Blade, p.1
Blade, page 1
Praise for Wendy Walker
Blade
“Fast-paced and emotionally charged, Blade digs into the dark side of elite sports in this gripping thriller. Wendy Walker is at the top of her game!”
—Ashley Elston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of First Lie Wins
“Blade pairs intricate plotting and a winning protagonist with an insider’s take on the fierce pressures placed on young women in competitive ice skating. Wendy Walker always delivers.”
—Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author of The Note
“Set in the world of elite figure skating, Walker’s latest thriller is as chilling as it is propulsive. Raw, emotional, and razor sharp, Blade kept me breathless until the final page.”
—Jeneva Rose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Divorce
“Wendy Walker is an autobuy author for me—I’ll read anything she writes. Her books are smart, compelling, and packed with tension from start to finish. Every story is a masterclass in suspense, and Blade is her best yet.”
—Liv Constantine, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish
“Beautifully written and emotionally charged, Blade is a gripping thriller that delivers triple-Axel plot twists while pulling back the curtain on the cutthroat, high-stakes world of elite figure skating. Both chilling and mesmerizing, it’s a story that slices deep and lingers long after the final page.”
—Kate White, New York Times bestselling author of I Came Back for You
“Wendy Walker’s Blade is riveting, propulsive, explosive, and heart wrenching! I started reading this early one night and didn’t stop until I’d finished, desperate to know how Walker’s intricate plot would unfold! With Walker’s signature scalpel-sharp prose and visionary storytelling, Blade is Megan Abbott’s Dare Me meets Eliza Jane Brazier’s Girls and Their Horses, a timely and timeless portrait of a female subculture complete with power dynamics, toxic friendships, buried secrets that seethe under the surface, and nerve-shredding suspense. I couldn’t get enough of this world!”
—May Cobb, award-winning author of The Hunting Wives (now a hit Netflix show)
“This addictive, atmospheric thriller cuts deep, delving beneath the sequins and spotlights to take an ice-cold look at the darker side of figure skating. Wendy Walker balances every element in her gripping story with the precision and artistry of a gold medalist.”
—Layne Fargo, bestselling author of The Favorites and They Never Learn
“Blade is Wendy Walker at her boldest: unflinching, urgent, and unforgettable. This is a deeply psychological, fiercely feminist, and emotionally devastating reckoning; Walker captures the weight of trauma, the pulse of fear, and the aching need for redemption with razor precision.”
—Carter Wilson, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Tell Me What You Did
American Girl
“[A] cunning thriller . . . The twisty tale unfolds in urgent first-person-present narration . . . instilling an air of uncertainty that fosters tension and momentum. The exquisitely rendered and emotionally complex characters add depth.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“[American Girl] will mesmerize readers with brilliant and moving characters . . . not just a good mystery, but a truly enlightening tale as well.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“A compelling narrator, a suspenseful, complex mystery, and twists I didn’t see coming—American Girl had me on the edge of my seat for the whole ride.”
—Sara Shepard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars
“This novel is smart, moving, complex, and ultimately hopeful. A highly original work from one of the best suspense writers in the business. Don’t miss it!”
—David Bell, New York Times bestselling author of Storm Warning
“Wendy Walker’s unforgettable thriller will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.”
—Greer Hendricks, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Golden Couple
“An immersive and original story that is gripping and tense, with a protagonist you’ll root for and won’t soon forget.”
—Carola Lovering, bestselling author of Tell Me Lies
What Remains
A New York Times Editor’s Pick
“I can’t recall the last time a thriller kept me so alert, as though the muzzle of a gun were pressed to my temple . . . absolutely splendid storytelling, a book to entertain, to immerse, and to challenge.”
—A. J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window
“Finely crafted characters, great plotting, and so much tension you’ll have trouble catching your breath. This is Wendy Walker at her best!”
—B.A. Paris, New York Times bestselling author of The Guest
“Perfectly plotted and beautifully written. I was gripped from the first page.”
—Alice Feeney, New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Ugly
“A gorgeous and compelling emotional thriller.”
—Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of The Leftover Woman
Mad Love
“Twisty and totally unpredictable, Mad Love will have thriller fans raving. Brilliantly narrated by the incomparable Julia Whelan along with a full cast, Wendy Walker’s dark and electrifying tale comes to life.”
—Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of She’s Not Sorry
Don’t Look for Me
“[A] twisty, hair-raising tale.”
