What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 23:46:08
20 copies available
U.S. only
Warning Signs
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 23:46:08
20 copies available
U.S. only
The heart-stopping second novel from the author of Nightwatching, in which a father-son ski weekend becomes a desperate fight for survival
Twelve-year-old Zach is cautiously optimistic. His father Bram, whose business is in dire need of cash, has put together a father-son backcountry ski weekend to wine and dine his biggest investors. Schooled in outdoor survival by his mother, Zach is eager to prove himself to the hypercritical Bram. Maybe if Zach shows how useful he is, he can earn his father’s love.
But Zach knows to be on high alert around Bram, and he sees the way the group ignores the increasingly threatening conditions. For the first time in his beloved mountains, he is faced with the unknown, convinced that something watches their cabin from the treeline. Something that leaves behind strange tracks and picks its prey clean.
As the adults recklessly test the limits of the outdoors, Zach worries he might be in even more danger than he realized. Could the men around him prove more violent than the unforgiving weather, and the strange creature lurking in the dark? Zach will have to rely on his wits if he hopes to make it home safely. But he knows all too well that the wilderness can be unpredictable even at the best of times. And at the worst? Deadly.
Twelve-year-old Zach is cautiously optimistic. His father Bram, whose business is in dire need of cash, has put together a father-son backcountry ski weekend to wine and dine his biggest investors. Schooled in outdoor survival by his mother, Zach is eager to prove himself to the hypercritical Bram. Maybe if Zach shows how useful he is, he can earn his father’s love.
But Zach knows to be on high alert around Bram, and he sees the way the group ignores the increasingly threatening conditions. For the first time in his beloved mountains, he is faced with the unknown, convinced that something watches their cabin from the treeline. Something that leaves behind strange tracks and picks its prey clean.
As the adults recklessly test the limits of the outdoors, Zach worries he might be in even more danger than he realized. Could the men around him prove more violent than the unforgiving weather, and the strange creature lurking in the dark? Zach will have to rely on his wits if he hopes to make it home safely. But he knows all too well that the wilderness can be unpredictable even at the best of times. And at the worst? Deadly.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 10, 2026
24 people are currently reading
9860 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Sierra
3 books752 followersTracy Sierra was born and raised in the Colorado mountains. She is an attorney who currently lives in New England in an antique colonial-era home. When not writing, she spends time with her husband and two children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 10, 2025
I was one of those readers who devoured Nightwatching late into the night, adrenaline spiking, completely blown away. I actually discovered it thanks to Jimmy Fallon mentioning it on his show (major thanks for that rec, Jimmy!) — and ever since, Tracy Sierra became an author I’ve kept on my radar.
So when I heard she had a new book coming out, I was beyond excited. The premise? A father-son ski trip turned fight for survival — full of icy tension, wilderness dread, and emotional strain. Sounds like the kind of heart-pounding, character-driven thriller I’d love.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite deliver the jolt I was expecting. The setting is stunning — Sierra writes the wintry wilderness with eerie precision, and the idea of isolation in the mountains is deeply unsettling. But even with those chilling ingredients, I couldn’t connect fully with the story. The characters didn’t grip me, and I found myself drifting in and out, waiting for a spark that never really lit. Compared to her debut, this felt flatter — quieter, slower, and less emotionally absorbing.
Still, I want to be clear: this isn’t a bad book. It’s smart. It’s carefully written. It just didn’t hit me the way Nightwatching did — and maybe that’s just the curse of following a breakout debut. I’ll absolutely continue reading Sierra’s work, and I’m hopeful her next book will bring back that gut-punch intensity I loved so much the first time around.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for sharing this thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
So when I heard she had a new book coming out, I was beyond excited. The premise? A father-son ski trip turned fight for survival — full of icy tension, wilderness dread, and emotional strain. Sounds like the kind of heart-pounding, character-driven thriller I’d love.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite deliver the jolt I was expecting. The setting is stunning — Sierra writes the wintry wilderness with eerie precision, and the idea of isolation in the mountains is deeply unsettling. But even with those chilling ingredients, I couldn’t connect fully with the story. The characters didn’t grip me, and I found myself drifting in and out, waiting for a spark that never really lit. Compared to her debut, this felt flatter — quieter, slower, and less emotionally absorbing.
Still, I want to be clear: this isn’t a bad book. It’s smart. It’s carefully written. It just didn’t hit me the way Nightwatching did — and maybe that’s just the curse of following a breakout debut. I’ll absolutely continue reading Sierra’s work, and I’m hopeful her next book will bring back that gut-punch intensity I loved so much the first time around.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for sharing this thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
September 9, 2025
3.5 rounded up
Nightwatching is a superb novel which I read with baited breath and so there’s definitely a strong sense of anticipation with a new novel. However, this doesn’t deliver quite the same impact for me. Twelve year old Zach Fisher’s mother Ginny has taught him to be hyper aware of his surroundings when skiing, especially the possibility of avalanches and to be well prepared. When he accompanies his father Bram on a business related ski trip to the wilds of Colorado with other men, potential investors in Bram’s latest project, he knows he can survive most eventualities. On the way up to the cabin, there is a warning sign – certainly something strange and unsettling and there are other warning signs too, not least in Bram’s uncertain moods and temper. Can Zach navigate his way through the next couple of days?
The start is extremely slow and doesn’t hold my interest much but once the plot avalanche gains momentum it becomes engrossing, now, we’ve got a tense thriller! The dynamics between the awful men who gather on the mountain are done well, but the worst of the worst is Bram. Poor Zach, he’s going to need every ounce of resilience to cope. Bram is a horrible man and a horrible father. I grow deeper in my admiration for young Zach who is terrific, he’s courageous, brave and resourceful as his situation becomes precarious and dangerous, as if he’s hanging onto a precipice for dear life.
