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Alan Gregory #10
Warning Signs
Sometimes the warning signs come too late...
The brutal slaying of Boulder’s controversial D.A. strikes deep in the heart of everything clinical psychologist Alan Gregory holds After all, Alan’s wife, Lauren, worked for the dead man.
When a new patient walks into Alan’s office—a terrified mother with an explosive secret—he finds himself edging even closer to the darkness. Soon her privileged exchanges convince Alan that a crime is about to be committed. And when he uncovers a shocking link to the D.A.’s slaying, Alan is suddenly locked in the ethical dilemma of his career, thrust into a desperate manhunt for a killer whose identity no one could have guessed.
As the minutes tick down, Warning Signs explodes into a gripping story of crime and punishment, tragedy and retribution—and of human beings caught in the shattering cross fire of forces beyond their control...forces sometimes within themselves.
The brutal slaying of Boulder’s controversial D.A. strikes deep in the heart of everything clinical psychologist Alan Gregory holds After all, Alan’s wife, Lauren, worked for the dead man.
When a new patient walks into Alan’s office—a terrified mother with an explosive secret—he finds himself edging even closer to the darkness. Soon her privileged exchanges convince Alan that a crime is about to be committed. And when he uncovers a shocking link to the D.A.’s slaying, Alan is suddenly locked in the ethical dilemma of his career, thrust into a desperate manhunt for a killer whose identity no one could have guessed.
As the minutes tick down, Warning Signs explodes into a gripping story of crime and punishment, tragedy and retribution—and of human beings caught in the shattering cross fire of forces beyond their control...forces sometimes within themselves.
489 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 26, 2002
About the author
Stephen White
350 books585 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Stephen White is the author of the New York Times bestselling Alan Gregory novels. In his books, he draws upon over fifteen years of clinical practice as a psychologist to create intriguing plots and complex, believable characters.
Born on Long Island, White grew up in New York, New Jersey, and Southern California and attended the University of California campuses at Irvine (where he lasted three weeks as a creative writing major) and Los Angeles before graduating from Berkeley in 1972. Along the way he learned to fly small planes, worked as a tour guide at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, cooked and waited tables at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and tended bar at the Red Lion Inn in Boulder. Trained as a clinical psychologist, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1979 and became known as an authority on the psychological effects of marital disruption, especially on men. White's research has appeared in Psychological Bulletin and other professional journals and books. After receiving his doctorate, White not only worked in private practice but also at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and later as a staff psychologist at The Children's Hospital in Denver, where he focused his attention on pediatric cancer patients. During those years he became acquainted with a colleague in Los Angeles, another pediatric psychologist named Jonathan Kellerman. At the time, Kellerman and White were two of only about a dozen psychologists in the country working in pediatric oncology.
Series:
* Alan Gregory
Stephen White is the author of the New York Times bestselling Alan Gregory novels. In his books, he draws upon over fifteen years of clinical practice as a psychologist to create intriguing plots and complex, believable characters.
Born on Long Island, White grew up in New York, New Jersey, and Southern California and attended the University of California campuses at Irvine (where he lasted three weeks as a creative writing major) and Los Angeles before graduating from Berkeley in 1972. Along the way he learned to fly small planes, worked as a tour guide at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, cooked and waited tables at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and tended bar at the Red Lion Inn in Boulder. Trained as a clinical psychologist, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1979 and became known as an authority on the psychological effects of marital disruption, especially on men. White's research has appeared in Psychological Bulletin and other professional journals and books. After receiving his doctorate, White not only worked in private practice but also at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and later as a staff psychologist at The Children's Hospital in Denver, where he focused his attention on pediatric cancer patients. During those years he became acquainted with a colleague in Los Angeles, another pediatric psychologist named Jonathan Kellerman. At the time, Kellerman and White were two of only about a dozen psychologists in the country working in pediatric oncology.
Series:
* Alan Gregory
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
July 28, 2011
Returning to re-read Stephen White’s great thriller collection after a number of years, this summer binge should be a great adventure. White explores an actual event through the filter of another strong thriller novel. When Dr. Alan Gregory takes on a new client, he is unsure if this mother is too concerned about her son’s actions or has justification to worry. The Boulder DA has been murdered and a potential suspect will rock everyone in the law enforcement community. As Alan continues his therapeutic work with his client, he posits that there may be a connection to the murder. How he will keep this confidential and yet ensure the truth comes out is a struggle that weighs heavily on him. White develops a tense theme throughout and keeps the reader hooked until the very end.
A call in the night to alert Dr. Alan Gregory to the murder of Boulder’s DA creates significant anxiety for the clinical psychologist. Not only did Alan known the man, but his wife, Lauren, is an ADA. Telling her will be a challenge, but that is only the first hurdle to overcome. Early investigations lead the authorities to believe that a cop could be behind the murder, which sends Alan’s friend, Detective Sam Purdy, into a tailspin.
A new patient who engages Alan’s services as a therapist brings with her a number of secrets. A mother with significant concerns for her son will turn the therapist-patient relationship into one Alan must challenge. Alan is sitting on significant news that could solve the DA murder and forecast a number of violent acts. This also leaves Alan worried for Lauren and their newborn daughter, Grace.