—Newsweek
“Distinctive, well-developed characters complement the skillfully paced plot. This moving look at the bond between a mother and her children reinforces Walker’s place at the top of the genre.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Gripping . . . with unexpected twists . . . You’ve got a cracking mystery on your hands.”
—Adrian McKinty, New York Times bestselling author of The Island
“A nail-biter . . . so much more than a twisty thriller. It’s a heartbreaking portrait of a family coping with grief and an insightful study of guilt and blame, gaslighting and agency. If you love fast-paced page-turners with relatable, flawed characters, look no further!”
—Angie Kim, New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Falls
The Night Before
“Walker’s clever misdirection paves the way to a truly chilling finale, and she has plenty of insightful things to say about the blame placed on women by society and themselves for the idiotic, careless, and sometimes downright evil things men do. Twisty and propulsive.”
—Kirkus
“Walker excels at exploiting multiple timelines and ample misdirection to maximize the suspense of her twist-filled tale.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Skillfully manipulating tension and using breathless pacing, Walker keeps that question in the air until the final twist unmasks secrets about Laura’s disappearance and the murder in her past.”
—Booklist
“As timely as it is compelling, The Night Before gripped me from the first page all the way to its stunning conclusion. Through twist after twist, the story takes you to deep, dark places few thrillers dare to go. A riveting read!”
—Riley Sager, New York Times bestselling author of With a Vengeance
“A sharp, suspenseful roller coaster of a thriller . . . Walker unravels the hidden secrets between families and friends in this smart, compelling read. Impossible to put down!”
—Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author of You Belong Here
“Pulse-pounding action makes you race to the finish of this addictive thriller . . . Just when you think you have everything figured out, Walker pulls the rug out from under you and leaves you staggered. The writing sings, and the twists deliver.”
—Liv Constantine, New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Open Your Eyes
Emma in the Night
“Twisty . . . a thriller that keeps readers guessing.”
—The New York Times
“In this searing psychological thriller . . . Walker’s portrayal of the ways in which a narcissistic, self-involved mother can affect her children deepens the plot as it builds to a shocking finale.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Both twisted and twisty, this smart psychological thriller sets a new standard for unreliable narrators.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“Explores the bond between sisters and family dynamics that give new meaning to the term ‘dysfunctional.’ This thriller aims right for the heart and never lets go.”
—Kirkus (starred review)
“I love an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that feels authentic, current, and keeps you up way too late at night.”
—Krysten Ritter, bestselling author of Retreat
All Is Not Forgotten
A USA Today and Sunday Times Bestseller
“[A] dark and twisting psychological thriller that had me guessing until the very end.”
—Reese Witherspoon
“Deeply intriguing and provocative, All Is Not Forgotten explores intricate family relationships against the backdrop of searing suspense. A novel filled with twists, surprises, and a plot that keeps you guessing. All Is Not Forgotten is not to be missed.”
—Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of We Are All Guilty Here
“An assured, powerful, polished novel that blends suspense and rich family drama. Built on a fascinating scientif ic premise and laced with moral complexity, it is, in a word, unforgettable.”
—William Landay, New York Times bestselling author of Defending Jacob
Other Titles by Wendy Walker
All Is Not Forgotten
Emma in the Night
The Night Before
Don’t Look for Me
Hold Your Breath
American Girl
What Remains
Mad Love
The Room Next Door
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Otherwise, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Text copyright © 2026 by Wendy Walker
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.
Published by Thomas & Mercer, Seattle
www.apub.com
Amazon, the Amazon logo, and Thomas & Mercer are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.
EU product safety contact:
Amazon Media EU S. à r.l.
38, avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg
amazonpublishing-gpsr@amazon.com
ISBN-13: 9781662531927 (hardcover)
ISBN-13: 9781662531910 (paperback)
ISBN-13: 9781662531934 (digital)
Cover design by Olga Grlic and Jarrod Taylor
Cover image: © borchee / Getty; © FotoDuets, © andreiuc88, © Chase Clausen / Shutterstock
First edition
To Dan Conaway
Contents
Author’s Note
Prologue
Chapter One: Ana
Chapter Two: Ana
Chapter Three: Ana
Chapter Four
Chapter Five: Ana
Chapter Six: Ana
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight: Ana
Chapter Nine: Ana
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven: Ana
Chapter Twelve: Ana
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen: Ana
Chapter Fifteen: Ana
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen: Ana
Chapter Eighteen: Ana
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty: Ana
Chapter Twenty-One: Ana
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three: Ana
Chapter Twenty-Four: Ana
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six: Ana
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Ana
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Ana
Chapter Thirty: Ana
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two: Ana
Chapter Thirty-Three: Ana
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five: Ana
Chapter Thirty-Six: Ana
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight: Ana
Chapter Thirty-Nine: Ana
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One: Ana
Chapter Forty-Two: Ana
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four: Ana
Chapter Forty-Five: Ana
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven: Ana
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Author’s Note
When I was thirteen, I was accepted into an elite figure skating program in Colorado. I moved far from my home to live in a dormitory and train with promising skaters and champions from around the world. While this story is a work of fiction, the personal impact of my own experience remains with me to this day.
I know I’m not alone.
Prologue
Run.
This is her only thought as she bursts through the front door. Outside, into frigid air, into darkness. Eyes trained on the base of the mountain, where there is a field, and through the field a highway. Lights shine from cars and semis. They move together like they’re on a string and the string is being pulled at a steady speed as they pass by the edge of town.
She knows this mountain, the thick forest of evergreens, the switchback carved into them that winds from the highway to The Palace, Avery Hall, and then Dawn’s house—all behind her now.
As she runs.
Over the snowy brush with its dried needles, broken branches, shards of ice tearing into her bare feet.
Through the trees. Limbs catching on her nylon tights, cutting into her thighs, whose strength propels her body like a machine, sweeping forward with each stride. Pushing through the branches.
She hears him now, behind her, chasing her, calling out from winded lungs.
“Come back . . .”
The fear spirals, but her legs keep moving and her feet absorb the pain and her arms sweep into the branches before they can cut her face. She keeps her eyes fixed on the moving lights from the cars and trucks that might carry her away.
She runs.
And when she reaches the field, the lights from the road break the darkness and she can see flashes of baby blue from her dress, the yellow butterflies that dance on its skirt as it moves with her legs, her arms, her hands that clutch the blades.
Faster and faster as she breathes in and out. In and out. Arms swinging, close by her side. A glint of metal catching another passing light.
“There’s no way out,” he calls to her.
But there is.
The highway with the cars and trucks, and in them people who might save her from this place.
The fear catches up, immobilizes her. It slows her pace as her chest heaves. For the first time, it occurs to her that she’s crying. So she says the words in her head. Fight the fear.
She spins around as his words echo.
There’s nowhere to go.
She releases a skate, and it drops to the ground by her feet. She slides her hand inside the boot of the other, like she knows how to do this, then wipes the loose hair from her wet face, her shaking body, out of control. She repeats the words from her training.
Fight the fear.
When the man reaches her, extending his arms, thinking she might fold into them, the words scream inside her head. Fight.
As he takes the last steps to stand before her and she lets him see what he’s always seen. A girl, barely five feet tall, with glimpses of innocence that have survived this place.
“Come here,” he says, and she does, holding his eyes with her own.
It’s the innocence that will save her now. It’s all he’ll see as she raises her arm into the night sky, the blade shining in the headlights. The blade now a weapon.
The voice in her head. Telling her to fight.
Chapter One
Ana
Now
I see Grace when I turn from the window. I don’t know how long she’s been there. Silently watching me.
This girl I’ve been asked to defend, who’s been accused of a brutal murder, stands just inside the doorway from the front hall, arms at the sides of her slight frame, back straight, gaze steady—on me, but without expression—dressed in black joggers and a long-sleeved shirt. Her hair is pulled tight into a ponytail as if she’s heading to the rink. Her feet are bare, and her toes dig into the carpet.
“You’re Grace, right?” I ask. I’ve been here all afternoon, but she’s refused to leave her room.
“I’m Ana Robbins—the lawyer from New York. I’m here to help you.”
She responds with a curious tilt of her head as she runs her eyes over me, assessing, judging. Her arms cross in front of her chest.
I know this reaction, the dismissiveness. It’s a common response, given her age and what she’s been through. What she’s now accused of and the charges she might face. I’ve been working with teen offenders for my entire career.
I turn back to the window so she can observe me but remain, herself, unobserved. Maybe this will get her talking. Maybe not. But it’s worth a try. We’re running out of time.