What is good throughout the novel is the atmosphere the author creates in the mountains, it’s chilling in every sense of the word. The area is beautifully described and it comes to life before my eyes. I like the way the author fuses a supernatural tone into the narrative and that plays out well.
Be sure to read the authors afterward which gives context to the story as well as realism.
Overall, eventually it becomes a good thriller but I have to hang in there until it gets going.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Nightwatching is a superb novel which I read with baited breath and so there’s definitely a strong sense of anticipation with a new novel. However, this doesn’t deliver quite the same impact for me. Twelve year old Zach Fisher’s mother Ginny has taught him to be hyper aware of his surroundings when skiing, especially the possibility of avalanches and to be well prepared. When he accompanies his father Bram on a business related ski trip to the wilds of Colorado with other men, potential investors in Bram’s latest project, he knows he can survive most eventualities. On the way up to the cabin, there is a warning sign – certainly something strange and unsettling and there are other warning signs too, not least in Bram’s uncertain moods and temper. Can Zach navigate his way through the next couple of days?
The start is extremely slow and doesn’t hold my interest much but once the plot avalanche gains momentum it becomes engrossing, now, we’ve got a tense thriller! The dynamics between the awful men who gather on the mountain are done well, but the worst of the worst is Bram. Poor Zach, he’s going to need every ounce of resilience to cope. Bram is a horrible man and a horrible father. I grow deeper in my admiration for young Zach who is terrific, he’s courageous, brave and resourceful as his situation becomes precarious and dangerous, as if he’s hanging onto a precipice for dear life.
What is good throughout the novel is the atmosphere the author creates in the mountains, it’s chilling in every sense of the word. The area is beautifully described and it comes to life before my eyes. I like the way the author fuses a supernatural tone into the narrative and that plays out well.
Be sure to read the authors afterward which gives context to the story as well as realism.
Overall, eventually it becomes a good thriller but I have to hang in there until it gets going.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
December 23, 2025
'We talk about nature being cruel, but it isn't, not really, because nature isn't aware. Animals are driven by instinct. People, though? We make choices. Which means there's nothing as scary as people'.
Zach and his dad have just arrived for a father/ son weekend away at a remote mountain cabin, to meet other potential investors in his father's business. As a group of self absorbed, narcissistic people gather for a weekend of fun, ominous clouds gather as the snow begins to fall. It becomes clear to Zach that he'll need all the survival skills his mother taught him in order to make it in this frigid, unforgiving environment where both humans and nature all seem set upon turning against each other in order to prove who is most powerful.
Well researched, and plenty of action in the second half, this book will keep you turning pages. From the start there is an eerie, ominous tone that will leave readers wondering just what will happen next. I really enjoyed Sierra's last book, Nightwatching, and this one was just as good.
'Now he understood why in scary movies people always did such stupid things. It was impossible to focus when you were listening for the huff of a scenting beast; for the exhale of a man so much stronger than you'.
Zach and his dad have just arrived for a father/ son weekend away at a remote mountain cabin, to meet other potential investors in his father's business. As a group of self absorbed, narcissistic people gather for a weekend of fun, ominous clouds gather as the snow begins to fall. It becomes clear to Zach that he'll need all the survival skills his mother taught him in order to make it in this frigid, unforgiving environment where both humans and nature all seem set upon turning against each other in order to prove who is most powerful.
Well researched, and plenty of action in the second half, this book will keep you turning pages. From the start there is an eerie, ominous tone that will leave readers wondering just what will happen next. I really enjoyed Sierra's last book, Nightwatching, and this one was just as good.
'Now he understood why in scary movies people always did such stupid things. It was impossible to focus when you were listening for the huff of a scenting beast; for the exhale of a man so much stronger than you'.
October 26, 2025
I received a free copy of, Warning Signs, by Tracy Sierra, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Bram takes his son Zach and others on a father/son ski weekend. 12 year old Zach is much more mature then most of the people, on this weekend excursion. This was a heavy read, I really liked Zach, but not Bram.
November 20, 2025
3.25 - little too rich people forward for me but loved the survival and snowy vibes
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTreapFPC/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTreapFPC/
October 27, 2025
Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra. Thanks to @pameladormanbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Twelve year old Zach is on a father son trip ski trip with his father to wine and dine investors. Zach learned a lot of survival skills from his late mother and is hoping to impress his father and earn his love. He knows to be on high alert around his father but soon finds other warnings around him.
The atmosphere really made this one creepy because of the bleak environment. I haven’t read many thrillers that take place out in the snow with threats of animals and avalanches. There were no female characters in this one, except in the backstory, which was an interesting choice. It worked since a father and son relationship played a major role. Zach didn’t seem like a twelve year old at times, and at times he did. Regardless he was one of the only likable characters so thankfully we are with him during the story. It took about halfway for me to get hooked with this one so stick with it until the action starts.
“We talk about nature being cruel, but it isn’t, not really, because nature isn’t aware. Animals are driven by instinct. People thought? We make choices. Which means there’s nothing as scary as people.”
Warning Signs comes out 2/10.
Twelve year old Zach is on a father son trip ski trip with his father to wine and dine investors. Zach learned a lot of survival skills from his late mother and is hoping to impress his father and earn his love. He knows to be on high alert around his father but soon finds other warnings around him.
The atmosphere really made this one creepy because of the bleak environment. I haven’t read many thrillers that take place out in the snow with threats of animals and avalanches. There were no female characters in this one, except in the backstory, which was an interesting choice. It worked since a father and son relationship played a major role. Zach didn’t seem like a twelve year old at times, and at times he did. Regardless he was one of the only likable characters so thankfully we are with him during the story. It took about halfway for me to get hooked with this one so stick with it until the action starts.
“We talk about nature being cruel, but it isn’t, not really, because nature isn’t aware. Animals are driven by instinct. People thought? We make choices. Which means there’s nothing as scary as people.”
Warning Signs comes out 2/10.
