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Warning Signs
“The tension, the atmosphere, the dread . . . This is a book that sticks in your head long after the last page.” —Lisa Jewell
“Extraordinary.” —Linwood Barclay
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.
“Extraordinary.” —Linwood Barclay
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.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2026
162 people are currently reading
16912 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Sierra
2 books817 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 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.
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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:
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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'.
February 16, 2026
Eerie, claustrophobic, and riddled with a deep sense of dread, Warning Signs took a simple backcountry trip and turned it into a nightmare. Between the ominous atmosphere and the monster creeping around in the wings, the spine-chilling fear permeated every single word of this unputdownable literary thriller. Yup. I would most definitely classify it as a lit fic novel. You see, thanks to a slow-boiling pace, richly layered characters, and a depth to the plot that I wasn’t expecting, I couldn’t write it off as just another horror lite-slash-thriller mashup. That’s not to say, though, that it didn’t have plenty to qualify it as a stunner in those subgenres as well. With white-knuckle tension, nightmare-inducing scenes, and a second half that will have you speed reading, the heart-pounding side to this novel had me completely won over before I even got a third of the way through this edge-of-your-seat read.
Rounding out the thrills and chills, however, was a narrator that wasn’t just memorable, he was genuine and root-for-able as well. Coming across as a nervous, beaten-down twelve-year-old boy, my heart broke in two for him the entire time I was reading. At the same time, he was both brave and resilient in a believable way. Using him in contrast to the rest of the cast added a scathing social commentary that had me thinking long and hard by the end. Exploring masculinity, violence, and greed, the layers it gave to this struggle for survival made me want to give Ms. Sierra a round of applause. That being said, my favorite pieces to this one were easily the vivid remote setting and the sense of impending doom. So if you love slow-burning plots that will unsettle you for sure, grab this book now. After all, it combined the fear of both nature and man into one unforgettable, blood-curdling read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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.
Thank you Tracy Sierra and Pamela Dorman Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 10, 2026
Content warning: death of a parent, emotional abuse, alcoholism, avalanche, domestic abuse, death, violence, mention of: blackmail, murder
Rounding out the thrills and chills, however, was a narrator that wasn’t just memorable, he was genuine and root-for-able as well. Coming across as a nervous, beaten-down twelve-year-old boy, my heart broke in two for him the entire time I was reading. At the same time, he was both brave and resilient in a believable way. Using him in contrast to the rest of the cast added a scathing social commentary that had me thinking long and hard by the end. Exploring masculinity, violence, and greed, the layers it gave to this struggle for survival made me want to give Ms. Sierra a round of applause. That being said, my favorite pieces to this one were easily the vivid remote setting and the sense of impending doom. So if you love slow-burning plots that will unsettle you for sure, grab this book now. After all, it combined the fear of both nature and man into one unforgettable, blood-curdling read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
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.
Thank you Tracy Sierra and Pamela Dorman Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 10, 2026
Content warning: death of a parent, emotional abuse, alcoholism, avalanche, domestic abuse, death, violence, mention of: blackmail, murder
February 15, 2026
This may have started out feeling like a standard Winter Thriller, ski weekend gone bad, but it definitely took a turn!
Sierra knows how to get a Reader's pulse racing and I was gripped to the very end.
Full review to come...stay tuned!!!
Original:
ARC received! Thank you, Pamela Dorman Books!
Sierra knows how to get a Reader's pulse racing and I was gripped to the very end.
Full review to come...stay tuned!!!
Original:
ARC received! Thank you, Pamela Dorman Books!
January 28, 2026
Took a bit to get going with the story, but by the 35%, I was racing to the end! Expect more slow burn mystery plus thriller in the second half. Warning Signs is definitely a different vibe than Nightwatching.
February 13, 2026
✦ Rating: 3.75 ⭐️
✦ Mood: ❄️ Suspicious, tense, isolated, small heartbreak
✦ Reading Vibe: 🔥 crackling fireplace + blizzard outside + “why is everyone acting normal???
✦ A Line That Made Me Shiver When I Read It: “I remember - her makeup. Too much mascara. For who? It was like that. Already done. Once I saw that.” - eww 😢
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
☾ Yes/No/Maybe? Yes ☾ Emotional damage level: mild ache
This was literally the perfect book to read this week because it has been non-stop snowing and the vibes were vibing ❄️🤍. I had the fireplace on, was curled up by the window watching the snow pile up, and it honestly felt like I was right there in the backcountry with them.
