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Blade
Not yet published
Expected 1 Feb 26From USA Today bestselling author—and former competitive skater—Wendy Walker comes a chilling psychological thriller set in the cutthroat world of elite figure skating.
Ana Robbins was an Olympic star in the making—until tragedy forced her to leave that world behind. At the age of sixteen, she gave up her dream and never looked back. Fourteen years later, she’s a successful defense attorney, revered for her work with minors. But when her former coach turns up dead, Ana lands right back where it all began, and abruptly The Palace, a world-renowned skating facility nestled high in the mountains of Colorado.
Ana returns to The Palace to defend the young skater accused of the brutal crime—Grace Montgomery. Despite her claims of innocence, all evidence points squarely at Grace’s guilt, and she’s days away from facing charges of first-degree murder.
But Ana’s investigation dredges up childhood memories of her own, triggering the fear that permeates this place where she once lived and trained far from home as an “orphan.” With a blizzard raging outside, and time running out for Grace, Ana is determined to uncover the truth—even if it means exposing her own secrets that she buried here long ago.
Ana Robbins was an Olympic star in the making—until tragedy forced her to leave that world behind. At the age of sixteen, she gave up her dream and never looked back. Fourteen years later, she’s a successful defense attorney, revered for her work with minors. But when her former coach turns up dead, Ana lands right back where it all began, and abruptly The Palace, a world-renowned skating facility nestled high in the mountains of Colorado.
Ana returns to The Palace to defend the young skater accused of the brutal crime—Grace Montgomery. Despite her claims of innocence, all evidence points squarely at Grace’s guilt, and she’s days away from facing charges of first-degree murder.
But Ana’s investigation dredges up childhood memories of her own, triggering the fear that permeates this place where she once lived and trained far from home as an “orphan.” With a blizzard raging outside, and time running out for Grace, Ana is determined to uncover the truth—even if it means exposing her own secrets that she buried here long ago.
303 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 1, 2026
3535 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Walker
14 books3,851 followersWendy Walker is the author of psychological suspense. Her novels have been translated into 23 foreign languages, have topped bestseller lists both nationally and abroad, and have been optioned for television and film. Prior to writing, Wendy worked in banking and several areas of the law. She spent most of her childhood as a competitive figure skater. Wendy has three grown sons and resides in Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
August 24, 2025
When I was growing up, watching figure skating competitions on TV was a big deal. The athleticism and grace of the skaters has always been awe-inspiring! When I heard that Wendy Walker, a former competitive figure skater herself, was writing a mystery-thriller set in that world, I grabbed it right away, eager for an exciting inside view of that life.
The problem with looking behind the veil? Things are rarely as glamorous and fun behind the scenes as they look to the audience. While the premise had as much potential as some of these fictional young skaters, unfortunately by the story’s end I was left with one overriding thought: This Blade was just a little … dull.
Thirty-year-old lawyer and former competitive figure skater Ana Robbins is summoned to the Colorado training site she once attended to defend Grace, a young female skater suspected of murdering a coach. As a storm closes in, Ana and her male colleague try to figure out others who might’ve had a motive, and in the process reopen wounds of a dark past that involves four teen skaters dubbed “The Orphans”: Grace’s mom Jolene, Ana, and two others, Kayla and Indy.
Apart from the initial murder, there’s a mystery involving each of the Orphans, particularly Indy, that is continually hinted at with little breadcrumbs for three-quarters of the book through chapters from Ana’s past and present. The problem with breadcrumbs? They aren’t very filling, and as a reader I was getting so tired of being hungry for more that I actually started to LOSE my appetite for the answers altogether. Suspense is only fun up to a point.
This is a veeeery slow-burn with not a lot happening most of the time apart from watching a renowned female coach, her underling, a crackpot “doctor”, and the mean-girl moms dubbed the “Bleacher Bees” find different ways to gaslight and abuse young skaters. The reveals weren’t surprising and the ending strayed into some convenient plot points that just didn’t work for me.
Walker says in her author’s note that while this is a work of fiction, it also represents the “personal impact of my own experience”, in her case as a thirteen-year-old competitive figure skater who left home to train among the elite. If this story is in ANY way semi-autobiographical, I can’t help but wonder if it was a topic that was more personally sensitive to her and harder to put on paper. I’ve loved two of her prior books, but this one felt like she was holding back. It did give me a whole new level of compassion and concern for elite young athletes, though!
Many others have loved this book, so please read other reviews before deciding. This just wasn’t a good match for me!
★★ ½
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and author Wendy Walker for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out on January 6, 2026.
The problem with looking behind the veil? Things are rarely as glamorous and fun behind the scenes as they look to the audience. While the premise had as much potential as some of these fictional young skaters, unfortunately by the story’s end I was left with one overriding thought: This Blade was just a little … dull.
Thirty-year-old lawyer and former competitive figure skater Ana Robbins is summoned to the Colorado training site she once attended to defend Grace, a young female skater suspected of murdering a coach. As a storm closes in, Ana and her male colleague try to figure out others who might’ve had a motive, and in the process reopen wounds of a dark past that involves four teen skaters dubbed “The Orphans”: Grace’s mom Jolene, Ana, and two others, Kayla and Indy.
