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.

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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.