What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gatsby Gambit: A Novel
America's most beloved literary characters.
A thrilling mystery.
The gilded opulence of the Roaring Twenties.
And a clever young woman of unusual persistence.
Be ready to re-think the world of Gatsby.
Freshly twenty-one and sporting a daring new bob, Greta Gatsby—younger sister to the infamous Jay—is finally free of her dull finishing school, and looking forward to an idyllic summer at the Gatsby Mansion, the jewel of West Egg. From its breathtaking views to its eccentric denizens, Greta is eager to inhale it all—even to the predictable disapproval of Mrs. Dantry, Jay’s exacting housekeeper. Indeed, nothing could disrupt the blissful time Greta has planned� except finding out that Jay’s cadre of dubious friends—Daisy and Tom Buchanan, along with Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker—will be summering there, too.
It's hard to be noticed when the luminous Daisy Buchanan is in the room, and Jordan keeps rather too close tabs on handsome Nick Carraway for Greta’s liking. But by far the worst is Daisy’s boorish husband, Tom, whose explosive temper seems always balanced on a knife-edge. But soon, bad blood is the least of their problems, as a shocking event sets the Gatsby household reeling.
Death has come to West Egg, and with it, a web of scandal, betrayal, and secrets. Turning sleuth isn’t how Greta meant to spend her summer—but what choice does she have, when everyone else seems intent on living in a world of make-believe?
Deftly subverting romantic notions about money, power, and freedom that still stand today, THE GATSBY GAMBIT is a sparkling homage to, and reinvention of, a world American listeners have lionized for generations.
A thrilling mystery.
The gilded opulence of the Roaring Twenties.
And a clever young woman of unusual persistence.
Be ready to re-think the world of Gatsby.
Freshly twenty-one and sporting a daring new bob, Greta Gatsby—younger sister to the infamous Jay—is finally free of her dull finishing school, and looking forward to an idyllic summer at the Gatsby Mansion, the jewel of West Egg. From its breathtaking views to its eccentric denizens, Greta is eager to inhale it all—even to the predictable disapproval of Mrs. Dantry, Jay’s exacting housekeeper. Indeed, nothing could disrupt the blissful time Greta has planned� except finding out that Jay’s cadre of dubious friends—Daisy and Tom Buchanan, along with Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker—will be summering there, too.
It's hard to be noticed when the luminous Daisy Buchanan is in the room, and Jordan keeps rather too close tabs on handsome Nick Carraway for Greta’s liking. But by far the worst is Daisy’s boorish husband, Tom, whose explosive temper seems always balanced on a knife-edge. But soon, bad blood is the least of their problems, as a shocking event sets the Gatsby household reeling.
Death has come to West Egg, and with it, a web of scandal, betrayal, and secrets. Turning sleuth isn’t how Greta meant to spend her summer—but what choice does she have, when everyone else seems intent on living in a world of make-believe?
Deftly subverting romantic notions about money, power, and freedom that still stand today, THE GATSBY GAMBIT is a sparkling homage to, and reinvention of, a world American listeners have lionized for generations.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2025
89 people are currently reading
11.9k people want to read
About the author
Claire Anderson Wheeler
1book51followersClaire Anderson-Wheeler is the author of The Gatsby Gambit, a murder mystery that pays homage to the world of The Great Gatsby. With a background in New York publishing and a lifelong passion for storytelling, Claire dreamed up The Gatsby Gambit as a tribute to two of her favorite writers: F Scott Fitzgerald and Agatha Christie. Originally from Ireland, Claire currently lives with her husband in Providence, Rhode Island, where trips to the Gilded Age mansions of Newport keep her Gatsby daydreams alive!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 26, 2025
This is a murder mystery set in the world of the famous novel by . does a very good job of writing an alternate version of the original.
The original main characters, Jay Gatsby, Daisy and Tom Buchanan, Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker, are all present and there is a new character - Jay's younger sister Greta, who has just finished her studies and come to live with her big brother. Greta is a smart girl and when a murder takes place on Jay's boat she attempts an investigation.
This was a very enjoyable read. The 1920's setting was well written and all the characters rang true. Even the ending, although disappointing for the very romantically inclined, was realistic. Recommended especially if you like your historical fiction spiced up with a touch of murder. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The original main characters, Jay Gatsby, Daisy and Tom Buchanan, Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker, are all present and there is a new character - Jay's younger sister Greta, who has just finished her studies and come to live with her big brother. Greta is a smart girl and when a murder takes place on Jay's boat she attempts an investigation.
This was a very enjoyable read. The 1920's setting was well written and all the characters rang true. Even the ending, although disappointing for the very romantically inclined, was realistic. Recommended especially if you like your historical fiction spiced up with a touch of murder. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 8, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 1, 2025
Greta Gatsby, sister of the infamous Jay Gatsby, finally returns home to Gatsby Mansion in the West Egg after years spent aboard at finishing schools. Now a young adult who no longer needs the supervision of her older brother, Greta is looking forward to everything being home will bring to her, including being near Nick Carraway and even suffering the presence of Daisy Buchanan if need be. But almost immediately, Gatsby Mansion is thrown into chaos when Tom Buchanan, husband of Daisy, is found shot to death on Jay’s boat. Although the police are claiming its suicide, Greta is suspicious and she begins to investigate the events, even though she risks finding out startling truths about those she cares about.
“� is a debut novel by . A rich homage to ’s classic, with some style mystery thrown in, and Wheeler has reinvented the elite, upper-class world of early twentieth century New York, re-introducing us to some much beloved characters.
Through Greta, readers learn a little more of her and Jay’s heartbreaking past, specifically the death of their parents. Jay’s promise to care for Greta is what encouraged him to become immersed in the world of high society, desperate to make money so that she had the care she needed. Now, both older versions of their childhood selves, they reunite under tragic circumstances but still hold the unbreakable love for each other.
Of course, Daisy Buchanan takes refuge at Gatsby Mansion and is just as admired by Jay as she was in “Gatsby�, if not more so. Her relationship with Tom takes centre stage for this novel, however, and it was intriguing and fascinating to get the intricate details of their dysfunctional marriage.
Wheeler’s writing is imaginative and flawless, easily transporting readers back to the Gatsby era. Each chapter was full of suspense with enough guess-who twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout. The mystery itself was quite predictable, but the “why’s� of the thing is what Wheeler managed to bring together cohesively, answering any questions that may have remained.
Creative, sharp and nostalgic, “Gambit� is a modern-day retelling of one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century to date. Wheeler has managed to create a new world, featuring the Gatsby Mansion and many of its characters, but has managed to leave the Fitzgerald masterpiece itself undamaged. For those who questioned what happened after the final pages of “Gatsby�, Wheeler has provided an interesting alternative that served to satisfy.
Expected publication date: Apr. 1, 2025
Greta Gatsby, sister of the infamous Jay Gatsby, finally returns home to Gatsby Mansion in the West Egg after years spent aboard at finishing schools. Now a young adult who no longer needs the supervision of her older brother, Greta is looking forward to everything being home will bring to her, including being near Nick Carraway and even suffering the presence of Daisy Buchanan if need be. But almost immediately, Gatsby Mansion is thrown into chaos when Tom Buchanan, husband of Daisy, is found shot to death on Jay’s boat. Although the police are claiming its suicide, Greta is suspicious and she begins to investigate the events, even though she risks finding out startling truths about those she cares about.
“� is a debut novel by . A rich homage to ’s classic, with some style mystery thrown in, and Wheeler has reinvented the elite, upper-class world of early twentieth century New York, re-introducing us to some much beloved characters.
Through Greta, readers learn a little more of her and Jay’s heartbreaking past, specifically the death of their parents. Jay’s promise to care for Greta is what encouraged him to become immersed in the world of high society, desperate to make money so that she had the care she needed. Now, both older versions of their childhood selves, they reunite under tragic circumstances but still hold the unbreakable love for each other.
Of course, Daisy Buchanan takes refuge at Gatsby Mansion and is just as admired by Jay as she was in “Gatsby�, if not more so. Her relationship with Tom takes centre stage for this novel, however, and it was intriguing and fascinating to get the intricate details of their dysfunctional marriage.
Wheeler’s writing is imaginative and flawless, easily transporting readers back to the Gatsby era. Each chapter was full of suspense with enough guess-who twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout. The mystery itself was quite predictable, but the “why’s� of the thing is what Wheeler managed to bring together cohesively, answering any questions that may have remained.
Creative, sharp and nostalgic, “Gambit� is a modern-day retelling of one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century to date. Wheeler has managed to create a new world, featuring the Gatsby Mansion and many of its characters, but has managed to leave the Fitzgerald masterpiece itself undamaged. For those who questioned what happened after the final pages of “Gatsby�, Wheeler has provided an interesting alternative that served to satisfy.
March 31, 2025
*3.5 stars. Claire Anderson-Wheeler's cozy mystery takes us back to the Roaring 20s and Jay Gatsby's mansion in West Egg, Long Island, where Jay's little sister Greta is returning after completing finishing school. She hopes for some relaxation and time alone with her older brother but unfortunately several of his friends are already there visiting: Daisy and Tom Buchanan, Nick Carraway, and Jordan Baker, and Tom's brother Edgar will be joining them soon. She's also upset to learn that two of her favorites among the staff have left.
The next morning they are all to go sailing but things do not go as planned when one of the group is found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound. That seems totally out of character and their doubts are proven correct when barbiturates are found during the autopsy. But that must mean there's a murderer in their midst!