Apart from the initial murder, there’s a mystery involving each of the Orphans, particularly Indy, that is continually hinted at with little breadcrumbs for three-quarters of the book through chapters from Ana’s past and present. The problem with breadcrumbs? They aren’t very filling, and as a reader I was getting so tired of being hungry for more that I actually started to LOSE my appetite for the answers altogether. Suspense is only fun up to a point.
This is a veeeery slow-burn with not a lot happening most of the time apart from watching a renowned female coach, her underling, a crackpot “doctor”, and the mean-girl moms dubbed the “Bleacher Bees” find different ways to gaslight and abuse young skaters. The reveals weren’t surprising and the ending strayed into some convenient plot points that just didn’t work for me.
Walker says in her author’s note that while this is a work of fiction, it also represents the “personal impact of my own experience”, in her case as a thirteen-year-old competitive figure skater who left home to train among the elite. If this story is in ANY way semi-autobiographical, I can’t help but wonder if it was a topic that was more personally sensitive to her and harder to put on paper. I’ve loved two of her prior books, but this one felt like she was holding back. It did give me a whole new level of compassion and concern for elite young athletes, though!
Many others have loved this book, so please read other reviews before deciding. This just wasn’t a good match for me!
★★ ½
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and author Wendy Walker for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out on January 6, 2026.
December 4, 2025
THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN LABELED AS YA
Ana Robbins was just thirteen when she was accepted to train at “The Palace” under Coach Dawn Sumner. She was one of four “Orphans”-a name for skaters living in the dorms away from parents who remained faraway at home. They didn’t have parental support to help with Dawn’s sometimes cruel “FEAR training” and often turned to unhealthy ways of coping.
Fourteen years later, she’s a defense attorney, acclaimed for defending traumatized minors. When one of her former coaches, Emile Dresier, turns up dead, Ana finds herself returning to “The Palace” to defend the young skater accused of the brutal crime.
Grace Montgomery claims to be innocent but all evidence points at her guilt, and she isn’t talking.
Ana must find a way to get her to tell her side of the story as the young skater is just days away from facing charges of first-degree murder.
“Damaged People Damage People”
Is Ana ready to face her own childhood traumas? She will have to be if she has any chance at helping Grace.
Unfortunately, the most interesting part of this story for me is that Wendy Walker at the age of thirteen was also an “orphan” training in the sport of competitive ice skating, and I hope she didn’t experience anything similar to what these girls endured.
But, as a STORY, this was a MISS for me.
The book opens with a conversation between Ana and Grace, but then they don’t speak again until almost the 70% point of the book. Instead, we spend the MAJORITY of the book with thirteen year old Ana and the other “orphans” in the PAST, with just a few NOW chapters, and a FEW sharing transcripts from witnesses in the Court case.
This lack of balance between THEN and NOW made the book feel very YA, which I don’t enjoy as I am far removed from that demographic. I would have preferred more interaction between attorney and client in the present day.
2.5 rounded up
A buddy read with MaryBeth, Marilyn and DeAnn. Be sure to watch for their reviews for additional thoughts.
If you think you might enjoy this type of story, this book will be released on February 1, 2026 just before the Winter Olympics.
I have loved everything else by the author and look forward to whatever she pens next.
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
Ana Robbins was just thirteen when she was accepted to train at “The Palace” under Coach Dawn Sumner. She was one of four “Orphans”-a name for skaters living in the dorms away from parents who remained faraway at home. They didn’t have parental support to help with Dawn’s sometimes cruel “FEAR training” and often turned to unhealthy ways of coping.
Fourteen years later, she’s a defense attorney, acclaimed for defending traumatized minors. When one of her former coaches, Emile Dresier, turns up dead, Ana finds herself returning to “The Palace” to defend the young skater accused of the brutal crime.
Grace Montgomery claims to be innocent but all evidence points at her guilt, and she isn’t talking.
Ana must find a way to get her to tell her side of the story as the young skater is just days away from facing charges of first-degree murder.
“Damaged People Damage People”
Is Ana ready to face her own childhood traumas? She will have to be if she has any chance at helping Grace.
Unfortunately, the most interesting part of this story for me is that Wendy Walker at the age of thirteen was also an “orphan” training in the sport of competitive ice skating, and I hope she didn’t experience anything similar to what these girls endured.
But, as a STORY, this was a MISS for me.
The book opens with a conversation between Ana and Grace, but then they don’t speak again until almost the 70% point of the book. Instead, we spend the MAJORITY of the book with thirteen year old Ana and the other “orphans” in the PAST, with just a few NOW chapters, and a FEW sharing transcripts from witnesses in the Court case.
This lack of balance between THEN and NOW made the book feel very YA, which I don’t enjoy as I am far removed from that demographic. I would have preferred more interaction between attorney and client in the present day.
2.5 rounded up
A buddy read with MaryBeth, Marilyn and DeAnn. Be sure to watch for their reviews for additional thoughts.
