The Gathering

Tudor (The Drift) weaves a gripping story of loss and betrayal, set in frigid rural Alaska. The story follows Detective Barbara Atkins, an expert in vampyr-related crimes, who is summoned to Deadhart, AK, to investigate the grisly case of a local boy whose throat was slashed and whose body was drained of blood. In Tudor’s intriguingly imagined world, vampyrs live in their own colonies, protected by law, though they are often discriminated against and abused. As she investigates, Barbara navigates small-town politics and mounting tension between the townspeople and the local vampyr colony. Though it seems that vampyrs are the most likely culprits, the case becomes increasingly complicated the deeper Barbara digs. Is it possible that vampyrs aren’t behind this awful crime after all? Narrator Lorelei King offers a gripping performance, helping listeners keep track of the many small-town personalities with clearly distinguished characterizations. The story covers a lot of ground—racism, religion, embattled politics, and a thrilling mystery—but King’s steady narration ensures that the story never feels too convoluted.