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Alex Carter #5
Storm Warning
Wildlife biologist Alex Carter jumps at the chance to work with hawksbill turtles in Hawaii, only to face an unthinkable threat that endangers countless lives in the captivating latest entry of the acclaimed series by Alice Henderson.
Alex Carter is thrilled to be in lush, tropical Hawaii for her new to study and protect hawksbill turtles. From global warming to poaching to the simple fragility of a turtle’s nest, these creatures are under constant threat. And as excited as Alex is to swim, explore, and relax, she’s also ready to be these turtles’ fiercest protector.
Alex looks forward to a break from the danger of her past assignments, but soon finds that environmental crime can happen anywhere, even in a Hawaiian paradise. As a massive hurricane approaches, armed thieves storm onto the beach where Alex and her volunteers are desperately trying to move turtle eggs to safety out of the storm surge.
When the gunmen take one of her volunteers hostage and Alex tracks them to a nearby paleontology museum, Alex suspects that there’s more to these mysterious criminals than meets the eye and that the repercussions of their success will extend far beyond the shores of the Big Island. Whatever their treacherous plot may be, Alex must scramble to protect the turtles, her friends, and the world at large… before irreversible damage is done.
Alex Carter is thrilled to be in lush, tropical Hawaii for her new to study and protect hawksbill turtles. From global warming to poaching to the simple fragility of a turtle’s nest, these creatures are under constant threat. And as excited as Alex is to swim, explore, and relax, she’s also ready to be these turtles’ fiercest protector.
Alex looks forward to a break from the danger of her past assignments, but soon finds that environmental crime can happen anywhere, even in a Hawaiian paradise. As a massive hurricane approaches, armed thieves storm onto the beach where Alex and her volunteers are desperately trying to move turtle eggs to safety out of the storm surge.
When the gunmen take one of her volunteers hostage and Alex tracks them to a nearby paleontology museum, Alex suspects that there’s more to these mysterious criminals than meets the eye and that the repercussions of their success will extend far beyond the shores of the Big Island. Whatever their treacherous plot may be, Alex must scramble to protect the turtles, her friends, and the world at large… before irreversible damage is done.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2026
About the author
Alice Henderson
29 books857 followersAlice Henderson's love of wild places inspired her thriller series which begins with A Solitude of Wolverines, and continues with A Blizzard of Polar Bears and A Ghost of Caribou. The latest novel is The Vanishing Kind, about jaguars in New Mexico. The series features a wildlife biologist who encounters dangerous situations while working to protect endangered species.
She has also written media-tie in novels, including official novels for the TV shows Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While working at LucasArts, she wrote material for several Star Wars video games.
She was selected to attend Launchpad, a NASA-funded writing workshop aimed at bringing accurate science to fiction.
In addition to being a writer, Henderson is a wildlife researcher, geographic information systems specialist, and bioacoustician. She documents wildlife on specialized recording equipment, checks remote cameras, creates maps, and undertakes wildlife surveys to determine what species are present on preserves, while ensuring there are no signs of poaching. She's surveyed for the presence of grizzlies, wolves, wolverines, jaguars, endangered bats, and more.
Please visit her at www.AliceHenderson.com.
She has also written media-tie in novels, including official novels for the TV shows Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While working at LucasArts, she wrote material for several Star Wars video games.
She was selected to attend Launchpad, a NASA-funded writing workshop aimed at bringing accurate science to fiction.
In addition to being a writer, Henderson is a wildlife researcher, geographic information systems specialist, and bioacoustician. She documents wildlife on specialized recording equipment, checks remote cameras, creates maps, and undertakes wildlife surveys to determine what species are present on preserves, while ensuring there are no signs of poaching. She's surveyed for the presence of grizzlies, wolves, wolverines, jaguars, endangered bats, and more.
Please visit her at www.AliceHenderson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
September 25, 2026
Alex Carter, wildlife biologist, finds herself on the island of Hawai’i relieving another biologist from overwatch duty at the nests of endangered Hawkbill turtles. These nests are filled with the future generations of this species whose existence is imperiled. Dr Carter travels the world helping different species in crisis. Now, it looks as though Mother Nature will interrupt the relaxed duty…Dr Carter has to quickly organize options for the safekeeping of her entrusted young turtles.
BUT, there’s not only a hurricane brewing, but poachers and mercenaries are added to the mix with their own agendas. Can’t anything ever be straightforward? Dr Carter should NEVER be underestimated. She’s as varied in her skills as her lucky multitool!
I enjoyed this book and really love this series. Unfortunately, I held back on an additional star because while I enjoy the information shared on nature and what’s needed to help it, the first third of the book felt heavy-handed in that respect. The rest of the book is pure adventure, and it’s concerning at times, but a real nail biter. If this appeals to you, enjoy this book!🌺🏝️🦜🐢
Page 298: “We really need to start thinking about what’s important in the long term, not just cater to short-term financial gain. If we’re going to survive, if the amazing creatures we share this planet with are going to survive, we need to value a healthy planet and a rich biodiversity of life.”
Page 299: “We’re not separate from nature. We breathe its air. We drink its water. We eat the food grown in its soil. We live in nature, not apart from it. When we work to save the Earth, we work to save not just nature and the myriad animals we share this planet with, but ourselves as well.”
Excerpts From
Storm Warning
Alice Henderson
https://books.apple.com/us/book/storm...
This material may be protected by copyright.
BUT, there’s not only a hurricane brewing, but poachers and mercenaries are added to the mix with their own agendas. Can’t anything ever be straightforward? Dr Carter should NEVER be underestimated. She’s as varied in her skills as her lucky multitool!
I enjoyed this book and really love this series. Unfortunately, I held back on an additional star because while I enjoy the information shared on nature and what’s needed to help it, the first third of the book felt heavy-handed in that respect. The rest of the book is pure adventure, and it’s concerning at times, but a real nail biter. If this appeals to you, enjoy this book!🌺🏝️🦜🐢
Page 298: “We really need to start thinking about what’s important in the long term, not just cater to short-term financial gain. If we’re going to survive, if the amazing creatures we share this planet with are going to survive, we need to value a healthy planet and a rich biodiversity of life.”
Page 299: “We’re not separate from nature. We breathe its air. We drink its water. We eat the food grown in its soil. We live in nature, not apart from it. When we work to save the Earth, we work to save not just nature and the myriad animals we share this planet with, but ourselves as well.”
Excerpts From
Storm Warning
Alice Henderson
https://books.apple.com/us/book/storm...
This material may be protected by copyright.
March 25, 2026
Storm Warning finds wildlife biologist Alex Carter in Hawaii trying to protect and study endangered hawksbill turtles. It wouldn't be a suspense book though if there wasn't something else going on. Lots of things are about to go down.