We meet this group on a father-son business
trip deep in the snowy wilderness, and the conditions are brutal from the start. The story is told through Zach’s POV (he’s 12 and the son of the company owner, Bram), which made everything feel even more intense. You’re immediately suspicious of everyone. Things start happening that don’t add up
For being so young, Zach knew SO much about surviving in winter conditions. I was lowkey learning things myself! 😭 The flashbacks with his mom explaining how he gained all that knowledge added such a layered emotional depth. I really liked how those moments built the story around Bram their family dynamic, and how they even ended up on this trip in the first place.
As everything starts to unravel, you slowly understand each character more… but I’m not going to lie, most of the adults were unlikeable in their own ways. I was mainly stressed about the kids the entire time — Zach, Russ, and maybe even Steve. When things really escalate, watching Zach actually apply what he’s learned to survive was both heartbreaking and impressive. He was so resilient. I genuinely don’t think I would’ve handled half of what he did.
Such a strong winter read. Atmospheric, tense, and emotionally heavy at times.
One thing is for sure though… I will NEVER be voluntarily going into snowy backcountry wilderness like that in my lifetime 😂❄️
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
☾ Yes/No/Maybe? Yes ☾ Emotional damage level: mild ache
This was literally the perfect book to read this week because it has been non-stop snowing and the vibes were vibing ❄️🤍. I had the fireplace on, was curled up by the window watching the snow pile up, and it honestly felt like I was right there in the backcountry with them.
We meet this group on a father-son business
trip deep in the snowy wilderness, and the conditions are brutal from the start. The story is told through Zach’s POV (he’s 12 and the son of the company owner, Bram), which made everything feel even more intense. You’re immediately suspicious of everyone. Things start happening that don’t add up
For being so young, Zach knew SO much about surviving in winter conditions. I was lowkey learning things myself! 😭 The flashbacks with his mom explaining how he gained all that knowledge added such a layered emotional depth. I really liked how those moments built the story around Bram their family dynamic, and how they even ended up on this trip in the first place.
As everything starts to unravel, you slowly understand each character more… but I’m not going to lie, most of the adults were unlikeable in their own ways. I was mainly stressed about the kids the entire time — Zach, Russ, and maybe even Steve. When things really escalate, watching Zach actually apply what he’s learned to survive was both heartbreaking and impressive. He was so resilient. I genuinely don’t think I would’ve handled half of what he did.
Such a strong winter read. Atmospheric, tense, and emotionally heavy at times.
One thing is for sure though… I will NEVER be voluntarily going into snowy backcountry wilderness like that in my lifetime 😂❄️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"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 the narrator of this tense and atmospheric slow-burn thriller. He has been taught by hia mother how to survive outdoors and sees signs of danger all around him but the adults are not paying attention! Zach feels that something is lurking behind the trees, watching them, and nature seems to be working against them. Can he get the adults to listen to him or are humans more dangerous than nature or wild animals?
As a huge fan of Nightwatching I had to get my hands on this. It is a much different feel than her last novel. This is a little slow as the characters are introduced and we learn Zach's family dynamics and who each of the weekend guests are. At that point, the story takes off and I was riveted by how real this situation of survival is in certain conditions. I really enjoyed the pacing of it and how well Tracy Sierra develops her characters in a propulsive novel. This is the perfect quietly suspenseful winter read!⚠️❄️
The audiobook performance by Michael Crouch brings the story to life as well as getting us acquainted with Zach through his inner dialogue.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Viking Penguin, PRH Audio and Tracy Sierra for the advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧
Twelve-year-old Zach is the narrator of this tense and atmospheric slow-burn thriller. He has been taught by hia mother how to survive outdoors and sees signs of danger all around him but the adults are not paying attention! Zach feels that something is lurking behind the trees, watching them, and nature seems to be working against them. Can he get the adults to listen to him or are humans more dangerous than nature or wild animals?
As a huge fan of Nightwatching I had to get my hands on this. It is a much different feel than her last novel. This is a little slow as the characters are introduced and we learn Zach's family dynamics and who each of the weekend guests are. At that point, the story takes off and I was riveted by how real this situation of survival is in certain conditions. I really enjoyed the pacing of it and how well Tracy Sierra develops her characters in a propulsive novel. This is the perfect quietly suspenseful winter read!⚠️❄️
The audiobook performance by Michael Crouch brings the story to life as well as getting us acquainted with Zach through his inner dialogue.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Viking Penguin, PRH Audio and Tracy Sierra for the advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧
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/
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.