Greta decides to follow her intuition to help solve the crime but maybe she's just putting herself and everyone else in danger as she closes in. Quite fun to see a bit more of Jay Gatsby and friends and hobnob with the uber-rich. As Anderson-Wheeler says, she's channeled a bit of both F. Scott Fitzgerald and Agatha Christie as her inspiration for her new mystery novel.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
The next morning they are all to go sailing but things do not go as planned when one of the group is found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound. That seems totally out of character and their doubts are proven correct when barbiturates are found during the autopsy. But that must mean there's a murderer in their midst!
Greta decides to follow her intuition to help solve the crime but maybe she's just putting herself and everyone else in danger as she closes in. Quite fun to see a bit more of Jay Gatsby and friends and hobnob with the uber-rich. As Anderson-Wheeler says, she's channeled a bit of both F. Scott Fitzgerald and Agatha Christie as her inspiration for her new mystery novel.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
March 22, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
This was a fun twist on a classic. I throughly enjoyed the true crime aspect mixed with the characters from the original story. The added bonus of Greta (Jay’s little sister) and the staff being such a vital part of the story was nice. I did think that the book itself was entirely too long, and it could have been about 100 pages shorter (some parts were just boring in my opinion). The Great Gatsby is my all time favorite book, so finding new retellings of the story is always fun for me.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in an exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun twist on a classic. I throughly enjoyed the true crime aspect mixed with the characters from the original story. The added bonus of Greta (Jay’s little sister) and the staff being such a vital part of the story was nice. I did think that the book itself was entirely too long, and it could have been about 100 pages shorter (some parts were just boring in my opinion). The Great Gatsby is my all time favorite book, so finding new retellings of the story is always fun for me.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in an exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2025
Absolutely brilliant.
A beautiful expansion of Fitzgerald’s classic from the mirroring symbols to the murder mystery intertwined with the 1920s lifestyle to the honor of the original Gatsby characters.
“It has always looked so magical, so beautiful, the otherworldly flicker of some ever-receding dream.�
A beautiful expansion of Fitzgerald’s classic from the mirroring symbols to the murder mystery intertwined with the 1920s lifestyle to the honor of the original Gatsby characters.
“It has always looked so magical, so beautiful, the otherworldly flicker of some ever-receding dream.�
March 24, 2025
This was such a fun read that I was so excited for! As a lover of the original Great Gatsby (I have 35 different editions), I was very intrigued by the idea of returning to the Gatsby world for a new mystery to unfold.
Changing what we know from the original story, Jay doesn’t die and instead is best friends with Daisy and Tom as they all spend summer at Jay’s house. Jay also has a sister, Greta, who has just returned from finishing school and is excited to spend some time with her brother finally.
This time is quickly interrupted by a death. And while initially it is assumed that this was a terrible accident, Greta is always suspicious that it was in fact murder.
This is such a quick and easy mystery. Greta was a fantastic protagonist as she was so insightful and smart, only wanting the best for her brother and to discover the truth in amongst all the secrets everyone was telling.
Thank you Hachette AUS for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review
Changing what we know from the original story, Jay doesn’t die and instead is best friends with Daisy and Tom as they all spend summer at Jay’s house. Jay also has a sister, Greta, who has just returned from finishing school and is excited to spend some time with her brother finally.
This time is quickly interrupted by a death. And while initially it is assumed that this was a terrible accident, Greta is always suspicious that it was in fact murder.
This is such a quick and easy mystery. Greta was a fantastic protagonist as she was so insightful and smart, only wanting the best for her brother and to discover the truth in amongst all the secrets everyone was telling.
Thank you Hachette AUS for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review
April 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this book.
This was such a great read! Absolutely loved it.
The premise itself had me hooked. I enjoyed The Great Gatsby and I love Agatha Christie's mysteries. A combination of these things immediately caught my attention and I couldn't wait to get started. The characters themselves were fleshed out well and in my perspective, a good take on the original characters, under a new lens. I loved Greta's character and her sleuthing skills. Without a doubt, I can say that I'm eagerly waiting to read more about Greta Gatsby's adventures and see what more mysteries she'll solve.
This was such a great read! Absolutely loved it.
The premise itself had me hooked. I enjoyed The Great Gatsby and I love Agatha Christie's mysteries. A combination of these things immediately caught my attention and I couldn't wait to get started. The characters themselves were fleshed out well and in my perspective, a good take on the original characters, under a new lens. I loved Greta's character and her sleuthing skills. Without a doubt, I can say that I'm eagerly waiting to read more about Greta Gatsby's adventures and see what more mysteries she'll solve.
March 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and thankfully did not have to remember every detail of The Great Gatsby in order to do so! I watched the film, admittedly, and never read the book but I didn’t feel as though I was missing any background information on any of the crossover characters.
The time period within which the book is set is so well referenced throughout both the dialogue and descriptions. This only made me want to read more historical fiction!
The characters are all well established in their own right, without feeling as though this is a spin off story. The main character felt relatable, if not a little bit too good at connecting dots.
Greta seemed to slightly jump to conclusions in working through the mysterious murder which felt a tad extreme for a young girl straight out of finishing school. Though her intelligence and eye for detail was believable, her linking of clues felt a little too much like they merely kept the pace going. Saying that, I still found her to be a great main character and felt excited when she began to find the answers.
The hint at romance throughout the book could have been explored more for me. I enjoyed how it was in keeping with the era, but I never felt satisfied with the ongoing dynamic.
The mystery itself was very well done and had subtle hints weaved throughout, making the end incredibly satisfying.
I would definitely recommend this book to a friend and sincerely hope the author isn’t finished with these characters!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and thankfully did not have to remember every detail of The Great Gatsby in order to do so! I watched the film, admittedly, and never read the book but I didn’t feel as though I was missing any background information on any of the crossover characters.
The time period within which the book is set is so well referenced throughout both the dialogue and descriptions. This only made me want to read more historical fiction!
The characters are all well established in their own right, without feeling as though this is a spin off story. The main character felt relatable, if not a little bit too good at connecting dots.
Greta seemed to slightly jump to conclusions in working through the mysterious murder which felt a tad extreme for a young girl straight out of finishing school. Though her intelligence and eye for detail was believable, her linking of clues felt a little too much like they merely kept the pace going. Saying that, I still found her to be a great main character and felt excited when she began to find the answers.
The hint at romance throughout the book could have been explored more for me. I enjoyed how it was in keeping with the era, but I never felt satisfied with the ongoing dynamic.
The mystery itself was very well done and had subtle hints weaved throughout, making the end incredibly satisfying.
I would definitely recommend this book to a friend and sincerely hope the author isn’t finished with these characters!
April 8, 2025
An entertaining and fun repurposing of Fitzgerald’s iconic characters.
This is a really enjoyable read, but please be advised that this is not a prequel or a sequel to The Great Gatsby. It’s an original story that makes use of the characters and the setting of Fitzgerald’s novel and should be taken as such. Characters meet different fates here than in The Great Gatsby, making it a sort of permutation of the bones of the plot rather than something that is in dialogue with it directly.
That said, it’s fun to be back in such an incredible corner of the imagined world, and Claire Anderson Wheeler does a lovely job of paying homage to the sense of time and place that Fitzgerald so vividly created so long ago.
This isn’t a tragedy like Gatsby, it’s more of a caper/golden age-style mystery, and these things seem to harmonize perfectly with the world of Jay, his friends, and the protagonist, a newly-drawn younger Gatsby sibling, Greta. She’s just the kind of plucky heroine that a book like this needs, and overall this was a terrific way to pay homage to a beloved novel without trying to retell it or alter the canon appreciably. A fun, clever whodunit.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is a really enjoyable read, but please be advised that this is not a prequel or a sequel to The Great Gatsby. It’s an original story that makes use of the characters and the setting of Fitzgerald’s novel and should be taken as such. Characters meet different fates here than in The Great Gatsby, making it a sort of permutation of the bones of the plot rather than something that is in dialogue with it directly.
That said, it’s fun to be back in such an incredible corner of the imagined world, and Claire Anderson Wheeler does a lovely job of paying homage to the sense of time and place that Fitzgerald so vividly created so long ago.
This isn’t a tragedy like Gatsby, it’s more of a caper/golden age-style mystery, and these things seem to harmonize perfectly with the world of Jay, his friends, and the protagonist, a newly-drawn younger Gatsby sibling, Greta. She’s just the kind of plucky heroine that a book like this needs, and overall this was a terrific way to pay homage to a beloved novel without trying to retell it or alter the canon appreciably. A fun, clever whodunit.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
January 19, 2025
This was a great murder mystery, incorporating the main characters of F.Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The book introduced a new character, Jay Gatsby's younger sister, Greta who takes centre stage. This story provides an alternate narrative for the characters of The Great Gatsby and is in no way 'canon' with the original.
The story begins with Greta returning to the Gatsby home following completing her education, where she is reunited with Jay, Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker and Daisy and Tom Buchanan. They celebrate Greta's return and plan to rise early the next morning to go sailing. However, when morning comes one of the party does not appear...
I loved how the story unfolded and we learned alongside Greta the chain of events she unravels to reveal the murderer. I think the use of the Gatsby characters was fun as I love the setting, and the opportunity to experience another Great Gatsby party! However, I think you can easily read this book and enjoy it without having read The Great Gatsby as it is a fun murder mystery of its own.
I also really enjoyed the historical elements of the story, and appreciated the author offering more of the facts surrounding events within the story at the end of the book.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. The Gatsby Gambit is an excellent murder mystery, which will be published April 3rd 2025.
The story begins with Greta returning to the Gatsby home following completing her education, where she is reunited with Jay, Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker and Daisy and Tom Buchanan. They celebrate Greta's return and plan to rise early the next morning to go sailing. However, when morning comes one of the party does not appear...