July 17, 2025
✨Tracy Sierra’s debut novel was my book of the year last year, and as soon as I saw she had written her next book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. You never know if the magic will continue with the second offering, but in this case, it most definitely did. It’s quite a departure from her debut, and the author really showcases her writing chops with this stunning literary thriller.
✨Here is where I feel I must reiterate this point: it reads as a literary thriller. There IS suspense and tension. There ARE twists and turns – but there is also richly descriptive, atmospheric language with dark nights of the soul. There is depth here – and slow burn – and you must go in knowing this.
✨I was blown away by the immersive plot, the lush prose and the richly drawn characters. The isolated snowy mountain setting was strikingly atmospheric and almost a character unto itself. The action and suspense in these pages had me on the edge of my seat
✨The sense of danger and dread on every page drove the story and kept me immersed deep into the night. I was barely breathing by the end. What an incredibly powerful reading experience.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Survival stories
✨Isolated snowy settings
✨Scathing social commentaries
✨Psychological thrillers
✨Broken family dynamics
✨Horror lite elements
✨Mountain/ski culture
✨Chilly thrillers
My thanks to @pameladormanbooks, @vikingbooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.
✨Here is where I feel I must reiterate this point: it reads as a literary thriller. There IS suspense and tension. There ARE twists and turns – but there is also richly descriptive, atmospheric language with dark nights of the soul. There is depth here – and slow burn – and you must go in knowing this.
✨I was blown away by the immersive plot, the lush prose and the richly drawn characters. The isolated snowy mountain setting was strikingly atmospheric and almost a character unto itself. The action and suspense in these pages had me on the edge of my seat
✨The sense of danger and dread on every page drove the story and kept me immersed deep into the night. I was barely breathing by the end. What an incredibly powerful reading experience.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Survival stories
✨Isolated snowy settings
✨Scathing social commentaries
✨Psychological thrillers
✨Broken family dynamics
✨Horror lite elements
✨Mountain/ski culture
✨Chilly thrillers
My thanks to @pameladormanbooks, @vikingbooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.
September 27, 2025
Zach is on a hunting trip with his father and needs all his survival skills to survive.
His father does not think that his twelve year old son is fit for the task but Zach was taught his survival skills by his mother and she was more experienced than anyone he knows.
A story about family dynamics and trust that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
His father does not think that his twelve year old son is fit for the task but Zach was taught his survival skills by his mother and she was more experienced than anyone he knows.
A story about family dynamics and trust that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2025
I was a huge fan of Nightwatching! It’s one of my top books this year so I was thrilled to start Tracy Sierra’s new book. This didn’t quite grab me straight away but I’m glad I hung in there.
Warning signs is more of a slow burn…. At first. And then things pick up and we’re off to the races. When Bram takes his son Zack on a father/son ski weekend, things don’t exactly go according to plan.
I love a tale of good verses evil and that’s what this was. We are rooting for the protagonist and I don’t know if I’ve hated a character more than the antagonist in this one. (Trying not to give anything away here!) This book was so atmospheric taking place in the Colorado snowy mountains where an avalanche threatens the whole group.
This isn’t necessarily a binge worthy book but it still gets 5 stars from me for the excellent writing. It’s much deeper than your typical cat/mouse scenario.
Warning signs is more of a slow burn…. At first. And then things pick up and we’re off to the races. When Bram takes his son Zack on a father/son ski weekend, things don’t exactly go according to plan.
I love a tale of good verses evil and that’s what this was. We are rooting for the protagonist and I don’t know if I’ve hated a character more than the antagonist in this one. (Trying not to give anything away here!) This book was so atmospheric taking place in the Colorado snowy mountains where an avalanche threatens the whole group.
This isn’t necessarily a binge worthy book but it still gets 5 stars from me for the excellent writing. It’s much deeper than your typical cat/mouse scenario.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first read by Tracy Sierra and unfortunately it didn’t quite deliver for me. What I did love was the atmosphere. Sierra absolutely nailed the chilly snowy vibes. At times it even felt claustrophobic and dreary in the best way.
The plot started out promising but I think this book could have benefited from heavier editing. It tends to drag and at times I just stopped caring. I also couldn’t connect with the characters and with that combination the shock of the plot’s revelations lost its impact.
That said, the wintery snowy setting is stunning and it’s clear Sierra has a talent for building atmosphere. I think I’ll try Nightwatching next as I’ve heard so many good things. Overall, Warning Signs delivered on mood but could have packed more of a punch.
Thank you to Netgalley and Viking Penguin for this arc
The plot started out promising but I think this book could have benefited from heavier editing. It tends to drag and at times I just stopped caring. I also couldn’t connect with the characters and with that combination the shock of the plot’s revelations lost its impact.
That said, the wintery snowy setting is stunning and it’s clear Sierra has a talent for building atmosphere. I think I’ll try Nightwatching next as I’ve heard so many good things. Overall, Warning Signs delivered on mood but could have packed more of a punch.
Thank you to Netgalley and Viking Penguin for this arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Once again Tracy Sierra has delivered an atmospheric, claustrophobic thriller that chills the blood.