If you think you might enjoy this type of story, this book will be released on February 1, 2026 just before the Winter Olympics.
I have loved everything else by the author and look forward to whatever she pens next.
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
November 30, 2025
I will read anything that Wendy Walker writes, such a bug fan of her thrillers. I am also a sucker for anything set in the world of competitive ice skating so Blade was a win win for me. I love to watch the ice skating and dancing in the Olympics, I wish I could skate that that. Did you know that Wendy Walker can skate like that, wow! Multi talented lady .
I was completely hooked with this book. Behind the scenes stories are always so interesting, and the dual timelines worked so well. I just had to keep reading and find out what was going to happen now and in the past. We hear the story through the eyes of Ana, once a promising young skater who was hopeful of making the Olympic team one day. She is now an attorney and returns to Echo in Colorado where she trained, to defend another young girl who has been accused of murder. The young girl is also the daughter of one of her friends that she trained with. She has to face her demons and her past to find out what really happened.
This was such a great, unique story, that made me cry, it made me angry. These poor girls. A must read book from a favourite author.
Thank you so much to Thomas and Mercer on NetGalley for my early copy of this book to read. So good. Publishes on February 1st.
I was completely hooked with this book. Behind the scenes stories are always so interesting, and the dual timelines worked so well. I just had to keep reading and find out what was going to happen now and in the past. We hear the story through the eyes of Ana, once a promising young skater who was hopeful of making the Olympic team one day. She is now an attorney and returns to Echo in Colorado where she trained, to defend another young girl who has been accused of murder. The young girl is also the daughter of one of her friends that she trained with. She has to face her demons and her past to find out what really happened.
This was such a great, unique story, that made me cry, it made me angry. These poor girls. A must read book from a favourite author.
Thank you so much to Thomas and Mercer on NetGalley for my early copy of this book to read. So good. Publishes on February 1st.
January 3, 2026
Blade is a hard look at an even harder industry-a world where the most elite athletes are living together and competing against each other for rare and coveted spots to join the olympic team. Though a work of fiction, I appreciated Walker's author's note confirming she has first-hand experience in this corner of the world. Her historical and intimate knowledge certainly shone through and I appreciated that this aspect was authentic.
When one of the coach's at the elite skater's facility The Palace is brutally murdered with the blade of a figure skate, former Palace Skater and current child-specialist attorney Ana Robbins is called in to represent the accused-a young skater with a formerly glittering future. What unfolds is a dark web of mystery, corruption, abuse, and horror that isn't necessarily surprising but is still shocking.
Blade alternates between the past-Ana's time as a skater at The Palace-and the present murder charges. Deceit and secrets belie every interaction and while some of the novel may be predictable for the savvy thriller reader, there were still twists and horrors to uncover with each passing page.
Blade is unlike any other Walker novel I've read. I'm always quick to pick up her books but unfortunately, Blade didn't capture my attention as most of the others have. I struggled to connect with the characters as they felt slight surface-level and I kept getting people and the relationships confused. There was also such a focus on the historic timeline that I felt entirely disconnected from Grace and the mystery around Emile's death.
All in all this was a decent read and I appreciated the unique skating aspect to a saturated murder-mystery market. I think fans of the sport will be particularly interested in this novel and I imagine it will be a great audiobook.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
When one of the coach's at the elite skater's facility The Palace is brutally murdered with the blade of a figure skate, former Palace Skater and current child-specialist attorney Ana Robbins is called in to represent the accused-a young skater with a formerly glittering future. What unfolds is a dark web of mystery, corruption, abuse, and horror that isn't necessarily surprising but is still shocking.
Blade alternates between the past-Ana's time as a skater at The Palace-and the present murder charges. Deceit and secrets belie every interaction and while some of the novel may be predictable for the savvy thriller reader, there were still twists and horrors to uncover with each passing page.
Blade is unlike any other Walker novel I've read. I'm always quick to pick up her books but unfortunately, Blade didn't capture my attention as most of the others have. I struggled to connect with the characters as they felt slight surface-level and I kept getting people and the relationships confused. There was also such a focus on the historic timeline that I felt entirely disconnected from Grace and the mystery around Emile's death.
All in all this was a decent read and I appreciated the unique skating aspect to a saturated murder-mystery market. I think fans of the sport will be particularly interested in this novel and I imagine it will be a great audiobook.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I've been a fan of Wendy's writing since reading Emma in the Night. I was so excited to receive an early review copy of Blade; I went in with high expectations and was not disappointed.
This novel is told in then and now perspectives. Our main character, Ana, left her home at the young age of 13 to train with an elite instructor at a top notch figure skating facility known as The Palace. She stayed in a dorm with a few other teen girls, Jolene, Kayla and Indy, who also lived onsite, and were nicknamed the Orphans. The girls bonded over their shared passion and opportunities, but also over their sacrifices and the experience of growing up too fast.
As an adult, Ana became a defense attorney specializing in defending children. When Jolene's daughter and protege, Grace, is suspected of murdering The Palace's Assistant Coach, Emile, Ana drops everything and returns to the place she left behind. There is a lot of damning evidence against Grace but no motive.
