and entertaining mysteries with strong supernatural elements, and decent characters. Like with the books of Simone St. James, I've enjoyed the books of Tudor in the same way - they don't require a whole lot of attention and the reader can just coast along and enjoy the story. But by the same token, I don't get really invested either.
I'm ambivalent about vampires, but I was intrigued by The Gathering based on the murder mystery and the setting in a small town in Alaska. I had read in a review that the vampire element wasn't very prevalent, so I thought this might work for me. But I feel like there was an awful lot of vampire (or vampyr, as this book would have it), and they were of the kind that I've gotten really tired of - the superior and arrogant type, who also suffer from complex human emotions. If there are going to be vampires, I want there to be something unique about them, or I want 30 Days of Night style beasts. The whole vampyr colony and precarious co-existence with humans didn't really do it for me. But if vampires are your thing and you've enjoyed other works by Tudor, you may love this book.
I did rate this 3.5 because for the most part I enjoyed it, the character work and writing was solid, the chapters are short and the story moved quickly. I'm rounding up because Tudor successfully threw me off course with some red herrings and there was a twist I didn't expect that worked really well. The ending seemed set up for a sequel or even series, but one was enough for me.
July 26, 2024
I have always wanted to jump on the C. J. Tudor fanclub train but haven't connected with any of her books I've tried until now. The Gathering is a supernatural murder investigation in Alaska during a futuristic reality where vampires and humans co-exist.
Homicide detective Barbara Atkins, who has her PhD in forensic vampire anthropology, is sent to a remote, small town to investigate the death of a local teen. Witnesses claim a vampire did it. As tension and hostility escalate, Atkins chases down her theory that the murder appears to have a more personal motivation.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Horror & psychological suspense
- Expertly paced thriller vibes
- Small-town horror
- Vampires and Vampire lore
- Snowy/cold settings
- Strong female protagonist
- Police procedural
- Social commentary
Homicide detective Barbara Atkins, who has her PhD in forensic vampire anthropology, is sent to a remote, small town to investigate the death of a local teen. Witnesses claim a vampire did it. As tension and hostility escalate, Atkins chases down her theory that the murder appears to have a more personal motivation.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Horror & psychological suspense
- Expertly paced thriller vibes
- Small-town horror
- Vampires and Vampire lore
- Snowy/cold settings
- Strong female protagonist
- Police procedural
- Social commentary
January 27, 2024
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
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
October 26, 2024
A police procedural with vampires. How could I not read this one!
The setting is Deadheart, Alaska in a world where vampires live in colonies adjacent to human towns. Neither group cares for the other, but there are laws, one of which is that if a vampire kills a human their whole colony can legally be culled. Detective Barbara Atkins is a vampire specialist and, when a teenager has his throat ripped out, she is sent to discover who killed him and whether a cull is justified.
There are a number of subsequent killings and things get gory but never scary enough to keep the reader awake at night! Barbara is smart and tough, and she needs to be both in a town where nearly everything is against her, including the weather. The author's take on vampires is interesting and sad, but the real evil in the book is from the humans.
I have read a number of books by this author and enjoyed them all. Four stars for this one.
The setting is Deadheart, Alaska in a world where vampires live in colonies adjacent to human towns. Neither group cares for the other, but there are laws, one of which is that if a vampire kills a human their whole colony can legally be culled. Detective Barbara Atkins is a vampire specialist and, when a teenager has his throat ripped out, she is sent to discover who killed him and whether a cull is justified.
There are a number of subsequent killings and things get gory but never scary enough to keep the reader awake at night! Barbara is smart and tough, and she needs to be both in a town where nearly everything is against her, including the weather. The author's take on vampires is interesting and sad, but the real evil in the book is from the humans.
I have read a number of books by this author and enjoyed them all. Four stars for this one.
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