The central character is 12 year old Zach. He has accompanied his father, Bram, on a father-son back country skiing weekend, to which Bram has invited some of his investors and their sons, in the hopes they will further invest with him. 🎿❄️
Of course, things don't go according to plan. On the way up to the "hut" they will be staying in, Zach and Bram come across the body of an elk, with inexplicable damage done to its corpse. Then disaster strikes the following day, when the party are out skiing. 🎿❄️
While this a story of betrayal, and of monsters in human form, it is also a story of bravery. This is the story of a twelve year old boy's fight to survive, his bravery in the face of adversity. 🎿❄️
One can't help but like Zach, and feel for him as he is constantly berated by his father. The investors that Bram invited, while not as despicable as Bram, still have that "children should be seen, not heard" attitude about them, which is instant dislike for me. 🎿❄️
Although a slow burn to begin with, Warning Signs is an engaging thriller. 🎿❄️
Thanks to Penguin Books UK and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
The central character is 12 year old Zach. He has accompanied his father, Bram, on a father-son back country skiing weekend, to which Bram has invited some of his investors and their sons, in the hopes they will further invest with him. 🎿❄️
Of course, things don't go according to plan. On the way up to the "hut" they will be staying in, Zach and Bram come across the body of an elk, with inexplicable damage done to its corpse. Then disaster strikes the following day, when the party are out skiing. 🎿❄️
While this a story of betrayal, and of monsters in human form, it is also a story of bravery. This is the story of a twelve year old boy's fight to survive, his bravery in the face of adversity. 🎿❄️
One can't help but like Zach, and feel for him as he is constantly berated by his father. The investors that Bram invited, while not as despicable as Bram, still have that "children should be seen, not heard" attitude about them, which is instant dislike for me. 🎿❄️
Although a slow burn to begin with, Warning Signs is an engaging thriller. 🎿❄️
Thanks to Penguin Books UK and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
August 12, 2025
Twelve-year-old Zach and his father, Bram, are on a father-son ski trip in the Colorado backcountry with some other men, taking advantage of an annual cabin reservation that Zach's mother, Grace, kept before she died. Grace has taught Zach about how to survive in the wilderness - how to make out the warning signs of avalanches, dig a snow shelter, or deal with a sudden encounter with a bear. She also taught him how to manage his abusive father's erratic, violent moods. But when disaster strikes, Zach is thrown back on his own resources like never before. I loved
Nightwatching
and, despite some slightly unbelievable revelations in the final third, this is another impressive literary thriller from Tracy Sierra that showcases her knowledge of the backcountry, leading to a realistically terrifying mountain survival story. Can't wait to see what she writes next.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review. I will post my full review to Goodreads nearer the publication date.
I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review. I will post my full review to Goodreads nearer the publication date.
October 17, 2025
Thank you, Viking Penguin for providing the copy of Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra. I was excited to read this book because I loved Nightwatching so much! The beginning was a little slow as we were introduced to Zach and his family (mainly his father). Then the book got really ominous and foreboding, and I was reminded of that creepy feeling I got when I was reading Nightwatching, so I got totally engrossed in the story. At the risk of giving spoilers, I won’t give too much insight into what happens, but trust me, you won’t want to put this book down once you start to figure out what is really going on! Another stellar read by Tracy Sierra!!!
December 1, 2025
I'm a newbie to this author, but the cover hooked me, and I just had to dive in!
Twelve-year-old Zach joins his father Bram on a backcountry ski weekend aimed at impressing investors. Eager to gain his father's approval, Zach senses danger as the adults overlook worsening conditions and a mysterious creature stalking them. With threats from both the wilderness and the men around him, Zach must rely on his instincts to survive and return home safely.
The book started off a bit like a stroll, but it kept me intrigued throughout. Some parts felt a tad lengthy, but maybe that's just the author's signature style. Zach, our young prodigy, is wise beyond his years, navigating adult interactions with finesse. People seem to underestimate his brilliance and keen observation skills. Thanks to his mom, he's a sponge soaking up knowledge, and it shows on every page. He's a charming and fascinating little guy. You'll find some characters you connect with and others, well, not so much.
This story is a masterclass in atmosphere, so vividly described that I felt like I was right there, shivering alongside the characters! The detail and research are top-notch, and I love books that sneak in a survival lesson or two. Who knew I'd be prepping for a snowbound adventure? I had to double up on socks while reading because the chill factor was off the charts!
The resolution of several mysteries caught me off guard, and I couldn't flip the pages fast enough on my Kindle. The creature was a delightful twist amidst all the chaos! It started slowly, but the pace picked up, leading to a strong finish. If the environment doesn't give you the creeps, the mysterious entity certainly will. But don't worry, I won't spoil the fun!
This read is perfect for anyone who loves an atmospheric, claustrophobic thriller where nothing is as it seems. Be wary of who you trust in your circle—when push comes to shove, who will really have your back? Inviting a motley crew into the winter wilderness is a surefire way to unmask the oddballs! Share your thoughts with me!
Thank you, Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Twelve-year-old Zach joins his father Bram on a backcountry ski weekend aimed at impressing investors. Eager to gain his father's approval, Zach senses danger as the adults overlook worsening conditions and a mysterious creature stalking them. With threats from both the wilderness and the men around him, Zach must rely on his instincts to survive and return home safely.
The book started off a bit like a stroll, but it kept me intrigued throughout. Some parts felt a tad lengthy, but maybe that's just the author's signature style. Zach, our young prodigy, is wise beyond his years, navigating adult interactions with finesse. People seem to underestimate his brilliance and keen observation skills. Thanks to his mom, he's a sponge soaking up knowledge, and it shows on every page. He's a charming and fascinating little guy. You'll find some characters you connect with and others, well, not so much.
This story is a masterclass in atmosphere, so vividly described that I felt like I was right there, shivering alongside the characters! The detail and research are top-notch, and I love books that sneak in a survival lesson or two. Who knew I'd be prepping for a snowbound adventure? I had to double up on socks while reading because the chill factor was off the charts!
The resolution of several mysteries caught me off guard, and I couldn't flip the pages fast enough on my Kindle. The creature was a delightful twist amidst all the chaos! It started slowly, but the pace picked up, leading to a strong finish. If the environment doesn't give you the creeps, the mysterious entity certainly will. But don't worry, I won't spoil the fun!
This read is perfect for anyone who loves an atmospheric, claustrophobic thriller where nothing is as it seems. Be wary of who you trust in your circle—when push comes to shove, who will really have your back? Inviting a motley crew into the winter wilderness is a surefire way to unmask the oddballs! Share your thoughts with me!
Thank you, Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2025
I have rarely requested a book faster than when I saw this one pop up. Nightwatching from this author was one of my top thriller reads last year and I was beyond excited for more.