Holding privileged information and struggling with his ethics, Dr. Alan Gregory must decide how far to take things as a killer plots more chaos. No one would guess their identity, which makes the need to reveal the truth all the more taxing on Alan. Whatever he decides, there will be more violence and a killer’s antics will resonate around the Colorado community. White ramps up the tension with this piece and keeps the reader enthralled until the very end.
I remember discovering this series years ago, devouring many of the books in short order. When I chose to return, I decided that I would try a complete series binge, getting the full Alan Gregory experience. Stephen White uses many of his personal experiences as a clinical psychologist to pull on ideas and character aspects, which becomes apparent in this novel.
White’s writing presents a number of great issues that emerge for those who hold positions where confidentiality is key. The narrative foundation is central to the story’s success, laying the groundwork for strong themes to emerge. As tensions build, White presents a solid narrative that gains momentum as the tension mounts. Dr. Alan Gregory is key to the story, proving his worth at every turn. I could not ask for more, especially when complemented by other characters whose presence enriches the series.
Plot points keep the surprises appearing from the opening pages. White reveals what the reader needs and yet leaves much to the reader’s imagination. Tension rises and the story takes on many twists before the truth becomes apparent, allowing White to offer up a great deal for the reader to digest. Having reached the series’ halfway point, I am hoping the latter collection of books is just as impactful.
Kudos Mr. White, for delivering yet another winning novel!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A call in the night to alert Dr. Alan Gregory to the murder of Boulder’s DA creates significant anxiety for the clinical psychologist. Not only did Alan known the man, but his wife, Lauren, is an ADA. Telling her will be a challenge, but that is only the first hurdle to overcome. Early investigations lead the authorities to believe that a cop could be behind the murder, which sends Alan’s friend, Detective Sam Purdy, into a tailspin.
A new patient who engages Alan’s services as a therapist brings with her a number of secrets. A mother with significant concerns for her son will turn the therapist-patient relationship into one Alan must challenge. Alan is sitting on significant news that could solve the DA murder and forecast a number of violent acts. This also leaves Alan worried for Lauren and their newborn daughter, Grace.
Holding privileged information and struggling with his ethics, Dr. Alan Gregory must decide how far to take things as a killer plots more chaos. No one would guess their identity, which makes the need to reveal the truth all the more taxing on Alan. Whatever he decides, there will be more violence and a killer’s antics will resonate around the Colorado community. White ramps up the tension with this piece and keeps the reader enthralled until the very end.
I remember discovering this series years ago, devouring many of the books in short order. When I chose to return, I decided that I would try a complete series binge, getting the full Alan Gregory experience. Stephen White uses many of his personal experiences as a clinical psychologist to pull on ideas and character aspects, which becomes apparent in this novel.
White’s writing presents a number of great issues that emerge for those who hold positions where confidentiality is key. The narrative foundation is central to the story’s success, laying the groundwork for strong themes to emerge. As tensions build, White presents a solid narrative that gains momentum as the tension mounts. Dr. Alan Gregory is key to the story, proving his worth at every turn. I could not ask for more, especially when complemented by other characters whose presence enriches the series.
Plot points keep the surprises appearing from the opening pages. White reveals what the reader needs and yet leaves much to the reader’s imagination. Tension rises and the story takes on many twists before the truth becomes apparent, allowing White to offer up a great deal for the reader to digest. Having reached the series’ halfway point, I am hoping the latter collection of books is just as impactful.
Kudos Mr. White, for delivering yet another winning novel!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 12, 2007
I love every book that I've read by Stephen White. The combination of psychology, mystery and the location set in Boulder/Denver is a winner with me. He is my favorite mystery writer.
August 18, 2012
This was a re-read for me, but it still brought home to me how much I am going to miss this series. Stephen White's writing is so good for pulling the reader into the story immediately, for building the suspense, and for excellent character development. I feel like I know these people, and hate to see my glimpses into their lives come to an end! I guess that is when you know you are reading excellent fiction, when the characters seem so real, and definitely people you know well and care about.
As others have said, the story here, though written several years ago, is eerily similar to recent shootings in Aurora, and other places. But as always with White's writing, there are multiple layers of story and plot, and all are woven together for a very satisfying read.
As others have said, the story here, though written several years ago, is eerily similar to recent shootings in Aurora, and other places. But as always with White's writing, there are multiple layers of story and plot, and all are woven together for a very satisfying read.
September 29, 2019
I really enjoy the characters, writing and logic in this series. This book is no exception. Fast moving, interesting and relevant.
September 21, 2016
A murder of a district attorney pulls both Alan & Sam into a case. It took some time to prove who the killer was, although it was suspected early on. I did not like the ending where Sam manipulated the ending for the killer, and despite this person being despicable, what happened at the end verged on Sam being just as culpable in killing as the suspect.
November 14, 2011
I picked this book up for free at a trade show several years ago and put on my shelf to never think about it again. Years later a good friend gave me some books and there was another Stephen White book in the mix and so I decided to finally read this one and you know what...I liked it. I am already in my second White book and so far I like it as well.
