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Murder, She Wrote #35

Skating on Thin Ice

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The brand-new mystery in the USA Today bestselling series finda Jessica Fletcher on the trail of a cold killer...

Christine Allen's dream of competing in pairs figure skating competitions becomes a nightmare when a series of "accidents" ruins her practice sessions with her partner and coach. And when the body of one of the trio is found dead at the arena, Jessica is determined to uncover the chilling motives behind the murder...

275 pages, Hardcover

First published April 5, 2011

72 people are currently reading
910 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Fletcher

106 books1,081 followers
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.

In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." The series has been continued by authors Renée Paley-Bain, Jon Land, Terrie Farley Moran, and Barbara Early.

When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.

Source: Wikipedia

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5 stars
309 (31%)
4 stars
365 (37%)
3 stars
240 (24%)
2 stars
40 (4%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Bee.
177 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2017
To say that was I was expecting this book to be horrifically bad would be an understatement. Novelisations of tv series are rarely successful, and this book was just oozing "quality trash" from its seams. However, I was still not prepared how truly, immensely, force-read-prisoners-in-Guantanamo-bay, bad this book is.

First of all, you might as well skip the first 100 pages because the murder doesn't happen until page 109. That's a 100 pages of pure filler. Scenes like "let's eat the stew. No, the stew has gone off! Did you eat the stew? You might be sick! Better throw out that stew!" are a frequent recurrence on those first pages that many have compared to the seventh ring of hell. The dialogues are so unbelievably ungripping with gems like: "Sorry Jessica, can you repeat your non-plot driven, non-useful-for-anything-really question, because I'm getting my hair wetted in this hair salon that has no purpose to the plot or character development or anything really but it filled a page so the author has at least something to send to his editor tomorrow morning."
It's like the filler has been written by someone's great grandma, who's highlight of her day is watching the bus go by every hour while she sits behind her geraniums.

Then the plot itself is really lacking. The murder itself could be predicted easily in those first 100 pages (to be fair, I didn't have much else to do whilst reading those pages, as nothing else was happening). And the only reason why I wasn't expecting that person to be the victim, wasn't so much to do with the author's skill but more to do with the fact that there was a cluster fuck of characters and I was having a hard time tracking who was who in the first place, let alone keep track of who hates who and who was connected to who. Basically, the author, with his tremendous talent to bore someone to death, had me distracted by so much filler that I forgot that one of those people had to die. A mistake easily made when a CRIME book doesn't have a CRIME until you're 1/3 in.

Then the ending. Mother Mary of everything that's wrong in this world. It's like the author knew that he couldn't pick the obvious suspects, because everyone would already think they had done the deed, and therefore kills any suspense. But it's like he had written down every single character on individual pieces of paper, put them in a sack, and picked out 1 at random. That's how contrived the ending is. (I'd like to think that he had written down Jessica Fletcher's name as well and that she was therefore in the running to become America's Next Top Murderer. Now THAT'S a book I would read!) The ending is just really really bad. The motivation is ridiculous, the suspect is completely unrelated and ridiculous, the "action scene" is just baffling and ridiculous, the confession is just, like, what?! Ridiculous!

Bad. Bad bad bad bad.

In conclusion, don't read this.
Don't read it if you are in to cosy crime.
Don't read this if you think you "want to have a laugh".
Don't read this if you picked it up for 10 pence in a charity shop.
Don't read this if your book group decided to do this book.
Definitely leave your book group and break all contact with them if they decide to read this book.
Possibly have the person who suggested this book committed to a mental hospital.
Don't read this if you like Murder She Wrote the TV show.
Or maybe do. If you like the tv show there is already clearly something wrong with your sanity.

I was forced to read this by my friends. It was painful. I might never speak to them again.

Seriously, don't read this. It's just really really boring. And bad.

