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Blade
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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.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 1, 2026
723 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Walker
14 books3,804 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 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.
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
November 13, 2025
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.
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 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.
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 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
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.
August 19, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Blade. This is a legal drama mixed with psychological trauma and throw in Olympic skating.
The novel begins with a murder at an exclusive training camp for potential skaters.
A murder of a man sets off the investigation of a young girl led by an attorney who was also a potential Olympic athlete.
It’s a bit cat and mouse with dramatic moments and connections.
Who is a killer and who is just a victim. Hard to know in this riveting world of skating and the most beautiful sport for those involved.
Good read. 3.5 stars
The novel begins with a murder at an exclusive training camp for potential skaters.
A murder of a man sets off the investigation of a young girl led by an attorney who was also a potential Olympic athlete.
It’s a bit cat and mouse with dramatic moments and connections.
Who is a killer and who is just a victim. Hard to know in this riveting world of skating and the most beautiful sport for those involved.
Good read. 3.5 stars
November 26, 2025
📚Blade
✍🏻Wendy Walker
Blurb:
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.
My Thoughts:
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.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Author Wendy Walker for providing me with an advanced copy of "Blade" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#WendyWalker
#Blade
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Wendy Walker
Blurb:
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.
My Thoughts:
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.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Author Wendy Walker for providing me with an advanced copy of "Blade" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#WendyWalker
#Blade
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
October 18, 2025
Title: Blade
Author: Wendy Walker
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: January 6, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pages: 301
Story is told then and now from the POV of Ana and Grace. Their stories are so similar I had to make sure I knew which was which.
Ana Robbins was an Olympic star in training—but at the age of sixteen; she gave up her dream and never looked back.
Now at thirty, Ana is a successful defense attorney- a defender of traumatized children.
When her former coach Emile Dresier was murdered, Ana finds herself back to ‘The Palace,’ a world-renowned skating facility nestled high in the mountains of Colorado a place where she trained but was known as one of the four ‘Orphans’ Grace’s mom Jolene, Ana, Indy and Kayla ( called orphans as they lived there without their parents).
The skaters’ training is not only improving their skating technique but their minds with ‘Fear Training’ a Performance Psychology deeply embedded in the sport.
Ana returns with a colleague to defend the young skater Grace Montgomery who has been accused of the crime try to figure out who may have had a motive.
There was a lot going on in this wow emotional read. We learn Ana’s dark secret and as well as whodunit.
The court transcript reveals a lot and does so- slowly. The end had me on the edge of chair reading much too fast and had my heart racing!
[Author: Wendy Walker|3111135]. Is one of my favorite authors?
She tells us in her Author’s Note that at age thirteen she was accepted in an elite figure skating program in Colorado. This story is a work of fiction but inspired by the personal impact she experienced. And adds “I know I am not alone”.
I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for this outstanding early e-Galley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 6, 2026.
Author: Wendy Walker
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: January 6, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pages: 301
Story is told then and now from the POV of Ana and Grace. Their stories are so similar I had to make sure I knew which was which.
Ana Robbins was an Olympic star in training—but at the age of sixteen; she gave up her dream and never looked back.
Now at thirty, Ana is a successful defense attorney- a defender of traumatized children.
When her former coach Emile Dresier was murdered, Ana finds herself back to ‘The Palace,’ a world-renowned skating facility nestled high in the mountains of Colorado a place where she trained but was known as one of the four ‘Orphans’ Grace’s mom Jolene, Ana, Indy and Kayla ( called orphans as they lived there without their parents).
The skaters’ training is not only improving their skating technique but their minds with ‘Fear Training’ a Performance Psychology deeply embedded in the sport.
Ana returns with a colleague to defend the young skater Grace Montgomery who has been accused of the crime try to figure out who may have had a motive.
There was a lot going on in this wow emotional read. We learn Ana’s dark secret and as well as whodunit.
The court transcript reveals a lot and does so- slowly. The end had me on the edge of chair reading much too fast and had my heart racing!
[Author: Wendy Walker|3111135]. Is one of my favorite authors?