February 2, 2019
Whoa. That was unexpected. Liked the bomb ending. Wow that was a horrible pun.
Lots of twists and mystery. Really liked. Bummed it was the #10th in a series. Off to find #1!
Lots of twists and mystery. Really liked. Bummed it was the #10th in a series. Off to find #1!
February 7, 2019
Tenth book in Alan Gregory series. All in all just a little too far fetched. This series sometimes has some flat periods. Number ten here klunked just a bit. Characters could not save this goofy plot. I'd say leave this one on shelf until later. Being nice giving this one three stars out of a possible five stars. I really like the series so I'm grading on a curve.
July 13, 2014
This is a definite page turner and one that will keep you reading until the very end. There is quite a few twists and turns in the plot. This is a must read thriller!!! (I read it in a couple hours straight thru)
What happens when a psychologist enters the darkness of the criminal mind? When a tormented killer takes revenge on an unsuspecting city? When the warning signs come too late?
The grisly slaying shatters the quiet of a residential neighborhood in the foothills of the Rockies. The battered body of Boulder County District Attorney Royal Peterson lies amid shards of broken pottery while his wife sleeps upstairs. Within forty-eight hours, a homicide detective is the prime suspect in the brutal death that will send shock waves through the city's political ranks—and reverberate in the professional and personal life of Alan Gregory.
Alan knew Roy Peterson. Lauren, his wife, a prosecutor in the DA's office, worked under Peterson for years. And while Lauren contemplates taking on the defense of the accused cop, Alan meets with a new patient. Almost from the moment Naomi Bigg starts talking, warning bells go off in Alan's mind. A terrified mother with an explosive secret, Naomi tests the limits of doctor-patient confidentiality when her privileged exchanges convince Alan that a crime is about to be committed. But when he uncovers a shocking link to the Peterson slaying, Alan finds himself riding the slippery slope between professional judgment and personal responsibility as he struggles to protect his patient while probing the mind of a deeply troubled teenager.
As violence erupts throughout the city—and a pattern of vengeance becomes chillingly clear—Alan is plunged into a desperate manhunt for a killer whose trail of rage winds all the way up to the Colorado Supreme Court. As the minutes tick down in a brilliantly conceived vendetta that targets the guilty and the innocent alike, Warning Signs races to a harrowing climax in which the lives of hundreds hang in the balance.
What happens when a psychologist enters the darkness of the criminal mind? When a tormented killer takes revenge on an unsuspecting city? When the warning signs come too late?
The grisly slaying shatters the quiet of a residential neighborhood in the foothills of the Rockies. The battered body of Boulder County District Attorney Royal Peterson lies amid shards of broken pottery while his wife sleeps upstairs. Within forty-eight hours, a homicide detective is the prime suspect in the brutal death that will send shock waves through the city's political ranks—and reverberate in the professional and personal life of Alan Gregory.
Alan knew Roy Peterson. Lauren, his wife, a prosecutor in the DA's office, worked under Peterson for years. And while Lauren contemplates taking on the defense of the accused cop, Alan meets with a new patient. Almost from the moment Naomi Bigg starts talking, warning bells go off in Alan's mind. A terrified mother with an explosive secret, Naomi tests the limits of doctor-patient confidentiality when her privileged exchanges convince Alan that a crime is about to be committed. But when he uncovers a shocking link to the Peterson slaying, Alan finds himself riding the slippery slope between professional judgment and personal responsibility as he struggles to protect his patient while probing the mind of a deeply troubled teenager.
As violence erupts throughout the city—and a pattern of vengeance becomes chillingly clear—Alan is plunged into a desperate manhunt for a killer whose trail of rage winds all the way up to the Colorado Supreme Court. As the minutes tick down in a brilliantly conceived vendetta that targets the guilty and the innocent alike, Warning Signs races to a harrowing climax in which the lives of hundreds hang in the balance.
November 4, 2012
A woman was brutally attacked! The attacker received so little jail time that her father decided to conduct his own form of justice and the father receives more time in prison then the criminal! Another innocent person dies and her son, who is fed up with the justice system, decides to take matters into his own hands. He believes that his mother would not have been murdered had the murderer stayed in prison. Shortly thereafter, the DA, lawyers and members of lawyers’ families are being murdered by bomb. Alan Gregory and Sam Purdy race to find the bomber before others are murdered, including Alan’s wife, Assistant DA Lauren Gregory. Dick Hill did a good job in telling the story.
April 23, 2012
This book came too close to real life for me. After what happened in Aurora, it is hard to say that you enjoyed a book like this. A young man seeks vengeance and goes on a killing spree in and around Boulder and Denver, Colorado. Stephen White was up to his usual standards but my heart just wasn't into reading a novel that similar to newspaper headlines. Even with warning signs, you never know what a person will do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2012
Oh, yes, I am going to miss this series.
A little behind but I finally finished.
Very enjoyable. And a nice little tour of Denver-Boulder and environs.
A little behind but I finally finished.