I loved how the story unfolded and we learned alongside Greta the chain of events she unravels to reveal the murderer. I think the use of the Gatsby characters was fun as I love the setting, and the opportunity to experience another Great Gatsby party! However, I think you can easily read this book and enjoy it without having read The Great Gatsby as it is a fun murder mystery of its own.
I also really enjoyed the historical elements of the story, and appreciated the author offering more of the facts surrounding events within the story at the end of the book.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. The Gatsby Gambit is an excellent murder mystery, which will be published April 3rd 2025.
April 9, 2025
As someone who absolutely adores 'The Great Gatsby' and will take any opportunity to talk someone's ear off about it, it was a wonderful surprise to read Wheeler's debut murder-mystery and discover the same melancholic, almost dream-like spirit Fitzgerald infused into his 1925 novel.
Greta Gatsby was a wonderful addition to the original cast of characters, bringing out a little more depth in each of their personalities and enhancing their qualities in every interaction.
You can definitely tell that 'The Gatsby Gambit' was written with a lot of love for F. Scott Fitzgerald's Roaring Twenties in lines of dialogue or introspection throughout that only GG readers would have picked up on (boy, did I feel like such a fangirl, grinning every time I found a little easter egg).
Story-wise, I was drawn more to the characters than the actual murder-mystery per se, and I found the addition of the house staff cast played really well into its overall message around class divides, justice, one's quality of character and the pervasive 'American Dream' that continues to drive so much advancement and inequality in this century (although, not really for the better, thanks to Trump).
The epilogue chapter was my fave - there's a couple of pages towards the end that are super relevant, not only to America, but to the world as a society:
**minor spoiler below**
"She'd been anticipating only one kind of remedy for the injustice she kept seeing... [but] it wasn't protection that [they] needed most. It was community... That was the whole point of the Constitution after all, was it not? Freedom of association, freedom of speech; it was the freedom to unite, to draw strength from numbers...
'Speech might be free,' Greta thought, 'but to be heard cost money.'
I honestly think if you enjoyed the morally gray and widely introspective, melancholic musings of Nick Carraway in 'The Great Gatsby', then you'll enjoy the extra depth that this novel brings to its characters within its Agatha Christie-like mystery.
This book is targeted towards what feels like for me, a very niche audience, but it definitely delivers.
4 stars 🌟
Fun fact:
The Great Gatsby was originally published 100 years ago on the 10th of April 1925, which is why the publishing date for this book made me grin like a fool. A perfectly timed homage!!
Greta Gatsby was a wonderful addition to the original cast of characters, bringing out a little more depth in each of their personalities and enhancing their qualities in every interaction.
You can definitely tell that 'The Gatsby Gambit' was written with a lot of love for F. Scott Fitzgerald's Roaring Twenties in lines of dialogue or introspection throughout that only GG readers would have picked up on (boy, did I feel like such a fangirl, grinning every time I found a little easter egg).
Story-wise, I was drawn more to the characters than the actual murder-mystery per se, and I found the addition of the house staff cast played really well into its overall message around class divides, justice, one's quality of character and the pervasive 'American Dream' that continues to drive so much advancement and inequality in this century (although, not really for the better, thanks to Trump).
The epilogue chapter was my fave - there's a couple of pages towards the end that are super relevant, not only to America, but to the world as a society:
**minor spoiler below**
"She'd been anticipating only one kind of remedy for the injustice she kept seeing... [but] it wasn't protection that [they] needed most. It was community... That was the whole point of the Constitution after all, was it not? Freedom of association, freedom of speech; it was the freedom to unite, to draw strength from numbers...
'Speech might be free,' Greta thought, 'but to be heard cost money.'
I honestly think if you enjoyed the morally gray and widely introspective, melancholic musings of Nick Carraway in 'The Great Gatsby', then you'll enjoy the extra depth that this novel brings to its characters within its Agatha Christie-like mystery.
This book is targeted towards what feels like for me, a very niche audience, but it definitely delivers.
4 stars 🌟
Fun fact:
The Great Gatsby was originally published 100 years ago on the 10th of April 1925, which is why the publishing date for this book made me grin like a fool. A perfectly timed homage!!
March 16, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery set in a wealthy household in America.
The Gatsbys are not rich by birth, but rather through hard work and sheer grit. A brother and sister team, Jay and Greta now mix with the upper echelons of society, though there are always people not there who like to remind them they are not the same at the other monied families.
The story centers around a summer where Greta finally finishes all the schooling her brother provided, and she is looking forward to the future.
When she arrives, she is a bit disappointed to find the house already full of some of her brothers wealthy friends, apparently here to stay for a little while.
After accepting she is not getting time with her brother alone, first, she settles into her first day home.
Peace is not longlasting as the body of one of the guests is discovered, and what ensues is a journey to try and find the truth.
Was it suicide or murder?
I wasn't sure I would get into the story, initially, and it's quite a long book, however within a couple of chapters, i was hooked, and i read it all within three days!
I enjoyed the twists and turns as different pieces of evidence were unravelled, and I found myself doubting the character of several of the people. The final conclusion was not something I anticipated at all.
All in all, a jolly good read!
The Gatsbys are not rich by birth, but rather through hard work and sheer grit. A brother and sister team, Jay and Greta now mix with the upper echelons of society, though there are always people not there who like to remind them they are not the same at the other monied families.
The story centers around a summer where Greta finally finishes all the schooling her brother provided, and she is looking forward to the future.
When she arrives, she is a bit disappointed to find the house already full of some of her brothers wealthy friends, apparently here to stay for a little while.
After accepting she is not getting time with her brother alone, first, she settles into her first day home.
Peace is not longlasting as the body of one of the guests is discovered, and what ensues is a journey to try and find the truth.
Was it suicide or murder?
I wasn't sure I would get into the story, initially, and it's quite a long book, however within a couple of chapters, i was hooked, and i read it all within three days!
I enjoyed the twists and turns as different pieces of evidence were unravelled, and I found myself doubting the character of several of the people. The final conclusion was not something I anticipated at all.
All in all, a jolly good read!
November 20, 2024
Claire Anderson Wheeler transports readers to the glitzy yet turbulent 1920s in The Gatsby Gambit, delivering a historical mystery that is both enjoyable and easy to read.
The richly atmospheric setting, is fun, glamorous and full of hidden intrigue, and perfectly complements a clever whodunnit plot inspired by real historical themes. The novel’s exploration of patriotism and the secret codes tied to it provides a fascinating backdrop for the central crime, grounding the story in historical authenticity while adding depth to the suspense.
The FMC, Greta, is a standout. She is sharp, engaging, and compelling, she brings a unique energy to the narrative and made me root for her as she unravelled the layers of the mystery. With every character acting suspicious, Wheeler kept me guessing right up to the end, deftly weaving red herrings and subtle clues into the plot. Although I don’t often read books like this, I found it refreshing, different, and thoroughly entertaining.
Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or suspense, The Gatsby Gambit strikes a perfect balance between the two. It’s a light yet immersive read that offers an engaging mystery, a dash of 1920s charm, and a twisty plot that will keep you hooked until the final reveal.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The richly atmospheric setting, is fun, glamorous and full of hidden intrigue, and perfectly complements a clever whodunnit plot inspired by real historical themes. The novel’s exploration of patriotism and the secret codes tied to it provides a fascinating backdrop for the central crime, grounding the story in historical authenticity while adding depth to the suspense.
The FMC, Greta, is a standout. She is sharp, engaging, and compelling, she brings a unique energy to the narrative and made me root for her as she unravelled the layers of the mystery. With every character acting suspicious, Wheeler kept me guessing right up to the end, deftly weaving red herrings and subtle clues into the plot. Although I don’t often read books like this, I found it refreshing, different, and thoroughly entertaining.
Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or suspense, The Gatsby Gambit strikes a perfect balance between the two. It’s a light yet immersive read that offers an engaging mystery, a dash of 1920s charm, and a twisty plot that will keep you hooked until the final reveal.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 27, 2025
We all know The Great Gatsby is my favourite book of all time (despite my insta handle) so when I saw The Gatsby Gambit on Netgalley I just knew I had to request it asap. I didn’t know how I’d feel about reading my first ever fictional spin off of it…but I really enjoyed it! It was exciting to return to the same old characters, enigmatic Jay, steadfast Nick…even the pesky Buchanans. This time were introduced to Gatsby’s sister, Greta (you see what the author did there 😉) who is a fiery character in herself, pushing boundaries and making her own. This is a perfect read for any fans of Gatsby, you don’t need to read the original first, it’s a completely different story. Just enjoy this one as much as the writing deserves.
March 28, 2025
Middle school appropriate in content but interest level might make it more adult. Charming, witty, and bright but missing elements that made the source material a classic. How Gatsby avoided his death is never mentioned, nor is the mafia. Some of the historical details are new and fun. Ultimately, a fun beachy-sort of read.
May 1, 2025
An interesting reworking of 'The Great Gatsby' through the eyes of his younger sister. Also worked pretty well as a cozy mystery, although it did get quite convoluted about halfway through. At one point I was actually thinking about how bad it was dragging along, so I can only rate it as 3 stars. Too many red herrings and misdirections, it was getting mildly irritating by the end.
March 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book; it had a good mix of wealthy estate life (think Downton Abbey on the eastern coast of America!) with a murder mystery thrown in. I kept thinking I had figured it out, only for there to be another twist or vital bit of information come to light which changed things again. I just thought the ending was a little long - all I wanted was to know if two of the characters had ended up together as I thought they should be!