She tells us in her Author’s Note that at age thirteen she was accepted in an elite figure skating program in Colorado. This story is a work of fiction but inspired by the personal impact she experienced. And adds “I know I am not alone”.
I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for this outstanding early e-Galley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 6, 2026.
December 11, 2025
Blade by Wendy Walker
I appreciate Wendy Walker's author's note at the end of the story because it tells us that she's been there and done that, sort of, without the horrible stuff (I hope, I'm pretty sure) that happens in this story. So Walker knows skating, she knows about young people in competitive skating situations, she knows that some kids are left at facilities as "orphans" since one or both parents can't be there or nearby with them while they attend these training facilities. Getting to be coached by the best coaches in the skating world, being able to live that life non stop as if it's the only important thing in the world, is presented as a honor with very razor sharp edges that can take down even the most talented skaters. And, who needs enemies when some kids have parents who will tear them to shreds if they don't fulfill the dreams of their parents. Those kids have the burden of all that money down the drain, all that sacrifice for "nothing", and possibly being messed up for life physically, emotionally, and mentally because of the great pressures put on them.
And there is more. Some of these kids might be so messed up that when they have kids, they put their own kids through what they went through. If they couldn't reach great heights in the skating world, at least one of their kids might be expected to climb that impossible to climb mountain. Now, I don't know how often what is shown to us in this story happens but some of the adults in this book are sick, evil, creatures who should never be around children. Be prepared to watch teens tormented, threatened, and abused in all ways and it's sick. Sadly some of the girls convince themselves it's okay, it's to help them, it's the way it's done, it's all to be accepted.
Because we spend so much time with the teens, mostly in the past, this book feels very YA to me. Too much being in the head of teen girls and I didn't want to be there. I felt really bad for these girls and what they were led to believe they had to do. A way out should have been the adults in charge of their welfare but, no, there lies a very dangerous path, possibly the most dangerous path. I feel so bothered by what I read but I was also bored by the story. I do think the story might appeal to YA even though they are the ones hurt most by what happens in this story. It was great to discuss this story with MaryBeth, Jayme and DeAnn.
Expected pub February 1, 2026
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.
I appreciate Wendy Walker's author's note at the end of the story because it tells us that she's been there and done that, sort of, without the horrible stuff (I hope, I'm pretty sure) that happens in this story. So Walker knows skating, she knows about young people in competitive skating situations, she knows that some kids are left at facilities as "orphans" since one or both parents can't be there or nearby with them while they attend these training facilities. Getting to be coached by the best coaches in the skating world, being able to live that life non stop as if it's the only important thing in the world, is presented as a honor with very razor sharp edges that can take down even the most talented skaters. And, who needs enemies when some kids have parents who will tear them to shreds if they don't fulfill the dreams of their parents. Those kids have the burden of all that money down the drain, all that sacrifice for "nothing", and possibly being messed up for life physically, emotionally, and mentally because of the great pressures put on them.
And there is more. Some of these kids might be so messed up that when they have kids, they put their own kids through what they went through. If they couldn't reach great heights in the skating world, at least one of their kids might be expected to climb that impossible to climb mountain. Now, I don't know how often what is shown to us in this story happens but some of the adults in this book are sick, evil, creatures who should never be around children. Be prepared to watch teens tormented, threatened, and abused in all ways and it's sick. Sadly some of the girls convince themselves it's okay, it's to help them, it's the way it's done, it's all to be accepted.
Because we spend so much time with the teens, mostly in the past, this book feels very YA to me. Too much being in the head of teen girls and I didn't want to be there. I felt really bad for these girls and what they were led to believe they had to do. A way out should have been the adults in charge of their welfare but, no, there lies a very dangerous path, possibly the most dangerous path. I feel so bothered by what I read but I was also bored by the story. I do think the story might appeal to YA even though they are the ones hurt most by what happens in this story. It was great to discuss this story with MaryBeth, Jayme and DeAnn.
Expected pub February 1, 2026
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.