Very enjoyable. And a nice little tour of Denver-Boulder and environs.
January 7, 2025
This criminal investigation book "Warning Signs" By Stephen White begins with the discovery of a crime scene that sets the tone for the entire story. A man with a high-ranking position in the government is found dead in his living room, and the authorities have no solid leads on who the suspect could be. The main character, Alan Gregory, a psychiatrist, receives a new patient who starts revealing details that seem connected to the murder of Royle. These facts put together from his patient lead Alan to suspect someone specific. Meanwhile, Alan’s close friend becomes the main suspect in the murder of Royle (the man who was killed). Convinced of his friend’s innocence, Alan dives deeper into the investigation, in hopes of finding the truth and proving his friend not guilty.
This novel is packed with many twists that keep the reader guessing different things. The suspense builds significantly, especially in the second half, which made it difficult for me to put the book down. What’s particularly captivating is how the author mixes together multiple different perspectives happening simultaneously, creating the reader to have more open minded opinions of the story. In my opinion, while the book starts slow, the plot kept me engaged. The backstories of the characters’ motives and plot twists adds depth to the story, leading the reader to have many assumptions. This gradual buildup creates a narrative that is both interesting and thought-provoking. I’m not someone who typically finishes books easily, but this one managed to hold my interest.
One unique aspect of the novel is the way the author portrays his characters. While there’s a clear protagonist and antagonist, the author provides the backstories and motivations of each character, allowing the reader to empathize even with the “villain.” While most authors stick rigidly to defining characters as strictly good or bad, White allows the antagonist’s actions to be seen through a lens of understanding, revealing their reasons for why they did what they did and their personal struggles. Alan, the protagonist, often feels like he’s reacting to events rather than causing or being a part of them, while the antagonist seems to be the one creating the chaos, building an interesting dynamic between these two characters.
A particularly dynamic character worth highlighting is Lucy, a cop who becomes a suspect in Royle’s murder. Her relationship with Royle and her interactions with other characters reveal the reader to her personality and motivations that characters in the book may not realize. At the start of the novel, Lucy initially believes shes helping someone by her actions. As the story unfolds, she realizes her efforts have backfired, causing harm to a certain character as well as herself. This inner conflict makes her character development one of the most compelling parts of the story. Her development is both heavy-hearted and enlightening, offering a deeper emotional layer to the book’s themes that the criminal investigation aspect could not provide.
I would say that "Warning Signs" is a psychological thriller because of its ability to lead the reader through multiple different conclusions before the real truth is brought up to the surface. The various points of view and characters create opportunities for false assumptions. I’d recommend this book to readers who like mystery and suspense novels. Although the author occasionally rambles, these moments add depth to the narrative and help fill in details that make the story richer. Stephen White’s writing style brings life into the book, making it memorable and making the reader sympathize with the characters more. Overall, it’s a very interesting read that held my attention from the beginning till the end.
This novel is packed with many twists that keep the reader guessing different things. The suspense builds significantly, especially in the second half, which made it difficult for me to put the book down. What’s particularly captivating is how the author mixes together multiple different perspectives happening simultaneously, creating the reader to have more open minded opinions of the story. In my opinion, while the book starts slow, the plot kept me engaged. The backstories of the characters’ motives and plot twists adds depth to the story, leading the reader to have many assumptions. This gradual buildup creates a narrative that is both interesting and thought-provoking. I’m not someone who typically finishes books easily, but this one managed to hold my interest.
One unique aspect of the novel is the way the author portrays his characters. While there’s a clear protagonist and antagonist, the author provides the backstories and motivations of each character, allowing the reader to empathize even with the “villain.” While most authors stick rigidly to defining characters as strictly good or bad, White allows the antagonist’s actions to be seen through a lens of understanding, revealing their reasons for why they did what they did and their personal struggles. Alan, the protagonist, often feels like he’s reacting to events rather than causing or being a part of them, while the antagonist seems to be the one creating the chaos, building an interesting dynamic between these two characters.
A particularly dynamic character worth highlighting is Lucy, a cop who becomes a suspect in Royle’s murder. Her relationship with Royle and her interactions with other characters reveal the reader to her personality and motivations that characters in the book may not realize. At the start of the novel, Lucy initially believes shes helping someone by her actions. As the story unfolds, she realizes her efforts have backfired, causing harm to a certain character as well as herself. This inner conflict makes her character development one of the most compelling parts of the story. Her development is both heavy-hearted and enlightening, offering a deeper emotional layer to the book’s themes that the criminal investigation aspect could not provide.
I would say that "Warning Signs" is a psychological thriller because of its ability to lead the reader through multiple different conclusions before the real truth is brought up to the surface. The various points of view and characters create opportunities for false assumptions. I’d recommend this book to readers who like mystery and suspense novels. Although the author occasionally rambles, these moments add depth to the narrative and help fill in details that make the story richer. Stephen White’s writing style brings life into the book, making it memorable and making the reader sympathize with the characters more. Overall, it’s a very interesting read that held my attention from the beginning till the end.