April 30, 2025
Greta Gatsby returns to her cherished home in West Egg, Long Island, after spending years at an elite boarding school. Her older brother, Jay, is hosting a party at the Gatsby Mansion with his gaggle of cronies: Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker, and Tom and Daisy Buchanan. Upon returning, Greta, who sought to reinvent herself by sporting a new bob, is frustrated to find these interlopers in her home. Worse yet, is the fact that they will be there all summer. While she is not excited about the Buchanans, she doesn’t mind Nick’s presence.
Conflict is introduced into the party in the form of Edgar Buchanan, Tom’s rude younger brother. He storms his way into the Gatsby mansion as if he is ready to pick a fight. The situation becomes worse when Tom is found dead in the Gatsbys� boat. Greta and Nick discover his body accompanied by an all-too-brief suicide note: “Old girl. I’m terribly sorry about all this.� From the start, she suspects that something is quite off about the whole thing. Was it really suicide as it appears? Or was there some more sinister party at work? Was it murder? Greta is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Before diving in, I am going to preface by saying that I never read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. What attracted me to this book was the title, the book blurb, and the cool cover. So, I went into this book with little to no knowledge about the original book that inspired this one.
While reading The Gatsby Gambit (awesome title, by the way), I enjoyed watching the world of the Jazz Age come to life. It was rife with all kinds of cool slang that was used in that time period, especially from a character like Jordan Baker, Daisy’s best friend. It was neat to read descriptions about what people wore, such as Daisy’s stunning pearl necklace that Tom gave her when they were married. It was fun to envision Gatsby mansion with its devoted cadre of servants. It was like something out of Julian Fellowes’s Downton Abbey.
The mystery and the whodunnit aspects of the story were a lot of fun. Greta was my favorite character, and I had a blast following her along on this journey. While the others were very much wrapped up in their own worlds, she was the only one who consistently focused on finding the perpetrator. At times, it felt like she was the only sane one in the group, aside from dependable, friendly Nick.
My favorite aspect of Greta was that she was strong and brave. As a young woman in the 1920s, she grapples with being “Jay’s sister� and the social expectations of that. It was interesting how she balanced her role as hostess at the Gatsby mansion and amateur sleuth solving a dastardly crime.
Overall, I found the writing to be fun and accessible. However, there were times when the story was slow and meandering. It felt like there the book could have been more condensed. Sometimes there was time spent on boring or pointless things. This book was not as suspenseful as I had hoped.
Some of the characters fell a bit flat for me. Daisy was a frustrating character who it was difficult to connect with. Perhaps that is the point. Traditionally, she is a character who is viewed from afar, on a pedestal. I found her to be childish and lacking in substance.
While I enjoyed the majority of the book, the ending was somewhat anticlimactic and underwhelming. I would definitely read future books by Claire Anderson-Wheeler. This book was fun and definitely had potential. I just wish it was more suspenseful.
I graciously received this complimentary Advanced Reader Copy from Viking and Netgalley.
Conflict is introduced into the party in the form of Edgar Buchanan, Tom’s rude younger brother. He storms his way into the Gatsby mansion as if he is ready to pick a fight. The situation becomes worse when Tom is found dead in the Gatsbys� boat. Greta and Nick discover his body accompanied by an all-too-brief suicide note: “Old girl. I’m terribly sorry about all this.� From the start, she suspects that something is quite off about the whole thing. Was it really suicide as it appears? Or was there some more sinister party at work? Was it murder? Greta is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Before diving in, I am going to preface by saying that I never read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. What attracted me to this book was the title, the book blurb, and the cool cover. So, I went into this book with little to no knowledge about the original book that inspired this one.
While reading The Gatsby Gambit (awesome title, by the way), I enjoyed watching the world of the Jazz Age come to life. It was rife with all kinds of cool slang that was used in that time period, especially from a character like Jordan Baker, Daisy’s best friend. It was neat to read descriptions about what people wore, such as Daisy’s stunning pearl necklace that Tom gave her when they were married. It was fun to envision Gatsby mansion with its devoted cadre of servants. It was like something out of Julian Fellowes’s Downton Abbey.
The mystery and the whodunnit aspects of the story were a lot of fun. Greta was my favorite character, and I had a blast following her along on this journey. While the others were very much wrapped up in their own worlds, she was the only one who consistently focused on finding the perpetrator. At times, it felt like she was the only sane one in the group, aside from dependable, friendly Nick.
My favorite aspect of Greta was that she was strong and brave. As a young woman in the 1920s, she grapples with being “Jay’s sister� and the social expectations of that. It was interesting how she balanced her role as hostess at the Gatsby mansion and amateur sleuth solving a dastardly crime.
Overall, I found the writing to be fun and accessible. However, there were times when the story was slow and meandering. It felt like there the book could have been more condensed. Sometimes there was time spent on boring or pointless things. This book was not as suspenseful as I had hoped.
Some of the characters fell a bit flat for me. Daisy was a frustrating character who it was difficult to connect with. Perhaps that is the point. Traditionally, she is a character who is viewed from afar, on a pedestal. I found her to be childish and lacking in substance.
While I enjoyed the majority of the book, the ending was somewhat anticlimactic and underwhelming. I would definitely read future books by Claire Anderson-Wheeler. This book was fun and definitely had potential. I just wish it was more suspenseful.
I graciously received this complimentary Advanced Reader Copy from Viking and Netgalley.
April 12, 2025
4 1/2 Stars
Like many other lifelong readers, my initial introduction to literature was made via the classics. During my youth I immersed myself in countless global classics with one of my all-time favorites being The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Imagine my excitement when I began reading THE GATSBY GAMBIT from Irish writer Claire Anderson-Wheeler who utilizes her creativity to retell that classic with many of the beloved characters from Fitzgerald’s work.
The substantial change is the addition of a new character, playboy Jay Gatsby’s younger sister, Greta, who is returning to the Gatsby Mansion of West Egg, Long Island after graduating from finishing school. Upon Greta’s arrival she finds the Mansion filled with many of the household staff she remembered before leaving for school as well as Jay’s usual cast of cronies like Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker, and Daisy and Tom Buchanan. Of course, it is a secret to no one that the Buchanan’s are having marital problems while rumors of Daisy and Jay having their own fling circling around their group.
Jay is hosting a party to welcome Greta back, amongst other things, and even Tom’s hated brother Edgar is invited. Greta is disappointed to learn that one of her favorite members of the household staff, Flora, had left employment there, but she is promptly introduced to her replacement --- a young woman named Molly. The party is everything you would expect from a Jay Gatsby bash in the roaring twenties. However, the gaiety will soon be replaced by horror when Greta goes to the boat they had in dock only to find the dead body of Tom Buchanan sitting in the captain’s chair, a bullet hole in his head and gun lying beside him.
What began as a light-hearted typical night at Gatsby Mansion immediately becomes a potential scandal. Did Tom Buchanan kill himself as the evidence would lead you to believe, or could one of the other guests have set things up to appear like a suicide to cover up a murder? Jay and Daisy would make likely subjects and some at the party overheard Tom arguing with his brother Edgar behind closed doors. When rumor of a letter written by Tom to his wealthy mother asking for a substantial loan is floated, other factors potentially behind Tom’s death are introduced.
All of this is being handled by the police who arrive in timely fashion led by Inspector Francis, who is not a fan of the Gatsby’s and their wealthy chums. As the investigation is going on, Daisy notices that her priceless pearl necklace has disappeared. Anyone could have taken it, from other guests to the staff, and it becomes yet another thing for Inspector Francis to consider. It is at this point that the novel takes on the mood of a classical murder mystery in the style of Greta’s favorite author, Agatha Christie.
Clues and motives are all bandied about, but it will all come down to who had the opportunity. The police take a hard look at Jay since they find medication in Tom Buchanan’s system that matched a prescription in his room. No one is above suspicion as Anderson-Wheeler steers this ship with some clever plotting that always keeps the reader guessing.
Greta is an awful sharp amateur sleuth and seems to be figuring things out more adeptly than the local police. As I was reading this, I recognized how the events being laid out completely changed the original source material as there is no George Wilson in this story to take Jay Gatsby’s life in an act of misplaced revenge. THE GATSBY GAMBIT fully delivers with the characters we love and the time and setting that made the original novel so special. The addition of Greta allows for the story to take on the role of murder mystery by utilizing her ability to act almost as an outsider to the people and relationships that make up Gatsby Mansion and it is a refreshing update indeed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Like many other lifelong readers, my initial introduction to literature was made via the classics. During my youth I immersed myself in countless global classics with one of my all-time favorites being The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Imagine my excitement when I began reading THE GATSBY GAMBIT from Irish writer Claire Anderson-Wheeler who utilizes her creativity to retell that classic with many of the beloved characters from Fitzgerald’s work.
The substantial change is the addition of a new character, playboy Jay Gatsby’s younger sister, Greta, who is returning to the Gatsby Mansion of West Egg, Long Island after graduating from finishing school. Upon Greta’s arrival she finds the Mansion filled with many of the household staff she remembered before leaving for school as well as Jay’s usual cast of cronies like Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker, and Daisy and Tom Buchanan. Of course, it is a secret to no one that the Buchanan’s are having marital problems while rumors of Daisy and Jay having their own fling circling around their group.
Jay is hosting a party to welcome Greta back, amongst other things, and even Tom’s hated brother Edgar is invited. Greta is disappointed to learn that one of her favorite members of the household staff, Flora, had left employment there, but she is promptly introduced to her replacement --- a young woman named Molly. The party is everything you would expect from a Jay Gatsby bash in the roaring twenties. However, the gaiety will soon be replaced by horror when Greta goes to the boat they had in dock only to find the dead body of Tom Buchanan sitting in the captain’s chair, a bullet hole in his head and gun lying beside him.
