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Blade
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
20 days and 13:10:07
100 copies available
U.S. only
From 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.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2026
4835 people are currently reading
7348 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Walker
14 books3,875 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 357 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.
February 2, 2026
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.
AVAILABLE NOW!
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.
AVAILABLE NOW!
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.
February 3, 2026
3.5 rounded up. I've enjoyed Wendy Walker's books a lot before, so it's a bummer that her newest "Blade" was just an okay read for me - a bit "meh". I was interested in this story about young figure-skaters and their elite training and there's a good mystery there also, but I found it a slog in the middle and I also had a hard time connecting to Ana, the MC and the way the before and now were written was also confusing sometimes. I really did appreciate the author's note about her own lived experience, so adding a star for that.
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.
February 5, 2026
A 3 ⭐️ thriller that leans too YA, but a stellar addictive audiobook narration by Julia Whelan and a full cast. Julia made it feel 4 star so I’ll give it a final 3.5 star rating.
February 7, 2026
A fantastic suspense-thriller told in alternating timelines (Anna then and now), giving us a snapshot into the world of elite skating told with authority. But more than that, this was about decisions and mistakes made by young girls with little parental involvement, and the selfish adults in their lives who contributed.
On the surface, this is a murder mystery, which was very well done. A simple crime, but with complex motivations and many suspects -- one of my favorite types of stories.
But this story also made me think about sports in general. I raised 5 kids, all of whom played sports at different levels. I've met parents and coaches who were supportive and made the game fun ... and parents and coaches who were demanding, cruel, and grossly unfair. Parents who yelled at their daughters for failures. I have so many stories of what I observed in the stands, that I could see people I know in the faces of the parents Wendy Walker described in the book.
My youngest daughter was an outstanding softball player. She loved the sport. She also played soccer and volleyball, but she excelled at softball. We had either practice or games sometimes every day of the week. In both rec and competitive ball, we had some great coaches ... and some awful coaches. I definitely saw Dawn in some of these people.
Anyway, I listened to the book at 1.2X and the narrators were fabulous, the production quality top-notch. Strongly recommended.
On the surface, this is a murder mystery, which was very well done. A simple crime, but with complex motivations and many suspects -- one of my favorite types of stories.
But this story also made me think about sports in general. I raised 5 kids, all of whom played sports at different levels. I've met parents and coaches who were supportive and made the game fun ... and parents and coaches who were demanding, cruel, and grossly unfair. Parents who yelled at their daughters for failures. I have so many stories of what I observed in the stands, that I could see people I know in the faces of the parents Wendy Walker described in the book.
My youngest daughter was an outstanding softball player. She loved the sport. She also played soccer and volleyball, but she excelled at softball. We had either practice or games sometimes every day of the week. In both rec and competitive ball, we had some great coaches ... and some awful coaches. I definitely saw Dawn in some of these people.
Anyway, I listened to the book at 1.2X and the narrators were fabulous, the production quality top-notch. Strongly recommended.
February 2, 2026
Maybe it’s because the Winter Olympics are about to start, but when I saw this mystery/thriller involving figure skating, I was ready to do a triple salchow. Luckily for all of us, I took the simpler route and just read Wendy Walker’s newest book.
As a teenage figure skater with Olympic dreams, Ana was accepted to train at The Palace, a famous skating facility in Colorado. Training was physically rigorous and emotionally draining, because the head coach believed that breaking down a skater’s fears could help them reach their goals.
By the time Ana turned 16, she left The Palace and her skating career behind. She found a new passion in law and now is a successful (and well-known) defense attorney specializing in working with minors. But the last thing she is expecting is to return to The Palace nearly 15 years later.
Grace, the talented daughter of one of Ana’s best friends from her skating days, is accused of brutally murdering The Palace’s assistant coach. This same man coached Ana and her friends back in the day, playing good cop to the head coach’s bad cop. Grace maintains her innocence even though the evidence certainly suggests her guilt.
But in order for Ana to defend Grace, she must confront her own traumatic memories of The Palace. What happened all those years ago? Could Ana have played a part in the coach’s murder? With a blizzard on the horizon, time is running out to find answers and unearth secrets long-hidden.
I love athletic drama, and there was no shortage of that here. The book shifts back and forth between past and present, contrasting Ana’s time at the Palace with her efforts to clear Grace’s name. I enjoyed the story although at times the back and forth confused me a little. But no characters were quite what they seemed!