May 4, 2016
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
**
What happens when a psychologist enters the darkness of the criminal mind? When a tormented killer takes revenge on an unsuspecting city? When the warning signs come too late?
The grisly slaying shatters the quiet of a residential neighborhood in the foothills of the Rockies. The battered body of Boulder County District Attorney Royal Peterson lies amid shards of broken pottery while his (chronically ill) wife sleeps upstairs. Within forty-eight hours, a homicide detective is the prime suspect in the brutal death that will send shock waves through the city's political ranks—and reverberate in the professional and personal life of Alan Gregory.
Alan knew Roy Peterson. Lauren, his wife, a prosecutor in the DA's office, worked under Peterson for years. And while Lauren contemplates taking on the defense of the accused cop, Alan meets with a new patient. Almost from the moment Naomi Bigg starts talking, warning bells go off in Alan's mind. A terrified mother with an explosive secret, Naomi tests the limits of doctor-patient confidentiality when her privileged exchanges convince Alan that a crime is about to be committed. But when he uncovers a shocking link to the Peterson slaying, Alan finds himself riding the slippery slope between professional judgment and personal responsibility as he struggles to protect his patient while probing the mind of a deeply troubled teenager.
As violence erupts throughout the city—and a pattern of vengeance becomes chillingly clear—Alan is plunged into a desperate manhunt for a killer whose trail of rage winds all the way up to the Colorado Supreme Court. As the minutes tick down in a brilliantly conceived vendetta that targets the guilty and the innocent alike, Warning Signs races to a harrowing climax in which the lives of hundreds hang in the balance.
**
A murder of a district attorney pulls both Alan & Sam into a case. It took some time to prove who the killer was, although it was suspected early on. I did not like the ending where Sam manipulated the ending for the killer, and despite this person being despicable, what happened at the end verged on Sam being just as culpable in killing as the suspect.
**
e depicted the Stockholm Syndrome perfectly! Even I was rooting (justifying) for the bad guy! But what I really like is how Stephen White uncovers the hidden, subconscious motivations, sometimes not so unintentional though, of people's actions. I always say, "it's not what you do but WHY" that is the heart of it. Example: You could give me a Million Dollars, but look at all the reasons why! Psychology is my hobby. Because I want to understand. Stephan weaves those mysteries equally well with the criminal ones. I'm halfway through the series now and DO lament it's coming to an end. Dr. White just released his last book six or so months ago. I'm glad I 'discovered' him late, so I didn't have to wait for each book's release!!! His writing is maturing and progressing.
**
What happens when a psychologist enters the darkness of the criminal mind? When a tormented killer takes revenge on an unsuspecting city? When the warning signs come too late?
The grisly slaying shatters the quiet of a residential neighborhood in the foothills of the Rockies. The battered body of Boulder County District Attorney Royal Peterson lies amid shards of broken pottery while his (chronically ill) wife sleeps upstairs. Within forty-eight hours, a homicide detective is the prime suspect in the brutal death that will send shock waves through the city's political ranks—and reverberate in the professional and personal life of Alan Gregory.
Alan knew Roy Peterson. Lauren, his wife, a prosecutor in the DA's office, worked under Peterson for years. And while Lauren contemplates taking on the defense of the accused cop, Alan meets with a new patient. Almost from the moment Naomi Bigg starts talking, warning bells go off in Alan's mind. A terrified mother with an explosive secret, Naomi tests the limits of doctor-patient confidentiality when her privileged exchanges convince Alan that a crime is about to be committed. But when he uncovers a shocking link to the Peterson slaying, Alan finds himself riding the slippery slope between professional judgment and personal responsibility as he struggles to protect his patient while probing the mind of a deeply troubled teenager.
As violence erupts throughout the city—and a pattern of vengeance becomes chillingly clear—Alan is plunged into a desperate manhunt for a killer whose trail of rage winds all the way up to the Colorado Supreme Court. As the minutes tick down in a brilliantly conceived vendetta that targets the guilty and the innocent alike, Warning Signs races to a harrowing climax in which the lives of hundreds hang in the balance.
**
A murder of a district attorney pulls both Alan & Sam into a case. It took some time to prove who the killer was, although it was suspected early on. I did not like the ending where Sam manipulated the ending for the killer, and despite this person being despicable, what happened at the end verged on Sam being just as culpable in killing as the suspect.
**
e depicted the Stockholm Syndrome perfectly! Even I was rooting (justifying) for the bad guy! But what I really like is how Stephen White uncovers the hidden, subconscious motivations, sometimes not so unintentional though, of people's actions. I always say, "it's not what you do but WHY" that is the heart of it. Example: You could give me a Million Dollars, but look at all the reasons why! Psychology is my hobby. Because I want to understand. Stephan weaves those mysteries equally well with the criminal ones. I'm halfway through the series now and DO lament it's coming to an end. Dr. White just released his last book six or so months ago. I'm glad I 'discovered' him late, so I didn't have to wait for each book's release!!! His writing is maturing and progressing.