What began as a light-hearted typical night at Gatsby Mansion immediately becomes a potential scandal. Did Tom Buchanan kill himself as the evidence would lead you to believe, or could one of the other guests have set things up to appear like a suicide to cover up a murder? Jay and Daisy would make likely subjects and some at the party overheard Tom arguing with his brother Edgar behind closed doors. When rumor of a letter written by Tom to his wealthy mother asking for a substantial loan is floated, other factors potentially behind Tom’s death are introduced.
All of this is being handled by the police who arrive in timely fashion led by Inspector Francis, who is not a fan of the Gatsby’s and their wealthy chums. As the investigation is going on, Daisy notices that her priceless pearl necklace has disappeared. Anyone could have taken it, from other guests to the staff, and it becomes yet another thing for Inspector Francis to consider. It is at this point that the novel takes on the mood of a classical murder mystery in the style of Greta’s favorite author, Agatha Christie.
Clues and motives are all bandied about, but it will all come down to who had the opportunity. The police take a hard look at Jay since they find medication in Tom Buchanan’s system that matched a prescription in his room. No one is above suspicion as Anderson-Wheeler steers this ship with some clever plotting that always keeps the reader guessing.
Greta is an awful sharp amateur sleuth and seems to be figuring things out more adeptly than the local police. As I was reading this, I recognized how the events being laid out completely changed the original source material as there is no George Wilson in this story to take Jay Gatsby’s life in an act of misplaced revenge. THE GATSBY GAMBIT fully delivers with the characters we love and the time and setting that made the original novel so special. The addition of Greta allows for the story to take on the role of murder mystery by utilizing her ability to act almost as an outsider to the people and relationships that make up Gatsby Mansion and it is a refreshing update indeed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
April 6, 2025
The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson-Wheeler published April 3rd with Renegade Books and is described as 'a deliciously unputdownable whodunnit perfect for fans ofThe Christie AffairandMiss Austen Investigates.'
Greta Gatsby is thrilled, but also a little nervous, to be returning to West Egg after completing finishing school. Her brother Jay has built a palatial property on Long Island and Greta, now at twenty-one, is looking forward to spending some time with him and enjoying the sea air and his companionship. But Jay Gatsby is not one to linger for any great time in his own company and Greta soon finds herself surrounded by his old friends, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker and Nick Carraway. Greta craves peace, time to relax and read a book, but Jay and his friends love to party hard and play hard, so Greta has little choice but to blend in and observe.
But when they all awaken the following morning, it is discovered that one of their party is missing. As the search is undertaken, it's not long before a body is found and their lives are immediately all thrown into disarray. On initial investigation it appears as a suicide but, from the beginning, Greta is convinced that there is something untoward about the circumstances surrounding this discovery and decides to carry out her own search for the truth.
As the days pass, suspicions are raised and fingers are pointed. Each guest had a potential motive but had they the nerve to pull off such a brutal act? Greta fears for her brother's innocence and safety, Jay is all she has left in the world. He has worked very hard to achieve respectability but Jay knows that this is all just a fragile show, like a deck of cards that could collapse at any moment. He has always strove to protect Greta but now this eco-system he has built could be on the verge of imploding.
Greta loves to read a good mystery novel, in particular Agatha Christie, so her mind is fine tuned to observing and staying silent when required. She is fast at sensing when something is off and she is calm in the face of hysterics and anger. Biding her time, she starts to pull together a theory of what actually happened that night but will her sleuthing be more of a hindrance to the police investigators or could Greta possibly be one step ahead? There is a potential murderer on West Egg but who could it be? And more importantly, who might be next in the firing line?
The Gatsby Gambit is a really fun reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic, The Great Gatsby. Claire Anderson-Wheeler had read the original book many years ago and was always struck by the class divide and the overindulgent excessiveness of the characters - 'while I always love the Fitzgerald novel, I wondered what would happen if the rough justice of a murder-mystery novel were to pay a visit'. Through the eyes of a young woman, the opulent lifestyle is peeled back, revealing something much more disconcerting hiding in the shadows. Gatsby, The Buchanans, Carraway and Baker are all slightly altered, immersing the reader into a similar yet alternative West Egg, creating an almost sliding doors effect. Lush and entertaining, The Gatsby Gambit reads like the lovechild of Christie and Fitzgerald, a truly delightful and charming golden-age murder mystery.
Greta Gatsby is thrilled, but also a little nervous, to be returning to West Egg after completing finishing school. Her brother Jay has built a palatial property on Long Island and Greta, now at twenty-one, is looking forward to spending some time with him and enjoying the sea air and his companionship. But Jay Gatsby is not one to linger for any great time in his own company and Greta soon finds herself surrounded by his old friends, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker and Nick Carraway. Greta craves peace, time to relax and read a book, but Jay and his friends love to party hard and play hard, so Greta has little choice but to blend in and observe.
But when they all awaken the following morning, it is discovered that one of their party is missing. As the search is undertaken, it's not long before a body is found and their lives are immediately all thrown into disarray. On initial investigation it appears as a suicide but, from the beginning, Greta is convinced that there is something untoward about the circumstances surrounding this discovery and decides to carry out her own search for the truth.
As the days pass, suspicions are raised and fingers are pointed. Each guest had a potential motive but had they the nerve to pull off such a brutal act? Greta fears for her brother's innocence and safety, Jay is all she has left in the world. He has worked very hard to achieve respectability but Jay knows that this is all just a fragile show, like a deck of cards that could collapse at any moment. He has always strove to protect Greta but now this eco-system he has built could be on the verge of imploding.
Greta loves to read a good mystery novel, in particular Agatha Christie, so her mind is fine tuned to observing and staying silent when required. She is fast at sensing when something is off and she is calm in the face of hysterics and anger. Biding her time, she starts to pull together a theory of what actually happened that night but will her sleuthing be more of a hindrance to the police investigators or could Greta possibly be one step ahead? There is a potential murderer on West Egg but who could it be? And more importantly, who might be next in the firing line?
The Gatsby Gambit is a really fun reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic, The Great Gatsby. Claire Anderson-Wheeler had read the original book many years ago and was always struck by the class divide and the overindulgent excessiveness of the characters - 'while I always love the Fitzgerald novel, I wondered what would happen if the rough justice of a murder-mystery novel were to pay a visit'. Through the eyes of a young woman, the opulent lifestyle is peeled back, revealing something much more disconcerting hiding in the shadows. Gatsby, The Buchanans, Carraway and Baker are all slightly altered, immersing the reader into a similar yet alternative West Egg, creating an almost sliding doors effect. Lush and entertaining, The Gatsby Gambit reads like the lovechild of Christie and Fitzgerald, a truly delightful and charming golden-age murder mystery.
April 13, 2025
Like many other lifelong readers, my introduction to literature was made via the classics. One of my all-time favorites is THE GREAT GATSBY, which was published 100 years ago, on April 10, 1925. So imagine my excitement when I began reading the newly released THE GATSBY GAMBIT. Claire Anderson-Wheeler utilizes her creativity to retell the story with many of the beloved characters from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work.
The substantial change is the addition of Jay Gatsby’s younger sister, Greta, who is returning to the Gatsby Mansion in West Egg, Long Island, after graduating from finishing school. Upon Greta’s arrival, she finds the mansion filled with many of the household staff she remembered before leaving for school, as well as Jay’s usual cast of cronies, like Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker, and Daisy and Tom Buchanan. Of course, it is no secret that the Buchanans are having marital problems, while rumors of Daisy and Jay having a fling circle around their group.
Jay is hosting a party to welcome back Greta, among other things, and even Tom’s hated brother, Edgar, is invited. The gathering is everything you would expect from a Jay Gatsby bash in the Roaring Twenties. However, the gaiety soon will be replaced by horror when Greta finds Tom's lifeless body sitting in the captain’s chair of Jay’s boat. A bullet hole is in his head, and a gun is lying beside him.
What began as a light-hearted typical night at the Gatsby Mansion immediately becomes a potential scandal. Did Tom kill himself as the evidence would lead one to believe? Or could one of the other guests have set it up to make it look like a suicide to cover up a murder? Jay and Daisy would make likely suspects, and some partygoers overheard Tom arguing with Edgar behind closed doors. When rumors of a letter written by Tom to his wealthy mother asking for a substantial loan is floated, other potential factors behind Tom’s death are introduced.
All of this is being handled by the police. They arrive in a timely fashion and are led by Inspector Francis, who is not a fan of the Gatsbys and their wealthy chums. As the investigation gets underway, Daisy notices that her priceless pearl necklace has disappeared. Anyone could have taken it, and it becomes yet another thing for Inspector Francis to consider. It is at this point that the novel takes on the mood of a classic murder mystery in the style of Greta’s favorite author, Agatha Christie.
Clues and motives are bandied about, but it all will come down to who had the opportunity. No one is above suspicion as Anderson-Wheeler steers this ship with some clever plotting that always keeps the reader guessing.
As I was reading, I recognized how the events being laid out completely changed the original source material as there is no George Wilson in this story to take Jay Gatsby’s life in an act of misplaced revenge. THE GATSBY GAMBIT fully delivers with the characters we love and the time and setting that made THE GREAT GATSBY so special. Greta is a sharp amateur sleuth who can act almost like an outsider to the people and relationships that make up the Gatsby Mansion. It is a refreshing update indeed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
The substantial change is the addition of Jay Gatsby’s younger sister, Greta, who is returning to the Gatsby Mansion in West Egg, Long Island, after graduating from finishing school. Upon Greta’s arrival, she finds the mansion filled with many of the household staff she remembered before leaving for school, as well as Jay’s usual cast of cronies, like Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker, and Daisy and Tom Buchanan. Of course, it is no secret that the Buchanans are having marital problems, while rumors of Daisy and Jay having a fling circle around their group.