October 21, 2025
Ana was a figure skating star in the making, and living at The Palace with the other four “orphans,” aka the other girls whose families did not live near the rink and were essentially on their own. It’s been years since she has been back, but she is called in after her old friend and fellow orphans daughter is accused of murdering one of the coaches. Each of the girls left in their own unique and traumatizing way, and coming back to the Palace is anything but pleasant.
After loving The Favorites last year, and knowing that I love Wendy Walkers books, I knew I wanted to read Blade the second I saw it! Now, don’t go in expecting The Favorites…it is very different, but just as enthralling! I loved traveling through time as we focused more on the past and what happened to the “orphans” during their time at the Palace, and the traumas they faced both on and off the ice. I think most competitive sports have some skeletons in their closet, so while some of the mistreatment infuriated me, sadly I imagine it isn’t crazy far off from the truth. My reading has been slow going these days, but once I hit about 35% in this one, I flew through the rest in a single sitting. This might be one of my favorite from Walker, and once I read the authors note and realized she used to be a competitive skater I was even more fascinated!
Thank you to @amazonpublishing for my gifted copy of this book!
After loving The Favorites last year, and knowing that I love Wendy Walkers books, I knew I wanted to read Blade the second I saw it! Now, don’t go in expecting The Favorites…it is very different, but just as enthralling! I loved traveling through time as we focused more on the past and what happened to the “orphans” during their time at the Palace, and the traumas they faced both on and off the ice. I think most competitive sports have some skeletons in their closet, so while some of the mistreatment infuriated me, sadly I imagine it isn’t crazy far off from the truth. My reading has been slow going these days, but once I hit about 35% in this one, I flew through the rest in a single sitting. This might be one of my favorite from Walker, and once I read the authors note and realized she used to be a competitive skater I was even more fascinated!
Thank you to @amazonpublishing for my gifted copy of this book!
August 10, 2025
Fifteen years after leaving The Palace — a high-pressure skating facility in Echo, Colorado — Ana Robbins is now a lawyer specializing in defending traumatized children. When she takes on the case of her former teammate’s daughter, accused of murdering The Palace’s assistant coach, the investigation pulls her back into the world she thought she’d escaped.
Wendy Walker’s deep knowledge of competitive figure skating is at the forefront. The insider detail and technical descriptions bring authenticity, but at times, the heavy emphasis on skating overshadows the mystery. Ana is a strong and capable narrator, although I occasionally questioned her judgment. The supporting cast adds dimension without derailing the main plot, but certain aspects of the narration felt unnecessary and didn’t move the story forward.
My biggest critique is the pacing. This is a slow burn that drags in places, with tension that never quite grips. While the premise is strong, the execution left me wishing for more urgency and emotional impact.
In the end, Blade was just okay — a solid pick for readers who enjoy the inner workings of competitive skating, but less so for those seeking a fast-paced thriller.
Read my full review here: https://whitneydaniell.com/2025/08/10...
Wendy Walker’s deep knowledge of competitive figure skating is at the forefront. The insider detail and technical descriptions bring authenticity, but at times, the heavy emphasis on skating overshadows the mystery. Ana is a strong and capable narrator, although I occasionally questioned her judgment. The supporting cast adds dimension without derailing the main plot, but certain aspects of the narration felt unnecessary and didn’t move the story forward.
My biggest critique is the pacing. This is a slow burn that drags in places, with tension that never quite grips. While the premise is strong, the execution left me wishing for more urgency and emotional impact.
In the end, Blade was just okay — a solid pick for readers who enjoy the inner workings of competitive skating, but less so for those seeking a fast-paced thriller.
Read my full review here: https://whitneydaniell.com/2025/08/10...
August 14, 2025
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ana’s life spirals when she becomes entangled in a mysterious trial. As she delves into fragments of her own past, the story unfolds through shifting timelines and chilling court transcripts, keeping readers on edge as the truth reveals itself.
What I enjoyed
- Fast-paced mystery with interweaving timelines: Ana’s memories of the past are shared gradually, each fragment heightening the suspense.