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.
February 15, 2026
The premise of this book had me intrigued, and overall, I'm happy I got to it. I loved the winter setting and suspense a lot. I just thought there was a little too much description about avalanches and all that. I also felt like it was slow moving. I also was hoping for some good twists but I just didn't get that. I would still pick up this author's other books to see what she comes up with, but this isn't one that will stick with me.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
February 16, 2026
3.5⭐️ Forget the weather conditions, the men on this trip are the real danger. ⚠️ Also, deadbeat dad of the year award goes to Bram. 🥇
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2026
DNF. Sorry, this book just didn’t work for me. I was expecting more survival thriller, but I can’t even get past these annoying af characters.
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.
February 17, 2026
4.5 stars
Absolutely excellent. This is a fantastic survival story told from the perspective of a 12 year old boy who has to fight to survive snowy mountain terrain and dangerously untrustworthy adults, while simultaneously navigating his own insecurities and grief for his recently deceased mother.
I thought Sierra did a fine job of portraying a boy balanced between childhood and adulthood, struggling with the terrible tension created by wanting his emotionally distant and abusive father’s love. She has an excellent understanding of how controlling men systematically break down their family members and keep them submissive and frightened.
The backdrop of survival in the mountainous backcountry of Colorado is brilliantly portrayed. The author’s experience and love for this beautiful yet unforgiving terrain shines through in incredible detail and really brings the story to life.
This was a great reading experience for me, and the tensely wrought and excellently paced tale kept me awake far into the night to see how it would all turn out.
Absolutely excellent. This is a fantastic survival story told from the perspective of a 12 year old boy who has to fight to survive snowy mountain terrain and dangerously untrustworthy adults, while simultaneously navigating his own insecurities and grief for his recently deceased mother.
I thought Sierra did a fine job of portraying a boy balanced between childhood and adulthood, struggling with the terrible tension created by wanting his emotionally distant and abusive father’s love. She has an excellent understanding of how controlling men systematically break down their family members and keep them submissive and frightened.
The backdrop of survival in the mountainous backcountry of Colorado is brilliantly portrayed. The author’s experience and love for this beautiful yet unforgiving terrain shines through in incredible detail and really brings the story to life.
This was a great reading experience for me, and the tensely wrought and excellently paced tale kept me awake far into the night to see how it would all turn out.
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.
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.
February 11, 2026
Twelve-year-old Zach joins his father Bram, whose business is in dire need of cash, on 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.
Zach is on high alert around Bram, and he sees the way the group ignores the increasingly threatening conditions. Faced with the unknown, he is convinced that something watches their cabin from the treeline. Something that leaves behind strange tracks and picks its prey clean.
The adults recklessly test the limits of the outdoors and Zach worries he might be in even more danger than he realized. Zach will have to rely on his wits if he hopes to make it home safely.
Warning Signs is an atmospheric, literary thriller. At times there are elements of horror. The snowy setting is described well and adds to the tension. Zach is a great character and we see the story through his eyes.
The story gets off to a very slow start. It takes almost until almost 40% for the pace to pick up and events begin to unfold. The lyrical writing style didn't work for me and I struggled to maintain interest. Many readers will enjoy this more due to the sinister vibe and atmospheric writing.
Thank you to Viking/Penguin for the chance to read!
Zach is on high alert around Bram, and he sees the way the group ignores the increasingly threatening conditions. Faced with the unknown, he is convinced that something watches their cabin from the treeline. Something that leaves behind strange tracks and picks its prey clean.
The adults recklessly test the limits of the outdoors and Zach worries he might be in even more danger than he realized. Zach will have to rely on his wits if he hopes to make it home safely.
Warning Signs is an atmospheric, literary thriller. At times there are elements of horror. The snowy setting is described well and adds to the tension. Zach is a great character and we see the story through his eyes.
The story gets off to a very slow start. It takes almost until almost 40% for the pace to pick up and events begin to unfold. The lyrical writing style didn't work for me and I struggled to maintain interest. Many readers will enjoy this more due to the sinister vibe and atmospheric writing.
