Review of "The Gathering: A Novel of Suspense" by C.J. Tudor

This story, about vampyrs (aka vampires) vs. humans, has the vibe of a 19th century novel, but is set in modern times.

Vampyrs, who have been declared a protected species in the United States, reside in small colonies in remote areas. By now, most vampyrs live on animal blood and don't bother humans.





However, IF a vampyr colony proves dangerous to people, a cull may be authorized by the government. This can only happen after the danger is assessed by a detective from the Forensic Vampyr Anthropology Department (FVAD).



In any case, vampyrs have very restricted lives, since they're not permitted to go to regular schools or to get jobs. As one vampyr leader observes, "They had so many years to live and yet so little of substance to fill their long lives."



Thus vampyrs resent humans and most humans hate and fear vampyrs.

*****

As the book opens, Detective Barbara Atkins from the FVAD is on her way to Deadhart, Alaska, a small town close to a vampyr habitat called the Colony.



Atkins is being sent to investigate the murder of a 15-year-old human boy named Marcus Anderson, whose blood has been drained and whose ravaged throat is a mess of torn skin and gristle.



Marcus's death, which looks like a vampyr killing, is reminiscent of an incident that occurred in Deadhart 25 years ago. At that time, the murder of a boy called Todd Danes was blamed on a vampyr, and a cull was authorized.



Long after the cull - about a year ago - a group of vampyrs returned to the area, and now lives in the Colony.

When Detective Atkins arrives in Deadhart, she meets Mayor Rita and Police Chief Pete Nicholls, who jokingly call her the 'Fang Doc.'





The mayor and police chief - as well as most other Deadhart residents - seem to expect Atkins to just 'check the boxes' and authorize wiping out the Colony. However, after examining the evidence, Atkins isn't so sure a vampyr killed Marcus.



As things play out, Atkins investigate's Marcus's murder with the help of Police Chief Nicholls and former Police Chief Jensen Tucker. Tucker is the cop who looked into the Danes killing a quarter century ago.....which led to wiping out the local vampyrs. Tucker was injured at the time and is reluctant to get back in the saddle. Nevertheless, due to unexpected circumstances, Tucker agrees to lend a hand.



Atkins and her collaborators examine the crime scene and interview the boys who hung out with Marcus on the night he was killed.





The investigators also speak to the boys' parents;



interview the town's doctor;



talk to the boys' high school teacher;



interview the anti-vampyr pastor; and more.



The detectives also speak to vampyrs from the Colony, who insist on their innocence.



Meanwhile, more deaths occur, and the townsfolk become more and more fearful and agitated, even threatening to take justice into their own hands.

Scenes from Deadhart are interspersed with chapters about a girl who's imprisoned in a basement by a captor, allegedly for the girl's own good. I'll admit I had a hard time guessing who this girl is.



I've enjoyed all the books I've read by author C.J. Tudor, who seems to specialize in spooky supernatural themes. I like this novel as well, and recommend it to fans of chilling suspense literature.

As an aside, I want to say I would deplore this kind of bigotry against vampyrs, not letting them get an education or get jobs. What kind of life it that? If vampyrs were really living amongst us, there should be anti-discrimination laws. A constitutional amendment for women's rights and vampyr rights seems appropirate. 😀

Thanks to Negtgalley, C.J. Tudor, and Random House Publishing Group for a copy of the book.

Rating: 4 stars