A massive hurricane is approaching which means Alex and her volunteers are desperately trying to move turtle eggs to safety out of the storm surge. At the same time a group of poachers/thieves have been committing terrible acts in Alaska and the high seas. While Alex has had to face some troubles on the beach she won't be prepared when this large group comes to shore and takes one of her volunteers hostage.
I love all the details about sea turtles. Everything is described so well and I learned a lot. The author's and Alex's love for wildlife comes through. Hawaii is a great setting and the beginning of the book has a "calm" vibe to match. A few things are happening that Alex has to take care of. Meanwhile only the reader knows what's really coming.
When it does come it's almost a shock because everything automatically shifts into high gear. From that point on it's nonstop action. Alex is smart and brave and she puts herself in the middle of it. The reader travels all around Hawaii with Alex as she battles animal smugglers and a hurricane. It becomes a true fight for survival which I greatly enjoyed.
I love everything about this series. The setting, the atmospheric writing, the characters including the animals, the suspense. It's just great!
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read!
A massive hurricane is approaching which means Alex and her volunteers are desperately trying to move turtle eggs to safety out of the storm surge. At the same time a group of poachers/thieves have been committing terrible acts in Alaska and the high seas. While Alex has had to face some troubles on the beach she won't be prepared when this large group comes to shore and takes one of her volunteers hostage.
I love all the details about sea turtles. Everything is described so well and I learned a lot. The author's and Alex's love for wildlife comes through. Hawaii is a great setting and the beginning of the book has a "calm" vibe to match. A few things are happening that Alex has to take care of. Meanwhile only the reader knows what's really coming.
When it does come it's almost a shock because everything automatically shifts into high gear. From that point on it's nonstop action. Alex is smart and brave and she puts herself in the middle of it. The reader travels all around Hawaii with Alex as she battles animal smugglers and a hurricane. It becomes a true fight for survival which I greatly enjoyed.
I love everything about this series. The setting, the atmospheric writing, the characters including the animals, the suspense. It's just great!
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read!
February 20, 2026
While I appreciate some of the info in the book (global warming and endangered species), it made the book read less mysteriously/suspenseful than I’d have liked. Certain parts of the book were bogged down with oddly specific details and it lost my attention. Overall, interesting concept and it could have been a good story, but fell flat for me
April 12, 2026
Book #5 in the Alex Carter series. As a wildlife biologist, she travels to Hawaii to study and protect endangered Hawksbill sea turtles during their nesting season, where she recruits volunteers. A massive hurricane approaches and the team races to move the eggs to higher, safer ground.
Armed thieves take eggs and one of Alex's volunteers as a hostage because he can provide access to a paleontology museum, where the big prize lays: a frozen mammoth, with a dangerous pathogen. The showdown was a bit too far fetched for me. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
Armed thieves take eggs and one of Alex's volunteers as a hostage because he can provide access to a paleontology museum, where the big prize lays: a frozen mammoth, with a dangerous pathogen. The showdown was a bit too far fetched for me. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
May 31, 2026
Okay so I always have an issue rating these books. I always learn a lot about the specific species that the book focuses on as well as other facts about the landscape and history. I went on many googling rabbit holes to learn more. I learned a lot about Hawksbill turtles, dinosaur fossils and their auction prices, global warming, and lava tubes being used as World War II bunkers. There is always a good message at the end about conservation and different resources to help or to learn more.
This book in particular in the series I thought did a better job with the suspense factor as compared to its predecessors. However, like in the other ones the issue I have is it does big info dumps that are almost the exact same and give us no new information about her dad and her friend Zoe. I don’t know why we need to hear the same info about them every book. Pages and pages explaining what we already know because they never actually interact with Alex, it’s only ever a phone call so I don’t particularly care that her best friend is a big A list actor nor about what movie set she’s on. It adds nothing to the story except to fill the space and it happens every book.
The other issue I had with this book, while the suspense was great and the bad guys were much more thrilling than book 4, it’s the absolute ridiculousness that happens in the last 25 pages. None of that would actually happen or would be feasible to happen, it wasn’t believable and then two weeks later she’s just honked dory fine to go back to watch the turtle eggs. She was shot, witnesses her friends being murdered, almost drowned, got lost in the jungle for daysss and is just peachy two weeks later. Also when she emerged from the jungle there was just a couple at a picnic table and the ambulance was able to come get here…uhm 3 days ago a hurricane began and decimated the town, it would still be underwater.
Okay rant over if you’ve made it this far thanks for reading. And yes I shall read the next one, I do like them they just grind my gears as evidenced by my rant.
This book in particular in the series I thought did a better job with the suspense factor as compared to its predecessors. However, like in the other ones the issue I have is it does big info dumps that are almost the exact same and give us no new information about her dad and her friend Zoe. I don’t know why we need to hear the same info about them every book. Pages and pages explaining what we already know because they never actually interact with Alex, it’s only ever a phone call so I don’t particularly care that her best friend is a big A list actor nor about what movie set she’s on. It adds nothing to the story except to fill the space and it happens every book.
The other issue I had with this book, while the suspense was great and the bad guys were much more thrilling than book 4, it’s the absolute ridiculousness that happens in the last 25 pages. None of that would actually happen or would be feasible to happen, it wasn’t believable and then two weeks later she’s just honked dory fine to go back to watch the turtle eggs. She was shot, witnesses her friends being murdered, almost drowned, got lost in the jungle for daysss and is just peachy two weeks later. Also when she emerged from the jungle there was just a couple at a picnic table and the ambulance was able to come get here…uhm 3 days ago a hurricane began and decimated the town, it would still be underwater.
Okay rant over if you’ve made it this far thanks for reading. And yes I shall read the next one, I do like them they just grind my gears as evidenced by my rant.
April 25, 2026
Hawksbills are my favorite sea turtle so I was so excited that this book was focused on them!! Alex is seriously the most unlucky yet lucky person ever and each book her woes get crazier! Loved that we got some Casey crumbs at the end!!
June 5, 2026
I love the Alex Carter series by Alice Henderson. The action adventure mixed with the main character always trying to save endangered species in exotic locales is right up my alley. The fact that this book focuses on saving turtles in Hawaii while I’m in Hawaii on vacation is just icing on the cake! Hope there will be a book #6!
March 27, 2026
Disappointing
While the descriptions of wildlife and the efforts to prevent extinction are always interesting and informative the books in this series have become completely unrealistic. The focus on the evil bad guys instead of the attempts to preserve species made this book unreadable for me. The perpetuation of the hatred of "Big Pharma" had me unable to read past the halfway point. Too bad the author didn't stick to what they excel at- educating about endangered species in an interesting made up story- rather than trying to turn their main character into a cross between Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne.