Jay is hosting a party to welcome back Greta, among other things, and even Tom’s hated brother, Edgar, is invited. The gathering is everything you would expect from a Jay Gatsby bash in the Roaring Twenties. However, the gaiety soon will be replaced by horror when Greta finds Tom's lifeless body sitting in the captain’s chair of Jay’s boat. A bullet hole is in his head, and a gun is lying beside him.
What began as a light-hearted typical night at the Gatsby Mansion immediately becomes a potential scandal. Did Tom kill himself as the evidence would lead one to believe? Or could one of the other guests have set it up to make it look like a suicide to cover up a murder? Jay and Daisy would make likely suspects, and some partygoers overheard Tom arguing with Edgar behind closed doors. When rumors of a letter written by Tom to his wealthy mother asking for a substantial loan is floated, other potential factors behind Tom’s death are introduced.
All of this is being handled by the police. They arrive in a timely fashion and are led by Inspector Francis, who is not a fan of the Gatsbys and their wealthy chums. As the investigation gets underway, Daisy notices that her priceless pearl necklace has disappeared. Anyone could have taken it, and it becomes yet another thing for Inspector Francis to consider. It is at this point that the novel takes on the mood of a classic murder mystery in the style of Greta’s favorite author, Agatha Christie.
Clues and motives are bandied about, but it all will come down to who had the opportunity. No one is above suspicion as Anderson-Wheeler steers this ship with some clever plotting that always keeps the reader guessing.
As I was reading, I recognized how the events being laid out completely changed the original source material as there is no George Wilson in this story to take Jay Gatsby’s life in an act of misplaced revenge. THE GATSBY GAMBIT fully delivers with the characters we love and the time and setting that made THE GREAT GATSBY so special. Greta is a sharp amateur sleuth who can act almost like an outsider to the people and relationships that make up the Gatsby Mansion. It is a refreshing update indeed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
April 7, 2025
Greta Gatsby, the lesser-known sister of the infamous Jay Gatsby, returns from years abroad and finishing schools with a newfound independence at age 21. Eager to leave the shadow of her brother behind, she returns to Gatsby Mansion in West Egg, a place brimming with both old-world charm and simmering tensions. Greta, an avid fan of crime novels, finds herself drawn into a mystery that soon shatters the calm of her genteel world.
Shortly after her arrival, the household is rocked by the discovery of Tom Buchanan’s body on the boat they were about to board—a death hastily dismissed by the police as suicide. However, Greta senses that something is amiss. Amidst the chaos, even as Daisy Buchanan struggles with the aftermath of her troubled marriage, she finds solace in the support of friends and the lingering affection of Jay Gatsby, who has secretly harbored love for her for years. After Tom’s funeral, despite Jay’s proposal is turned down, it was improper and he was warned against it by both Nick and Greta. Daisy goes with Edgar, Tom’s own brother, choosing instead to remain at the Buchanan home until the situation becomes clearer.
The plot thickens when Daisy’s treasured pearl and diamond necklace goes missing, and suspicion falls immediately on the servants—particularly Ada and Molly—even though no trace of the necklace is found. Driven by her instinct for justice, Greta embarks on a personal investigation into Tom’s death. The trail of clues soon leads to revelations: the police uncover barbiturates in Tom’s system and question anyone who might have had access to them, forcing Jay to admit that he possessed some. The situation escalates when Jay is detained at the police station, leaving Greta distraught and determined to untangle the web of secrets and lies.
Set against the lush backdrop of the 1920s, the novel is a delightful blend of classic crime fiction and the opulent world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s characters. The author skillfully transports readers to an era defined by its stark social divides—between the old money of the elite and the nouveau riche, embodied by Jay’s constant struggle with his social standing. Beyond the central mystery, the narrative delves into the profound bond between Greta and Jay, whose shared tragedy of losing their parents at a young age forged an unbreakable connection. Despite the glitz and glamour, the story does not shy away from exploring the deep emotional scars borne by its characters.
The supporting cast, including the formidable yet unsympathetic Housekeeper Mrs. Dantry, adds color and authenticity to the narrative. While most characters are endearingly crafted, a few, like Mrs. Dantry, serve as vivid reminders of the rigid and often unforgiving societal norms of the time.
With its intricate plot, unexpected twists, and a setting that vividly brings the Roaring Twenties to life, this novel is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with an Agatha Christie twist. Although the anticipated romantic subplot leaves a touch of longing unfulfilled, the book’s engaging narrative and richly drawn characters more than compensate for it.
Overall, this innovative reimagining of The Great Gatsby universe, combined with a gripping murder mystery, promises a thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who appreciates period pieces, complex characters, and a dash of suspense.
Shortly after her arrival, the household is rocked by the discovery of Tom Buchanan’s body on the boat they were about to board—a death hastily dismissed by the police as suicide. However, Greta senses that something is amiss. Amidst the chaos, even as Daisy Buchanan struggles with the aftermath of her troubled marriage, she finds solace in the support of friends and the lingering affection of Jay Gatsby, who has secretly harbored love for her for years. After Tom’s funeral, despite Jay’s proposal is turned down, it was improper and he was warned against it by both Nick and Greta. Daisy goes with Edgar, Tom’s own brother, choosing instead to remain at the Buchanan home until the situation becomes clearer.
The plot thickens when Daisy’s treasured pearl and diamond necklace goes missing, and suspicion falls immediately on the servants—particularly Ada and Molly—even though no trace of the necklace is found. Driven by her instinct for justice, Greta embarks on a personal investigation into Tom’s death. The trail of clues soon leads to revelations: the police uncover barbiturates in Tom’s system and question anyone who might have had access to them, forcing Jay to admit that he possessed some. The situation escalates when Jay is detained at the police station, leaving Greta distraught and determined to untangle the web of secrets and lies.
Set against the lush backdrop of the 1920s, the novel is a delightful blend of classic crime fiction and the opulent world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s characters. The author skillfully transports readers to an era defined by its stark social divides—between the old money of the elite and the nouveau riche, embodied by Jay’s constant struggle with his social standing. Beyond the central mystery, the narrative delves into the profound bond between Greta and Jay, whose shared tragedy of losing their parents at a young age forged an unbreakable connection. Despite the glitz and glamour, the story does not shy away from exploring the deep emotional scars borne by its characters.
The supporting cast, including the formidable yet unsympathetic Housekeeper Mrs. Dantry, adds color and authenticity to the narrative. While most characters are endearingly crafted, a few, like Mrs. Dantry, serve as vivid reminders of the rigid and often unforgiving societal norms of the time.
With its intricate plot, unexpected twists, and a setting that vividly brings the Roaring Twenties to life, this novel is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with an Agatha Christie twist. Although the anticipated romantic subplot leaves a touch of longing unfulfilled, the book’s engaging narrative and richly drawn characters more than compensate for it.
Overall, this innovative reimagining of The Great Gatsby universe, combined with a gripping murder mystery, promises a thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who appreciates period pieces, complex characters, and a dash of suspense.
February 14, 2025
April 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.� This beloved classic went into the public domain in 2021, so that has allowed 21st century authors like Claire Anderson Wheeler to re-imagine the characters of West and East Egg. All the principal players are back (Jay, Daisy, Tom, Nick and Jordan), but this isn’t a prequel (the circumstances of this plot would prevent Fitzgerald’s original tale from occurring), it’s more of an alternate universe. We do get a new main character, Jay Gatsby’s younger sister, Greta. If you like the Enola Holmes (teenage sister of Sherlock) stories, “The Gatsby Gambit� might be just for you. There are also new Buchanan relatives visiting the Gatsby mansion.
Greta is seven years younger than Jay, and the original themes of social strata are present here. Gatsby wants Greta to fit seamlessly into the upper class, so once he is financially able, he “rescues� Greta from a sour Aunt Ida and a bland North Dakota upbringing in order to put her into an East Coast boarding school and a fancier finishing school. Now she has arrived at Gatsby’s Long Island home at the age of 21, with a new bobbed hairstyle and an eagerness to step into a bohemian flapper lifestyle like Daisy Buchanan.
Greta is also a fan of Agatha Christie, so she’s predisposed to investigating when a death occurs among the inner circle of friends. This is a mystery, but not so much a thriller. After the killer is revealed, there are three more chapters of long explanations, including the trope where the murderer holds everyone hostage while parsing out justifications. It’s a quick read, but nothing near the emotional, nuanced tale of the original novel. The great American Dream is still illusory to this set of characters. 3.5 stars.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES I’m not certain if this was in the original, but here Jay Gatsby has green eyes. Although possibly a continuity error, early on Greta remembers her brother with “eyes of wild, turbulent blue.�
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO The garden is the place on the Gatsby estate where strange goings-on occur.
Thank you to Viking/Penguin and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Greta is seven years younger than Jay, and the original themes of social strata are present here. Gatsby wants Greta to fit seamlessly into the upper class, so once he is financially able, he “rescues� Greta from a sour Aunt Ida and a bland North Dakota upbringing in order to put her into an East Coast boarding school and a fancier finishing school. Now she has arrived at Gatsby’s Long Island home at the age of 21, with a new bobbed hairstyle and an eagerness to step into a bohemian flapper lifestyle like Daisy Buchanan.