January 15, 2025
Generally, I like the books in the Alan Gregory series, but I felt this was one of the weaker volumes White has written. Primarily, I didn't care for the two main plotlines that kept converging then seeming unrelated just a chapter or two later. In the first, the Boulder District Attorney is found murdered in his home, while his disabled wife sleeps upstairs. The lone suspect turns out to be the partner of Dr. Gregory's good friend, police officer Sam Purdy. Naturally, there is a lot of fuss raised when a cop is accused of murdering a lawyer, but Alan's wife Lauren, who worked closely with the D.A. offers to defend the woman as a favor to Sam and Alan.
Concurrently, Dr. Gregory begins seeing a new patient in his psychiatry practice, a woman who is concerned that her son is plotting a Columbine-style attack with his best friend, but because he calls their discussions " 'wouldn't it be fun' games" she's not sure he's serious about it. The family home life is complicated, as the boy's sister was sexually assaulted years ago and though her assailant served time in jail, he had since been released. This led the children's father to track down the assailant and brutally assault him, for which Dad got a far longer term in jail than the guy he assaulted did for the rape. Now, it seems like the subjects of the son's fantasies are all the people responsible for the rapist's light sentence, which took his father away from him.
Where the plots converge is that the D.A. may have been one of the people on the son's list of people who have wronged their family, as might Lauren. Dr. Gregory is put in the tight position of not betraying patient confidentiality when the patient isn't even sure her son would act on his fantasies, worrying about his wife and her colleagues if the threat is real, and trying to figure out if the boy and/or his friend might have been the killers of the D.A. and how Lucy, the female cop, fits into the puzzle.
I felt like the D.A.'s murder got forgotten about as the plot related to Gregory's patient built steam through about 3/4 of the book, then White tidied the murder plot up once the big climax of the patient plot had begun to resolve itself in the last 1/4.
I started and put down the book, plus fell asleep in the middle of reading it, multiple times over the last few weeks. It just wasn't engaging me as much as I would have liked, especially because I wasn't loving how the 'patient' plot was progressing, especially once the first climax that gives a lot more insight into both children outside of Gregory's office takes place.
Concurrently, Dr. Gregory begins seeing a new patient in his psychiatry practice, a woman who is concerned that her son is plotting a Columbine-style attack with his best friend, but because he calls their discussions " 'wouldn't it be fun' games" she's not sure he's serious about it. The family home life is complicated, as the boy's sister was sexually assaulted years ago and though her assailant served time in jail, he had since been released. This led the children's father to track down the assailant and brutally assault him, for which Dad got a far longer term in jail than the guy he assaulted did for the rape. Now, it seems like the subjects of the son's fantasies are all the people responsible for the rapist's light sentence, which took his father away from him.
Where the plots converge is that the D.A. may have been one of the people on the son's list of people who have wronged their family, as might Lauren. Dr. Gregory is put in the tight position of not betraying patient confidentiality when the patient isn't even sure her son would act on his fantasies, worrying about his wife and her colleagues if the threat is real, and trying to figure out if the boy and/or his friend might have been the killers of the D.A. and how Lucy, the female cop, fits into the puzzle.
I felt like the D.A.'s murder got forgotten about as the plot related to Gregory's patient built steam through about 3/4 of the book, then White tidied the murder plot up once the big climax of the patient plot had begun to resolve itself in the last 1/4.
I started and put down the book, plus fell asleep in the middle of reading it, multiple times over the last few weeks. It just wasn't engaging me as much as I would have liked, especially because I wasn't loving how the 'patient' plot was progressing, especially once the first climax that gives a lot more insight into both children outside of Gregory's office takes place.
March 22, 2018
Bij twee verschillende gelegenheden kocht ik ooit een pocket van Stephen White. Beide keren was dat omdat ik op dat moment toevallig zonder boekje zat en ik ergens was waar ik tweedehands boekjes kon kopen. Het betreft hier Privileged Information (1991) en Private Practices (1994). Van beide aankopen heb ik geen moment spijt gehad. Ik was dan ook blij om te zien dat Warning Signs in vertaling is verschenen.
Evenals in de beide eerder genoemde boeken is de hoofdpersoon in De tekenen de psychotherapeut Alan Gregory, die met zijn vrouw Lauren (openbaar aanklager) en dochtertje Grace in Boulder woont. In dit verhaal beginnen de problemen als Alan een nieuwe patiënte krijgt, die hem dingen verteld waardoor Alan sterk gaat twijfelen of hij de regel mag overschrijden die zegt dat hij alles wat een patiënt vertelt, geheim moet houden. Doet hij dat, dan gaan er waarschijnlijk doden vallen, waaronder zelfs zijn eigen vrouw. De eerste dode is al gevallen, alleen weet Alan dat op dat moment niet.
Langzaam bouwt de spanning zich op, vooral als blijkt dat een alom gerespecteerde politievrouw verdacht wordt van de moord op de eerste dode, en Lauren ook nauw bij de zaak betrokken raakt.