Profile Image for Laura Emme.
198 reviews9 followers
January 2, 2023
Il modo migliore per iniziare il nuovo anno!! 🥰
Profile Image for Lindsey Gandhi.
699 reviews259 followers
December 27, 2017
This book was so much fun to read. I used to watch Murder She Wrote with my grandmother. It brought back old memories and I felt like a detective along side Jessica Fletcher trying to solve the murder!!!
Profile Image for Anna [Floanne].
631 reviews300 followers
February 15, 2017
Cabot Cove dev'essere un posto decisamente pericoloso per viverci e la signora Fletcher deve portare una gran sfortuna, se ovunque va a curiosare ci scappa sempre il morto! Questa volta la scena del delitto è il palazzetto del ghiaccio del paese e lo sfortunato defunto è un giovane e sfrontato pattinatore russo emigrato negli USA per partecipare in coppia con la statunitense Christine Allen alle olimpiadi invernali nel pattinaggio artistico. A ostacolare la coppia si frappongono molti interessi e la signora Fletcher correrà non pochi rischi per arrivare al colpevole!
Carino, leggero e poco impegnativo è un'ideale lettura da ombrellone, ma continuo a preferire di gran lunga la serie televisiva da cui è stato tratto il libro. Probabilmente questa puntata l'avevo anche già vista, come molte altre. Resta comunque molto fedele nella descrizione dei personaggi .
Voto: 2★★ 1/2
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,647 reviews33 followers
February 10, 2022
I’m not a huge fan of figure skating but I do love my cozy mysteries and who can turn down a Jessica Fletcher novel? I like that I can see the tv show characters in my mind and they fit exactly as they are written. This time, a body is found at the skating rink and it’s a shock to everyone who it was that but the dust. I hadn’t figured out all the pieces involved but guessed about Tommy. Not a bad storyline for a quick cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Aurora.
Author 6 books18 followers
April 7, 2017
Ice skating, Angela Lansbury, and mystery, oh yeah, I'm liking this already. XD Sure, I didn't quite figure out who did it (I was just being lazy in this case . . . ;P), but it was an enjoyable read. Now I'm off to read other Murder, She Wrote novels (I'm so happy I found these! I didn't know these existed until I came across them at the library)!
Profile Image for Liz.
575 reviews
August 5, 2023
A wonderful installment in the series. I love these books and this show, the ones set in Cabot Cove always hit different for me. A great wintery mystery!
Profile Image for Megan.
1,743 reviews201 followers
June 1, 2024
It's been a long time since I've watched an episode of Murder She Wrote, but I don't remember it being this boring. I kept needing to put this down.

It took nearly the first third for the murder to happen, while introducing a lot of possible characters. I was a bit surprised who died, I thought for sure it was going to be someone else. The reason behind the murder was a stretch.

Not sure if I'm interested in reading another book in this series.
Profile Image for Cheryl Landmark.
Author 6 books112 followers
March 18, 2012
Another enjoyable mystery from my favourite lady detective. Jessica Fletcher once again ferreted out the truth behind a chilling murder that took place in the local ice arena with her usual tenacious, intelligent deductive powers. I was kept guessing about the murderer and his/her motive right up until the moment it was revealed.

One of the reasons I love these cozy mysteries so much is the widely-diverse and interesting subjects and places that Jessica gets involved with. But, perhaps the ones I enjoy the most are the storylines that take place in Cabot Cove. It sounds like such an idyllic place to live, and I love Jessica's lifestyle, her friends and her fellow citizens, especially Seth Hazlitt, who is my second favourite character.


Profile Image for Lea.
2,864 reviews59 followers
March 3, 2024
This was the perfect book to shovel late season snow to. There was a long lead up before the murder, which was nice. Lots of ice skating talk and Jessica learning to skate again.
The murderer was pretty obvious early on but that didn’t detract from my employment of the story. I love a visit to Cabot Cove and “Jessica” (Sandra Burr) has such a soothing voice.
Profile Image for Erin L.
1,123 reviews42 followers
May 14, 2018
Decent entry in the series. It really gives the reader what they're looking for - a continuing story with Jessica Fletcher along with Seth and Mort.
Profile Image for Mary Van Winkle.
Author 5 books15 followers
November 21, 2024
This book is great if you love Murder She Wrote and just get Murder She Wrote. If you're someone sad and think Murder She Wrote is boring then you'll think this is boring. Poor you.



I love Murder She Wrote. I'm sure I've referenced Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) in a review before, I've definitely referenced them countless times in real life. I've never watched it before the age of 30 but it's become my comfort TV viewing. Even if I'm not actively watching it, it's relaxing and comforting to have playing in the background.



This book does two things for me: obviously Murder She Wrote and figure skating which I've been really into this year- check my reading challenge, lol. This feels like an extended episode which would work if on screen but felt a bit off in book form. The entire trio of Christine, Brian and Alexei were so important in the beginning but then fell by the wayside for the rest of the book which is funny since one of them is the murder victim! And give me more Seth! There were so many characters and just too many open ends with them for my liking.



But I do love mysteries set in Cabot Cove, and this is like a mystery long after the show ended. It's set in 2011 (the book series is STILL going on! The latest one was published just last month!) and just struck me as odd whenever Jessica would use Google, email, or her cell phone. You can tell the town has grown in its literary incarnation, but murderers are definitely the same.



