The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson-Wheeler

In this compelling mystery, Greta Gatsby returns to the home of her brother Jay and to his life of new-money wealth and his friendships with Nick Carraway and the Buchanans - Daisy and Tom. In this heady world of excess, Greta is trying to discover her own path beyond finishing schools and dipping her toe into a world where women are so regularly underestimated. But Tom’s death opens up the path to a mystery that Greta follows, utilising her wits to solve the puzzle of an unexpected death, and putting herself in danger in the process. 

I absolutely loved this story as it wove the classic characters and back story of The Great Gatsby with an intriguing mystery. Greta Gatsby is a character imbued with intelligent insights, pre-feminist leanings and her telling of the story reveals her evaluation of her brother (and his passion for Daisy Buchanan) and his glittering wealth-soaked social world. She also becomes the only one who explores options in the investigation of Tom Buchanan’s death. The mystery becomes increasingly interesting and even those who have not read (or watched The Great Gatsby) will find the dramatic build-up, and even the hint of romance, a pleasure to read. This is a well-written story for readers aged 16+ to adult, and it can be highly recommended. Anyone who is intrigued by the 1920s excesses or The Great Gatsby will be enamoured.

Themes: The Great Gatsby, Wealth and privilege, Mystery, USA - 1920s social life, Justice and injustice, Murder, Romance.

Carolyn Hull