The POV was kept similar to that of the author’s first book, with the reader following along from the perspective of a young boy. This makes every problem and every fear seem SO much bigger. Not only does the MC, Zach, have to contend with the issues at hand - but he is a literal child with no one looking out for him.
There is something about the way this author writes that just cuts me so deep and makes the fear feel real. I read this late into the night one evening because I just NEEDED to know what in the hell was going on. Twisty and fast-paced, I recommend this one for fans of thrillers, domestic suspense, cabins in the woods, and skiing!
P.S. The afterword absolutely killed me in this one, and unfortunately far too much of this book resonated with me.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for the eARC of this frigid title!!**
The POV was kept similar to that of the author’s first book, with the reader following along from the perspective of a young boy. This makes every problem and every fear seem SO much bigger. Not only does the MC, Zach, have to contend with the issues at hand - but he is a literal child with no one looking out for him.
There is something about the way this author writes that just cuts me so deep and makes the fear feel real. I read this late into the night one evening because I just NEEDED to know what in the hell was going on. Twisty and fast-paced, I recommend this one for fans of thrillers, domestic suspense, cabins in the woods, and skiing!
P.S. The afterword absolutely killed me in this one, and unfortunately far too much of this book resonated with me.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for the eARC of this frigid title!!**
September 23, 2025
Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra is the second novel by the author. The storyline is about a father and son, who go on a skiing trip together, which rather than a fun weekend it becomes a desperate bid for survival.
Zach at 12 fears his father as much as admires him. Bram takes Zach on a father-son skiing trip in the Colorado backcountry with a few select other people. Who are investors in his dubious company and he is looking for more money from them..
Zach is cautiously optimistic - his mother taught him the ways of the wild-and he is hopeful that the hushed whiteness should quiet Brad’s complaints. However there is evidence of another wild animal who is also on the mountain, who strips bodies to the bone,
When events take a turn for the worse only the strongest will survive.
An intriguing story with plenty of action and natural disasters to keep the reader interested.
Whist it was completely different from the authors debut book, this story was based on the unpredictable backcountry of Colorado.
Highly recommended
Zach at 12 fears his father as much as admires him. Bram takes Zach on a father-son skiing trip in the Colorado backcountry with a few select other people. Who are investors in his dubious company and he is looking for more money from them..
Zach is cautiously optimistic - his mother taught him the ways of the wild-and he is hopeful that the hushed whiteness should quiet Brad’s complaints. However there is evidence of another wild animal who is also on the mountain, who strips bodies to the bone,
When events take a turn for the worse only the strongest will survive.
An intriguing story with plenty of action and natural disasters to keep the reader interested.
Whist it was completely different from the authors debut book, this story was based on the unpredictable backcountry of Colorado.
Highly recommended
October 26, 2025
4 ⭐️
WARNING SIGNS by Tracy Sierra (will publish February 10, 2026)
I was blown away by Tracy Sierra’s debut NIGHTWATCHING. It had all the tense vibes, and I still remember it even having read it about two years ago. It had some big shoes to fill.
If you’d like a VERY short summary of this book, I’d say take THE TROOP by Nick Cutter and add avalanches.
Longer version:
Within two chapters, the reader knows how this book will go. There’s a clear bad guy (the father) with no nuance. We have a hero (Zach, the 12 year old son, who was studiously taught by his now-gone avalanche expert mother). We find out that Zach and his father are going to a father/son ski weekend with other fathers and sons at a cabin in the mountains during winter. And they find an elk that was killed with its blood drained on the way to the cabin.
➕ The cold vibes - I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel that was so cold. I’m surprised it will be released in February, as I would think this could be published in October and November to take advantage of the additional cold-reading months.
➕ The main character 12 year old Zach - he’s resourceful, took in all the information his mother imparted in him, and he just wants to be loved by his evil father.
WARNING SIGNS has way less tension than NIGHTWATCHING because the reader knows exactly where this novel is going to go. And you can say it’s way too long, but in the author’s capable hands I was never bored and wanted to see HOW it got there.
Like THE TROOP, there were a lot of male characters introduced - I think 7 others aside from Zach and his father (this novel was a bit of a sausage fest). I did okay distinguishing a few from the others, and then after picking the novel up again I forgot about some of the characters. But I think that’s okay because you know who the main characters are.
While it didn’t live up to the author’s debut NIGHTWATCHING for me, it was still a worthwhile read for its main character Zach and the cold setting.
This novel publishes February 10, 2026. Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books and Netgalley for the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
WARNING SIGNS by Tracy Sierra (will publish February 10, 2026)
I was blown away by Tracy Sierra’s debut NIGHTWATCHING. It had all the tense vibes, and I still remember it even having read it about two years ago. It had some big shoes to fill.
If you’d like a VERY short summary of this book, I’d say take THE TROOP by Nick Cutter and add avalanches.
Longer version:
Within two chapters, the reader knows how this book will go. There’s a clear bad guy (the father) with no nuance. We have a hero (Zach, the 12 year old son, who was studiously taught by his now-gone avalanche expert mother). We find out that Zach and his father are going to a father/son ski weekend with other fathers and sons at a cabin in the mountains during winter. And they find an elk that was killed with its blood drained on the way to the cabin.
➕ The cold vibes - I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel that was so cold. I’m surprised it will be released in February, as I would think this could be published in October and November to take advantage of the additional cold-reading months.
➕ The main character 12 year old Zach - he’s resourceful, took in all the information his mother imparted in him, and he just wants to be loved by his evil father.
WARNING SIGNS has way less tension than NIGHTWATCHING because the reader knows exactly where this novel is going to go. And you can say it’s way too long, but in the author’s capable hands I was never bored and wanted to see HOW it got there.
Like THE TROOP, there were a lot of male characters introduced - I think 7 others aside from Zach and his father (this novel was a bit of a sausage fest). I did okay distinguishing a few from the others, and then after picking the novel up again I forgot about some of the characters. But I think that’s okay because you know who the main characters are.