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
As a teenage figure skater with Olympic dreams, Ana was accepted to train at The Palace, a famous skating facility in Colorado. Training was physically rigorous and emotionally draining, because the head coach believed that breaking down a skater’s fears could help them reach their goals.
By the time Ana turned 16, she left The Palace and her skating career behind. She found a new passion in law and now is a successful (and well-known) defense attorney specializing in working with minors. But the last thing she is expecting is to return to The Palace nearly 15 years later.
Grace, the talented daughter of one of Ana’s best friends from her skating days, is accused of brutally murdering The Palace’s assistant coach. This same man coached Ana and her friends back in the day, playing good cop to the head coach’s bad cop. Grace maintains her innocence even though the evidence certainly suggests her guilt.
But in order for Ana to defend Grace, she must confront her own traumatic memories of The Palace. What happened all those years ago? Could Ana have played a part in the coach’s murder? With a blizzard on the horizon, time is running out to find answers and unearth secrets long-hidden.
I love athletic drama, and there was no shortage of that here. The book shifts back and forth between past and present, contrasting Ana’s time at the Palace with her efforts to clear Grace’s name. I enjoyed the story although at times the back and forth confused me a little. But no characters were quite what they seemed!
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
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!
February 4, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up to 4.
I used to be an avid watcher of figure skating in the 1990s and, to this day, think it is a beautiful sport. So it was a no-brainer that I was drawn to reading this story, written by a former figure skater.
While fiction, the author notes that “the personal impact of my own experience remains with me to this day” and that she knows she is not alone. What I take from this is that while the plot details are fiction, there is some reality underpinning the look into the competitive figure skating world.
This is the story of four young teenaged female figure skaters sent away by their parents to live at a training centre in Colorado, training to compete at the national level. The story is told through two timelines, one in third-person POV of the skaters in the past, and the other in the present day by one of the now-adult women. Underpinning the story is murder, betrayal, exploitation, domineering, success-at-all-costs parents, abusive coaches, and the isolation and loneliness of the young skaters.
The plot kept my interest throughout though there were a few times I found it a bit difficult to keep some of the details straight between the two timelines (I’m still unclear about the prologue). I thought the reveal at the end was good (though some of the tying together of the plot points could have been clearer) and I especially liked the teenage timeline as it provided a close-up look at elite young athletes.
If you are a fan of figure skating and like murder and suspense, recommend you check this one out, especially now with the Olympics starting this Friday.
Thanks to @amazonpublishing for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own. Thanks @jenniferk_reads for the buddy read!
I used to be an avid watcher of figure skating in the 1990s and, to this day, think it is a beautiful sport. So it was a no-brainer that I was drawn to reading this story, written by a former figure skater.
While fiction, the author notes that “the personal impact of my own experience remains with me to this day” and that she knows she is not alone. What I take from this is that while the plot details are fiction, there is some reality underpinning the look into the competitive figure skating world.
This is the story of four young teenaged female figure skaters sent away by their parents to live at a training centre in Colorado, training to compete at the national level. The story is told through two timelines, one in third-person POV of the skaters in the past, and the other in the present day by one of the now-adult women. Underpinning the story is murder, betrayal, exploitation, domineering, success-at-all-costs parents, abusive coaches, and the isolation and loneliness of the young skaters.
The plot kept my interest throughout though there were a few times I found it a bit difficult to keep some of the details straight between the two timelines (I’m still unclear about the prologue). I thought the reveal at the end was good (though some of the tying together of the plot points could have been clearer) and I especially liked the teenage timeline as it provided a close-up look at elite young athletes.
If you are a fan of figure skating and like murder and suspense, recommend you check this one out, especially now with the Olympics starting this Friday.
Thanks to @amazonpublishing for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own. Thanks @jenniferk_reads for the buddy read!
February 1, 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!*
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.
January 16, 2026
it’s actually impressive how the author managed to write a murder mystery THIS boring and repetitive
January 6, 2026
very unsure how i feel about this one.
the constant flashbacks and amount of time we spent in the past felt so unbalanced with the present to the point it started to aggravate me, also the constant repetition of certain conversations bugged me a little. I GET IT.
i didn’t HATE the story or the plot but something about the pacing just really didn’t work for me. not to compare books that are barely alike but maybe just read the favourites 🤷♀️
the constant flashbacks and amount of time we spent in the past felt so unbalanced with the present to the point it started to aggravate me, also the constant repetition of certain conversations bugged me a little. I GET IT.
i didn’t HATE the story or the plot but something about the pacing just really didn’t work for me. not to compare books that are barely alike but maybe just read the favourites 🤷♀️
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!
