Ace, Marvel, Spy - by Jenni L Walsh (Paperback)

About the Book

Based on the life of a very real, little-known hero.

Book Synopsis

"Jenni L. Walsh captures the thrill of being on the court in a vivid and detailed portrayal of Alice Marble's rise to sporting greatness, as well as her struggles to fulfill her dreams both on and off the court. Ace, Marvel, Spy is a smashing success!" --Billie Jean King, sports icon and equality champion

"All's fair in love and war--and tennis!--in Jenni L. Walsh's latest page-turning historical novel . . . Readers can't help but be inspired by this unflinching portrayal of a true American icon." --Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling author of A Happier Life

Trailblazer, superstar, activist, and spy: Alice Marble is a true American icon.

Alice strives to have it all.

At seventeen, Alice Marble has no formal tennis skills and no coach. What she does have is an ability to hit the ball as hard as she can and a strong desire to prove herself. With steadfast determination and one sacrifice after another, Alice plays her heart out on the courts of the rich and famous, at national tournaments, and--the greatest of them all--at Wimbledon, rising to be one of the top-ranked players in the world.

But then her world falls apart.

With the outbreak of war with Germany, Alice's tennis career and life come to a screeching halt, and for the first time, she is forced to confront who she is without tennis. As she seeks to understand her new place in the world and how she can aid in the war efforts, a telegram arrives with devastating news from overseas. Heartbroken and lost, she feels like she can only watch as the war wreaks havoc in every area of her life.

Until an unexpected invitation arrives.

Alice is given the chance to fight back when the US Army sends her a request: Under the guise of playing in tennis exhibition games in Switzerland, she would be a spy for them. Alice aches for nothing more than to avenge what the war has taken from her and to prove herself against this new opponent. But what awaits her might be her greatest challenge yet.

From her start as a promising athlete with worn-out shoes to her status as a glamorous international star, Alice Marble's determination to control her own life and destiny fuels a story of achievement, discipline, loss, and love.

Jenni L. Walsh's Ace, Marvel, Spy brilliantly showcases the life of Alice Marble, a real-life tennis sensation known for her extraordinary talent and indomitable spirit. This fast-paced and action-packed historical novel spans multiple international settings and is enhanced by discussion questions that prompt readers to reflect on Alice's challenges and triumphs, making it an ideal choice for book clubs.

Review Quotes

'The strength of this novel is its deep exploration of Alice's motives and emotions. The intensity and determination to pull through injuries and heartaches, to finish and excel at every task, and to assert her independence in a man's world, are evident . . . Recommended for readers wanting to learn more about a multi-talented tennis legend.'--Historical Novel Society

'Best-selling author Walsh (UNSINKABLE, 2024) delivers a page-turning delight starring tennis ace Alice Marble, who came from a modest background to reach the top of her sport . . . Whether Alice is in a nail-biting tennis match or in a tight spot with her mission, this book will have readers on the edge of their seats. Be sure to read the author's note about the fascinating, real Alice Marble.'--Booklist

'All's fair in love and war--and tennis!--in Jenni L. Walsh's latest page-turning historical novel. Champion, editor, widow, and spy Alice Marble is a remarkable woman full of grit, determination, and unfathomable fortitude who made her mark on the world in irrevocable ways. Readers can't help but be inspired by this unflinching portrayal of a true American icon.'--Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling author of A HAPPIER LIFE

'Jenni L. Walsh captures the thrill of being on the court in a vivid and detailed portrayal of Alice Marble's rise to sporting greatness, as well as her struggles to fulfill her dreams both on and off the court. ACE, MARVEL, SPY is a smashing success!'--Billie Jean King, sports icon and equality champion