While the descriptions of wildlife and the efforts to prevent extinction are always interesting and informative the books in this series have become completely unrealistic. The focus on the evil bad guys instead of the attempts to preserve species made this book unreadable for me. The perpetuation of the hatred of "Big Pharma" had me unable to read past the halfway point. Too bad the author didn't stick to what they excel at- educating about endangered species in an interesting made up story- rather than trying to turn their main character into a cross between Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne.
June 3, 2026
I’m struggling to rate this book because, on the one hand, I enjoyed the Hawaiian setting and found it interesting to learn about the endangered hawksbill sea turtles. On the other hand, the final third of the book felt like one endless action sequence, with Alex evading the bad guys for days on end in hurricane-force conditions with very little food, water, or rest while also dealing with a bullet wound. The whole scenario was frankly absurd. I don’t mind a bit of mystery or suspense in these books, but I think the author takes it too far with the violence and over-the-top action scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2026
The author's writing is best when she focuses on the environment. She over does the action. It crosses the line into disbelief and ridiculousness. Alex Carter might as well be John McClane in Die Hard in this story. She is being pursued by ruthless killers yet she fails to eliminate the threat when given the opportunity. I continue to question my commitment to this series.
March 25, 2026
Wow! "Storm Warning" is a page-turning thrill ride from beginning to end! I just loved it! Alex Carter, Wildlife Biologist, has accepted a new assignment on the Big Island of Hawaii, to monitor and ensure the successful hatching of a group of endangered Hawksbill turtles discovered near a now paused resort construction site. She arrives and sets up her beach camp site, and monitoring equipment, while she recruits local volunteers to aid in protecting the nesting site. She is determined to protect the eggs and the hatchlings as they make their trek across the sand to the ocean. All is going well, and Alex is enjoying her new assignment and a bit of peace, until dangerous poachers and a monstrous hurricane threaten it all. Alice Henderson has written a brilliant, exciting plot, filled with danger, suspense, and plot twists that swirl from Hawaii to Alaska, and England! Her knowledge and love of wildlife is evident on every page! The character of Alex Carter that she has created is quite an amazing, courageous and dedicated woman, who is determined to do everything she can to save endangered species from all threats, environmental and criminal. I learn so much from these books! (example- meaning of anthropogenic climate change) I love turtles, and have visited many rescue areas, and beaches with protected areas for the eggs, so this book was of particular interest for me. The afterword and information sections at the end are really informative. Can't wait to Alex's next adventure! Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.
March 24, 2026
These Alex Carter wildlife biologist suspense books just keep getting better and better! I loved this latest set in Hawaii that has Alex working to help sea turtles when she gets caught up in a dangerous biological weapons scheme that a wealthy billionaire is trying to steal and release onto the public with the aim of having the only vaccine to save the world.
A horrifyingly possible scenario that has Alex running through volcano fields and hidden volcano bunkers/tunnels trying to outwit the thieves. Highly recommended for fans of the Clive Cussler NUMA files/Dirk Pitt series.
Informative, action packed and filled with facts about endangered animals and climate activism. There's also a great cameo from Alex's love interest towards the end! I can't wait for the next book in the series!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
A horrifyingly possible scenario that has Alex running through volcano fields and hidden volcano bunkers/tunnels trying to outwit the thieves. Highly recommended for fans of the Clive Cussler NUMA files/Dirk Pitt series.
Informative, action packed and filled with facts about endangered animals and climate activism. There's also a great cameo from Alex's love interest towards the end! I can't wait for the next book in the series!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
March 24, 2026
I have read each and every book in the Alex Carter series and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the latest one! Number 5 in this series, Storm Warning has an intriguing premise and our main character, Dr. Alex Carter is at her very best. If you love smart, resilient women, you will love Dr. Carter the wildlife biologist. This latest installment keeps the reader on their toes with a fast paced mystery that keeps the reader thinking. I learn so much about the environment, wildlife and nature each time I read one of these books and I am also wildly entertained! Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
May 22, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series! This book was filled with a lot more science and information than the previous 4 books, but it was still an enjoyable read.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for the digital copy of this book.
I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series! This book was filled with a lot more science and information than the previous 4 books, but it was still an enjoyable read.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for the digital copy of this book.
March 26, 2026
I love this series. I have enjoyed all of them with the mystery but also reminders that's we are killing our own planet and the animals on it. this one takes place in Hawaii.
May 4, 2026
Ambitious, action-packed, entertaining, much more violent than previous books in the series. However, it’s more than a little far-fetched, but I did enjoy it.
April 7, 2026
Another great addition to the Alex Carter series!
April 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this.
I wasn't sure the direction this book was going to take as it was teaching you about turtles and the works of what Alex was achieving.
But then the high stakes came in with the storm/poachers and had great gripping points where I myself felt I couldn't breathe reading a certain scene. How things kept happening was very page turning, but also had me making faces with have it was gross and descriptive.
I wasn't sure the direction this book was going to take as it was teaching you about turtles and the works of what Alex was achieving.
But then the high stakes came in with the storm/poachers and had great gripping points where I myself felt I couldn't breathe reading a certain scene. How things kept happening was very page turning, but also had me making faces with have it was gross and descriptive.
June 8, 2026
4.5 Stars ✨ for enjoyment & to learn all about Hawksbill turtle entwined with an action packed story.
Thanks to Alice Henderson for continuing the good fight for our environment and to speak for those who can not.
Thanks to Alice Henderson for continuing the good fight for our environment and to speak for those who can not.
August 18, 2026
Alex is camping on a beach in Hawaii to monitor and protect hawksbill turtles. When I finished book four, I wasn't sure I'd continue because Henderson had been using a character to swoop in at the end to save the day for Alex, and that annoyed me.
Well, he didn't save the day this time, but I wasn't any happier with Storm Warning. All the information-- while important to those concerned about the wildlife on our planet-- felt like one lecture after another instead of being seamlessly integrated into the story. In addition, Alex turning into MacGyver at every turn stopped being ingenious and started making my eyes roll. Although there are things I do like about this series, I don't think I'll continue.
Well, he didn't save the day this time, but I wasn't any happier with Storm Warning. All the information-- while important to those concerned about the wildlife on our planet-- felt like one lecture after another instead of being seamlessly integrated into the story. In addition, Alex turning into MacGyver at every turn stopped being ingenious and started making my eyes roll. Although there are things I do like about this series, I don't think I'll continue.
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April 8, 2026I know this series isn't the best fit for me anymore, but I just wasn't ready to give it up yet.
STORM WARNING takes Alex to the Big Island (Hawaii) where she's working with hawksbill turtles (to protect their nests and see their babies safely off to sea!). All the scenes featuring the turtles were my favorite. I also enjoyed hearing about her snorkeling and time on the beach.