Thank you to Viking/Penguin for the chance to read!
February 13, 2026
3.5 rounded up.
I knew from reading early reviews on this that this was more of a slow burn compared to Nightwatching. In that one, the plot starts immediately, from the very first sentence. This one, however, started so slowly that I might’ve DNFed if I didn’t know going into this. I am admittedly a pretty impatient reader, but since I knew ahead of time, I stuck it out.
It takes some time to get to know the characters and set up the plot, focusing a lot on atmospheric details, which the author does really well. Around the 40 percent mark, things really picked up and I was fully invested. I love a good survival story and I really felt for Zack.
While I didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed her debut, this was still a pretty good Read.
I knew from reading early reviews on this that this was more of a slow burn compared to Nightwatching. In that one, the plot starts immediately, from the very first sentence. This one, however, started so slowly that I might’ve DNFed if I didn’t know going into this. I am admittedly a pretty impatient reader, but since I knew ahead of time, I stuck it out.
It takes some time to get to know the characters and set up the plot, focusing a lot on atmospheric details, which the author does really well. Around the 40 percent mark, things really picked up and I was fully invested. I love a good survival story and I really felt for Zack.
While I didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed her debut, this was still a pretty good Read.
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
February 11, 2026
A father-son ski trip in the snowy wilderness. A twelve-year-old desperate for approval. And something lurking in the trees. This audiobook gripped me from start to finish.
The story unfolds through Zach's eyes as he joins his father and his business associates for a backcountry ski weekend. Seeing things from his perspective gave the story a fresh angle on his family's unfolding backstory and a horrifying realization. His desperation to earn his father's approval created the push and pull in his decisions. The fact that Sierra added something watching him out in the wilds gave me the shivers.
Audio experience: Michael Crouch is a favorite narrator of mine, and he did justice to Zach's perspective. His voice highlighted the character's emotions and heightened the suspense and tension without being over the top. The production delivered that feeling of being stuck in an impossible situation from start to finish. I felt it and heard it the entire time.
You'll love this if: You want claustrophobic thrillers with atmospheric settings and young protagonists navigating impossible situations.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for the advance audio copy.
The story unfolds through Zach's eyes as he joins his father and his business associates for a backcountry ski weekend. Seeing things from his perspective gave the story a fresh angle on his family's unfolding backstory and a horrifying realization. His desperation to earn his father's approval created the push and pull in his decisions. The fact that Sierra added something watching him out in the wilds gave me the shivers.
Audio experience: Michael Crouch is a favorite narrator of mine, and he did justice to Zach's perspective. His voice highlighted the character's emotions and heightened the suspense and tension without being over the top. The production delivered that feeling of being stuck in an impossible situation from start to finish. I felt it and heard it the entire time.
You'll love this if: You want claustrophobic thrillers with atmospheric settings and young protagonists navigating impossible situations.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for the advance audio copy.
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.
February 17, 2026
Warning Signs is an atmospheric, slow-burning thriller that truly excels in setting. Sierra writes the mountains with such sharp, immersive detail that I could practically feel the cold seeping through the walls of that isolated lodge. The snow, the silence, the sense of being cut off from the world, it all creates a moody, claustrophobic backdrop that hums with quiet tension. If you love stories where the environment feels like a character in its own right, this absolutely delivers.
The pacing leans more toward simmer than sprint, which worked in building that creeping unease. There’s a steady undercurrent of dread, and the isolation amplifies every interaction and suspicion. However, where it lost me slightly was in the payoff. I gravitate toward thrillers that either shock me with an unpredictable twist or land with a sharp, jaw-dropping punch. Unfortunately, this one felt more subdued and predictable in its conclusion. The ending wasn’t unsatisfying, it just didn’t hit with the impact I was hoping for after such a tense build-up.
The pacing leans more toward simmer than sprint, which worked in building that creeping unease. There’s a steady undercurrent of dread, and the isolation amplifies every interaction and suspicion. However, where it lost me slightly was in the payoff. I gravitate toward thrillers that either shock me with an unpredictable twist or land with a sharp, jaw-dropping punch. Unfortunately, this one felt more subdued and predictable in its conclusion. The ending wasn’t unsatisfying, it just didn’t hit with the impact I was hoping for after such a tense build-up.
Read
January 30, 2026DNF at 60% - premise is intriguing but much too slow burn for me.
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.
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