As the story proceeds, I was equally invested in Ana's past at The Palace and her present day search for the truth about what happened to Emile.
I read a lot of thrillers so I crave the original, fresh and unpredictable... The author does a great job bringing readers into the world of competitive figure skating, from the time period where the skaters are still young, still learning and proving themselves. Throw in a murder mystery and I am here for it.
I truly had a great time reading this intriguing book! Thank you so much for letting me read it in advance!
This novel is told in then and now perspectives. Our main character, Ana, left her home at the young age of 13 to train with an elite instructor at a top notch figure skating facility known as The Palace. She stayed in a dorm with a few other teen girls, Jolene, Kayla and Indy, who also lived onsite, and were nicknamed the Orphans. The girls bonded over their shared passion and opportunities, but also over their sacrifices and the experience of growing up too fast.
As an adult, Ana became a defense attorney specializing in defending children. When Jolene's daughter and protege, Grace, is suspected of murdering The Palace's Assistant Coach, Emile, Ana drops everything and returns to the place she left behind. There is a lot of damning evidence against Grace but no motive.
As the story proceeds, I was equally invested in Ana's past at The Palace and her present day search for the truth about what happened to Emile.
I read a lot of thrillers so I crave the original, fresh and unpredictable... The author does a great job bringing readers into the world of competitive figure skating, from the time period where the skaters are still young, still learning and proving themselves. Throw in a murder mystery and I am here for it.
I truly had a great time reading this intriguing book! Thank you so much for letting me read it in advance!
August 3, 2025
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for providing the copy of Blade by Wendy Walker. This is my favorite book by this author. I love reading about ice skating and the secrets of training for the Olympics, and Blade did not disappoint. I loved Ana, both past and present, and would love to see another book about her and her job defending kids. The other characters were more interesting in the past, and in the present they kind of blended together to me. I liked how we met some only in the court transcripts. A lot happened in the story, and there was more mistreatment than I was comfortable with, but the author was an elite skater so maybe it was realistic for competitive sports. This was an intriguing book, andI wasn’t expecting that explosive big reveal, so if that’s what makes a book for you, this is it! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
December 1, 2025
I love a read from Wendy Walker and this one kept me hooked. Set in the world of figure skating, a gruesome murder has one of the teenage girls under suspicion. Our main character used to attend the skating facility where this has taken place. Now that she’s a defense attorney who specializes in working with minors, she returns to help her friends daughter.
This was fast paced, included multiple timelines, and had intriguing characters. I read through this one super fast, and definitely recommend.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
This was fast paced, included multiple timelines, and had intriguing characters. I read through this one super fast, and definitely recommend.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
January 16, 2026
it’s actually impressive how the author managed to write a murder mystery THIS boring and repetitive
September 20, 2025
This is a story about endurance.
This book went in a much different direction than I was anticipating, but I’m not mad at it. I think a lot of books that center around a competitive sport focus in on the psychological distress caused by the competitive environment… and this one did a bit of that? But it was also an actual thriller with suspense, murder etc. I was also super interested in the protagonists job, bc it sounded like such a cool gig.
3.5 rounded to 4!
Thank you so much Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC!
This book went in a much different direction than I was anticipating, but I’m not mad at it. I think a lot of books that center around a competitive sport focus in on the psychological distress caused by the competitive environment… and this one did a bit of that? But it was also an actual thriller with suspense, murder etc. I was also super interested in the protagonists job, bc it sounded like such a cool gig.
3.5 rounded to 4!
Thank you so much Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC!
January 24, 2026
I read Wendy Walker’s American Girl which I enjoyed so when I had the opportunity to read her newest release, I jumped at the chance.
In Blade, Ana returns to the skating world but this time as an attorney to defend a young teen accused of a gruesome crime against one of her skating coaches.
In Blade, we go behind the scenes to see what it’s like for the young teens who skate competitively. I learned so much about the world of skating and had no idea how harsh and cutthroat it can be. We only see the glamour when we watch the Olympics.The normal person has no idea of what goes on to make an Olympic athlete become all that they are.
Ana used to be one of those child athletes so when she returns to this world and reconnects with her best friends from that time, major secrets are revealed.
For whatever reason, this book did not grab me as much as American Girl did. It was ok. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. If you enjoy mysteries and are interested in what goes on behind the glamour of the competitive skating world, then this book is for you!
*Thank you so much to MBC Books and to Amazon Publishing for the gifted beautiful finished copy!*
In Blade, Ana returns to the skating world but this time as an attorney to defend a young teen accused of a gruesome crime against one of her skating coaches.
In Blade, we go behind the scenes to see what it’s like for the young teens who skate competitively. I learned so much about the world of skating and had no idea how harsh and cutthroat it can be. We only see the glamour when we watch the Olympics.The normal person has no idea of what goes on to make an Olympic athlete become all that they are.
Ana used to be one of those child athletes so when she returns to this world and reconnects with her best friends from that time, major secrets are revealed.
For whatever reason, this book did not grab me as much as American Girl did. It was ok. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. If you enjoy mysteries and are interested in what goes on behind the glamour of the competitive skating world, then this book is for you!