But this is the Alex Carter series, which means her life is soon to be in danger while she fights to protect endangered species and the planet against bad guys. Think non-stop action thriller. I enjoy reading about a resourceful woman who can fight back, but it's still just... a lot.
I knew to expect that going in. I know that that is not the best fit for me, personally - this is now the fifth time something along these lines has happened for Alex; I for one am ready to read about an assignment in which the most she has to deal with is petty crime. But that's not what this series is. So, no star rating from me, and please know I do readily recommend Storm Warning - as long as an action thriller is what you're looking for.
STORM WARNING takes Alex to the Big Island (Hawaii) where she's working with hawksbill turtles (to protect their nests and see their babies safely off to sea!). All the scenes featuring the turtles were my favorite. I also enjoyed hearing about her snorkeling and time on the beach.
But this is the Alex Carter series, which means her life is soon to be in danger while she fights to protect endangered species and the planet against bad guys. Think non-stop action thriller. I enjoy reading about a resourceful woman who can fight back, but it's still just... a lot.
I knew to expect that going in. I know that that is not the best fit for me, personally - this is now the fifth time something along these lines has happened for Alex; I for one am ready to read about an assignment in which the most she has to deal with is petty crime. But that's not what this series is. So, no star rating from me, and please know I do readily recommend Storm Warning - as long as an action thriller is what you're looking for.
March 28, 2026
Give me a book that has me learn something while taking me on a wild mystery ride any day. Especially when it is written by Alice Henderson. I cannot rave enough about this series, and while you may have to suspend belief at points, all of the books in this series are just such good reads.
Storm Warning is no exception. Alex Carter is offered a position to help support hawksbill turtles in Hawaii. This is one of the last places she was with her mother, so the flash backs that she has add an additional layer to the story.
As I said, I will be raving about this series to anyone who needs a well written mystery series that involves wildlife and biology.
Thank you to Netgalley, Alice Henderson and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
Storm Warning is no exception. Alex Carter is offered a position to help support hawksbill turtles in Hawaii. This is one of the last places she was with her mother, so the flash backs that she has add an additional layer to the story.
As I said, I will be raving about this series to anyone who needs a well written mystery series that involves wildlife and biology.
Thank you to Netgalley, Alice Henderson and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 12, 2026
STORM WARNING (ALEX CARTER #5)
BY: ALICE HENDERSON
I fell in love with this talented Author. Alice Henderson's very first book called "THE SOLITUDE OF WOLVERINES." which is still my favorite which I picked as a random discovery. This author has created in her Main Character one of the best,intriguing, and a protective of all Wildlife especially an endangered species named Alex Carter who is a Wildlife Biologist. I have often thought that this author is just as devoted to raising awareness how in nature these dwindling in vast amounts certain animals in Wild life are vulnerable to not just Climate Change. With how groups albeit hopefully few poachers that are motivated by greed. How some people pay no attention to laws that protect these shrinking amounts of animals, and how few have just as low regard for not only killing these animals, but take it one step further, and easily kill Wildlife Biologists who are tasked to work in their habitats like Alex Carter who always will defy, but make it her mission to stand up for these animals that are possibly going to be extinct. Another reason that these animals face danger is by land developers who are going to make a fortune by building on land that is where these protected species are being forced to leave by driven off their land that is become conservation dedicated to these animals. I have read every single novel, and the lengths that some people go to especially in this latest one, installment number five called, "STORM WARNING," have the same disregard for human life by leaving no one left to tell by eliminating all witnesses.
I really love learning about all of the latest technological tools such as also admirable about Alice Henderson's including the scientific ways to be able to track these animals which in this case with Alex Carter's gear that is like a GPS Satellite that she puts on these Hawksbill Sea Turtles that are effective to be able to locate them underwater. As well, as Alex's whole host of other Scientific other gadgets. Each subsequent novel I get to learn from Alex about different animals, like in this book she's in Hawaii, with how Alice, and her volunteers that watch out for these Hawksbill Sea Turtles that when they built their nests on land, and I was very interested when they lay their eggs each one has the capacity to lay between approximately 140 to 150 eggs each which I was grateful to learn. Never would I have known that which I felt like I keep learning new things each novel allows me to learn and also appreciate how with each different part of the world that Alex is on assignment I know about the animals, but educates me on specific characteristics about that animal that I didn't know. With this one also her initial plan was to ensure that when these baby Sea Turtles hatch she is there to guarantee they would make their trek across the beach unimpeded from human or other predator's don't interfere with their safe passage to their destination. There's a hurricane expected and any part of that storm could be cause for concern that this author and her excellent character development of Alex Carter has made Alex the most lovable characters in any series she is kind, determined, well educated, looks our for others that are being harmed like how she stepped up help Jerome in the beginning by saying something to that police officer and he seemed to know that he is being observed which seemed like his incentive to stop crossing the line by using excessive force.
One of Alex's Volunteers gets abducted. There's a group of poachers, or Smugglers that go to that beach. Alice tries to get that volunteer out of the position of being captured.
As with all of these novels these are people that are up to no good and dangerous so on top of the positive attributes that I listed above there is danger and this novel has plenty of chilling scenes. For example it starts out with the discovery of a several thousands of years old Woolly Mammoth that was frozen and then there's murder of unexpected victims. There;s all of that positive attributes above with a very intelligent Author who delivers a very intelligent Biologist that the credibility is there since her scientific well explained non harmful but gentle different intriguing equipment that with it very evident that Alex, and Author, Alice Henderson love the animals that makes this series, and this latest novel captivating enough. There's also the main character who is likable, determined, and brave. There's suspenseful thriller events that ratchet up with intensity that this one felt like it happened more often which I thought some aspects were a stretch, and I found like most thrillers with my having to suspend disbelief. I think it is such a clever series that I thought it disappointing since most thrillers in the past five or six years don't need to lack credibility so the fact that I don't read them, and this author is so brilliant but except for a few authors of thrillers that I still read that don't go way over the top like this. I wish I could let this Author know that she is increasingly taking a brilliant premise, and adding more thriller content which lacks realism which in my opinion is affecting my desire to continue reading them. I think the thriller aspect is not needed, and less of the thriller theme would be returning to her great concept since her first book I loved, but each one has more of what is implausibility, and maybe it's me but this author should not write action since it is not believable.
