The Gathering

A Novel

By: C. J. Tudor

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

“Vampires are back, and C.J. Tudor’s The Gathering comes to join the fun . . . The story’s fast pace and numerous twists keep you hooked, and Tudor’s witty dialogue beautifully punctuates the narrative’s constant action.”—The New York Times Book Review

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?

©2024 C. J. Tudor (P)2024 Random House Audio

hidden gem

reminded me of stephen king with its cast of small town characters and personalities. this is definitely a hidden gem — don’t let the generic title fool you. this is a blast! tons of wit, excellent arcs and a plot twist i didn’t see coming! i think fans of stephen king (or joe hill) and grady hendrix would like this.

Not mind blowing but entertaining

The story was good but very predictable. I was hoping to be more surprised by where the story went.

Not a 30 Days of Night rehash.

reading the summary, I was afraid that this was going to be 30 Days of Night retold. It isn't. It is a lovely iteration of that formula that manages to stand separate from 30. The overlapping narratives, understanding of mob mentality, and parallels to real world persecutions are perfectly done. it sets up a sequel and I cannot wait for more.

Hooked from the very first page

4.5 stars. This book was amazing. The flow was continual and kept me interested the entire time. I couldn’t give it a full 5 star review because the setting is in America and the dialogue is British. For example, at one point a character says another character is “in hospital” instead of “in the hospital” and another character states her birthday by the day/month/year. That’s not how Americans go by dates. They use month/day/year.

exceeded expectations!!

This was brilliantly written, a beautiful marriage of police procedural & horror/vampire lore…LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I think this might be the start of a new series (fingers crossed) following Barbara Atkins investigating vampire crimes/deaths.