Sig Alert

by David Scott

Darcy Garcia and Peter Dale are at it again solving the biggest crime of their careers. The future of Los Angeles hangs in the balance. Can they figure out what will happen and when it will happen in enough time to stop it? Find out in SIG ALERT! SIG ALERT is the sequel to the novel HELP WANTED

328 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2018

About the author

David Scott has written a series of action suspense thriller books with themes such as good versus evil (where the good triumphs in the end). His characters are often ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Help Wanted was the first book in the series. Followed by Sig Alert and the latest book, Demarcation.

Reviews

[Anna Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m excited to tell you about this book because it’s totally my jam. I read it quickly, but also not. I don’t know if you’re like this, but when there’s a book that I really like, I equally don’t want to stop reading but also don’t want to keep reading because then it’s over and then it just makes me miserable. This book is fast-paced and interesting with a story that has some good twists and turns. It has some great characters—flawed and believable—and a fun element to it that adds interest and depth.
 
Sig Alert is described as a cross between a legal thriller and a detective saga. It is a story about Peter Dale and Darcy Garcia, who have just gotten married and just when everything seems almost too good to be true, they received an unusual phone call that dispatches them on a race for their lives among a menacing and threatening scheme, something they have never seen before.
 
First of all, I loved the concept of this book. I don't normally drift to this genre of books but when I read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read it right away. Author David Scott triumphantly entwines today’s forefront technology into the descriptions, resulting in a story that is both timely and relevant. He also pulls out all the stops to take you on a wild ride through the gritty streets of Los Angeles. As the main characters slowly come to comprehend the treacherous actuality of their condition, they must continually steer a modern world immersed with legal red-tape and censored protocol. Darcy and Peter desperately grind to stop an attack on Los Angeles by terrorists. 

It’s always invigorating to come across a book that provides more than just action. It actually has a message of social commentary at its central core. I don’t want to give too much away because I think this is a book that is fun and quick-moving. The story itself is interesting and varied. For those who enjoy a plot where trusting no one is the name of the game, this one’s for you. I think overall, it was a strong and interesting story. This is one you should definitely check out. 

[Shey Saints · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sig Alert is a crime thriller by David Scott that follows newly married couple Peter Dale and Darcy Garcia as they open a private research business after surviving a dangerous case from their past. What begins with small investigations and everyday problems slowly turns into something far more mysterious when strange phone apps, coded calls, and secret meetings pull them into a hidden world tied to national security and dangerous enemies. Alongside the suspense, the story also focuses on marriage, trust, ambition, and the risks of building a life together while stepping into unknown territory.

I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars because it completely pulled me in and never let go. The pacing is steady but addictive, and I found myself constantly wanting to read just one more chapter. Peter and Darcy felt real and easy to care about, especially as newlyweds trying to protect each other while navigating danger. The investigative details made everything feel believable, and the mystery surrounding the apps and secret contacts created a strong sense of tension throughout. Sam added depth and experience that balanced the story nicely. Overall, this was an engaging, smart, and suspenseful thriller that kept me invested from beginning to end and left me eager to continue the story.

[Harmonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a straight crime thriller, but it feels more like a slow build into something much bigger. The early chapters about Peter and Darcy setting up their business were engaging. I liked how practical everything felt, from licensing problems to office rent and commuting stress. Sam quickly became my favorite character because he brings experience and dry humor without taking over the story. The first investigation with the workers’ comp fraud was a smart way to show how they work together and learn on the job. What stood out to me is how grounded the writing feels before things turn strange. You really get to know their normal life first, which makes the later tension work better. Solid 5 stars for me.

[Bulletproof Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The relationship between Peter and Darcy is one of the strongest parts of this book for me. Their conversations feel natural, especially when they argue about work, traffic, and ethics. The opening proposal scene sets a warm tone before the story shifts into investigations and danger. I liked how Darcy is written as cautious but brave, while Peter is more impulsive and curious. Sam acts like a steady anchor for both of them, which helps balance the riskier decisions they make. The private researcher angle is handled realistically, with lots of waiting, planning, and second guessing. Nothing feels glamorous. Even when the mystery deepens, the characters still worry about money, jobs, and burnout. That mix made the story feel believable and personal.

[Sue Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The freeway and traffic theme is woven into the story in a clever way. At first it just feels like background frustration, long commutes and bad shortcuts. Later it becomes something much more important. I really like that connection. The scenes in the car, especially with the red glowing phone, were intense because they happen during such an ordinary moment. Driving home after work suddenly becomes dangerous and surreal. The idea that something major could be hiding inside daily routines is handled well here. Peter and Darcy reacting in confusion instead of instant hero mode made it believable. It shows how unprepared regular people are when something big drops into their lives. That said, I am definitely giving this a perfect rating.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing this book does well is show how investigations are mostly patience and planning. The early fraud case and the infidelity setup both show different sides of the job. I liked how Darcy struggles with the ethics of some choices, especially involving Marge. It made her feel thoughtful rather than reckless. Sam’s behind the scenes involvement added depth without turning him into a superhero. The pacing is steady and deliberate. Some chapters focus more on logistics than thrills, which I actually enjoyed. It feels like the author wants you to understand the process, not just the outcome. By the time the national security angle appears, it feels earned.

[Lee Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam is the character who surprised me the most. He starts out as a helpful mentor and slowly becomes the moral compass and protector of the group. His caution around the apps and the mysterious callers felt justified, especially given his background. I liked how he doesn’t fully trust anyone, including the supposed defectors. His humor lightens the story. The way he plans disguises, parking, and escape routes shows how methodical he is. He never feels flashy, just competent. That made the story stronger for me. Whenever Sam was involved, I felt like the situation was at least being handled by someone who understood real danger.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mysterious group and defectors are introduced slowly, which I like. Instead of big speeches, you get fragments, warnings, and half explanations. Mr. Big and Mr. Little feel intentionally strange, almost unreal, which fits their role. I liked how the story never fully trusts them, even when they claim to be helping. The tension comes from not knowing who is lying, who is scared, and who is manipulating the situation. The historical reference to the group’s name was a smart touch and added depth without slowing the story. It made the threat feel ideological, not just criminal. This book is a MUST-READ.

[Jiminie Mochi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The laundromat meetings were easily the most unsettling part of the book so far. The way the apps appear and disappear on Peter’s phone is creepy. I liked that the author didn’t rush to explain the technology. It stays confusing, which fits the situation. The hairnet disguises were oddly funny and tense at the same time. Sam’s instincts during those scenes felt very real, especially his constant worry about surveillance and safety. What impressed me is how little actually happens in those meetings, yet they create a lot of tension. You can feel the uncertainty building with every visit.

[Chris A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The technology aspect is handled in an interesting way because it never turns into a lecture. The apps, encrypted calls, and disappearing messages are explained just enough to follow what’s happening. I liked the visit to the professor because it added credibility without solving everything. The mystery stays intact. What worked best is how the characters react with skepticism instead of blind trust. They question motives, timing, and risk constantly. That makes the story feel believable even when the plot gets strange.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most is how restrained the writing is. There is very little melodrama and almost no exaggerated hero moments. Most of the tension comes from waiting, listening, and trying not to make mistakes. The setting shifts between offices, freeways, and laundromats, which keeps everything realistic in everyday places. I liked how ordinary environments become threatening without changing visually. The story takes its time building trust with the reader and that’s what hooked me the most. This is easily 5 stars for me.

[Ruth Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spends a lot of time on professional transitions, and I found that surprisingly relatable. Peter struggling with leaving journalism and Darcy balancing her police job with the business added emotional weight. The financial stress, office rent, and client hunting all felt realistic. It made the danger later on feel more costly because they already have so much at stake. I liked that success doesn’t come easily. Even after solving cases, they still worry about income and credibility.