- Court transcripts throughout give the narrative a dramatic, almost documentary feel. The style reminded me of Daisy Jones & The Six and The Favorites—perfect if you enjoy immersive, voice-driven mystery.
- Believable, flawed characters: Ana and the supporting characters feel real and layered—emotionally tethered, self-protective, and imperfect.
- Kept me guessing until the end: The shifting timelines and fragmented clues made every revelation feel earned.
- Just the right length: Tight pacing and focused storytelling without unnecessary detours.
What I didn’t like
Honestly, I struggled to find flaws—Blade delivers a satisfying, well-crafted mystery that stuck with me. It just missed out on a 5 star as I don’t think it’s something I’d pick up again but it was a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Ana’s life spirals when she becomes entangled in a mysterious trial. As she delves into fragments of her own past, the story unfolds through shifting timelines and chilling court transcripts, keeping readers on edge as the truth reveals itself.
What I enjoyed
- Fast-paced mystery with interweaving timelines: Ana’s memories of the past are shared gradually, each fragment heightening the suspense.
- Court transcripts throughout give the narrative a dramatic, almost documentary feel. The style reminded me of Daisy Jones & The Six and The Favorites—perfect if you enjoy immersive, voice-driven mystery.
- Believable, flawed characters: Ana and the supporting characters feel real and layered—emotionally tethered, self-protective, and imperfect.
- Kept me guessing until the end: The shifting timelines and fragmented clues made every revelation feel earned.
- Just the right length: Tight pacing and focused storytelling without unnecessary detours.
What I didn’t like
Honestly, I struggled to find flaws—Blade delivers a satisfying, well-crafted mystery that stuck with me. It just missed out on a 5 star as I don’t think it’s something I’d pick up again but it was a thoroughly enjoyable read!
December 9, 2025
3 competitive ice-skating insider stars
This one shows us the messy, ultra-competitive world of figure skating—many train near Colorado Springs to prepare for competitions and, hopefully, the Olympics.
The action focuses on Ana Robbins, and we have a present-day story, where Ana is a defense attorney, specializing in defending minors from criminal charges. This alternates with past stories where Ana was a competitive skater at The Palace in Colorado.
Ana is drawn back to The Palace to defend a skater accused of a vicious crime. She’s constantly reminded of her past, and we know there were tragic events in her past as well. Many of the same coaches are still there, and even some of the skaters with their children now skating. As Ana digs into the case, the past and present start to collide.
A big snowstorm is swirling when the action peaks, which builds suspense. However, it took a while to get to this point, and I found it a slower read. I also didn’t resonate with a lot of the characters, so I never got to that rooting point. A big portion of the book is spent in the past with teenage characters.
We learn in the author’s note at the end that the author was a competitive skater, so she knows what she writes here! It will make me think of ice skating in a whole new way! These training techniques were brutal.
This made for a fun buddy read discussion with Jayme, Marilyn, and Mary Beth.
Scheduled to release on 2.1.2026.
This one shows us the messy, ultra-competitive world of figure skating—many train near Colorado Springs to prepare for competitions and, hopefully, the Olympics.
The action focuses on Ana Robbins, and we have a present-day story, where Ana is a defense attorney, specializing in defending minors from criminal charges. This alternates with past stories where Ana was a competitive skater at The Palace in Colorado.
Ana is drawn back to The Palace to defend a skater accused of a vicious crime. She’s constantly reminded of her past, and we know there were tragic events in her past as well. Many of the same coaches are still there, and even some of the skaters with their children now skating. As Ana digs into the case, the past and present start to collide.
A big snowstorm is swirling when the action peaks, which builds suspense. However, it took a while to get to this point, and I found it a slower read. I also didn’t resonate with a lot of the characters, so I never got to that rooting point. A big portion of the book is spent in the past with teenage characters.
We learn in the author’s note at the end that the author was a competitive skater, so she knows what she writes here! It will make me think of ice skating in a whole new way! These training techniques were brutal.
This made for a fun buddy read discussion with Jayme, Marilyn, and Mary Beth.