Greta is also a fan of Agatha Christie, so she’s predisposed to investigating when a death occurs among the inner circle of friends. This is a mystery, but not so much a thriller. After the killer is revealed, there are three more chapters of long explanations, including the trope where the murderer holds everyone hostage while parsing out justifications. It’s a quick read, but nothing near the emotional, nuanced tale of the original novel. The great American Dream is still illusory to this set of characters. 3.5 stars.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES I’m not certain if this was in the original, but here Jay Gatsby has green eyes. Although possibly a continuity error, early on Greta remembers her brother with “eyes of wild, turbulent blue.�
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO The garden is the place on the Gatsby estate where strange goings-on occur.
Thank you to Viking/Penguin and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
March 24, 2025
Greta Gatsby is Jay (The Great) Gatsby’s sister. Seven years younger, she has never been part of Jay’s hedonistic life. But now she’s free from the protected world of education and finishing-schools and has come to live with him at his mansion in West Egg, on Long Island. Jay’s retinue of friends, Daisy, Tom, Nick and Jordan, are already ensconced house guests by the time she gets there. Greta is young and naïve compared to them, but highly intelligent and socially skilled so fits in with their “Beau Monde� lifestyle. However, the latter is soon disrupted by a violent death, but is it suicide or murder. Greta is also well schooled in the fictional worlds of Agatha Christie and begins to suspect the latter, detecting discrepancies which, unfortunately, are not clues that would persuade others, including the police. Undeterred, she sets out to prove her case and unmask a killer.
Writing a new story based in a preexisting fictional world requires considerable skill. Even though the background and many of the characters are already drawn, the voice, the syntax, the idiom need to be right. The danger that the style will become parody rather than pastiche is obvious. The author here negotiates that with apparent ease; it just feels natural. A reader in 1925 (when The Great Gatsby was first published) would, I think, be perfectly happy. Readers now, a hundred years later, should also be delighted. But style, of course, isn’t everything. This is a murder-mystery, a whodunnit, so it need to also conform to that genre. The plot is a straightforward amateur detective story, there are clues scattered along the way, red herrings at appropriate points, a detective following her suspicions, police who are disinclined to believe her, a killer with a motive which is logical within the story but difficult to spot, and a dénouement which is classic. Perfectly in line with the style of the book. Overall it is, perhaps, a bit longer than it need be, but the prose is enjoyable so I didn’t find this a problem. I could knock off a few decimal points for minor issues like length, but I can’t get it is as low as a 4, so the star system says 5.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Writing a new story based in a preexisting fictional world requires considerable skill. Even though the background and many of the characters are already drawn, the voice, the syntax, the idiom need to be right. The danger that the style will become parody rather than pastiche is obvious. The author here negotiates that with apparent ease; it just feels natural. A reader in 1925 (when The Great Gatsby was first published) would, I think, be perfectly happy. Readers now, a hundred years later, should also be delighted. But style, of course, isn’t everything. This is a murder-mystery, a whodunnit, so it need to also conform to that genre. The plot is a straightforward amateur detective story, there are clues scattered along the way, red herrings at appropriate points, a detective following her suspicions, police who are disinclined to believe her, a killer with a motive which is logical within the story but difficult to spot, and a dénouement which is classic. Perfectly in line with the style of the book. Overall it is, perhaps, a bit longer than it need be, but the prose is enjoyable so I didn’t find this a problem. I could knock off a few decimal points for minor issues like length, but I can’t get it is as low as a 4, so the star system says 5.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
March 30, 2025
I was fortunate enough to be sent a proof copy of this new novel by the publisher and was intrigued to see that it uses the characters of The Great Gatsby in an Agatha Christie-type murder mystery. I haven’t read The Great Gatsby for a long time, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book, and I’m sure those who haven’t read F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel could still very much enjoy The Gatsby Gambit.
Jay Gatsby’s 21-year-old sister Greta returns to his mansion on Long Island having finished her private education, expecting a fond family reunion and a summer of fun and parties, but instead finds herself immediately embroiled in the case of a suspicious death, family intrigue, and secrets from the past. Just like the plot of one of the Agatha Christie novels she adores. It will take all her intelligence, emotional acuity, and observational skills to keep herself, her brother, and his circle safe from a killer with nothing to lose.
I found The Gatsby Gambit a quick read with good pacing. The first few chapters introduce a lot of characters quickly, some of them familiar, others not, and I had to take my time to make sure I had everyone straight. After that, however, the plot rattles along quickly, with clues to the identity of the killer and their reason for the crime scattered along the way, which made me want to continue quickly. I ended up reading it in two sittings.
Seeing The Great Gatsby characters in effectively a parallel universe was fun and I enjoyed the little call-backs to the source material, and the fact that the familiar characters had largely the same personalities as in the original.
I liked Greta as a character and felt she was realistic, even if some of her attitudes may be a little ahead of their time for the 1920s. She was pleasant to spend time with and didn’t annoy me in the way some crime novel female protagonists do, e.g. by having to be stupid for the sake of a plot point, or by needing a man to rescue her. It feels like this could be the start of a series � I’d certainly read any subsequent books.
I’d recommend The Gatsby Gambit to those who like country house crime a la Christie, whether they’re fans of The Great Gatsby or not.
Jay Gatsby’s 21-year-old sister Greta returns to his mansion on Long Island having finished her private education, expecting a fond family reunion and a summer of fun and parties, but instead finds herself immediately embroiled in the case of a suspicious death, family intrigue, and secrets from the past. Just like the plot of one of the Agatha Christie novels she adores. It will take all her intelligence, emotional acuity, and observational skills to keep herself, her brother, and his circle safe from a killer with nothing to lose.
I found The Gatsby Gambit a quick read with good pacing. The first few chapters introduce a lot of characters quickly, some of them familiar, others not, and I had to take my time to make sure I had everyone straight. After that, however, the plot rattles along quickly, with clues to the identity of the killer and their reason for the crime scattered along the way, which made me want to continue quickly. I ended up reading it in two sittings.
Seeing The Great Gatsby characters in effectively a parallel universe was fun and I enjoyed the little call-backs to the source material, and the fact that the familiar characters had largely the same personalities as in the original.
I liked Greta as a character and felt she was realistic, even if some of her attitudes may be a little ahead of their time for the 1920s. She was pleasant to spend time with and didn’t annoy me in the way some crime novel female protagonists do, e.g. by having to be stupid for the sake of a plot point, or by needing a man to rescue her. It feels like this could be the start of a series � I’d certainly read any subsequent books.
I’d recommend The Gatsby Gambit to those who like country house crime a la Christie, whether they’re fans of The Great Gatsby or not.
January 11, 2025
Love historical fiction murder mysteries? This is one to add to your TBR faster than you can say “bee’s knees�!
Claire Anderson-Wheeler’s The Gatsby Gambit is a cosy historical fiction mystery that waltzes into the dazzling world of the roaring 1920s, offering a fresh and jazzy spin on Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Told from the perspective of Greta Gatsby, Jay’s younger sister, it serves up a sparkling cocktail of glamour, mystery, and drama in a charming homage to the original classic.
Greta arrives at West Egg with stars in her eyes and a fresh bob haircut, ready to embrace the high-flying summer she’s dreamed of. But her plans to cut a rug at Jay’s infamous soirées are cut short when a murder rocks Gatsby’s glittering household. Playing sleuth amid the clinking of champagne glasses and whispers of scandal, Greta discovers secrets that even her smooth-talking brother might not want revealed.
This isn’t aiming to be the next timeless classic, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s a breezy and atmospheric read, tightly plotted and full of twists to keep you guessing. Whether you’re curling up with it on a rainy afternoon or reading by the fire, The Gatsby Gambit delivers enough jazz-age charm to leave you smiling. Greta’s voice is fresh and engaging, and the sumptuous attention to detail makes you feel as if you’ve stepped straight into a West Egg soirée.
Fans of The Christie Affair and The Enola Holmes Mysteries will want to shimmy over to this playful and reverent spin on Gatsby’s universe. Hitting shelves on April 1, 2025, this is one to watch for historical fiction and mystery lovers alike.
And if Greta were to return for more roaring 20s escapades, I’d absolutely be on board—her witty observations and the rich world Anderson-Wheeler has created are simply the cat’s pyjamas!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Australia and New Zealand for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheGatsbyGambit #NetGalley #ClaireAndersonWheeler #HistoricalFiction #WhoDunnit #Roaring20s #HachetteAustralia
Claire Anderson-Wheeler’s The Gatsby Gambit is a cosy historical fiction mystery that waltzes into the dazzling world of the roaring 1920s, offering a fresh and jazzy spin on Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Told from the perspective of Greta Gatsby, Jay’s younger sister, it serves up a sparkling cocktail of glamour, mystery, and drama in a charming homage to the original classic.
Greta arrives at West Egg with stars in her eyes and a fresh bob haircut, ready to embrace the high-flying summer she’s dreamed of. But her plans to cut a rug at Jay’s infamous soirées are cut short when a murder rocks Gatsby’s glittering household. Playing sleuth amid the clinking of champagne glasses and whispers of scandal, Greta discovers secrets that even her smooth-talking brother might not want revealed.
This isn’t aiming to be the next timeless classic, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s a breezy and atmospheric read, tightly plotted and full of twists to keep you guessing. Whether you’re curling up with it on a rainy afternoon or reading by the fire, The Gatsby Gambit delivers enough jazz-age charm to leave you smiling. Greta’s voice is fresh and engaging, and the sumptuous attention to detail makes you feel as if you’ve stepped straight into a West Egg soirée.