Enige overeenkomst in karakter tussen Alan Gregory en Alex Delaware (uit de boeken van Kellerman) is er wel. Dat ligt wellicht besloten in het feit dat zij zo'n beetje hetzelfde beroep uitoefenen. Maar dit is bepaald niet storend, integendeel, voor de liefhebbers van de boeken van Jonathan Kellerman zal het een groot plezier zijn om dit boek van White te lezen. Ik hoop dat de andere delen ook snel vertaald zullen worden.
Evenals in de beide eerder genoemde boeken is de hoofdpersoon in De tekenen de psychotherapeut Alan Gregory, die met zijn vrouw Lauren (openbaar aanklager) en dochtertje Grace in Boulder woont. In dit verhaal beginnen de problemen als Alan een nieuwe patiënte krijgt, die hem dingen verteld waardoor Alan sterk gaat twijfelen of hij de regel mag overschrijden die zegt dat hij alles wat een patiënt vertelt, geheim moet houden. Doet hij dat, dan gaan er waarschijnlijk doden vallen, waaronder zelfs zijn eigen vrouw. De eerste dode is al gevallen, alleen weet Alan dat op dat moment niet.
Langzaam bouwt de spanning zich op, vooral als blijkt dat een alom gerespecteerde politievrouw verdacht wordt van de moord op de eerste dode, en Lauren ook nauw bij de zaak betrokken raakt.
Enige overeenkomst in karakter tussen Alan Gregory en Alex Delaware (uit de boeken van Kellerman) is er wel. Dat ligt wellicht besloten in het feit dat zij zo'n beetje hetzelfde beroep uitoefenen. Maar dit is bepaald niet storend, integendeel, voor de liefhebbers van de boeken van Jonathan Kellerman zal het een groot plezier zijn om dit boek van White te lezen. Ik hoop dat de andere delen ook snel vertaald zullen worden.
July 10, 2024
This is the first book I've read in this series, and while it was sometimes intriguing, other times, it fell short in how realistic the plot was.
Alan, our psychologist and main POV, has a new patient with a child that shows disturbing warning signs for impending violence. The child has a target list for the justice system that has failed him and his family, and Alan's wife might be on the list as well.
Alan toes the line of his duty for confidentiality and struggles to investigate deeper into this mystery child in the hopes of saving his wife and her colleagues from danger.
It's supposed to captivate you and keep you on your toes but I hated the character Alan. The way he links himself to his patients and the way he begins investigating on his own are not realistic. He's a walking red flag that should be fired from his job, and it's a miracle that he's still happily married. (I mean, I get that you're used to listening to people's problems but when you start doing that for women who are not your patients, you're opening up your own door of vulnerability and not cherishing your own house or relationship with your romantic partner. It feels like emotional cheating. It feels cheap and dirty. The way this is written, Alan had a deeper connection with this other woman than his own wife who is barely in the book.)
Alan, our psychologist and main POV, has a new patient with a child that shows disturbing warning signs for impending violence. The child has a target list for the justice system that has failed him and his family, and Alan's wife might be on the list as well.
Alan toes the line of his duty for confidentiality and struggles to investigate deeper into this mystery child in the hopes of saving his wife and her colleagues from danger.
It's supposed to captivate you and keep you on your toes but I hated the character Alan. The way he links himself to his patients and the way he begins investigating on his own are not realistic. He's a walking red flag that should be fired from his job, and it's a miracle that he's still happily married. (I mean, I get that you're used to listening to people's problems but when you start doing that for women who are not your patients, you're opening up your own door of vulnerability and not cherishing your own house or relationship with your romantic partner. It feels like emotional cheating. It feels cheap and dirty. The way this is written, Alan had a deeper connection with this other woman than his own wife who is barely in the book.)
December 2, 2024
Warning Sings – A Novel of Suspense Alan Gregory #10 – Published 2002 - *** - Alan Gregory, psychologist, is drawn into the possible plot of domestic terrorists’ intent on wreaking havoc on the judicial system of Boulder and Denver Colorado. The book has a chain of increasingly terrifically horrible events. White’s writing is very detailed about the emotions, inner thoughts and motivation of the characters – but to such an extent that it becomes boring and feels like filler. After the third explanation of the terrorist’s reasoning, I started skimming. I am sure the emphasis on emotions and motive comes from the author’s career as a clinical psychologist. It was difficult for me to connect with the characters and I frankly didn't care if Alan Gregory succeeded in stopping the bad guys. Combined with improbable and unrealistic capabilities of the antagonist, so prevalent in today’s novels, I skimmed even more. This writing is obviously very successful and sought after by many, but it is not my favorite flavor.
October 2, 2022
***Spoilers ahead!!***
This one was more of a thriller than his previous psychological mysteries. The last portion was a big chase, cat-mouse game between Alan (with his team of the cops and his buddy Sam- finally- after he could keep his information secret no longer) and the bomber- a young guy holding Lucy, Sam's cop partner hostage. The bomber wanted to make a big point, and kept ahead of the police in a one day marathon of pre-placed bombs. Once again in this book Alan was being way too wimpy for my tastes- he waited well beyond the reasonable time to tell the cops about the bomber, then he allowed Lucy to place him in jeopardy as she talks to him while they are both on top of a mountain outcropping. She was being really odd and scary, then suddenly the scene is over and her odd behavior is dropped. Maybe I should take a break from this series?