While it didn’t live up to the author’s debut NIGHTWATCHING for me, it was still a worthwhile read for its main character Zach and the cold setting.
This novel publishes February 10, 2026. Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books and Netgalley for the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2025
Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra follows 12 year old Zach while he is on a ski trip cabin vacation with his dad and a few other men. What starts as a relaxing trip soon turns terrifying as this characters have to face the elements and what may be hiding in the shadows.
I was a huge fan of this author’s previous book, Nightwatching, so I was highly anticipating this new novel and while I enjoyed my time with it, I didn’t love it.
There were several elements I enjoyed. I loved the discussions of grief in here because you are in the POV of a 12 year old as he is grappling with the loss of his mother. I loved a lot of the side characters, not because they were all likable but I felt like they made a good ensemble cast. Zach’s father is terrible and I love when an author writes a character that I can hate so thoroughly (on purpose). I thought the atmosphere was great. I read this when there was a cold front where I live which added a lot. I would highly recommend reading this while it’s cold. I thought the action scenes were well paced and riveting.
There were also a few things I didn’t love. The beginning is very slow. It takes until about 35 percent for the story to really get going. Once the pace picks up, it’s a quick read but it felt like I was moving through molasses at the beginning. Zach is a great character but I felt like it was hard to believe he was 12. I feel like if he would have been 15 or 16, it would have made a lot more sense for his character to make the decisions he makes.
I can definitely see myself recommending this book, especially for a thriller with cold vibes! I can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next!
I was a huge fan of this author’s previous book, Nightwatching, so I was highly anticipating this new novel and while I enjoyed my time with it, I didn’t love it.
There were several elements I enjoyed. I loved the discussions of grief in here because you are in the POV of a 12 year old as he is grappling with the loss of his mother. I loved a lot of the side characters, not because they were all likable but I felt like they made a good ensemble cast. Zach’s father is terrible and I love when an author writes a character that I can hate so thoroughly (on purpose). I thought the atmosphere was great. I read this when there was a cold front where I live which added a lot. I would highly recommend reading this while it’s cold. I thought the action scenes were well paced and riveting.
There were also a few things I didn’t love. The beginning is very slow. It takes until about 35 percent for the story to really get going. Once the pace picks up, it’s a quick read but it felt like I was moving through molasses at the beginning. Zach is a great character but I felt like it was hard to believe he was 12. I feel like if he would have been 15 or 16, it would have made a lot more sense for his character to make the decisions he makes.
I can definitely see myself recommending this book, especially for a thriller with cold vibes! I can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I, like many other readers, was a huge fan of Tracy Sierra’s debut, Nightwatching, it was a tough act to follow. But in my most humble opinion, she nailed it. I had high hopes for Warning Signs but I’d already resigned myself to the fact that I wouldn’t be getting that claustrophobic feeling that wowed me so much when reading Nightwatching.
Boy, was I wrong! I can’t figure out how she managed to make the wide Colorado wilderness seem claustrophobic, but she sure did! And I loved every second of it.
I absolutely loved Zach. He’s a great kid, smart and very knowledgeable about survival, but not in a way that makes you feel like you’re reading about a thirty-year-old bloke instead of a twelve-year-old boy. The more I learnt about him and his past, the more I felt for him, the more I rooted for him. His story, both past and present, hooked me and reeled me in further the more I read.
Warning Signs is such an atmospheric story, and so vividly written. As I said above, I never expected it to feel claustrophobic, but it did. I’m not sure that anyone conveys a looming sense of doom as aptly as this author. Zach’s fears at one point add to that feeling, as for a minute there I wasn’t sure either what posed the biggest danger, a creature, an animal, or a man. I had a bad feeling about one person from the start, but the truth turned out to be quite a bit darker than I’d anticipated.
Warning Signs does have a few action scenes, but most of the story is more quiet, understated. Quite frankly, it doesn’t need bold, high-octane action-packed pages to grab its reader by the throat and keep them captivated. It really got under my skin and I couldn’t stop reading. I would happily recommend it, especially to readers who enjoy a survival element in their stories.
Massive thanks to Viking and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.
Boy, was I wrong! I can’t figure out how she managed to make the wide Colorado wilderness seem claustrophobic, but she sure did! And I loved every second of it.
I absolutely loved Zach. He’s a great kid, smart and very knowledgeable about survival, but not in a way that makes you feel like you’re reading about a thirty-year-old bloke instead of a twelve-year-old boy. The more I learnt about him and his past, the more I felt for him, the more I rooted for him. His story, both past and present, hooked me and reeled me in further the more I read.
Warning Signs is such an atmospheric story, and so vividly written. As I said above, I never expected it to feel claustrophobic, but it did. I’m not sure that anyone conveys a looming sense of doom as aptly as this author. Zach’s fears at one point add to that feeling, as for a minute there I wasn’t sure either what posed the biggest danger, a creature, an animal, or a man. I had a bad feeling about one person from the start, but the truth turned out to be quite a bit darker than I’d anticipated.
Warning Signs does have a few action scenes, but most of the story is more quiet, understated. Quite frankly, it doesn’t need bold, high-octane action-packed pages to grab its reader by the throat and keep them captivated. It really got under my skin and I couldn’t stop reading. I would happily recommend it, especially to readers who enjoy a survival element in their stories.
Massive thanks to Viking and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.
December 30, 2025
"We talk about nature being cruel, but it isn't, not really, because nature isn't aware. Animals are driven by instinct. People, though? We make choices. Which means there's nothing as scary as people."
2.5 stars rounded up.
A bit of a disappointment after loving Tracy Sierra's debut novel 'Nightwatching' - which kept me up reading late into the night.