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
February 5, 2026
3.5/5 stars
This is a thriller that takes place in the world of elite figure skating.
The main character is Ana a former competitive figure skater who is now a defense lawyer.
The book starts with an exciting prologue. It then goes back and forth between Ana’s teen years as an elite figure skater. And the present with her trying to protect a young skater accused of a crime.
The past timeline with teenage Ana competing was interesting. She moves away from her family to train with Coach Dawn at the Palace. I did really enjoy the skating parts of the story. I loved reading about the different jumps that each girl was attempting. And I loved seeing them at competitions. However I did find that the before chapters took up too much of the book. I wish that there had been less focus on the past as I preferred the present.
There were questions in both timelines. In the past I wondered what happened to force Ana to eventually quit skating. I also wondered what happened to the other girls who trained there. In the present there is a whodunit.
I was personally more invested in the now part of the book. I was very interested in Ana’s job as a criminal defense lawyer working with minors.
There were some crazy reveals. I was very surprised with some of the cutthroat aspects in the skating world. The whodunit mystery was satisfying enough. It definitely got quite interesting at the end. And the actual ending was really good. However I was a bit confused about where the prologue fit into the story. And wish that had been more clear.
Overall this was an interesting read. I was absolutely fascinated by the author’s note at the end. The author explains that she was a competitive figure skater who at 13 also moved away from her family to train. I love when writers write what they know!
Thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this book.
This is a thriller that takes place in the world of elite figure skating.
The main character is Ana a former competitive figure skater who is now a defense lawyer.
The book starts with an exciting prologue. It then goes back and forth between Ana’s teen years as an elite figure skater. And the present with her trying to protect a young skater accused of a crime.
The past timeline with teenage Ana competing was interesting. She moves away from her family to train with Coach Dawn at the Palace. I did really enjoy the skating parts of the story. I loved reading about the different jumps that each girl was attempting. And I loved seeing them at competitions. However I did find that the before chapters took up too much of the book. I wish that there had been less focus on the past as I preferred the present.
There were questions in both timelines. In the past I wondered what happened to force Ana to eventually quit skating. I also wondered what happened to the other girls who trained there. In the present there is a whodunit.
I was personally more invested in the now part of the book. I was very interested in Ana’s job as a criminal defense lawyer working with minors.
There were some crazy reveals. I was very surprised with some of the cutthroat aspects in the skating world. The whodunit mystery was satisfying enough. It definitely got quite interesting at the end. And the actual ending was really good. However I was a bit confused about where the prologue fit into the story. And wish that had been more clear.
Overall this was an interesting read. I was absolutely fascinated by the author’s note at the end. The author explains that she was a competitive figure skater who at 13 also moved away from her family to train. I love when writers write what they know!
Thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this book.
February 1, 2026
#ad much love for my advance and finished copies @mbc_books #partner
🅱🅻🅰🅳🅴 ⛸️
< @wendywalker
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ꜰᴇʙʀᴜᴀʀʏ 𝟣, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟨
Ever since reading The Favorites by @laynefargo I’ve been desperately trying to find more skating thrillers with actual skating - and lots of it. I haven’t had much luck… ⛸️ and it’s hard not to compare The Favorites to other skating thrillers.
𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚍𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖…
Grace is figure skater accused of the murder of her assistant coach Emile Dresiér. Ana Robbins is hired to defend her. When defending anyone you always need to know two things: what and why. And if Ana is going to help Grace she’s going to have to learn what happened to her.
But Ana can relate to Grace in so many ways because Ana was once a skater in the same training program. She isn’t new to this place or this rodeo.
While I did like this book, it was a little bit of a let down when it came to skating scenes. The plot focuses on skaters, but is mostly about what happened to Ana when she was training, to defending Grace and figuring out her story.
It’s a solid mystery with an intriguing plot but it’s no The Favorites. And while it’s no The Favorites, it does stand on its own, diving into the traumas of adults taking advance and trainers pushing the skaters too hard. The toll it all takes on bodies.
It also explores what it’s like to be a girl and the dangers of being a girl in this world.
Excerpts from court testimony was also fun to read.