This one was more of a thriller than his previous psychological mysteries. The last portion was a big chase, cat-mouse game between Alan (with his team of the cops and his buddy Sam- finally- after he could keep his information secret no longer) and the bomber- a young guy holding Lucy, Sam's cop partner hostage. The bomber wanted to make a big point, and kept ahead of the police in a one day marathon of pre-placed bombs. Once again in this book Alan was being way too wimpy for my tastes- he waited well beyond the reasonable time to tell the cops about the bomber, then he allowed Lucy to place him in jeopardy as she talks to him while they are both on top of a mountain outcropping. She was being really odd and scary, then suddenly the scene is over and her odd behavior is dropped. Maybe I should take a break from this series?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
Over the years, I have read several of the books in the Alan Gregory series. There are 20 in the series with the last one being published in 2013. I picked this one up at a library book sale and immediately got familiar again with the characters. Alan is a clinical psychotherapist that works closely with the Boulder and Denver police departments. In this book, he gets involved with the death of the Boulder County DA. But, in this case, Alan’s wife, an attorney, is a prosecutor in the DA’s office so the murder involves Alan both personally and professionally. I wondered what other books this author has written as I really liked this series and curious about if any new books out since 2013. I found an interview from 2013. Book 20 was his last book.
December 21, 2021
This is the best book I've read all year. I was captured totally by page 2 and hated to see it end. It's my first Stephen White and what a thrill to discover how many other books he's already published. I can't wait to read them all. In Warning Signs, the Boulder, CO District Attorney is found brutally murdered. Clinical psychologist, Alan Gregory is drawn in on many fronts - his wife is on leave from the DA's office and his best friend's police partner is picked up as a suspect. This is a great story - good plot, interesting characters and just a joy to read.
February 13, 2024
This is my first time reading this author, although this book was published in 2002, but I will definitely read more of his. The page turner opens with the brutal death of the Boulder DA. Cops, attorneys, and a therapist, Alan Gregory, whose wife worked for the man, are very interested in solving this case. Who is the culprit, and why did he/she murder the DA? There are so many twists, turns and surprises along the way that it was hard to put down the book. My only complaint is that there seems to be one thread that was left hanging, possibly to be revealed in his next book?
September 17, 2018
Ramp and Paul are involved in the "wouldn't it be cool" games. Are their games just that....games, or is there more to it? And is it possible that the string of murders and events are all because of the "Wouldn't it be cool" games?
This was my first read by Stephen White and I found myself enjoying the book. I enjoyed Sam and Alan's friendship and how they worked with each other. Great book.
This was my first read by Stephen White and I found myself enjoying the book. I enjoyed Sam and Alan's friendship and how they worked with each other. Great book.
June 28, 2023
My least favorite in the series thus far. I find myself constantly yelling at the narrators for not pronouncing local places correctly - honestly, how do people read Nederland as "NEEderland"? EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Also, Wynkoop is not pronounced "winecoop". Very simple research could resolve this and make the audio experience as enjoyable to readers familiar with the area as the local references made by the author.
January 30, 2024
I only gave this book 3 out of 5 stars because I couldn’t get into it. The story and events in it started out okay when it was focused on a new patient and the psychologist’s dilemma over what she was telling him. It just got too weird after that. I’ve read some of the reviews and a lot of people raved about it but it’s the weakest entry in the series as far as I’m concerned. Won’t stop me from going onto the next one though.
March 9, 2024
I’m giving 4 stars because it wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t exactly the best thriller book I’ve read. I say that because it took forever to really get thru some parts and to the end, where most people would have guessed who did it anyway. I can appreciate the “subject” of the main fight in the stories. People do need to talk about injustices that go on with the system, however, I do not condone revenge like what went on in this book.
August 14, 2023
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5 stars!!!! This one had everything it needed to have and was fairly nuts. It took me a while to get into it at first since I didn't feel like reading it, but as I went along, I fell in love with and appreciated every single aspect of the situation. Finding out the outcome and the killer's identity, as well as unraveling everything else, was pretty exciting. Everything in the novel served its purpose.
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5 stars!!!! This one had everything it needed to have and was fairly nuts. It took me a while to get into it at first since I didn't feel like reading it, but as I went along, I fell in love with and appreciated every single aspect of the situation. Finding out the outcome and the killer's identity, as well as unraveling everything else, was pretty exciting. Everything in the novel served its purpose.
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December 28, 2023I have enjoyed this series. This book, however, found me questioning the application of professional ethics--both by our protagonist and his favorite cop sidekick. In the hopes that this is a one-off issue, I will read the next book and hope for a course correction.
January 6, 2026
overall good book, I had to go back to the beginning a few times to remember who was who due to confusion and the story line being confusing personally.
The wife ended up killing him and ramp ends up dying but killing the people he wants to kill.
The wife ended up killing him and ramp ends up dying but killing the people he wants to kill.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2017
The plot moved quickly with enough suspense and psychological intrigue until near the end. Then, I just found things too unrealistic.
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