'Warning Signs' follows a father and son on a ski trip holiday, with a few business associates of the father. What starts as a relaxing trip soon turns into chaos and danger, with nature causing havoc - along with more human dangers and what might be hiding in the shadows. Warning Signs is very much a slow burn - with the story only picking up the pace around the 75% mark.
I loved the snowy atmosphere and nature descriptions of 'Warning Signs' - I fully felt transported to the snowy mountains of Colorado where an avalanche threatens the group.
The main let down for me was the characters and the slow pacing. I never connected with any of the characters, and none were particularly likeable - other than perhaps Zach, the main protagonist. I just had no urge to pick it up to carry on reading, and ultimately the final conclusion and reveal had very little pay off.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin, for the advanced digital copy in exchange for a review. ‘Warning Signs’ is published in the UK on 12 Feb 2026.
2.5 stars rounded up.
A bit of a disappointment after loving Tracy Sierra's debut novel 'Nightwatching' - which kept me up reading late into the night.
'Warning Signs' follows a father and son on a ski trip holiday, with a few business associates of the father. What starts as a relaxing trip soon turns into chaos and danger, with nature causing havoc - along with more human dangers and what might be hiding in the shadows. Warning Signs is very much a slow burn - with the story only picking up the pace around the 75% mark.
I loved the snowy atmosphere and nature descriptions of 'Warning Signs' - I fully felt transported to the snowy mountains of Colorado where an avalanche threatens the group.
The main let down for me was the characters and the slow pacing. I never connected with any of the characters, and none were particularly likeable - other than perhaps Zach, the main protagonist. I just had no urge to pick it up to carry on reading, and ultimately the final conclusion and reveal had very little pay off.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin, for the advanced digital copy in exchange for a review. ‘Warning Signs’ is published in the UK on 12 Feb 2026.
November 6, 2025
I'm still reeling with shock at the power of this story, of Zach, a young lad of 11 trapped in a snowy Colorado wilderness with his controlling father and a disparate group of men all driven by money and power. It's supposed to be a "boys" jolly ski-ing trip but soon becomes something more sinister as danger lurks round every corner, and not just from the harsh environment.
This was not an easy read. It's bleak and dark as we learn of Zach's relationship with his father, and with his loving mother, who has disappeared from his life. He tries so much to please his father that it is heartbreaking.
The story builds at a good pace, and the plot is heart-in-your mouth stuff, but it is Zach that kept me reading to the wee small hours, desperate to know how things will turn out for him. He is so young, so vulnerable, and yet so brave and loving, as he struggles with his conflicting desires to please his father while keeping himself safe.
I've never been to Colorado and never been ski-ing, but I feel I've experienced both from Tracy Sierra's descriptive writing - the dangers of avalanche, the need to keep hydrated and warm, the necessity of team work all build a picture the reader can step into and experience vicariously. I really did get lost in this story.
Zach's a character who will touch every readers' heart - what a mountain lion of a boy he is!
This would make a great film, too.
This was not an easy read. It's bleak and dark as we learn of Zach's relationship with his father, and with his loving mother, who has disappeared from his life. He tries so much to please his father that it is heartbreaking.
The story builds at a good pace, and the plot is heart-in-your mouth stuff, but it is Zach that kept me reading to the wee small hours, desperate to know how things will turn out for him. He is so young, so vulnerable, and yet so brave and loving, as he struggles with his conflicting desires to please his father while keeping himself safe.
I've never been to Colorado and never been ski-ing, but I feel I've experienced both from Tracy Sierra's descriptive writing - the dangers of avalanche, the need to keep hydrated and warm, the necessity of team work all build a picture the reader can step into and experience vicariously. I really did get lost in this story.
Zach's a character who will touch every readers' heart - what a mountain lion of a boy he is!
This would make a great film, too.
October 29, 2025
No one can do tension like Tracy Sierra! Two books in a row that I’ve read with teeth clenched the whole time! I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
We have a terrifying survival story set in the mountains. A skiing trip at a remote cabin goes horribly wrong. Our main character is a young boy, twelve years old and accompanying his father on a trip. He’s grieving and his no mercy father expects obedience and ‘toughness’ at all times. The trip is for his wealthy father to charm money out of investor ‘friends.’
There’s a real vein of toxicity here and posturing that leads to disaster. Our young main character is far more knowledgeable about mountain safety thanks to his mother who had worked in mountain rescue. So is the professional guard accompanying their group. However there’s a terrible arrogance which causes this group to disregard the guidance of people who actually know what they are doing. This arrogance and disrespect is a catalyst for what comes next.
This book was horrifying and less in the natural threats, but more in the behaviours of certain characters. There’s real danger in the mountains, but the behaviour of some people is even more of a real and unpredictable threat, even when not intended to be harmful.
This was a brilliant, terrifying, heartbreaking read. Highly recommend.
We have a terrifying survival story set in the mountains. A skiing trip at a remote cabin goes horribly wrong. Our main character is a young boy, twelve years old and accompanying his father on a trip. He’s grieving and his no mercy father expects obedience and ‘toughness’ at all times. The trip is for his wealthy father to charm money out of investor ‘friends.’
There’s a real vein of toxicity here and posturing that leads to disaster. Our young main character is far more knowledgeable about mountain safety thanks to his mother who had worked in mountain rescue. So is the professional guard accompanying their group. However there’s a terrible arrogance which causes this group to disregard the guidance of people who actually know what they are doing. This arrogance and disrespect is a catalyst for what comes next.
This book was horrifying and less in the natural threats, but more in the behaviours of certain characters. There’s real danger in the mountains, but the behaviour of some people is even more of a real and unpredictable threat, even when not intended to be harmful.
This was a brilliant, terrifying, heartbreaking read. Highly recommend.
September 14, 2025
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.