Publication Date: March 24, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Alice Henderson and William Morrow for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#StormWarning #AliceHenderson #WilliamMorrow #NetGalley
BY: ALICE HENDERSON
I fell in love with this talented Author. Alice Henderson's very first book called "THE SOLITUDE OF WOLVERINES." which is still my favorite which I picked as a random discovery. This author has created in her Main Character one of the best,intriguing, and a protective of all Wildlife especially an endangered species named Alex Carter who is a Wildlife Biologist. I have often thought that this author is just as devoted to raising awareness how in nature these dwindling in vast amounts certain animals in Wild life are vulnerable to not just Climate Change. With how groups albeit hopefully few poachers that are motivated by greed. How some people pay no attention to laws that protect these shrinking amounts of animals, and how few have just as low regard for not only killing these animals, but take it one step further, and easily kill Wildlife Biologists who are tasked to work in their habitats like Alex Carter who always will defy, but make it her mission to stand up for these animals that are possibly going to be extinct. Another reason that these animals face danger is by land developers who are going to make a fortune by building on land that is where these protected species are being forced to leave by driven off their land that is become conservation dedicated to these animals. I have read every single novel, and the lengths that some people go to especially in this latest one, installment number five called, "STORM WARNING," have the same disregard for human life by leaving no one left to tell by eliminating all witnesses.
I really love learning about all of the latest technological tools such as also admirable about Alice Henderson's including the scientific ways to be able to track these animals which in this case with Alex Carter's gear that is like a GPS Satellite that she puts on these Hawksbill Sea Turtles that are effective to be able to locate them underwater. As well, as Alex's whole host of other Scientific other gadgets. Each subsequent novel I get to learn from Alex about different animals, like in this book she's in Hawaii, with how Alice, and her volunteers that watch out for these Hawksbill Sea Turtles that when they built their nests on land, and I was very interested when they lay their eggs each one has the capacity to lay between approximately 140 to 150 eggs each which I was grateful to learn. Never would I have known that which I felt like I keep learning new things each novel allows me to learn and also appreciate how with each different part of the world that Alex is on assignment I know about the animals, but educates me on specific characteristics about that animal that I didn't know. With this one also her initial plan was to ensure that when these baby Sea Turtles hatch she is there to guarantee they would make their trek across the beach unimpeded from human or other predator's don't interfere with their safe passage to their destination. There's a hurricane expected and any part of that storm could be cause for concern that this author and her excellent character development of Alex Carter has made Alex the most lovable characters in any series she is kind, determined, well educated, looks our for others that are being harmed like how she stepped up help Jerome in the beginning by saying something to that police officer and he seemed to know that he is being observed which seemed like his incentive to stop crossing the line by using excessive force.
One of Alex's Volunteers gets abducted. There's a group of poachers, or Smugglers that go to that beach. Alice tries to get that volunteer out of the position of being captured.
As with all of these novels these are people that are up to no good and dangerous so on top of the positive attributes that I listed above there is danger and this novel has plenty of chilling scenes. For example it starts out with the discovery of a several thousands of years old Woolly Mammoth that was frozen and then there's murder of unexpected victims. There;s all of that positive attributes above with a very intelligent Author who delivers a very intelligent Biologist that the credibility is there since her scientific well explained non harmful but gentle different intriguing equipment that with it very evident that Alex, and Author, Alice Henderson love the animals that makes this series, and this latest novel captivating enough. There's also the main character who is likable, determined, and brave. There's suspenseful thriller events that ratchet up with intensity that this one felt like it happened more often which I thought some aspects were a stretch, and I found like most thrillers with my having to suspend disbelief. I think it is such a clever series that I thought it disappointing since most thrillers in the past five or six years don't need to lack credibility so the fact that I don't read them, and this author is so brilliant but except for a few authors of thrillers that I still read that don't go way over the top like this. I wish I could let this Author know that she is increasingly taking a brilliant premise, and adding more thriller content which lacks realism which in my opinion is affecting my desire to continue reading them. I think the thriller aspect is not needed, and less of the thriller theme would be returning to her great concept since her first book I loved, but each one has more of what is implausibility, and maybe it's me but this author should not write action since it is not believable.
Publication Date: March 24, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Alice Henderson and William Morrow for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#StormWarning #AliceHenderson #WilliamMorrow #NetGalley
May 8, 2026
Henderson is a wildlife surveyor and researcher as well as an author so it's understandable, but so MUCH of this one is about the wildlife that the actual mystery (story) gets left behind. Kinda think I am done reading these.
June 13, 2026
Often characters make poor choices or do things that frustrate the reader.
However, when very smart characters see the writing on the wall and then act like they can’t read it is just poor writing.
However, when very smart characters see the writing on the wall and then act like they can’t read it is just poor writing.
March 29, 2026
Alice Henderson's thrilling and fascinating series about Alex Carter, a wildlife biologist whose past adventures have had her studying jaguars, wolverines, polar bears and caribou, now takes her to Hawaii. In STORM WARNING, Alex has been asked to monitor a beach where hawksbill turtles are laying their eggs. The timing is perfect as she is just coming off of another job and has the time. Also, returning to the island where she lived with her parents for a while brings back fond memories.
As with all of Henderson's books, this one starts with a seemingly unrelated incident that will be relevant later in the novel. In Alaska, a gold mining crew uncovers a woolly mammoth. It gets shipped to Hawaii for study, but then a baby mammoth is discovered at the same site. Before much can be done to carefully excavate it, a helicopter appears with masked men. Not only do they take the diminutive baby mammoth, they kill everyone there.
Then the action moves to the beach, where Alex is snorkeling over a vibrant coral reef. One of the ways in which Henderson keeps the stories enthralling and filled with scenes we love to imagine as we read is to describe the wildlife that Alex is viewing in such detail that we easily can picture it in our minds. We see the sunlight playing over the coral and the "iridescent amber and brown" of the rare hawksbill turtle she observes eating sponges that grow on the reef. By breaking off pieces of the sponges, thus opening the reef, the hawksbill allows fish to reach places that they wouldn't be able to access otherwise.
Alex sets up camp on the beach and recruits volunteers to help her watch the turtle nests filled with eggs. She can't be there every minute, and when she needs to go to the store for food or other supplies, someone else will ensure that predators like dogs, raccoons and humans don't disturb the nests. As we find out, humans can be the deadliest predators around. One of the volunteers is a scientist at the nearby Museum of Vertebrate Paleontology, where the Alaskan mammoth was originally taken for study.
While Alex is trying to count endangered turtle eggs and shield the nests, she's also protecting the wildlife in the ocean from illegal gillnets that kill indiscriminately. It traps one of the turtles Alex has tagged with a sensor, so she is able to save the turtle and remove the gillnet. A hurricane is approaching, and Alex will have to figure out how to move the eggs to safety so they don't drown in the storm surge. That turtle eggs need protection from drowning is one of the many fascinating things that we learn about wildlife in this series.
As the storm approaches, the real bad guys appear. The events from the prologue make sense as we see the ensuing danger to Alex, the museum and the world at large. Alex becomes almost a superhero as she dodges and intrepidly takes action to stymie the villains. It's like watching a movie where we know you don't go into the basement because the monster is there, but the character does anyway. That's what we feel as Alex makes move after move to thwart the evil plan of a billionaire who will never be satisfied with his money.
Henderson writes what so many people feel these days about billionaires trying to control everything --- what the media reports on, what networks air, who is allowed in our country, who goes to war and who profits from it: "And why was it that the richest people seemed to be the most obsessed with acquiring more wealth, even turning to unethical means to get it?" (Billion-dollar trades in oil mere minutes before public statements about war come to mind here.)
What I and many readers adore about Henderson's novels is the wealth of information she provides about not only the species that is the main creature in the story, but others as well. Here we learn about how climate change is decimating the population of sea turtles. "Turtles get killed in staggering numbers when they get caught in fishing nets. They're also crushed by dredges used in shellfish hunting. They're even sucked up by nuclear power plants that use seawater to cool their reactors." Henderson goes on to explain that humans also harm turtles by building resorts and housing developments on beaches where they nest. Seawalls rob the turtles of their egg-laying beaches, and climate change causes more destructive storms that erode beach habitats and drown turtle eggs in their nests.
While each of these books can be treated as a stand-alone, the overarching story about Alex and her family; her best friend; and Casey, the mystery guy, makes it a great series to dive into from the start. It's incredibly rewarding to read a novel that incorporates real information about our world and our wildlife, a fabulous protagonist and gripping action, while also being quite touching.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
As with all of Henderson's books, this one starts with a seemingly unrelated incident that will be relevant later in the novel. In Alaska, a gold mining crew uncovers a woolly mammoth. It gets shipped to Hawaii for study, but then a baby mammoth is discovered at the same site. Before much can be done to carefully excavate it, a helicopter appears with masked men. Not only do they take the diminutive baby mammoth, they kill everyone there.
Then the action moves to the beach, where Alex is snorkeling over a vibrant coral reef. One of the ways in which Henderson keeps the stories enthralling and filled with scenes we love to imagine as we read is to describe the wildlife that Alex is viewing in such detail that we easily can picture it in our minds. We see the sunlight playing over the coral and the "iridescent amber and brown" of the rare hawksbill turtle she observes eating sponges that grow on the reef. By breaking off pieces of the sponges, thus opening the reef, the hawksbill allows fish to reach places that they wouldn't be able to access otherwise.
Alex sets up camp on the beach and recruits volunteers to help her watch the turtle nests filled with eggs. She can't be there every minute, and when she needs to go to the store for food or other supplies, someone else will ensure that predators like dogs, raccoons and humans don't disturb the nests. As we find out, humans can be the deadliest predators around. One of the volunteers is a scientist at the nearby Museum of Vertebrate Paleontology, where the Alaskan mammoth was originally taken for study.
While Alex is trying to count endangered turtle eggs and shield the nests, she's also protecting the wildlife in the ocean from illegal gillnets that kill indiscriminately. It traps one of the turtles Alex has tagged with a sensor, so she is able to save the turtle and remove the gillnet. A hurricane is approaching, and Alex will have to figure out how to move the eggs to safety so they don't drown in the storm surge. That turtle eggs need protection from drowning is one of the many fascinating things that we learn about wildlife in this series.
As the storm approaches, the real bad guys appear. The events from the prologue make sense as we see the ensuing danger to Alex, the museum and the world at large. Alex becomes almost a superhero as she dodges and intrepidly takes action to stymie the villains. It's like watching a movie where we know you don't go into the basement because the monster is there, but the character does anyway. That's what we feel as Alex makes move after move to thwart the evil plan of a billionaire who will never be satisfied with his money.
Henderson writes what so many people feel these days about billionaires trying to control everything --- what the media reports on, what networks air, who is allowed in our country, who goes to war and who profits from it: "And why was it that the richest people seemed to be the most obsessed with acquiring more wealth, even turning to unethical means to get it?" (Billion-dollar trades in oil mere minutes before public statements about war come to mind here.)
What I and many readers adore about Henderson's novels is the wealth of information she provides about not only the species that is the main creature in the story, but others as well. Here we learn about how climate change is decimating the population of sea turtles. "Turtles get killed in staggering numbers when they get caught in fishing nets. They're also crushed by dredges used in shellfish hunting. They're even sucked up by nuclear power plants that use seawater to cool their reactors." Henderson goes on to explain that humans also harm turtles by building resorts and housing developments on beaches where they nest. Seawalls rob the turtles of their egg-laying beaches, and climate change causes more destructive storms that erode beach habitats and drown turtle eggs in their nests.
While each of these books can be treated as a stand-alone, the overarching story about Alex and her family; her best friend; and Casey, the mystery guy, makes it a great series to dive into from the start. It's incredibly rewarding to read a novel that incorporates real information about our world and our wildlife, a fabulous protagonist and gripping action, while also being quite touching.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you enjoy eco-thrillers, crime thrillers, and action thrillers, then look no further than Alice Henderson’s series featuring wildlife biologist Alex Carter. The fifth book in the series,
Storm Warning,
is set in Hawaii and mainly on Honu Beach near the small town of Anuenue. Alex is camping on the beach to study and protect hawksbill turtles who have started nesting on the site.
She’s looking forward to a break from the danger of her past assignments. First, she discovers poachers, and then, as a massive hurricane approaches, armed thieves storm onto the beach while Alex and her volunteers are trying to move turtle eggs to safety out of the storm surge. They abduct one of the volunteers and Alex goes after them.
Henderson has become my favorite author who emphasizes different facets of nature in a mystery thriller. The book starts with a prologue in Alaska and a horrifying event. It will take readers a while to understand the importance of this event and how it fits with the rest of the story.
Alex is a likeable character who is three-dimensional and had depth. She is a skilled wildlife biologist, adept at martial arts, and is an expert shooter. She enjoys solitude, but has a few very good friends. She’s also polite, curious, determined to make a difference, has strong beliefs and ideals, and she enjoys meaningful connections and communication. She’s most at home in the wilds and is a bit lonely at times. She’s supported by an array of secondary characters that enhanced the story, but were not as fully developed. However, the relationships seemed believable and not contrived and provided the needed support or conflict.
As usual, the world-building is fantastic. I felt like I was transported to Hawaii as she carried out her research and encountered some dangerous situations. The story is descriptive and gives readers an opportunity to learn about the endangered hawksbill turtles as well as some of the other wildlife on the island. The story was compelling, shocking at times, intense, and a great addition to the series. While some of the action is over-the-top, it did not reduce my enjoyment or enthusiasm for the book. Themes include endangered species, climate change, wildlife trafficking, murder, greed, grief, friendship, and much more. At the end of the book is information regarding wildlife and the environment, including books and documentaries on sea turtles and nonprofit organizations that help sea turtles.
Overall, this combined mystery, nature, the environment, action adventure, crimes, and survival into one fantastic novel. It’s entertaining, compelling, and kept me rapidly turning the pages. Not only was this a fascinating mystery that kept me fully engaged, but I learned a lot about the hawksbill turtles. If you enjoy action-packed thrillers with an environmental and threatened wildlife theme, then this is a series to consider reading. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
William Morrow and Alice Henderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 24, 2026.
-------------------
My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
She’s looking forward to a break from the danger of her past assignments. First, she discovers poachers, and then, as a massive hurricane approaches, armed thieves storm onto the beach while Alex and her volunteers are trying to move turtle eggs to safety out of the storm surge. They abduct one of the volunteers and Alex goes after them.
Henderson has become my favorite author who emphasizes different facets of nature in a mystery thriller. The book starts with a prologue in Alaska and a horrifying event. It will take readers a while to understand the importance of this event and how it fits with the rest of the story.
Alex is a likeable character who is three-dimensional and had depth. She is a skilled wildlife biologist, adept at martial arts, and is an expert shooter. She enjoys solitude, but has a few very good friends. She’s also polite, curious, determined to make a difference, has strong beliefs and ideals, and she enjoys meaningful connections and communication. She’s most at home in the wilds and is a bit lonely at times. She’s supported by an array of secondary characters that enhanced the story, but were not as fully developed. However, the relationships seemed believable and not contrived and provided the needed support or conflict.
As usual, the world-building is fantastic. I felt like I was transported to Hawaii as she carried out her research and encountered some dangerous situations. The story is descriptive and gives readers an opportunity to learn about the endangered hawksbill turtles as well as some of the other wildlife on the island. The story was compelling, shocking at times, intense, and a great addition to the series. While some of the action is over-the-top, it did not reduce my enjoyment or enthusiasm for the book. Themes include endangered species, climate change, wildlife trafficking, murder, greed, grief, friendship, and much more. At the end of the book is information regarding wildlife and the environment, including books and documentaries on sea turtles and nonprofit organizations that help sea turtles.
Overall, this combined mystery, nature, the environment, action adventure, crimes, and survival into one fantastic novel. It’s entertaining, compelling, and kept me rapidly turning the pages. Not only was this a fascinating mystery that kept me fully engaged, but I learned a lot about the hawksbill turtles. If you enjoy action-packed thrillers with an environmental and threatened wildlife theme, then this is a series to consider reading. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
William Morrow and Alice Henderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 24, 2026.
-------------------
My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and to William Morrow for the ARC of Storm Warning by Alice Henderson.
This is a great addition to the series, and, for new readers, this is the 4th book in a series, so while you could sort of jump in without issue, I think it's still best to start at the beginning or else a few character mentions/interactions might be ruined.
In this adventure we join Alex in Hawaii, where she is monitoring/studying/protecting hawksbill turtle nests. Thing are generally peaceful besides one unfortunate encounter with poachers, but when a hurricane moves toward the island, trouble comes directly to Alex's beach in multiple big ways. As she moves the turtle eggs from the beach with her volunteers, one of them is taken hostage by masked gunmen, and with service down and the storm surge moving in, Alex is the only one capable of helping.
That's really all I can say before the story really kicks off in the Alex Carter Attack fashion - where the story moves in really wild ways and Alex is there to take and give the punches.
These are such entertaining reads, and they're an environmentally-centric mystery thriller that should really be giving male protagonists like Jack Reacher a run for their money.
Henderson speaks so passionately and knowledgeably about the environment and animals, but she also provides such wild entertainment with everything Alex finds herself capable of.
I took off a start for some generally mundane reasons:
- Alex is SO capable against criminals in every book, but whenever we're with her she's just eating pasta or protein bars and hiking about. I would love to see more of her actually training in her martial art moves or with guns or any of those things that she never struggles with when the danger is afoot. I think I need more than just "My mom taught me this" because some of these things require a lot of effort/strength.
- In the first book Alex thought more about the impact of the near shooting in Boston / her own safety. By the fourth she's in pretty wild danger in every book, but we don't get that same level of reflection. I kind of wish in some way she would acknowledge some sort of impact that being forced to kill others, run for her life, have friends killed, etc. has had on her.
- Casey. WE NEED MORE CASEY. But also, Alex still struggles so much with Casey being vigilante murderer without acknowledging that she too does not shy from murder when faced with protecting herself. Yes, Casey's situation is still different, but honestly, Alex walks that line very closely too without recognizing it in herself.
- While Casey generally is the connecting thread between the books, I think we've lost an overarching subplot since book 2. That's totally fine if these are meant to be one-offs for fun, but it seemed like originally there was an intent for more here.
I super love this series and can't wait to see what Alex gets up to next.
This is a great addition to the series, and, for new readers, this is the 4th book in a series, so while you could sort of jump in without issue, I think it's still best to start at the beginning or else a few character mentions/interactions might be ruined.
In this adventure we join Alex in Hawaii, where she is monitoring/studying/protecting hawksbill turtle nests. Thing are generally peaceful besides one unfortunate encounter with poachers, but when a hurricane moves toward the island, trouble comes directly to Alex's beach in multiple big ways. As she moves the turtle eggs from the beach with her volunteers, one of them is taken hostage by masked gunmen, and with service down and the storm surge moving in, Alex is the only one capable of helping.
That's really all I can say before the story really kicks off in the Alex Carter Attack fashion - where the story moves in really wild ways and Alex is there to take and give the punches.
These are such entertaining reads, and they're an environmentally-centric mystery thriller that should really be giving male protagonists like Jack Reacher a run for their money.
Henderson speaks so passionately and knowledgeably about the environment and animals, but she also provides such wild entertainment with everything Alex finds herself capable of.
I took off a start for some generally mundane reasons:
- Alex is SO capable against criminals in every book, but whenever we're with her she's just eating pasta or protein bars and hiking about. I would love to see more of her actually training in her martial art moves or with guns or any of those things that she never struggles with when the danger is afoot. I think I need more than just "My mom taught me this" because some of these things require a lot of effort/strength.
- In the first book Alex thought more about the impact of the near shooting in Boston / her own safety. By the fourth she's in pretty wild danger in every book, but we don't get that same level of reflection. I kind of wish in some way she would acknowledge some sort of impact that being forced to kill others, run for her life, have friends killed, etc. has had on her.
- Casey. WE NEED MORE CASEY. But also, Alex still struggles so much with Casey being vigilante murderer without acknowledging that she too does not shy from murder when faced with protecting herself. Yes, Casey's situation is still different, but honestly, Alex walks that line very closely too without recognizing it in herself.