PS. Marissa totally didn't need Jeremy btw.
Profile Image for Gretchen.
717 reviews
July 10, 2023
Sometimes Jessica gets buried under the plots and the settings, but in this one, she shone as a central character. Even though Mort was in charge of the investigation, she herself carried out much of the questioning and information gathering. She didn't have to wait around to see what he found, for the most part. Definitely at the helm. Personally, I like the books that are set in Cabot Cove. The recurring support characters provide a sense of instant familiarity and stability. That core was present here, with the addition of some new characters particular to the ice rink. I happened to read this during the heat of summer, so it was a pleasant mental contrast to delve into an icy setting--a testament to the effective description of the ice rink.

The story revolves around various kinds of drama present in the ice rink--potential selling of the facility, the attempts to bring hockey and high level pairs figure skating, sabotage, and the sudden reappearance of previous skating partners. No one appears to be wholly innocent in this scenario; everyone has an angle for motive. Good thing Jessica has determined to recapture her glory days on the ice! Her presence pursues answers, even when it is risky--leading to an exciting climax and denouement. A strong Murder She Wrote installment, with compelling characters, captivating backstories, and, best of all, our favorite nosy author-sleuth at the center of all the action. Excellent light mystery read that will keep you guessing until the end.
130 reviews
January 9, 2026
Good book and mystery. Different than her other books but still an interesting read and surprising ending.
Profile Image for  Gigi Ann.
632 reviews40 followers
November 14, 2014
Olympic pairs figure skating hopeful Christine Allen has traveled to Cabot Cove to train at the town's newly refurbished ice arena under the tutelage of former gold medalist Brian Devlin. Partnered with up-and-coming Russian skater Alexei Olshansky, she finds herself caught between a hot-tempered perfectionist and a pretentious chauvinist.

When a series of mysterious "accidents" occurs, it seems that someone wants the trio to take a fall. And when one of them turns up dead at the arena, Jessica Fletcher suspects something even more diabolical. Donning her old figure skates, she takes to the ice for her own investigation. But the closer Jessica gets to the truth, the closer she comes to being left out in the cold by a killer...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was fast paced and kept my attention right to the surprise whodunit. I realize these cozy mysteries are not everyones cup of tea, but I enjoy a good cozy with my cup of tea. That being said I enjoyed this story enough to award it 5 'icy' stars. This book is part of my personal library.
Profile Image for Debbie Heaton.
Author 4 books20 followers
August 16, 2014
In Fletcher and Bain’s mystery novel, Olympic pair skating winnable Chris Allen has relocated to Cabot Cove to train with former gold medalist Brian Devlin at the newly refurbished ice rink. Chris is partnered with an up-and-coming Russian skater Alexei Olshansky only to find herself caught between a hot temper and a chauvinist.

Mysterious “accidents” begin to happen and it looks like the intent is to cause serious injury to the skaters. But when a skater turns up dead, Jessica Fletcher suspects there’s more here than meets the eye. Her plan—take to the ice while she investigates the situation. But the closer Jessica comes to the truth, the closer she comes in sight of a killer.

A believable sleuth, a nostalgic location, and another great addition to the Murder, She Wrote series.
Profile Image for Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile.
2,175 reviews133 followers
October 23, 2019
With the Murder, She Wrote books you always know exactly what you're getting. While it's not stellar writing, the storylines are simple and fun and full of quirky characters. And besides, who wouldn't want to tag along with mystery writer/amateur detective Jessica Fletcher (who could be anybody's aunt/grandma, she's just that type of person I think) as she solves crimes in Cabot Cove, Maine, and even around the world. In this particular novel, the world of figure skating clashes with real estate and it's up to Jessica and her friends Seth and Mort to figure out who's really behind a series of "accidents" and even death at the local ice skating arena. It's a cozy, quick read to while away the hours. Recommend that you read this one with a cup of hot chocolate, tucked in with a pair of warm socks, in front of a roaring fire.
Profile Image for Elaine.
410 reviews
May 7, 2011
This installment of the Murder She Wrote series was much better than the last one. It kept me guessing as to who the killer was nearly until it was revealed in the story. I wish the ending had been written differently, however, and by that, I mean in a different style. When reading the book, the action unfolds as it is happening, which gives the reader a feeling of participation in the storyline. The last few pages, though, were written as a narration, summing up what happened to the characters. But the change in style was jarring and the same information could have been delivered in a dinner conversation among Mort, Jessica, and Seth, which I would have preferred as it would have kept the storytelling style cohesive.
Profile Image for Pat.
343 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2012
Olympic pairs figure skating hopeful Christine Allen has traveled to Cabot Cove to train at the town's newly refurbished ice arena under the tutelage of former gold medalist Brian Devlin. Partnered with up-and-coming Russian skater Alexi Olshansky, she finds herself caught between a hot-tempered perfectionist and a pretentious chauvinist.
When a series of mysterious "accidents" occurs, it seems that someone wants the trio to take a fall. When one of them turns up dead at the arena, Jessica suspects something even more diabolical. Donning her old figure skates, she takes to the ice for her own investigation.
This is another good Murder She Wrote mystery. Love Jessica and all her Cabot Cove characters.
Profile Image for Janice Dick.
Author 24 books52 followers
June 3, 2019
Another Murder, She Wrote title from "Jessica Fletcher" and Donald Bain. Apparently, there are a lot because this is #35! Think Nancy Drew in her later years.

