A Book A Week

Since debuting with The Chalk Man in 2018, author C.J. Tudor has established herself as a master of crafting original novels that toe the line between thriller and horror. I've had the pleasure of delving into each of her books, finding particular enjoyment in The Burning Girls, which remains my favorite among her releases. Last year's The Drift further showcased Tudor's prowess in evolving her style and experimenting with narrative structures. Naturally, I eagerly anticipated the release of her newest book, The Gathering. In keeping with her signature style, this latest offering from Tudor once again delves into genre-bending territory, weaving elements of folklore, suspense, and rich character development into a highly original narrative that grabs you from the very beginning.

Deadhart, Alaska, a remote small town nestled in the vast Alaskan wilderness, remains largely unknown to the outside world, its population of fewer than 900 residents living quietly without any notable connections to the larger community. Yet, as the long nights descend and the snow blankets the landscape, Deadhart becomes the stage for a darkness not felt in over 25 years. The grim discovery of a young boy's body, his throat savagely slashed and completely drained of blood, sends shockwaves rippling through the community. Memories of a similar gruesome murder from years past flood the minds of the locals, sparking immediate suspicions. They are convinced that The Colony, an ostracized enclave of vampyrs residing in a secluded old mine settlement deep within the woods, is to blame. With the specter of the past haunting them, the residents brace themselves for the imminent arrival of darker, colder, and more perilous days.

Enter Detective Barbara Atkins, a seasoned investigator specializing in vampyr-related homicides. Tasked with determining whether The Colony is indeed responsible for the heinous killing, she faces the daunting prospect of authorizing a cull—a systematic extermination of all vampyrs in the vicinity. Barbara harbors doubts regarding the creatures' involvement. Determined to uncover the truth, she recruits the assistance of former Deadhart sheriff, Jenson Tucker, whose previous investigation into a similar murder nearly cost him his life. Tensions between the townsfolk and vampyrs are reaching a fever pitch, and Barbara and Tucker must unravel the mystery before further harm befalls the community. Before they can proceed, though, they must ascertain the true identity of their quarry. Is this the handiwork of a bloodthirsty monster or a deranged psychopath? Where does the boundary between the two even lie?

With her seventh book, The Gathering, C.J. Tudor demonstrates her adeptness at exploring fresh territory. In this installment, she intertwines a murder mystery with a tale of monsters, interwoven with themes of small-town politics, the lingering specter of past indiscretions, and religious undertones. The town boasts diverse characters, adding depth to the narrative beyond typical genre expectations. Set against the backdrop of a snow-laden town shrouded in darkness, the story exudes an aura of suspense, intensifying the intrigue surrounding the central murder mystery.

While I appreciated the atmospheric setting and the overarching mystery, I found it challenging to connect strongly with the numerous characters and their ever-shifting perspectives. Although invested in unraveling the mystery, I felt that insufficient time was allotted to each character for a deeper emotional investment. Nevertheless, Deadhart emerges as a vividly depicted locale with its own rich mythology, blending traditional genre elements with innovative twists. The Gathering can be likened to a solid B-movie read, showcasing Tudor's versatile writing style and her willingness to explore diverse narrative terrain. While it may not rank as my favorite among her works, it undeniably adds value to her body of work. Once again, I eagerly anticipate whatever captivating tale Tudor conjures up next.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 30)