Warning Signs

This taut wilderness thriller from Sierra (Nightwatching) centers on Zach Fisher, a sensitive 12-year-old on a backcountry ski tour in the Colorado Rockies with his stern father, Bram, and a group of Bram’s associates. What was once a father-son tradition organized by Zach’s late mother, Grace, has since become a showcase for Bram to impress his business backers. Among the guests are Shane, the cocky son of a media mogul; Jon, a laid-back ski-film celebrity; Dave, a gregarious investor; Russ, Dave’s blunt, awkward son; and Steve, the group’s quiet guide. When Bram’s assistant, Ginny, goes missing, the sharp-eyed Zach finds a jeweled earring tangled in kindling at the cabin—an early sign that all is not as it seems. Then a deadly avalanche strikes, and the discovery of a corpse, animal remains, and the earring’s bloody twin fan paranoia among the guests, alluding to ugly truths about Bram and eroding trust among the survivors. When a second avalanche hits, Zach must find the strength to survive both the elements and his father’s tightening grip. Sierra’s vivid setting, well-shaded characters, and knack for suspense keep the pages turning, even if the narrative is somewhat padded. This is an icy delight. Agent: Helen Heller, Helen Heller Agency. (Feb.)