The Drift

A Novel

By: C. J. Tudor

Narrated by: Richard Armitage, Nathalie Buscombe, Rachel Handshaw

Three ordinary people risk everything for a chance at redemption in this audacious, utterly gripping novel of catastrophe and survival at the end of the world, from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man.

“The wildest thriller of the year is three thrillers in one. Buckle up.”—Linwood Barclay

FINALIST FOR THE ITW THRILLER AWARD • AN ESQUIRE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Hannah awakens to carnage, all mangled metal and shattered glass. After she was evacuated from a secluded boarding school during a snowstorm, her coach careered off the road, trapping her with a handful of survivors. They’ll need to work together to escape—with their sanity and secrets intact.

Meg awakens to a gentle rocking. She’s in a cable car stranded high above snowy mountains, with five strangers and no memory of how they got on board. They are heading to a place known only as “The Retreat,” but as the temperature drops and tensions mount, Meg realizes they may not all make it there alive.

Carter is gazing out the window of an isolated ski chalet that he and his companions call home. As their generator begins to waver in the storm, something hiding in the chalet’s depths threatens to escape, and their fragile bonds will be tested when the power finally fails—for good.

The imminent dangers faced by Hannah, Meg, and Carter are each one part of the puzzle. Lurking in their shadows is an even greater danger—one with the power to consume all of humanity.

Critic reviews

“Each of the nested stories features a murder, among other pulpy nastiness, but it’s the intricate way the narratives lock together that provides the most satisfying surprise. Tudor may be the queen of British crime fiction, but she’s gunning for the horror throne now.”—Esquire

“[A] tour de force . . . This is a masterpiece of its kind.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A truly terrifying, ice-cold chiller from the master of macabre . . . C. J. Tudor should be on everyone’s must-read list.”—Chris Whitaker

My Favorite CJ Tudor Story Yet

Once I started listening to this story I had a difficult time stopping. From the first paragraph I was intrigued with the story of Hannah, Meg, and Carter. This is a spine-tingling story that had me gripped from beginning to end. There were even a few WTH moments I never saw coming. Also, I believe I encountered a reference to a previous story by C.J. Tudor. The performances by Nathalie Buscombe, Rachel Handshaw and Richard Armitage were great. It was worth the couple late nights it took to finish.

Solid story

Enjoyed the ride the story took me on and wanted it to last much longer. Worth your credit.

Loved the german

There was a bit of German and I loved it. But other then that pretty good. It comes together in the end. Not the best of CJ Tudor in my option but I did enjoy it. Great snowy vibes

Almost lost me

Almost lost me when it felt like the story was taking place in the span of 5 minutes. Luckily it surprised me and got me back in. Great listen!

The Drift

This book was not at all what I expected. I read the description but the actual book had so much more. There was a lot going on. Three major plot lines, a plague, an evil force at work, a mysterious location, and frigid weather. It was reminiscent of The Passage in its tone and feel (the storylines were not similar). I’m glad I stuck with it. I think this is a story I will continue to think about.