*Thank you so much to MBC Books and to Amazon Publishing for the gifted beautiful finished copy!*
January 16, 2026
I’ve been in my figure skating era, obviously. So I requested this ARC as soon as I heard of it. While I enjoyed being on the ice, I’m leaving feeling a bit ambivalent.
Recommendation: You’re interested in a figure skating-centered murder mystery with a YA feel
What worked for me:
- The author is knowledgeable (her acknowledgments make it even more clear)
- I read it quickly and always looked forward to returning the next day
- I didn’t guess what really happened in either timeline
What didn’t work for me:
- Even with the difficult subject matter, we spent a LOT of time with YOUNG teen girls. I feel like we just scratched the surface of all the complex topics here, but never got to any true emotional grit to make me react/resonate
- The dual timeline felt imbalanced—I’d guess a 75% v 25% ratio
- A lot happened to Ana, but I never felt super connected to her
- The mystery was a bit convoluted—so many minor characters involved and I struggled a bit to keep track of who is who
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⚠️ Content Warnings ⚠️
Sexual content: The main sexual content takes place between adult men and young teenaged girls. Some assault happens off page, some happens “on” but focused on reflection rather than lingering on physical specifics
ALL content warnings here apply to young teenagers (13-15ish, not children below 12)
Graphic: Child abuse, injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault, adult-minor relationship/hebephilia (pedophilia w/ young teens), death of parent, cancer, drug abuse
Minor: Pregnancy, abortion, suicide
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Recommendation: You’re interested in a figure skating-centered murder mystery with a YA feel
What worked for me:
- The author is knowledgeable (her acknowledgments make it even more clear)
- I read it quickly and always looked forward to returning the next day
- I didn’t guess what really happened in either timeline
What didn’t work for me:
- Even with the difficult subject matter, we spent a LOT of time with YOUNG teen girls. I feel like we just scratched the surface of all the complex topics here, but never got to any true emotional grit to make me react/resonate
- The dual timeline felt imbalanced—I’d guess a 75% v 25% ratio
- A lot happened to Ana, but I never felt super connected to her
- The mystery was a bit convoluted—so many minor characters involved and I struggled a bit to keep track of who is who
Let’s Connect
---
⚠️ Content Warnings ⚠️
Sexual content: The main sexual content takes place between adult men and young teenaged girls. Some assault happens off page, some happens “on” but focused on reflection rather than lingering on physical specifics
ALL content warnings here apply to young teenagers (13-15ish, not children below 12)
Graphic: Child abuse, injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault, adult-minor relationship/hebephilia (pedophilia w/ young teens), death of parent, cancer, drug abuse
Minor: Pregnancy, abortion, suicide
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
January 18, 2026
I was hooked from the start. This is the fastest I have finished a book in like 6 months! Ana and the Orphans… just wow! I loved ice skating when I was younger and always would dream of being an ice skater, but boy, after reading this, am I glad I never even tried. Traumatizing events and emotional and physical abuse. Wendy, you definitely know how to write a book!!
November 3, 2025
What a chilling ride! As you may know from my previous reviews, I tend to judge books by their covers rather than their blurbs, and I had no idea what I was getting into since I’m new to this author!
Former Olympic figure skating hopeful Ana Robbins, now a successful defense attorney, is pulled back into the skating world when her former coach is found dead. She must defend young skater Grace Montgomery, who is accused of murder but insists on her innocence. As Ana investigates, she confronts her own traumatic past at The Palace, the elite skating facility in Colorado. With time running out and a blizzard raging, Ana is determined to uncover the truth, even if it means facing her buried secrets.
The story unfolds across dual timelines, allowing us to fully grasp the narrative and the author's message. We follow Ana both in the present and in her past, with a few testimonies sprinkled throughout the book. Everything eventually comes together, and it all makes sense in due time. Ana is a relatable character—clever and dedicated to her job. Throughout the story, I had no inkling of her dark past or the hidden secrets she harbored. There were no hints, but the revelations come at just the right moments, unfurling like waves that keep crashing in!
I found it hard to put this book down; it was so gripping, emotional, and beautifully written. The atmosphere sent chills from the pages straight down my spine, and I couldn’t wait to learn more and uncover the mysteries within! It was easy to visualize the cold, harsh realities the girls faced. Many of us carry unspoken pasts, and when they finally spill out, it becomes impossible to look away from the pages! My hat goes off to the author for crafting such a compelling tale!
This read is perfect for anyone who enjoys sport-related drama deeply rooted in history, playing detective, and uncovering buried secrets in the Colorado wilderness. These young girls could be anyone's daughter, prompting you to reflect on what you would do in their situation. What if this were your daughters? Why do parents send their kids away without fully engaging in their lives? It really is a recipe for disaster. This suspenseful and emotional read clearly reflects the author’s knowledge of the subject. I felt its impact profoundly because it resonated like someone’s true story! Don’t miss this gem that will grab you and hold on tight until the very last page.