As usual, I enjoyed this whodunit mystery, and since I've watched the TV shows, I can see the characters and hear their voices. As I read, I wonder how the author wrote the story, what came first, if she/he wrote it backwards to come up with the discoveries and red herrings.

A really nice complement to the shows, cleanly written with moderate tension. A good end-of-the-day read.
Profile Image for Harry.
45 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2015
I read this as the first in the MSW books by Donald Bain. I enjoyed it thoroughly; there were interesting characters, a well laid out plot, and a climactic ending. Two major things stuck out as problems - the first was the number of characters. There were too many, to put it bluntly. And the second point is that the murder happened WAY too late. The story was begin to slow down by the time it (thankfully) happened. These are minor points, however, in an otherwise great book.
Profile Image for Beverly.
306 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2025
The owner of the formerly closed Cabot Cove ice rink decides to reopen and upgrade after attracting four up and coming pairs ice skaters. One is a brash and arrogant Russian who’s made plenty of enemies in Cabot Cove. When he ends up murdered, Jessica’s suspect list gets longer and more complicated with each passing day. I love the way this book ended with her remarking, “Aside from an occasional murder, Cabot Cove is a wonderful place to live.” lol!
Profile Image for Kate.
473 reviews16 followers
April 13, 2011
Another excellent book in the series- this one revolves around an ice skating arena in Cabot Cove that has recently begun attracting promising young figure skaters. When one of the star skaters is found murdered Jessica helps Mort figure out who the killer is. Really good and I loved the scary ending!
Profile Image for Darcysmom.
1,515 reviews
December 12, 2017
Skating on Thin Ice takes place entirely in Cabot Cove, which means we get to visit lots of familiar places and people. Jessica is on the case when mischief occurs at the local skating rink. Her investigation turns serious when a young Russian pairs skater is found dead.
Skating on Thin Ice was a strong story with just the right amount of Murder She Wrote nostalgia.
269 reviews
February 5, 2020
This is one of the best one in the series that I've read so far. You can picture the characters in the television show as you read. I had my suspicions for certain characters but kept guessing until the end for who it really was and why. This book also increased my interest in ice skating which I've never really been that interested in. It just somehow really took me into that world.
Profile Image for Marie.
373 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2020
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I saw one of my favorite shows in a book! I heard the main characters in the voices of the actors who created them. I had about 4 pages left before I realized who did it. I felt so happy! First time I figured it out. I would recommend this book and more just like this one.
Profile Image for LAMONT D.
1,330 reviews15 followers
August 15, 2020
ANOTHER GOOD PLOT FOUND AND PLENTY OF SUSPECTS TO THE MURDER OF THE YOUNG RUSSIAN SKATER; I HAVE SETTLED INTO HOW SHE WRITES AND DEVELOPS THE STORY; I ENJOY HOW THE STORY KEEPS DEVELOPING AND THE LIST OF WHO HAD A MOTIVE TO DO THE CRIME GROWS IN NUMBER AND CREDIBILITY THROUGHOUT; AGAIN THE ENDING IS NOT QUITE OUTSTANDING BUT GOOD ENOUGH TO KEEP ME READING HER NOVELS.
Profile Image for Nancy Fredenburgh.
228 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2021
Jessica's favorite sport while growing up was ice skating with numerous trophies and awards to prove it,Now, after years of closure the rink has been sold and there's a youth hockey League and doubles and singles.Trouble has

arisen over the choice of pairs. Will Jess's interests in ice skating help Mort solve the murder?
197 reviews
July 25, 2021
The internationally-famous male half of a figure-skating pairs team is murdered. Who dun it? Was it his jealous ex-partner who couldn't get him back, his jealous rival for his current partner, the mentally-unstable man who's been stalking his new partner for years and had sent a threat, or . . . well, there's quite a list of folks who might want to see him dead.
55 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2022
Jessica Solves Another Ond

Yes, I’m really reading the books in the “Murder, She Wrote” Series - and yes, I’m enjoying them. It’s light reading in that there’s no vulgarity, and the murders are rather “polite,” for wont of a better word. At least this one I didn’t figure out in advance, as I have with some of them. It’s a fun romp!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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