I am a complete and utter wuss and hate all things horror. But I love all things C.J Tudor, so this was a tough call as to whether I felt I could read it or not. But read it I did, and in less than a day too! It is just so addictive that it's impossible to part with.

It wasn't actually as scary as I thought, which for me was a good thing. It is still thrilling and gory and has everything you want from a Tudor book about vampyres (this is how it is spelt throughout the book) and whatnot, but I felt I could sleep at night which is what I was worried about.

She gives a fantastic sense of space, and location. You can feel the chill of the weather, the darkness of the sky, and the terror among the community. She makes a very fake place feel very real, which until you start adding vampyres, is a little unnerving, like this could really be a real place! I have seen some of the photos she has been posting on social media about the places that influenced the book and I feel she has really captured them perfectly.

The town she's in is a very small one, and by setting it there, it makes the whole story feel very claustrophobic and it adds to the fear that the characters, and the readers, feel. It's almost as if the town becomes a character of its own.

We have many characters - teenagers, parents, friends, strangers, vampyires - but I won't go into detail about all of them as we'll be here all week. But none are wasted, they all play their part no matter how small and they all feel very real and familiar. But let me just mention a couple.

Barbara is our main character, a Vampyre expert, detective and doctor. She' stoic and strong, doesn't mess with anyone, she's curious, short and overweight and underestimated, she's a woman in a man's world but she stands out so well. There did seem to be this sadness around her to begin with that I was intrigued by, and by the end of the book she was so well developed that she felt like I knew her.

Then you have Nicolls who is the local police officer, who isn't in it much for reasons I won't go into, but whilst he is there, his scenes with Barbara are fabulous. He's used to one way of working and she's used to another, and somehow they have to find a middle ground otherwise they will never succeed. Alongside Nicholls you have Rita who is the local mayor. I wasn't sure about her at first, I thought maybe she was a bit too perfect, like something was hidden up her sleeve, but whatever her journey is (I will not spoil it), she soon became one of my favourites. And then the other main character is Tucker. Again, I won't spoil it by saying who he is or why he's there at first, but he really grows into himself and I loved every scene he was in.

And finally, we have this voice. Every so often there's a chapter where we read about a woman being held captive. We don't know who she is, where she is, and why she is there, but it trickles in every now and again and adds to this chilling, thrilling feeling.

When you think of vampyres in modern books, they're a bit watered down, more friendly, more romanticised. Whereas this book gives you that traditional, classic fear and blood and terror that vampyres always brought to stories. And I think we've been missing that, and I for one really enjoyed it.

There are lots of twists and turns and surprises that I never saw coming, and I'm excited to see what other people think of it.

I really want a sequel. I don't know if it's necessary or something she's planned, and if it ends how it ends then that's good enough, btu I want more. I don't want it to end yet.

Vampires are my absolute favourite supernatural creature, and it’s great to see more books including the undead. This is my first ever C.J. Tudor book, and what a way to kick off my introduction — I loved The Gathering, and I already have the rest of C.J.’s backlist ready to read!

The Gathering is a horror mystery set in a small Alaskan town reminiscent of 30 Days of Night, where darkness descends and vampires roam the town’s edges. Barbara Atkins is called to investigate the murder of a teenage boy, seemingly at the hands of said vampires, and she has to decide whether it warrants a vampire cull.

This is such a unique idea, and I’ve personally never read anything where vampires are at risk of legal culls. It’s refreshing to have them be known to everyone, rather than a big secret confined to the shadows. It reminded me of Let the Right One In, though still completely different, with a whole new spin on vampires and how they live.

The Gatherine is a chilling detective story with horror undertones and a cast of characters - both dead and alive - that immediately grabbed my attention. Its short chapters make it an addictive read, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m so glad I read it and that it didn’t disappoint; vampires are back, and hopefully this is the start of many appearances in popular fiction!

I have given The Gathering 4 stars.

Initially I thought I was going to find it difficult to get into as the formatting of the ARC, made it difficult to follow but once it sorted itself out, I found myself drawn into the story. There was also a lot of characters and the chapters were often told from a different POV and trying to remember who they were was a bit of a nuisance.

So it was quite a unique story and one that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I realised that I hadn't. I hope there is going to be a book two!

