Axel of Evil

A Figure Skating Mystery #3

by Alina Adams

When skating champion Igor Marchenko, the coach of an up-and-coming American teen star, drops dead during a practice session in Moscow, Rebecca "Bex" Levy, researcher for a 24/7 television network, investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death in a city rife with intrigue. Original.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Russia, Sports

216 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 3, 2006

About the author

Alina Adams is Jewish, lives on the East Coast, married with two kids and is the author of Berkley Prime Crime's "Figure Skating Mysteries," including "Murder on Ice," "On Thin Ice," and coming in January 2006 "Axel of Evil!"

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I read a book in this series. This was fun to read and different with the ice skating theme. It would be lots of fun to read during the Olympics. The story kept me guessing and the characters were interesting.

[Olga Zilberbourg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun ride and a fascinating glimpse back at Russia's figure skating scene and post-Soviet life in the 1990s, with incomparable details of grime and intensity of everyday life. A particular kudos to the writer for having so much fun building mystery using all the nickname versions for "Alexander" -- this had to be done!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite so far!! I loved that it was set in Russia. I now fully love Bex as a heroine and can’t wait to read the next one.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the series and I think it has improved - but I don't know if I would really recommend it to anyone. It's ok - but really not that compelling. I think if you are REALLY into ice skating it would probably be a good book for you - but I just feel like - as a whole - it's kind of milk toast.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who was always fascinated by the USSR, I found this story to be very interesting. The writing was witty and the characters interesting enough to keep me reading. I haven't read the previous books in the series and not once felt like I was missing out on anything. Overall a very enjoyable read.

[Chris Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has improved since the first book. It was a quick read with an interesting murder mystery. I like that the focus of the story was mainly on the mystery and suspects and not so much on Bex.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery keeps you guessing. Bex is in Russia as a coach has been murdered. She has a helper named Sasha who looks 18 but is her age, 24.