The Gathering

A Novel

By: C. J. Tudor

Narrated by: Lorelei King

“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

Classic Vampire Tale

I really enjoyed this book!! I chose to do the audio and the narrator was phenemonal. I've listened to other books she's narrated and she's always done a great job.
I've been in my thriller/horror era lately and this book didn't disappoint. I feel like this embodies what a horror book should be like and reminded of the horror I grew up reading. I could see this as a movie playing out in my head as I listened. The author did a great job creating characters as well as a setting that kept me interesting and needing to know what was going to happen next and how it was going to end. There were a few twists tossed in that made for an even more interesting and exciting journey. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves horror or even just a classic vampire thriller.

Not mind blowing but entertaining

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

Vampires, crime, and Racial Tension

<i>THE GATHERING</i> is a novel about vampires, but it is so much more. Barbara Atkins, Forensic Vampire expert and detective, is sent into a small Alaskan community to solve a murder. A young boy has been killed, apparently by a vampire. The community wants her to authorize a "cull" - where they will kill the entire vampire community, but Barbara has her own history, and a job to do.

The parallels between the vampire community and the marginalized communities of our world is clear and poignant. Ingrained hatred, built over years - different standards for those considered ... different.

Racing against time, and distracted by a number of only semi-related incidents also racially motivated, and dark, Barbara, and a disgraced officer have to solve the killing and settle the community before the death sparks "The Gathering," the final battle between vampires and humans.

Highly recommended. The narrator, Lorelei King, did a masterful job of voicing a variety of characters, spanning races and genders.

Snowy noir vampire thriller

Great winter vibes great story great narration! This book is wholly enjoyable. The story is full of twists the characters are well developed and it’s an interesting take on vampires! It has kind of a true detective (season 4) feel and reminds me of another lesser known vampire gem Down In The Hollow. Quick read I powered through in a day! Satisfying ending that perhaps leaves room for another part of this story? Highly recommend!

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.

Surprised

Little bit of a slow start but it had me hooked before long. Highly suggest! Hopefully there will be a sequel!

Great story!

It is a well told story in a new world. Very believable and a hell of a murder mystery thriller. Wouldn’t be surprised if the powers to be turn this book into a movie

I'm not a vampire enthusiast, but this was excellent

I have no complaints. the entire audiobook was well done. intriguing, kept a good pace, lots of little twists and surprises. highly recommend for suspense and thriller lovers!

Better than expected

I bought this on sale with little expectations of nothing more than a mediocre vampire story. Actually, it was much more entertaining than I expected. While I did not enjoy this author's previous book I purchased, if this becomes a series, I will purchase the next book.

Twisty and unpredictable

Every time I thought I’d guessed the ending, the book took a turn! Excellently creepy vampires..