Detective Barbara Atkins a Vampyr Specialist has been called to assist the Sheriff of Deadhart, Alaska. A remote town where humans and Vampires live together. A young boy’s throat has been ripped out and with Barbara’s previous experience they need to ascertain if it was done by a Vampyr as evidence suggests. But there hasn’t been a killing by a Vampyr for 25 years.
At first, she assists the Sheriff with his findings, but he gets injured in the process. So, Barbara’s on her own for the rest of the investigation. She assists ex -sheriff Tucker who was leading the investigation 25 years ago to get to the bottom of it and find the killer.
The Gathering by C J Tudor is a Mystery/ Horror, which is different from her other books but found it to be a fantastic read. This has an imaginative and original storyline and likeable characters, and I was engrossed in this from start to finish. The ending was left in a bit of a cliff hanger. Is there going to be more of Detective Barabara Atkins? I hope so, it will make a great series 5 stars from me.

Small town vibes, secrets, murders, and vampires; the gathering is wild! 🧛‍♀️

I loved everything about this book. The atmosphere, the characters, the plot, the twists and turns; everything was top tier.

I don't normally read books about vampires but I'm so glad I picked this one up and I would highly recommend it. Just make sure to grab some snacks and a cup of tea or coffee before you start this one because once you're in, you won't be able to put it down :)

This mix of thriller/crime/horror will tick the boxes for alot of Stephen King fans. An experienced forensic detective finds herself in a small town in Alaska where the is huge tension between the townsfolk and The Colony who live on the outskirts of town. This is Stephen King territory as The Colony is actually a group of vampires who have legal rights and are protected, however when a young man is found with his throat ripped out, the townspeople want to cull the Colony. C J Tudor seems to be mixing horror with crime, The Drift did this expertly however I found The Gathering not as much of a page turner as her previous novels. There are obvious themes running through this which might be the reason for it been a slower read.

This was an highly anticipated book for me. After loving every previous book by Tudor I was excited to pick up another read. But sadly this is probably my least favourite. While I like vampire books I just felt this was missing something. I didn't find myself gripped or really caring about what happened.

I couldn't put this down. A brilliant read. I thought it was wonderfully written. The characters are really engaging and all unique, believable and intriguing. The setting was spot on. It reminded me of the Will Dean Tuva novels in its isolation and small town life in such a place. The plot itself was just fantastic. I honestly loved this book. There are a few surprises towards the end that were brilliantly done. If anyone thinks vampires are not for you, give this a go anyway. I'll be recommending this to everyone I know who loves a thriller.

This is a compulsive and very chilling, in more ways than one, murder mystery set in a small town in Alaska called Deadhart and it’s an amazingly good read by the super talented CJ Tudor.
The main character Detective Barbara Atkins is sent to investigate the brutal killing of a boy who has had his throat ripped out and the suspicion is falling on the local Vampyr colony which is very near and as the inhabitants of Deadhart call for a cull on the Vampyr’s things start to turn very nasty!
Barbara is a wonderful character not only a detective but also a specialist in Vampyr anthropology and killings so takes all this is her steady and open minded approach.
I’m not a fan of horror type genre but this book isn’t like that it’s so much more and I felt myself completely drawn into the story and the way the Vampyr’s had and still were hunted, abused, persecuted and culled over time.
It was a superb read and with some good twists and by far the author’s best book so far in my opinion, the setting was perfect and fitted the story perfectly, I loved Barbara and also Tucker a retired detective who steps in to help her both were superb characters and so well crafted. I was sad to finish the story always the sign of a great read and for it was a 5 star read I would highly recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph, Random House for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

“Stephen King eat your heart out.”
Another genre-bending thriller from Tudor. This book sits somewhere in between crime, horror, thriller fantasy- and I am so very here for it.

I ate this book up. A compulsive page-turner that is perfectly paced and has a few surprises and trademark twists and turns along the way.

This title could comfortably sit with classic Stephen King novels and modern thrillers alike. Fans of horror and detective led crime will both find something to love in this book.

I can’t wait to see what she does next.

A crime novel with vampires, or a horror novel with crime? I'm still a little undecided, although the claustrophobia of the remote Alaska setting lends itself to both. I was certainly curious to see how the change in direction was tackled by CJ Tudor, who has never been afraid to do something different - for me, the last couple of books have been a prelude for jumping across genres.

So, the crime; a local teenager in an isolated village in northern Alaska is found dead, the villagers are of the belief that history is repeating itself - 25 years ago, a local Colony of vampires was blamed for a similar death. A forensic vampire detective is brought in from outside - an early introduction and a character I felt empathy with, bizarrely! - and the pressure is pushed on to her from locals that she reach the conclusion that the loudest of them would prefer. There is a long history of conflict between the vampire and human communities, explained through a distrust and mutual loathing; it's this that really forms the thread of story, but does it provide the motive for a murder...?

Whilst I did need to suspend a little disbelief at times, the setting and the characters were spot on. I'll be keen to see abandoned next!

I devoured this book. It was atmospheric with a threat of danger hanging over both communities - human and Colony. As the story unfolds, the hate and suspicion shared by human and vampyr colonies alike became apparent. It had me on the edge of my seat, feeling like I ought to look over my shoulder and maybe keep the lights on!
There were some surprises along the way with characters and their hidden truths. I was intrigued by the character we have no idea about - she enters the story as an ethereal voice and we’re not told where or indeed ‘when’ she took her part in the story, until it finally becomes clear at the end of the story.
The ending was a real twist and just added to the tension and suspense that had grown with each page turned. This really was a good read; not my usual choice of book but I would definitely recommend it.

I enjoy C J Tudor's books and this one was no exception even though it took me some time to get into it. I like how she blends mystery with the supernatural elements so well. This time, the vampire angle was quite an interesting addition to the central mystery of the book.
I did feel that the book was a bit slow towards the beginning. Once you get the hang of it though, chances are you will not leave it halfway through.

A haunting and atmospheric thriller that delves into the complexities human nature, with a gripping narrative and an unexpected twist.

A compelling murder mystery with a small-town Alaska setting, where the murder of a teenager triggers a wave of violence and racism against vampires.

A fast-paced, chilling plot with lots of twists. The story also raises important social issues.

Spooky, atmospheric and blending two of my favourite genres - horror and police thrillers - what is not to love about The Gathering by CJ Tudor. In an alternative present, the author's latest book sees readers travelling to a remote part of Alaska with specialist police officer, Barbara Atkins, when she is seconded to make a very explicit and unusual determination about the murder of a teenage boy. I say unusual, because Deadhart is not a normal township, at least not in the way we currently think of 'normal'. Now, it's not quite spoiler territory we're heading into as what I am am about to say is made very clear in the first few pages, but I can't really talk about the book without addressing one very important element. If you want to be completely fresh to this book with no preconceptions, avoid all reviews, pick up a copy and just read. But if you are looking for a straight up police procedural, this is not the book for you. Move on. You'll be missing a treat, but such is life.

Still with me? Ready to embrace something a little different?

Okay - why is this book different? Well the story is tinged with, well I'm not quite sure the right word to use to be honest ... Supernatural? Folklore? Mythology? All of the above? Deadhart, Barbara's destination is very remote - think heavy snow, isolation, being cut off from the rest of the state - and very much on the verge of a crisis. Whilst the majority of the town's residents are your common or garden human variant, there is a community which is not. Or at least not anymore. CJ Tudor's present world is one in which humans and vampire (or Vampyr) colonies live side by side, if not quite in harmony, then as close as prejudice and legislation will allow. You can no doubt imagine how well that works, and, when faced with a teenage murder victim, just where the suspicion immediately lies.

That's as much as I'm going to say about the plot. If you like your books a little more Twilight or True Blood-esque, then you're probably going to find this book a lot of fun. It doesn't contain the teenage angst of the former, or maybe even the lighter, sometimes almost whimsical touches of the latter, and Barbara certainly doesn;t come armed with special powers that allow her to read people's minds. She is a common or garden human, who just happens to be a cop specialising in Vampyr based investigations. The reason for her specialism becomes clear in the reading, but I have to say I really liked Barbara. Her determination not to just bend to the will of the court of public opinion. She is very much on her own for most of the book, viewed with suspicion and under pressure to close the case so that the ultimate justice can take place. But she's strong and focused and infused with the kind of character that lets you know she has seen, and heard, it all before.

I really liked the atmospheric nature of this book and the sense of place that CJ Tudor manage to convey. Everything about the book felt right, from the alternative 'morgue', through to the prejudices, calls for vigilante justice and antagonism that exists between the two opposing communities. In fact, remove the fangs and the colony could be just about any group of immigrants who are forced to exist on the edge of society, viewed with suspicion and hatred by the 'natives' for any perceived slight. Albeit it that the slight in this case if quite serious and the fact that the 'natives' of Deadhart really weren't the 'native natives' at all, as is the case with much of the USA. Through a story packed with tension, suspense and the odd shock moment, the author really does tap into some very current issues - forced prostitution, racism, prejudice - and that sense of us verses them that can often be seen leaching from the small town attitudes and bravado.

So yes, it's different, but I like different. I like it a lot. I grew up on a diet of Stephen King and Bram Stoker, much like the author, and I do love a cross genre thriller - supernatural and police investigation especially - so everything about this worked for me. It is packed with characters I could hate and those I could sympathise with. I understood the motivations on both side of the fence, and loved how the author used deception, sleight of hand and misdirection to hide the truth in plain sight. The mixture between the present day investigation and some scenes from another perspective, as well as bringing in an old case which may have led to a very, very wrong result, made sure that the case with rife with possibilities. I honestly didn't see that ending at all, not right until the moment the author intended. But it worked. Some elements I guessed - others I was beyond wrong, but I loved it. Kept me up all night for all of the right reasons.

So if you something a little different, are willing to look at a slightly off kilter way of life and are ready to embrace a bunch of characters that you wouldn't find in your average police thriller, this could well be the book for you. It was a whole lot of fun. In a dark, murdery kind of way. Loved it.

Each time C J Tudor gives us a new book, it immediately becomes my favourite.

The Gathering is about an alternative world where vampires exist alongside humans. However, they live outside civilisation, only allowed to feed on animal blood. There are rules which state that if a human is killed by a vampire, then that vampire’s whole colony is culled.

A child is murdered and the town immediately wants the colony living outside their border culled. But there are rules and there has to be an investigation. Enter Barbara Atkins, tasked with proving a vampire murdered the boy. But Barbara Atkins believes in fairness and insists on a full investigation, while battling the community who would prefer not to wait for the conclusion.

I love this novel which in my view would make an amazing tv series. Hope someone’s listening.

I'm a big fan of C.J. Tudor, and she certainly hasn't disappointed with this vampire story.

A small town in Alaska has a colony of vampyrs living close by, and when a teenage boy is murdered, with all evidence pointing to a vampyr killing,it looks like an open and shut case for detective Barbara Atkins. When she arrives to assist the local sheriff she realises that things are not that straightforward.

A chilling thriller with twists and turns.

This is for Netgalley. I am unable to read his book although I am desperate to. When I open on my kindle it immediately closes it and sets it back to the beginning again. So I have to try to find where I was. This has now become unbearable and ihave sadly given up. Help please.

***** HOW MUCH DID I LOVE THIS BOOK? WHAT A BRILLIANT STORY!!! *****

I'm not one to start a review in capital letters, but unfortunately could not hold back on this one! I could not put this down, which is funny because when I saw that it was a book set in a dystopian world where humans and vampyres co-exist in a not necessarily harmonious way, I wasn't sure it was going to be for me.

I've read a few of CJ Tudor's books - I loved the Burning Girls, and the Chalk Man, which are both dark thrillers with a hint of the macabre. The Drift and also the anthology of short stories both took a darker turn, with tales of monsters, zombies and things that go bump in the night, and these are not the sort of the books I would usually read, but the author has such a compelling writing style that I just can't resist them.

The Gathering has to be my favourite yet - set in 'Deadhart' a small town in Alaska, cut off in a snow storm, Barbara Atkins is a detective with a difference - it's her job to decide whether a recent murder of a teenage boy was committed by vampyres and therefore whether to agree to a cull of the colony of vampyres who live nearby. The town is baying for blood, but her instinct tells her that something isn't right. Whilst battling public opinion, can Barbara solve the crime before all hell literally breaks loose?

The characters were brilliantly portrayed, the writing was pacey and just drew you in to this alternative universe. It was, quite simply put, brilliant. I would definitely recommend this to friends, and once it's released will be suggesting it as a good read to my book club.

Thank you CJ Tudor! And thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.