Fans of The Christie Affair and The Enola Holmes Mysteries will want to shimmy over to this playful and reverent spin on Gatsby’s universe. Hitting shelves on April 1, 2025, this is one to watch for historical fiction and mystery lovers alike.
And if Greta were to return for more roaring 20s escapades, I’d absolutely be on board—her witty observations and the rich world Anderson-Wheeler has created are simply the cat’s pyjamas!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Australia and New Zealand for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheGatsbyGambit #NetGalley #ClaireAndersonWheeler #HistoricalFiction #WhoDunnit #Roaring20s #HachetteAustralia
March 16, 2025
This is a book best suited to people who are not intimately familiar with Fitzgerald's version. I received my advance copy at the same time I was once again finishing The Great Gatsby with my students, so the details of the original were too fresh for me to sink fully into this new world and Wheeler's versions of the characters.
The story starts slowly, inserting the new character of Greta Gatsby as she finally comes home from all her years of being sent off to school. She begins to interact with alternate versions of Fitzgerald's characters as Wheeler navigates what's the same (not much) and what's different in her version. There are some Easter egg references to the original, but also a lot of changes, and not all of those changes seem entirely necessary to the plot. My students, however, heartily applaud her choice of victim, although they always wish someone else had done the deed. Wheeler offers up various suspects as Greta takes off on her own to prove herself worthy (and independent) in a male-dominated world, annoying the detectives and her brother alike when she's convinced that the apparent suicide isn't all it appears to be.
It's a slow burn until it breathlessly barrels down the last quarter of the book, and it's at the end, freed from any premise of the inspiration text, that Wheeler really shines. I struggled with the characterization of Tom, Daisy, Nick, Jordan, and Jay because I wasn't sure how much I was supposed to remember from Fitzgerald and how much they were supposed to be different (changed, perhaps, because it seems most of the events of Fitzgerald's book happened the summer before this one starts). If you have faint memories of lavish parties and a green light from your own high school days, you'll probably enjoy it.
The story starts slowly, inserting the new character of Greta Gatsby as she finally comes home from all her years of being sent off to school. She begins to interact with alternate versions of Fitzgerald's characters as Wheeler navigates what's the same (not much) and what's different in her version. There are some Easter egg references to the original, but also a lot of changes, and not all of those changes seem entirely necessary to the plot. My students, however, heartily applaud her choice of victim, although they always wish someone else had done the deed. Wheeler offers up various suspects as Greta takes off on her own to prove herself worthy (and independent) in a male-dominated world, annoying the detectives and her brother alike when she's convinced that the apparent suicide isn't all it appears to be.
It's a slow burn until it breathlessly barrels down the last quarter of the book, and it's at the end, freed from any premise of the inspiration text, that Wheeler really shines. I struggled with the characterization of Tom, Daisy, Nick, Jordan, and Jay because I wasn't sure how much I was supposed to remember from Fitzgerald and how much they were supposed to be different (changed, perhaps, because it seems most of the events of Fitzgerald's book happened the summer before this one starts). If you have faint memories of lavish parties and a green light from your own high school days, you'll probably enjoy it.
April 7, 2025
This reimagining of The Great Gatsby as a murder mystery was fun but suffered from uneven pacing. In this version, Jay has a younger sister, Greta, who is coming home for the summer after graduating from her boarding school where she is met by Jay and his friends, Daisy & Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker and Nick Carraway. After a dinner where Daisy and Tom bicker and Tom fights with his brother, Edgar, Greta goes to bed and hears someone entering Daisy's room late at night. But the next morning, Daisy is alone and Tom is found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The police are suspicious when they learn that Tom had a large amount of barbiturates in his system and they take Jay in for questioning and hold him overnight. Greta, intent on freeing Jay, starts to investigate on her own and learns that Tom was deeply in debt, which was why Edgar was angry with him, which gives Edgar a motive, and that Jay and Daisy had been having an affair, which gives both of them a motive as well. But then the butler confesses to the crime and Greta figures out that one of the maids was his niece and he is protecting her. He saw her on the night of Tom's death and he assumes that she is guilty. Eventually Greta figures out that it was another maid, Molly, who was guilty. She killed Tom in revenge for her brother's death. Tom, a member of a society who shamed and beat eligible young men who were dodging the war, beat her brother to death during a raid. The ending was a bit ridiculous with Molly planning to kidnap the entire household and lock them in the pantry until she could escape but her plan was thwarted by Greta and Molly was arrested. It was fun spending some time in Gatsby's world again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 17, 2024I wanted to like this and was excited to receive an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley but I'm DNFing at around 15%. No rating because I didn't read it all. Spoilers ahead.
I went into this expecting a murder mystery set in the world of The Great Gatsby, that revisited locations and places from the original novel. I was curious to see how it would integrate itself into the events of the original novel and how the timelines would overlap.
Unfortunately the answer is that they don't. The author has basically thrown out any idea of 'canon' here, so that this really has very little to do with The Great Gatsby at all other than using the names of the characters. The guest of Gatsby who dies at the beginning of this novel is Tom Buchanan, a fairly important character in The Great Gatsby who survives to the end and outlives Jay. If we're killing off major characters from the novel and in the process ignoring the actual events of the novel then I'm not really sure what we're doing here, because it has very little to do with The Great Gatsby itself.
Once it became clear that this was basically just 'AU' fanfiction I lost interest entirely, and I won't be finishing it. I would much rather have read a jazz era murder mystery that had nothing at all to do with The Great Gatsby.
Also, a minor nitpick to end things: at one point Greta buys "that new Agatha Christie novel" and wonders if Christie must be well-traveled, because her stories take place in "such exotic locations". If this takes place in 1922 (which it must do, because Jay Gatsby is alive and has just fired all his staff) then Christie had only published two novels at that point, and they're both set in England.
I went into this expecting a murder mystery set in the world of The Great Gatsby, that revisited locations and places from the original novel. I was curious to see how it would integrate itself into the events of the original novel and how the timelines would overlap.
Unfortunately the answer is that they don't. The author has basically thrown out any idea of 'canon' here, so that this really has very little to do with The Great Gatsby at all other than using the names of the characters. The guest of Gatsby who dies at the beginning of this novel is Tom Buchanan, a fairly important character in The Great Gatsby who survives to the end and outlives Jay. If we're killing off major characters from the novel and in the process ignoring the actual events of the novel then I'm not really sure what we're doing here, because it has very little to do with The Great Gatsby itself.
Once it became clear that this was basically just 'AU' fanfiction I lost interest entirely, and I won't be finishing it. I would much rather have read a jazz era murder mystery that had nothing at all to do with The Great Gatsby.
Also, a minor nitpick to end things: at one point Greta buys "that new Agatha Christie novel" and wonders if Christie must be well-traveled, because her stories take place in "such exotic locations". If this takes place in 1922 (which it must do, because Jay Gatsby is alive and has just fired all his staff) then Christie had only published two novels at that point, and they're both set in England.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
Title: Gatsby Gambit
Author: Claire Anderson Wheeler (Debut Author)
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Penguin Group Viking/ Viking
Pub Date: April 1, 2025
My Rating: 3.7 Stars!
Pages: 368
I was drawn to this story because it has Gatsby in the title- plus a throwback to a murder mystery in the 20’s sounded like fun!
Jay’s younger sister Greta was not in the original F Scott Fitzgerald story!
Story starts with Greta Gatsby who will soon be turning twenty-one and completing her education by graduating from finishing school. She is looking forward to spending the summer with her brother Jay who is seven year older and has been guardian, as they were orphaned fifteen years ago. Greta has been looking forward to this as she has been too young to attend Jay’s late-night soirees or perhaps Aka- infamous summer parties at the. West Egg mansion
Summer starts off with Jay, Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker and Daisy and Tom Buchanan, celebrating Greta's arrival and they plan to go sailing the next morning.
However, the next morning Tom Buchanan doesn’t show up...
My first impression of Greta is that although she was young, immature and a member of high-society I certainly never thought she would be taking the lead in what happened to Tom.
The investigators seem to think he took his own life. Our little Greta thinks otherwise and sets out on her own!
Turned out to be an enjoyable whodunit! I look forward to hopefully Book #2
Want to thank NetGalley, Penguin Group Viking and debut author Claire Anderson Wheeler
for this enjoyable early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 1, 2025.
Author: Claire Anderson Wheeler (Debut Author)
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Penguin Group Viking/ Viking
Pub Date: April 1, 2025
My Rating: 3.7 Stars!
Pages: 368
I was drawn to this story because it has Gatsby in the title- plus a throwback to a murder mystery in the 20’s sounded like fun!
Jay’s younger sister Greta was not in the original F Scott Fitzgerald story!
Story starts with Greta Gatsby who will soon be turning twenty-one and completing her education by graduating from finishing school. She is looking forward to spending the summer with her brother Jay who is seven year older and has been guardian, as they were orphaned fifteen years ago. Greta has been looking forward to this as she has been too young to attend Jay’s late-night soirees or perhaps Aka- infamous summer parties at the. West Egg mansion
Summer starts off with Jay, Nick Carraway, Jordan Baker and Daisy and Tom Buchanan, celebrating Greta's arrival and they plan to go sailing the next morning.
However, the next morning Tom Buchanan doesn’t show up...
My first impression of Greta is that although she was young, immature and a member of high-society I certainly never thought she would be taking the lead in what happened to Tom.
The investigators seem to think he took his own life. Our little Greta thinks otherwise and sets out on her own!
Turned out to be an enjoyable whodunit! I look forward to hopefully Book #2
Want to thank NetGalley, Penguin Group Viking and debut author Claire Anderson Wheeler
for this enjoyable early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 1, 2025.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.