I was blown away by Tracy Sierra's Nightwatching and it was always going to be a tall order to equal or better that. However this is still a cracking read. It's testament to the authors writing that sitting on a beach in 34 degree heat I still managed to feel the coldness and the eerie atmosphere from the Colorado mountains. Tracy Sierra is undoubtably a master story teller and used a stroke of genius telling this through the eyes of a child. Although very much a slow burn in added to the tension and suspense and in the latter stages the pace goes up and takes on a twisty edge. Kudos to the author for creating such an evil character in Bram that gives a real focal point to the plot. Slightly abrupt ending but once again I have been enthralled by the very unique Ms Sierra. (The authors note is well worth a read too!)
October 27, 2025
A father-son ski trip turns deadly in Warning Signs, an atmospheric thriller that packs a wallop. 12 year old Zach and his father Bram are on a ski trip, where Bram hopes to convince the other fathers to further invest in his company. Zach is an accomplished skier with outdoor skills learned from his mother, and those skills are put to the test when an avalanche crashes down on the group during a ski run. But that’s not the only danger Zach faces in this highly entertaining and unpredictable story. There’s plenty of tension throughout, and readers will cringe at Bram’s abusive nature, as Zach struggles with the relationship with his father as well as the elements. There’s plenty going on here, and this one will stay with you for a while as the danger gets increasingly closer. Quite a read! I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2025
**received as an ARC from NetGalley & the publisher :)**
Twelve year old Zach's bravery shines so brightly in this suspenseful, heart-thumping novel. He is cautious and very observant throughout the ski-weekend he is attending with his father, Bram. Bram's focus lies entirely on manipulating and impressing his attendees, investors of varying degrees in his dying company. Though they do face weather-related tragedy, what Zach realizes as the weekend continues is that the most dangerous thing of all could be the very person who should do anything to protect him...his father.
I enjoyed all aspects of this book, between the mysterious monster in the woods, the avalanche safety explanations, and the inner-workings of Zach's mind...I would definitely read another book by this author!
Twelve year old Zach's bravery shines so brightly in this suspenseful, heart-thumping novel. He is cautious and very observant throughout the ski-weekend he is attending with his father, Bram. Bram's focus lies entirely on manipulating and impressing his attendees, investors of varying degrees in his dying company. Though they do face weather-related tragedy, what Zach realizes as the weekend continues is that the most dangerous thing of all could be the very person who should do anything to protect him...his father.
I enjoyed all aspects of this book, between the mysterious monster in the woods, the avalanche safety explanations, and the inner-workings of Zach's mind...I would definitely read another book by this author!
Want to read
October 1, 2025I really liked this author's debut - excited to read this one!!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Read
October 26, 2025DNF at 10%
ARC from Netgalley
The writing style was similar to YA, just couldn’t get into it.
ARC from Netgalley
The writing style was similar to YA, just couldn’t get into it.
December 21, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
After reading Nightwatching, I was extremely excited to read this book. The setting and plot were promising and the characters had very distinct personalities. Zach’s personality was spot-on: smart but still had the childlike innocence.
It could be a ‘whodunit’ thriller (that’s what I was expecting it to be) but the focus was on the emotional side and on the past events.
All in all, I’m glad I got to read this book, my only complaint is that it felt slow until the halfway mark.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded down
After reading Nightwatching, I was extremely excited to read this book. The setting and plot were promising and the characters had very distinct personalities. Zach’s personality was spot-on: smart but still had the childlike innocence.
It could be a ‘whodunit’ thriller (that’s what I was expecting it to be) but the focus was on the emotional side and on the past events.
All in all, I’m glad I got to read this book, my only complaint is that it felt slow until the halfway mark.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded down
November 2, 2025
Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book!!
3.5 rounded up... I was concerned about this as I started reading because it is very very slow, in my opinion, until the 40 % mark. So I did almost did dip out. But I'm glad I stuck with it... It definitely got better, held my attention, had me wanting to know what was going to happen. The ending was satisfying. The character build up was great bc there was one character in here I really really wanted to punch! I'm not huge on survival thrillers but this one ended up being a good time
3.5 rounded up... I was concerned about this as I started reading because it is very very slow, in my opinion, until the 40 % mark. So I did almost did dip out. But I'm glad I stuck with it... It definitely got better, held my attention, had me wanting to know what was going to happen. The ending was satisfying. The character build up was great bc there was one character in here I really really wanted to punch! I'm not huge on survival thrillers but this one ended up being a good time
September 13, 2025
There is an atmospheric quality to this novel. The descriptions of mountains, snow and mountain rescue operations are very realistic. I really liked that part.
Warning Signs begins slowly, and then kind of escalates into a fast-paced thriller. Unfortunately, at that point, the plot was figured out on my side. The characters lacked development, probably because the writing was rushed. There are good elements, but way too much "tell" and not enough "show". Sometimes there is a great scene that helps develop the characters. It feels like "finally!" and then, it stops. The problem is that a good horror / thriller is all about character development. Please don't tell me so many times that the real danger comes from people... Show me why!
All in all, 3 stars because of the beautiful mountain and skiing descriptions. This could be a 4 or 5 stars novel with careful editing, though. So I hope they do just that before the final publication. My final comment would be: strong potential on this one, with more character development.
Thank you #NetGalley, Tracy Sierra and Viking / Penguin Random House UK for the ARC.
Warning Signs begins slowly, and then kind of escalates into a fast-paced thriller. Unfortunately, at that point, the plot was figured out on my side. The characters lacked development, probably because the writing was rushed. There are good elements, but way too much "tell" and not enough "show". Sometimes there is a great scene that helps develop the characters. It feels like "finally!" and then, it stops. The problem is that a good horror / thriller is all about character development. Please don't tell me so many times that the real danger comes from people... Show me why!
All in all, 3 stars because of the beautiful mountain and skiing descriptions. This could be a 4 or 5 stars novel with careful editing, though. So I hope they do just that before the final publication. My final comment would be: strong potential on this one, with more character development.
Thank you #NetGalley, Tracy Sierra and Viking / Penguin Random House UK for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews