In Warning Signs, her second psychological thriller, Tracy Sierra explores father and son relationships, a mother’s love, the toxic depths of the male psyche and misogyny. The scale and breadth of the landscape, and the inescapable force of nature adds a powerfully dramatic context to the mix.

It is a great read, pacy, shocking, disturbing and heart stopping.

Peak avalanche season in the Colorado Mountains, a fathers and sons ski weekend, a hidden predator and a struggle for wealth and control between those that have it and those that don’t. What could possibly go wrong?

The central character is a twelve-year boy, Zach, missing his mother and desperate for his father’s attention and love. Of all of those on the trip, he knows most about the mountain, its moods and dangers, but no-one listens, he’s just a kid.

The purpose of the weekend is not the skiing but to pitch for more investment. Will it work? It must for Zach’s father, but he is challenging wealthy and powerful men who need to win whatever game they are playing, money or mountains.

After a storm, the snow is perfect on the slopes but once they leave the safety of the hut and move out onto the peaks, they have no idea of what they are about to face by their arrogance in ignoring wisdom and warning signs. It will not only put them into extreme peril but expose the hidden truths of why they are all there.

I really like Zach. He has an understanding and reasoning beyond his years, and his journey is a gripping emotional and psychical struggle for truth and closure.

It is terrific storytelling and a warning for us all to read the signs too, whatever they might be, before it’s too late.

Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra out 12/2/26

Reviewer: Phil Rowlands author of Time Slip