Scheduled to release on 2.1.2026.
September 20, 2025
Wendy Walker has a new one coming in January and it’s one in which I expect to see all over Bookstagram. I mention in my book Spotlight that it reminded me of The Favourites mixed with Defending Jacob but I would also add an emotional piece with triggers of obsession and the spotlight leading to people behaving badly. And with young athletes at the centre of it all.
At the end of the book, you will realize in the author’s note that there is a personal connection to the elite athlete training that unfolds on the pages and rehashes from the authors own past. And while the book is fiction, the reader is left with 0 doubt that the emotions and cut throat (pun intended) drive the mix of personal experience. Perhaps not the gore or minute details but the complexity of coaches and athletes; parents and kids. Orphans and people who take advantage of their power.
I wanted to protect the girls. And figure out who the killer was… all the while questioning what trauma does to a child.
With each cut the anger abates. This one didn’t feel like a thriller per se, but an emotional thriller for me. If you don’t know what I mean, you’ll just have to read it to find out 😉
December 12, 2025
3.5/5
Thank you @amazonpublishing @netgalley #partner for the gifted copy of this ebook!
I’m such a huge fan of Wendy Walker’s books. I read one last year and immediately plowed through her entire backlist because they’re just SO freakin’ good. Blade felt a little different from her usual style...it had a bit of a YA vibe (which I personally love!) but I wanted to mention that so expectations are set.
I really enjoyed the angle of the competitive skating world and the “orphans” moving through this intense school system. It is certainly nothing I’d love to experience in real life but fun to get a glimpse into that life. It gives a real look into how tough life can be for young athletes who leave home early and are forced to grow up way too fast. I kept thinking to myself...is it worth it? I don’t think so. EEK.
I loved the author’s note and the personal touch she added about how aspects of this story came from her own life. I really appreciated that and now I want to see how much of this book was real life. (gasp!)
I will always pick up whatever Wendy Walker writes because she’s an auto read author for me. 💙 I’m already anxiously awaiting what’s next!
Thank you @amazonpublishing @netgalley #partner for the gifted copy of this ebook!
I’m such a huge fan of Wendy Walker’s books. I read one last year and immediately plowed through her entire backlist because they’re just SO freakin’ good. Blade felt a little different from her usual style...it had a bit of a YA vibe (which I personally love!) but I wanted to mention that so expectations are set.
I really enjoyed the angle of the competitive skating world and the “orphans” moving through this intense school system. It is certainly nothing I’d love to experience in real life but fun to get a glimpse into that life. It gives a real look into how tough life can be for young athletes who leave home early and are forced to grow up way too fast. I kept thinking to myself...is it worth it? I don’t think so. EEK.
I loved the author’s note and the personal touch she added about how aspects of this story came from her own life. I really appreciated that and now I want to see how much of this book was real life. (gasp!)
I will always pick up whatever Wendy Walker writes because she’s an auto read author for me. 💙 I’m already anxiously awaiting what’s next!
December 5, 2025
"Blade" unfolds within the icy, high stakes world of an elite skating facility known as "The Palace" - a boarding academy in Colorado where teenage skaters live, train, and sacrifice childhood for Olympic dreams. Its protagonist, Ana Robbins, was once promising but gave up her future after tragedy struck. Fourteen years later, as a defense attorney working with juveniles, she's drawn back to "The Palace" when she's tasked with defending a former skater, a teenager accused of brutally murdering one of the coaches.
The novel shifts between Ana's past at "The Palace" and the present- day investigation- gradually peeling back layers of trauma, competition, power dynamics, and buried secrets.
This duel-timeline structure not only deepens the mystery, but also immerses the reader in the psychological and emotional weight carried by the characters.
Fear Training, Intense, and Heartbreaking! 3 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 2/1/26.
The novel shifts between Ana's past at "The Palace" and the present- day investigation- gradually peeling back layers of trauma, competition, power dynamics, and buried secrets.
This duel-timeline structure not only deepens the mystery, but also immerses the reader in the psychological and emotional weight carried by the characters.