- While Casey generally is the connecting thread between the books, I think we've lost an overarching subplot since book 2. That's totally fine if these are meant to be one-offs for fun, but it seemed like originally there was an intent for more here.
I super love this series and can't wait to see what Alex gets up to next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Storm Warning, the fifth book in the Alex Carter series, takes the wildlife biologist to the tropical shores of Hawaii to monitor endangered hatchbill turtles laying their eggs on a remote beach.
Henderson's latest offering follows the formula of her previous novels in the series, with Alex getting a brief time to enjoy the beauty of nature around her, followed by encounters with people that don't have nearly the same sense of appreciation that she does, and then Alex trying to outwit and outlive the villains in the story. Reoccurring characters periodically pop up, in this book her friend Sasha from a previous adventure makes the largest appearance, though her best friend Zoe and another friend Casey show up briefly as well.
Each book Henderson writes is informative about a different endangered animal and the perils they face that are often a result of people. Previous books have covered wolves, polar bears, and jaguars in different locations around the country, and she keeps up her trend of moving to a different climate and animal here. She also has the opportunity to introduce some secondary characters that help move the first part of the story along and who show that there are still plenty of people out there that want to do their part to help protect wildlife.
Sometimes I feel like the books get a little too bogged down into trying to present climate and animal facts. They are interesting, and it's a more engaging way to reach people than dry reports, but it can also take away from the thread of the story. This still happens here, but maybe it's the presence of enough other characters that Alex can explain information to that helps it feel less like a train of thought truly aimed at the reader.
This book has two running storylines of threat - poachers that are interfering with Alex's efforts to protect the turtles, and a group of mercenaries pursuing the remains of a preserved wooly mammoth that has been brought to a local museum. The latter ends up being the more predominant storyline and is probably the more interesting one, but it does tend to stray away from the more wildlife at risk theme Henderson tends to go for.
It also creates a whole chunk of the book that DOES get bogged down with Alex playing cat and mouse across the Big Island with the mercenaries during a hurricane. It includes the introduction of a lava tube that was used as a World War II bunker, which is really interesting, but the rest of it feels overly drawn out and for me, drags the book down. I was more than happy to see Alex make a return to civilization to move the story forward. I wish Henderson had devoted less time to this 'scene' and more time to wrapping up the story.
All in all, it's another solid cli-fi suspense novel that fans of the genre will enjoy. It won't knock your socks off, but it's an interesting and information read.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Henderson's latest offering follows the formula of her previous novels in the series, with Alex getting a brief time to enjoy the beauty of nature around her, followed by encounters with people that don't have nearly the same sense of appreciation that she does, and then Alex trying to outwit and outlive the villains in the story. Reoccurring characters periodically pop up, in this book her friend Sasha from a previous adventure makes the largest appearance, though her best friend Zoe and another friend Casey show up briefly as well.
Each book Henderson writes is informative about a different endangered animal and the perils they face that are often a result of people. Previous books have covered wolves, polar bears, and jaguars in different locations around the country, and she keeps up her trend of moving to a different climate and animal here. She also has the opportunity to introduce some secondary characters that help move the first part of the story along and who show that there are still plenty of people out there that want to do their part to help protect wildlife.
Sometimes I feel like the books get a little too bogged down into trying to present climate and animal facts. They are interesting, and it's a more engaging way to reach people than dry reports, but it can also take away from the thread of the story. This still happens here, but maybe it's the presence of enough other characters that Alex can explain information to that helps it feel less like a train of thought truly aimed at the reader.
This book has two running storylines of threat - poachers that are interfering with Alex's efforts to protect the turtles, and a group of mercenaries pursuing the remains of a preserved wooly mammoth that has been brought to a local museum. The latter ends up being the more predominant storyline and is probably the more interesting one, but it does tend to stray away from the more wildlife at risk theme Henderson tends to go for.
It also creates a whole chunk of the book that DOES get bogged down with Alex playing cat and mouse across the Big Island with the mercenaries during a hurricane. It includes the introduction of a lava tube that was used as a World War II bunker, which is really interesting, but the rest of it feels overly drawn out and for me, drags the book down. I was more than happy to see Alex make a return to civilization to move the story forward. I wish Henderson had devoted less time to this 'scene' and more time to wrapping up the story.
All in all, it's another solid cli-fi suspense novel that fans of the genre will enjoy. It won't knock your socks off, but it's an interesting and information read.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Alex Carter books are all well written ecological thrillers that are also a call to action. Each book is centered on an endangered species, and you learn quite a lot about each one through out the story. These books are sort of like a nonfiction book with a thriller storyline and a main character that you can root for. Alex travels the US to help endangered species while also taking on some bad guys and winning.
I listened to the audiobook and Eva Kaminsky does an excellent job portraying Alex and the other characters in the story. She does a great job with the accents of the other characters, even the australian one. She keeps a steady voice when Alex is in danger, just like I imagine Alex’s inner voice to be.
I really like Alex. She is very smart and usually well prepared for any situation. She also cares deeply for the environment and the animals around her. She is a scientist who has a lot of empathy, not only for animals, but for people too. She is also a very determined young woman who is strong willed but also vulnerable. She has shown some growth in her characters over the course of the books, and has learned some restraint as well. She no longer just jumps in to rescue others, but takes a moment to assess the situation and makes a plan. Alex tends to make friends wherever she goes, but due to the nature of her work, is also often lonely.
I always enjoy the secondary characters that Alex meets in each book, even the bad guys are always interesting. These characters are always well rounded and we even get a bit of backstory on each one that makes them feel well fleshed out. In this book we even get a few chapters from the main bad guys which I really enjoyed.
The world building is, as always, phenomenal. The author does a really good job of describing the setting and the animals that Alex encounters. I felt transported to Hawaii and reading this made me want to visit it again. The dialogue is also well done, and I loved some of the heartfelt discussions Alex has with her volunteers and her friend Sasha.
Even though I really enjoyed this story, it did push the boundaries of incredulity a bit farther than the other ones have. Especially towards the end as the bad guys are chasing Alex across the island during a hurricane. But the author does a great job making you think that it could really happen. I also really enjoy all of the information about hawksbill turtles and some of the other animals that Alex encounters throughout the story. The nonfiction information can sometimes drag the story down, but it is always interesting and usually important to the rest of the story.
If you enjoy eco-thrillers, crime thrillers or any kind of thriller, than you really should give these books a chance. A bookseller recommend the first book in the series, A Solitude of Wolverines, and I am so glad I listened to her. You don’t have to read these books in order, most work well as a standalone, but it is always best to start at the beginning.
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