Thank you, Thomas and Mercer, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Former Olympic figure skating hopeful Ana Robbins, now a successful defense attorney, is pulled back into the skating world when her former coach is found dead. She must defend young skater Grace Montgomery, who is accused of murder but insists on her innocence. As Ana investigates, she confronts her own traumatic past at The Palace, the elite skating facility in Colorado. With time running out and a blizzard raging, Ana is determined to uncover the truth, even if it means facing her buried secrets.
The story unfolds across dual timelines, allowing us to fully grasp the narrative and the author's message. We follow Ana both in the present and in her past, with a few testimonies sprinkled throughout the book. Everything eventually comes together, and it all makes sense in due time. Ana is a relatable character—clever and dedicated to her job. Throughout the story, I had no inkling of her dark past or the hidden secrets she harbored. There were no hints, but the revelations come at just the right moments, unfurling like waves that keep crashing in!
I found it hard to put this book down; it was so gripping, emotional, and beautifully written. The atmosphere sent chills from the pages straight down my spine, and I couldn’t wait to learn more and uncover the mysteries within! It was easy to visualize the cold, harsh realities the girls faced. Many of us carry unspoken pasts, and when they finally spill out, it becomes impossible to look away from the pages! My hat goes off to the author for crafting such a compelling tale!
This read is perfect for anyone who enjoys sport-related drama deeply rooted in history, playing detective, and uncovering buried secrets in the Colorado wilderness. These young girls could be anyone's daughter, prompting you to reflect on what you would do in their situation. What if this were your daughters? Why do parents send their kids away without fully engaging in their lives? It really is a recipe for disaster. This suspenseful and emotional read clearly reflects the author’s knowledge of the subject. I felt its impact profoundly because it resonated like someone’s true story! Don’t miss this gem that will grab you and hold on tight until the very last page.
Thank you, Thomas and Mercer, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 5, 2025
Wow what a wild ride, it had me hooked from the first page! Walker has written a deeply layered murder mystery alternating between the past and present. Interspersed throughout are chapters of trial transcripts that sprinkle hints of what is to come. We learn through the thoughts and experiences of the protagonist, Ana, about the intense ice skating training to become the best in the world with the end goal of making the Olympic team.
Ana reluctantly returns many years later to The Palace where she trained and lived away from her family for three years, to help Grace, a teenager that is being accused of murdering one of the trainers.
In the chapters of the past, we learn that Ana and the other “Orphans” were each driven to the breaking point in pursuit of being the best and earning the praise of their coach, Dawn. The alternating timelines chip away at the layers of thin ice the girls skate on, revealing many secrets that lie beneath it.
The ice skating details and descriptions of the unbelievably grueling practices the girls endure make you feel like you are out on the ice with them. The way that the author writes each character makes you really feel what they are going through. I came to absolutely despise the trainers and the psychologist who the girls think of as “Dr. Fear”. The mental and physical abuse of ice skating training is brutal and Walker writes about it as if she knows firsthand.
The mystery of what exactly happened on that fateful night is revealed layer by layer with several twist and turns. At certain points I felt like I knew exactly where the story was headed but then I was thrown for a loop each time when it went in a different direction. I was on the edge of my seat, ignoring my chores and actually missing meals, rushing to find out the fate of the skaters and their trainers!
This is a chilling mystery thriller that exposes the fact that the fiercest competition isn’t always on the ice but hides in the shadows beyond the rink. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves unraveling a fast-paced murder mystery!
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer via Net Galley for the advanced reader e-copy. My opinions are my own and given freely.
Ana reluctantly returns many years later to The Palace where she trained and lived away from her family for three years, to help Grace, a teenager that is being accused of murdering one of the trainers.
In the chapters of the past, we learn that Ana and the other “Orphans” were each driven to the breaking point in pursuit of being the best and earning the praise of their coach, Dawn. The alternating timelines chip away at the layers of thin ice the girls skate on, revealing many secrets that lie beneath it.
The ice skating details and descriptions of the unbelievably grueling practices the girls endure make you feel like you are out on the ice with them. The way that the author writes each character makes you really feel what they are going through. I came to absolutely despise the trainers and the psychologist who the girls think of as “Dr. Fear”. The mental and physical abuse of ice skating training is brutal and Walker writes about it as if she knows firsthand.
The mystery of what exactly happened on that fateful night is revealed layer by layer with several twist and turns. At certain points I felt like I knew exactly where the story was headed but then I was thrown for a loop each time when it went in a different direction. I was on the edge of my seat, ignoring my chores and actually missing meals, rushing to find out the fate of the skaters and their trainers!
This is a chilling mystery thriller that exposes the fact that the fiercest competition isn’t always on the ice but hides in the shadows beyond the rink. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves unraveling a fast-paced murder mystery!
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer via Net Galley for the advanced reader e-copy. My opinions are my own and given freely.
August 10, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced reader copy.
3.5 stars
When she was young, Ana Robbins thought that she would become an Olympic figure skater and put everything into that goal--including leaving her family to stay at the famed Palace skating club. But after a series of tragic events, Ana walked away from the skating world. Fourteen years later, she returns to the Palace as a lawyer who works specifically with children who've been arrested for violent crimes, to help the daughter of one of her former skating friends; Grace has been arrested and charged with murdering one of the skating coaches. In digging into what may have happened and whether Grace is actually capable of murder, Ana must finally deal with all the things that happened to her when she was a promising skater.