The story alternates between the now and the time when Ava was at the training center. With testimony between every few chapters.
🅱🅻🅰🅳🅴 ⛸️
< @wendywalker
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ꜰᴇʙʀᴜᴀʀʏ 𝟣, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟨
Ever since reading The Favorites by @laynefargo I’ve been desperately trying to find more skating thrillers with actual skating - and lots of it. I haven’t had much luck… ⛸️ and it’s hard not to compare The Favorites to other skating thrillers.
𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚍𝚘 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖…
Grace is figure skater accused of the murder of her assistant coach Emile Dresiér. Ana Robbins is hired to defend her. When defending anyone you always need to know two things: what and why. And if Ana is going to help Grace she’s going to have to learn what happened to her.
But Ana can relate to Grace in so many ways because Ana was once a skater in the same training program. She isn’t new to this place or this rodeo.
While I did like this book, it was a little bit of a let down when it came to skating scenes. The plot focuses on skaters, but is mostly about what happened to Ana when she was training, to defending Grace and figuring out her story.
It’s a solid mystery with an intriguing plot but it’s no The Favorites. And while it’s no The Favorites, it does stand on its own, diving into the traumas of adults taking advance and trainers pushing the skaters too hard. The toll it all takes on bodies.
It also explores what it’s like to be a girl and the dangers of being a girl in this world.
Excerpts from court testimony was also fun to read.
The story alternates between the now and the time when Ava was at the training center. With testimony between every few chapters.
February 6, 2026
In present day, a fourteen year old figure skater Gracie stands accused of killing her coach with her ice skate. Her attorney Anna is a former skater who trained under that coach, along with Gracie’s mother. Dual timelines converge to an explosive crescendo in this propulsive thriller.
BLADE is hands down my favorite read of 2026 to date. I know it’s only February, but I expect BLADE to remain among my favorites of the year.
I’ve been a figure skating fan for over fifty years. In that time skating hasn’t been the topic of many (if any) mysteries. If you know of any, please leave them in the comments.
BLADE is hands down my favorite read of 2026 to date. I know it’s only February, but I expect BLADE to remain among my favorites of the year.
I’ve been a figure skating fan for over fifty years. In that time skating hasn’t been the topic of many (if any) mysteries. If you know of any, please leave them in the comments.
February 1, 2026
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 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 twists 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 household 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 NetGalley for the advance 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 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 twists 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 household 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 NetGalley for the advance reader e-copy. My opinions are my own and given freely.
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!
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 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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Let’s Connect
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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!!
February 3, 2026
Blade
By: Wendy Walker
Pub Date: February 1, 2026
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Tour: MB Communications
With the unprecedented ice storms in Texas, we had a lot of time to read. Blade came at the perfect time.
We know sports is competitive, but the Olympic dream is ultimate for so many.
At the ripe age of sixteen Ana Robbins had to give up her Olympic dream after a tragedy and she becomes a successful defense attorney later in life.
Ana gets thrust back into that world when her former coach turns up dead. She ends up back in that world at The Palace, a skating facility in Colorado.
Can you clear a young skater name? Is the skater guilty or innocent.
A riveting and fast-paced novel by Walker whom is an auto buy for me. Thank you to NetGalley, MB Communications and the author for her book.
By: Wendy Walker
Pub Date: February 1, 2026
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Tour: MB Communications
With the unprecedented ice storms in Texas, we had a lot of time to read. Blade came at the perfect time.
We know sports is competitive, but the Olympic dream is ultimate for so many.
At the ripe age of sixteen Ana Robbins had to give up her Olympic dream after a tragedy and she becomes a successful defense attorney later in life.
Ana gets thrust back into that world when her former coach turns up dead. She ends up back in that world at The Palace, a skating facility in Colorado.
Can you clear a young skater name? Is the skater guilty or innocent.
A riveting and fast-paced novel by Walker whom is an auto buy for me. Thank you to NetGalley, MB Communications and the author for her 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.
January 19, 2026
2.5/5
unfortunately i just don’t care enough about any of the characters. plus there’s about 65 people to keep track of and it pulled me away from the story trying to remember who was who. but i did enjoy the figure skating aspect and the dual timeline.
unfortunately i just don’t care enough about any of the characters. plus there’s about 65 people to keep track of and it pulled me away from the story trying to remember who was who. but i did enjoy the figure skating aspect and the dual timeline.
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!
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