[.ca] Warning Signs (ISBN 0440237416)

Slow-going at first but then it is a roller coaster ride!:
I almost didn't finish reading this book. I came here and read the reviews but couldn't get into the first 5 chapters. But then it came together and the book took off and I never looked back. Easy style of writing when fleshing out conversations between characters. Feels like you are evesdropping and hearing all the juicy details. Great writing and I will read more his novels featuring Dr. Gregory.

Satisfactory Read, But Certainly Not 5 Stars!:
This was an o.k. read, particularly after about 3/4's of the way through, but it is only a slightly better than average read at best. It was good, but it just didn't rise to a level higher than a 3 star for me, or as good as many other murder mystery writers. I also had trouble with the concept that the police, in a high level murder investigation, would have a psychologist tagging along with them in dangerous situations and all the way up until the end (although I haven't read any other Stephen White novels so I don't have anything to compare it to). Pick up if you've run out of other books to read, otherwise...

Psychological Page Turner:
-{??another in White's Alan Gregory series. In this book he (Gregory) struggles with the dilema of patient confidentiality in psychology practice. Basically, what should a therapist do if he thinks he knows about a "Columbine" before it happens. It is a thrilling page turner. I've enjoyed the two books in this series that I have read. However, I always wish that he would just stay with the psychological aspects of the case instead of turning it into an "action-packed thrill ride". Overall, a good read.

Now This One Is Just Excellent!:
I've been reading my way through Mr. White's novels and after a couple of the previous ones (CRITICAL CONDITIONS and HARM'S WAY), I was about to throw in the towel. Glad he AND I persevered! This novel is a keeper. He didn't do his usual "pile on too much ridiculously unbelievable stuff at the end" and in this one his final revelation of the killer made perfect sense. Mr. White is clearly growing as a writer right before our very eyes. Well done!! Unfortunately, I can still just barely tolerate Alan Gregory. Too bad Sam isn't the main character and then Alan could be a secondary he calls on occasionally when he needs to watch someone immerse themselves in a "Thirtysomething" type of whinefest. I am so sick of hearing Alan grizzle about confidentiality. He could have prevented Naomi's death if he had got off the fence much sooner. The woman was clearly in terrible crises, I couldn't believe he kept letting her just walk out of his office. Wimp. If he couldn't bring himself to protect her, he should at least have put his family first. He had plenty of latitude for some end runs around confidentiality. Especially when he has the trustworthy Sam to confide in. Whine, whine, whine. Oh well, Alan is the cross we must bear so I'll try to be gracious. The rest of the characters are so enjoyable. I loved learning more about Lucy, she's wonderful! And I completely sympathized with her feelings toward Ramp. If only he could have channeled himself in a more productive manner, he had much to offer. But he was so right about claiming the only way the world seems to pay attention is after mayhem. So many great topics touched on in this novel and by such compelling characters. Now if we could just kill off Alan in one of these catastrophes that keep attaching themselves to his family!! And Lauren could marry Cozy.........

Exciting, well-written thriller that keeps readers engaged:
The title of the review says it all... the characters are real, I was interested and kept reading (even through jet lag inspired exhaustion) and I wanted to find more Stephen White when the book ended. A should-read for fans of smart psychological mysteries.