I appreciated the way the location--Colorado--is made a big part of the story, driving some of the plot in ways that felt authentic but also heightened the suspense. The world of figure skating is at once glamorous and feels rife for mining in fiction, as it holds so many tensions and complicated relationships. The use of dual timeline also enhanced the story--giving a peek into what Ana endured when she was a young skater at the Palace. Walker did a great job of making Dawn, the owner of the Palace, feel like a true villain who was taking advantage of young girls. The pacing toward the end of the book worked very well, though some of the reveal details about what happened--both in the past and present timelines--strained some credulity and felt less organic than other moments in the book. Overall, this is a great winter read.
Blade is out January 6, 2026
3.5 stars
When she was young, Ana Robbins thought that she would become an Olympic figure skater and put everything into that goal--including leaving her family to stay at the famed Palace skating club. But after a series of tragic events, Ana walked away from the skating world. Fourteen years later, she returns to the Palace as a lawyer who works specifically with children who've been arrested for violent crimes, to help the daughter of one of her former skating friends; Grace has been arrested and charged with murdering one of the skating coaches. In digging into what may have happened and whether Grace is actually capable of murder, Ana must finally deal with all the things that happened to her when she was a promising skater.
I appreciated the way the location--Colorado--is made a big part of the story, driving some of the plot in ways that felt authentic but also heightened the suspense. The world of figure skating is at once glamorous and feels rife for mining in fiction, as it holds so many tensions and complicated relationships. The use of dual timeline also enhanced the story--giving a peek into what Ana endured when she was a young skater at the Palace. Walker did a great job of making Dawn, the owner of the Palace, feel like a true villain who was taking advantage of young girls. The pacing toward the end of the book worked very well, though some of the reveal details about what happened--both in the past and present timelines--strained some credulity and felt less organic than other moments in the book. Overall, this is a great winter read.
Blade is out January 6, 2026
September 17, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy from Netgalley and Wow this was a great read! So many twists and turns.
I had a hard time putting it down.
I love the alternating timelines - it’s such a great mechanism for unlocking a mystery that has a long past filled with secrets. She did a great job of painting the scene and there were times when I felt the impulse to bury myself in blankets to not feel the cold of the ice rink or the incredibly cold winters.
The ice skating world is fascinating and also scarily intense! In the author’s note Wendy mentions that she was a part of that world once and I sure hope that she did not deal with all the abuse that was described in this book.
Wendy definitely led me around by the nose with all the twists and turns. And by the end, I didn’t guess how it would all work out. I also really appreciate that she tied up all loose ends.
This book doesn’t come out until January, but you won’t want to miss it!
I had a hard time putting it down.
I love the alternating timelines - it’s such a great mechanism for unlocking a mystery that has a long past filled with secrets. She did a great job of painting the scene and there were times when I felt the impulse to bury myself in blankets to not feel the cold of the ice rink or the incredibly cold winters.
The ice skating world is fascinating and also scarily intense! In the author’s note Wendy mentions that she was a part of that world once and I sure hope that she did not deal with all the abuse that was described in this book.
Wendy definitely led me around by the nose with all the twists and turns. And by the end, I didn’t guess how it would all work out. I also really appreciate that she tied up all loose ends.
This book doesn’t come out until January, but you won’t want to miss it!
August 31, 2025
I wanted to love this thriller but it felt flat for me. The constant back and forth between the Ana’s past and the present lost me a bit. It felt like the story was constantly cut and it made the reading less engaging for me. This story does touch on sensitive subjects and I think it was done well. The ending made me rethink everything that I’ve read as I did not expect it. I dont think this is a bad thriller, I just didn’t enjoy how the timeline was presented.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.
November 18, 2025
I enjoyed Don’t Look For Me and What Remains by Wendy Walker, but this one is going to be a did-not-finish for me. I was really struggling and bored and decided to stop 14% into the book. The story is very slow to develop and the characters are not likeable or easy to connect with. I’m really disappointed with this one. Thanks to#NetGalley and #Thomas&Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2026
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
I'm not super into figure skating but I am into murder... LOL. This story picks up after a skating instructor is found dead in the woods with a skating blade as the murder weapon. Compelling, right? One girl is immediately a suspect in this little village where skating is everything and has been for generations. The lawyer to defend her was once a girl living in the village herself, with the same two coaches and she's determined to defend this young girl she is sure underwent the same tough conditions she did. We get two timelines as the truth of this little village is revealed to us and we get closer to the killer or killers.
A lot of my criticism of books focused on teen girls is how catty and whiny they are. That was not the case here. These girls were pretty supportive of one another and while there was tension between the residents and the locals it was realistic rather than annoying. I really appreciated that there were characters you wanted to root for and that the main ones had a little nuance to them. The reveals were great and related to the clues without being completely predictable or too far out. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the skating talk, which felt like a lot at times, but makes sense that the author's note tells you she was a skater as well.
