The Drift by CJ Tudor is very different from her previous books. This novel is a part horror, part pandemic dystopia, and has some tension and mystery elements of a thriller. Told in 3 alternating perspectives, Hannah, Meg, and Carter, we follow unfortunate folks in a stranded ski lift cable car, the few survivors of a coach bus crash, and a handful of misfits at an isolated place called “The Retreat.” Everyone is struggling for survival in the midst of a blizzard. 

The virus impacting the world is vicious, spreading quickly and in many ways. Many die quickly but the unlucky become “Whistlers,” a zombie like creature that can still spread the virus and named for its eerie sound. 

Overall I feel this book was overwritten and too long. More brevity would have increased the tension and the impact of the few surprises at the end. I thought it was interesting enough to finish but I felt no reason to read it until the final quarter of the book. I’m sure I’ll read CJ Tudor again, but this is not my favorite of hers.