Summary
Ghost Coach is the second novel in Duane Lindsay’s acclaimed Grifter’s Daughter series, following the adventures of Dani Silver, a supremely talented con artist with a conscience. Trained by her legendary father, Leroy “Pops” Amadeus Logan, Dani is determined to outdo her mentor and claim the title of the world’s greatest living con artist. But in this story, the stakes are higher than ever as Dani and Pops go head-to-head – not just with the marks, but with each other.
The plot revolves around a long con that Pops has been meticulously planning for over twenty-five years: the sale of a “priceless” antique car, supposedly once owned by a famous historical figure – maybe Amelia Earhart, maybe Mussolini. The details have been seeded into the public consciousness for decades, with carefully planted news stories and fabricated provenance. Now, with the groundwork laid, Pops is ready to cash in. But Dani, flush with cash from her own successful scams, sees an opportunity to take over the operation and prove she’s the best.
What follows is a deliciously tangled battle of wits, as father and daughter each try to outmanoeuvre the other, enlisting their own loyal crews and deploying every trick in the grifter’s handbook. The story is set against a backdrop of dysfunctional family dynamics, where love and rivalry are inextricably linked. As the con unfolds, Dani and Pops must navigate double-crosses, shifting alliances, and the ever-present threat of being outsmarted by their own kin.
The novel is a fast-paced caper, filled with laugh-out-loud moments, intricate schemes and a cast of quirky, loveable rogues. Lindsay’s writing is sharp and witty, blending the suspense of classic heist stories with the warmth and chaos of a family drama. The tension between Dani and Pops is at the heart of the book, offering both high-stakes thrills and genuine emotional depth.
Ultimately, Ghost Coach is about more than just the con. It’s a story about legacy, ambition and the complicated bonds between parents and children. Dani’s quest to do “well and good” – targeting only those who truly deserve to be fleeced – adds a layer of moral complexity to her criminal exploits. The result is a novel that is as thoughtful as it is entertaining, appealing to fans of heist fiction, family sagas and character-driven crime stories alike.
Key Themes:
- Family rivalry and legacy
- The art of the long con
- Morality in crime: doing well by doing good
- Female empowerment in a male-dominated world
- Trust, betrayal, and loyalty
- The blurred line between love and competition
Character Details
Dani Silver
Dani Silver is the protagonist of Ghost Coach, a second-generation con artist who has spent her life learning the tricks of the trade from her father, Pops. Dani is fiercely intelligent, resourceful and unflinchingly ambitious. She is driven by a desire not only to match her father’s legendary status but to surpass it, proving that she can be the best in a world where the long con is a dying art.
Dani’s defining trait is her moral code: she insists on targeting only those who deserve it, turning her criminal skills into a form of rough justice. This sets her apart from many of her peers and gives her a sense of purpose beyond mere profit. She is adaptable, able to slip into a variety of aliases and personas as the con demands and is a master of psychological manipulation. Despite her tough exterior, Dani is deeply loyal to her crew and struggles with the complexities of her relationship with Pops. Their dynamic is equal parts affection, rivalry and mutual respect, making for some of the novel’s most compelling moments.
Leroy “Pops” Amadeus Logan
Pops is a legend in the world of grifters – a master of the long con whose reputation precedes him. He is cunning, patient and always several steps ahead of everyone else, including his daughter. Pops is the architect of the “ghost coach” scam, having spent decades laying the groundwork for what he sees as his magnum opus.
Pops is both a mentor and a rival to Dani. He takes pride in her abilities but is not above trying to outsmart her, seeing their rivalry as a way to keep their skills sharp. He is old-school, valuing tradition and the artistry of the con and is somewhat sceptical of Dani’s more modern, ethical approach. Despite his gruffness, Pops cares deeply for his daughter, and their relationship is marked by a blend of competition and genuine love. His wit, experience and larger-than-life personality make him a standout character in the novel.
Supporting Crew
While Dani and Pops are the central figures, their respective crews play crucial roles in the unfolding con. Each member brings unique skills to the table – whether it’s forgery, surveillance or the gift of the gab. The interplay between the various grifters adds layers of complexity and humour to the story, highlighting the importance of teamwork (and the occasional double-cross) in the world of high-stakes crime.
Reader Fit
Ghost Coach is perfect for readers who love heist and caper fiction, especially those who appreciate intricate plots, witty banter and morally complex characters. Fans of movies like Ocean’s Eleven and The Sting, or TV series such as Leverage and Imposters, will find much to enjoy here.
The novel also appeals to those who enjoy strong female leads and stories that blend crime with family drama. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud read with heart, this book is for you.
Quick Facts
Genre: Heist/Caper Crime Fiction
Publication Year: 2017
Reading Time Estimate: 6–8 hours
Notable Awards: N/A
Related Books
- The Heist by Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg: Caper novel featuring a master con artist and FBI agent teaming up.
- The Hunter (Parker #1) by Richard Stark: Classic heist fiction with a legendary antihero.
- Heist Society by Ally Carter: Young adult caper with a family of thieves and a strong female lead.
Buy the Book
Dive into the world of Dani Silver and experience the thrill of the long con, family rivalry and laugh-out-loud capers. Ghost Coach is your ticket to a ride you won’t forget!