Fear Training, Intense, and Heartbreaking! 3 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 2/1/26.
August 4, 2025
I was excited to see that Wendy Walker has a new book, as she is one of my favorites. If you are expecting her usual breakneck, nonstop action pace, this is not that book. That is not a bad thing, however. I really enjoyed this story. I was fascinated with the figure skating theme, and I understand the author was a figure skater also, so the research and personal experience definitely showed in the details. Ana, a former figure skater, trained at The Palace as a child. She has difficult memories from that time and no longer skates. She is now a defense attorney who works with children. Grace is a figure skater accused of brutally murdering her coach at, you guessed it, The Palace. The story follows both present-day and past Ana and both time frames were fascinating. This is a really good slow-burn, character-driven suspense story. Didn't see the ending coming.
Thank you to Wendy Walker, #NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Wendy Walker, #NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 4, 2025
3.5* Defense attorney Ana has been called to help a teen accused of murder, at the same boarding facility she trained at as a teen.
The story flashes from present, past and trial, told from Ana’s pov as she recalls catalytic moments during her and her fellow Orphan’s tenure, exposing plenty of motive to want the dead guy gone.
This is definitely a glimpse behind a curtain not everyone will be happy to see, though it sets quite the mysterious backdrop.
Ana works hard to uncover the actual truth vs the one being sold.
I like my thrillers a bit more on the medium- to fast-paced side where this one slips into the slow-burn territory in long flashbacks.
Overall, it’s still an entertaining read but not edge-of-your-seat.
With thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the early digital copy.
What to expect:
- [x] Tri timeline
- [x] Twists
Pacing:
- [x] Engaging
- [x] Slow
- [x] Bored
Recommend:
Slow burn mystery people will likely enjoy this one!
The story flashes from present, past and trial, told from Ana’s pov as she recalls catalytic moments during her and her fellow Orphan’s tenure, exposing plenty of motive to want the dead guy gone.
This is definitely a glimpse behind a curtain not everyone will be happy to see, though it sets quite the mysterious backdrop.
Ana works hard to uncover the actual truth vs the one being sold.
I like my thrillers a bit more on the medium- to fast-paced side where this one slips into the slow-burn territory in long flashbacks.
Overall, it’s still an entertaining read but not edge-of-your-seat.
With thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the early digital copy.
What to expect:
- [x] Tri timeline
- [x] Twists
Pacing:
- [x] Engaging
- [x] Slow
- [x] Bored
Recommend:
Slow burn mystery people will likely enjoy this one!
November 26, 2025
4 stars. This was my first book by Wendy Walker and I really enjoyed it. Based on the author’s note at the end, she based at least some of this book on her own life, and it did feel like a very personal story. Ana is a promising figure skater who moves to a training facility in Colorado to work with an elite coach. While there, she bonds very closely with several other skaters, three of whom are also living there without relatives nearby and call themselves The Orphans. Ana is only 13 when she arrives, and is not prepared for all of the emotions and events that will unfold during the time she lives at the facility. We hear her story as we also follow the current timeline of another young skater named Grace, who is accused of a brutal murder. Ana, now an adult, is tasked with defending her. This is a great story for anyone who enjoys sports fiction, for fans of The Favorites by Lynn Fargo, and for fans of a really well told story with a mystery background.
November 10, 2025
This story made me cry. It is packed with so many emotions. The resilience of the girls who desire more for themselves, along with the mother who tries to live her forgotten life through her daughters, is beautifully portrayed. Ana, Jolene, Kayla, and Indy are fully developed characters. While I don’t fully connect with their lives, I resonate with their emotions. We all want different things and face various struggles, even when we are close to someone. This novel raises many questions for me: Can we truly know a person? Do we experience and interpret the events we go through with others from different perspectives?
I recommend this book to anyone who seeks deep thoughts and an emotional read. It's well worth it.
I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I recommend this book to anyone who seeks deep thoughts and an emotional read. It's well worth it.
I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for their generosity in allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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