Alina Adams Axel of Evil

Axel of Evil

Alina Adams

Berkley, Jan 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 0425206858

In 1977 Moscow, fourteen year old Russian figure skating superstar Igor Marchenko defects to America. A few years later he wins the only American gold figure skating medal at the 1982 Winter Olympics. After he retired, Igor became a coach, but never returned to his homeland, until now at forty-two years old, as coach of the 2005 U.S. Ladies' Silver Medalist, Jordan Ares competing in the "U.S. vs. Russia: A Figure Skating Challenge" event.

On the first day of practice in Moscow Igor collapses and dies in the Natzionalnaya Arena. 24/7 Sports Network researcher Rebecca "Bex" Levy agrees with officials that MURDER ON ICE occurred. The evidence points towards Igor's long time American rival Gary Gold, coach of Jordan's prime U.S. challenger Lian Reilly. However, Bex thinks that is hometown judging so she makes inquiries of the Russian skating team and the facility management and staff. As Bex skates closer to the truth, she finds herself ON THIN ICE from an unknown assailant.

The third Bex Levy figure skating cozy is a terrific tale that highlights the changes since the late 1970's between Russian and American relations subtly displayed by two New York Times headlines (in the novel that is): 1977's "Defection" and 2005's "Murder". The first showcases the glee and despair of the Cold War adversaries, while the second represents the western media's present ability to investigate what happened to Igor. As the evidence piles up making Gary the golden suspect, only Bex has doubts as she looks at who else would have motive; anyone in the facility had means and opportunity. Fans will score Alina Adams with 9's and 10's for her superb figure skating murder mystery.