More vampires for the month of April!
Thanks to Random House for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review
THE GATHERING – C.J. Tudor (Released April 9th, 2024)
Book Description:
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
Deadhart, Alaska. 873. Living.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?
My Thoughts: 5/5 stars
I’ve been reading a lot of books about vampires this month and I’m not even the slightest bit mad about it. I’ve gotten a little bit of everything which keeps the topic fresh, and this one is by far the most intense and creepy. Has the horror vibes but with a thriller’s pacing, so I think that’s the perfect combination. Alaska and vampires – initially made me think I was going to be getting something along the lines of 30 Days of Night, but this is so much more!
We meet Detective Barbara Atkins, who is an experienced specialist in vampyr killings. After a brutal murder of a teenage boy with the telltale signs of a vampyr killing, she’s sent to the small town of Deadhart, Alaska. The town coexists with a colony of vamprys and it’s works under the agreement that they do not attack or eat humans. However, tensions are at an all-time high after this murder.
As Barabara begins her investigation, it’s clear how some of the townspeople feel about the vampyrs and they’re just chomping at the bit to begin culling them. This is much more than just a scary book about vampires and I loved the other messages hidden within. I think this was the best way to round out April. Can’t complain about a 5 star read! I’m really hoping there’s more from this town and universe, because there’s so much more that could be done!
Jessicamap Reviews 