I'm not super into figure skating but I am into murder... LOL. This story picks up after a skating instructor is found dead in the woods with a skating blade as the murder weapon. Compelling, right? One girl is immediately a suspect in this little village where skating is everything and has been for generations. The lawyer to defend her was once a girl living in the village herself, with the same two coaches and she's determined to defend this young girl she is sure underwent the same tough conditions she did. We get two timelines as the truth of this little village is revealed to us and we get closer to the killer or killers.
A lot of my criticism of books focused on teen girls is how catty and whiny they are. That was not the case here. These girls were pretty supportive of one another and while there was tension between the residents and the locals it was realistic rather than annoying. I really appreciated that there were characters you wanted to root for and that the main ones had a little nuance to them. The reveals were great and related to the clues without being completely predictable or too far out. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the skating talk, which felt like a lot at times, but makes sense that the author's note tells you she was a skater as well.
November 26, 2025
Drama and intrigue in the fascinating world of elite figure skating!
Ana Robbin’s was training for the Olympics when tragedy struck and she was prematurely retired at the age of sixteen. Now, she is a successful defense lawyer specializing in representing minors. When her former coach is found murdered at The Palace, the skating facility she trained at located in Echo, Colorado, Ana is called in to defend Grace Montegomery, the young skater accused of the grisly crime. But Ana left her own secrets behind in The Palace. And with a storm raging and the clock ticking to prove Grace’s innocence, the mystery Ana left behind is in danger of being exposed.
I do love an ice skating novel and this is a good one! Readers who enjoyed The Favorites by Layne Fargo may also enjoy this one.
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on February 1, 2026
Ana Robbin’s was training for the Olympics when tragedy struck and she was prematurely retired at the age of sixteen. Now, she is a successful defense lawyer specializing in representing minors. When her former coach is found murdered at The Palace, the skating facility she trained at located in Echo, Colorado, Ana is called in to defend Grace Montegomery, the young skater accused of the grisly crime. But Ana left her own secrets behind in The Palace. And with a storm raging and the clock ticking to prove Grace’s innocence, the mystery Ana left behind is in danger of being exposed.
I do love an ice skating novel and this is a good one! Readers who enjoyed The Favorites by Layne Fargo may also enjoy this one.
Thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on February 1, 2026
January 13, 2026
This was an Amazon First Reads pick for me. Do I know anything about ice skating? No. But I still found myself wanting to go back to this book to see just where it was going. To be honest, I did skim a lot of the pages where the skating was being detailed and a lot of the detail felt repetitive in nature, but overall I did enjoy it more than I initially expected.
*There are mentions of SA & abuse that I’m not sure were listed, so tread lightly if that’s a trigger for you.
*There are mentions of SA & abuse that I’m not sure were listed, so tread lightly if that’s a trigger for you.
Review of advance copy
One of the books I have chosen for January's Prime First Reads. It was good and an interesting story, that kept me picking it back up. Not knowing much about ice skating I didn't understand some of the terminology for the jumps. It didn't affect the story though and I could have looked it up online.
January 18, 2026
Wow. The ending to this book gripped me so much. It's only 4 stars because I really struggled to get into it at the start. I was very close to having this as a 'did not finish', which after getting to the end would have been such a mistake.
I thought I had figured out the twist but I was wrong. It's not often a storyline completely surprises me but this really did. I cannot wait to read more by Wendy Walker
I thought I had figured out the twist but I was wrong. It's not often a storyline completely surprises me but this really did. I cannot wait to read more by Wendy Walker
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
All opinions are my own.
I've enjoyed other books by this author, but this one fell flat in a number of ways. First, it was really boring. There were definite pacing issues and I felt like the characters were talking in circles in the middle of the book and I HATE that. Second, Ana is both an unlikeable character and a boring one. I couldn't find myself to care what happened to her either way. Third, there is a LOT of assault/abuse throughout the book. No one is spared. High ick factor. If I weren't a serial book finisher, I probably would have put this one down around 30%. Would not recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer!
All opinions are my own.
I've enjoyed other books by this author, but this one fell flat in a number of ways. First, it was really boring. There were definite pacing issues and I felt like the characters were talking in circles in the middle of the book and I HATE that. Second, Ana is both an unlikeable character and a boring one. I couldn't find myself to care what happened to her either way. Third, there is a LOT of assault/abuse throughout the book. No one is spared. High ick factor. If I weren't a serial book finisher, I probably would have put this one down around 30%. Would not recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer!
June 10, 2025
Review will be posted closer to publication. Spoiler alert: I loved it!
December 7, 2025
3.5* Blade was such an engaging read. The pacing was incredibly quick, which made it easy to fly through, and I loved how vividly the scenes were written, I could truly see everything unfolding on the ice. I was impressed by how authentic the skating elements felt. It’s rare to find a book that blends the world of competitive skating with a mystery plot, and that uniqueness really worked for me.
January 11, 2026
It was good. A lot of jumping back and forth that was hard to keep up with.
January 13, 2026
The end was good, but the book was very slow in my opinion
January 20, 2026
I love books about figure skating
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