Summary
The Blonde with the Dangerous ‘Do is the third instalment in Duane Lindsay’s acclaimed Grifter’s Daughter series. Set in a world where the line between con artist and hero is deliciously blurred, the novel follows Dani Silver, a masterful grifter and the daughter of the infamous conman Leroy “Pops” Amadeus. Dani, with her signature platinum hair and a penchant for elaborate disguises, is determined to step out of her father’s shadow and prove she’s the best in the business.
The story opens with Dani assembling a team of quirky, skilled misfits, each with their own unique talents. Their target: a corrupt businessman who has made his fortune by swindling the vulnerable and exploiting the legal system. Dani’s plan is bold – a classic long con that will require meticulous preparation, nerves of steel and a touch of theatrical flair.
As the plot unfolds, readers are treated to a whirlwind of deception, double-crosses and unexpected twists. Dani’s crew must navigate a web of lies, avoid the suspicions of law enforcement and outwit rival criminals who would love nothing more than to see them fail. The stakes are high – not just financially, but personally, as Dani’s relationship with her father and her own sense of identity are put to the test.
Lindsay’s writing sparkles with wit and energy, blending the suspense of a heist thriller with the charm of a screwball comedy. The dialogue crackles, the cons are clever and the pacing never lets up. Yet beneath the surface, the novel explores deeper themes: the nature of trust and loyalty, the blurred morality of the grifter’s world and the search for self-worth in a life built on deception.
By the final pages, Dani and her team have pulled off a caper for the ages – but not without paying a price. The Blonde with the Dangerous ‘Do is a rollicking, clever and surprisingly heartfelt tale that will leave readers eager for the next adventure.
Key Themes:
- The art of the con and the psychology of deception
- Family legacy and forging one’s own path
- Loyalty, trust and betrayal among outcasts
- Female empowerment in a male-dominated world
- Justice versus revenge
- The blurred line between right and wrong
Character Details
Dani Silver
Dani Silver is the heart and soul of the novel. As the daughter of legendary conman Leroy “Pops” Amadeus, Dani has grown up immersed in the art of the grift. With striking platinum blonde hair and a knack for disguise, she’s both a chameleon and a force of nature. Dani is fiercely independent and determined to prove herself – not just as her father’s daughter, but as the best grifter in her own right.
Her intelligence is matched only by her creativity; Dani thrives on planning intricate cons that require both brains and bravado. She’s a natural leader, inspiring loyalty in her crew through a mix of charisma, compassion and sheer audacity. Yet beneath her confident exterior lies a woman grappling with questions of identity and legacy. Dani is constantly balancing her desire for acceptance from her father with her need to carve out her own place in the world.
Resourceful, quick-witted and unafraid to bend the rules, Dani is also deeply loyal to her team. She values trust above all else – a rare commodity in her line of work – and is willing to take risks for those she cares about. Her journey in The Blonde with the Dangerous ‘Do is as much about self-discovery as it is about pulling off the perfect con.
Leroy “Pops” Amadeus
Leroy “Pops” Amadeus is a legendary figure in the world of grifting – a master conman whose reputation precedes him. Now semi-retired, Pops is both mentor and critic to his daughter Dani. He’s a man of contradictions: charming yet ruthless, wise yet stubborn, proud of his daughter’s skills yet reluctant to relinquish the spotlight.
Pops embodies the old-school ethos of the con, valuing tradition and honour among thieves. His relationship with Dani is complex; he wants her to succeed but struggles with the idea that she might surpass him. Despite his gruff exterior, Pops cares deeply for his daughter and often finds himself torn between guiding her and protecting her from the dangers of their world.
A consummate strategist, Pops is always thinking several moves ahead. He’s a repository of grifter lore and serves as both a source of wisdom and a reminder of the pitfalls that come with a life of deception.
Max “The Fixer” Feldman
Max is Dani’s right-hand man and the logistical genius behind her operations. A former getaway driver with a knack for electronics and surveillance, Max is the team’s problem-solver. He’s calm under pressure, fiercely loyal to Dani and possesses a dry sense of humour that helps defuse tense situations.
Max’s background is chequered – he’s done time for crimes he did and didn’t commit – but he’s found a sense of belonging with Dani’s crew. He’s the first to spot potential pitfalls in a plan and is always ready with a backup strategy. Though he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, Max’s contributions are essential to the team’s success.
Gloria “The Face” Ramirez
Gloria is the team’s expert in social engineering and impersonation. With her striking looks and impeccable acting skills, she can slip into any role, from high-society heiress to streetwise hustler. Gloria’s charm is matched by her cunning; she’s adept at reading people and manipulating situations to the crew’s advantage.
Her past is shrouded in mystery, but it’s clear she’s running from something – or someone. Gloria brings a touch of glamour and unpredictability to the team, and her partnership with Dani is both competitive and affectionate.
“Numbers” Malone
The crew’s financial wizard, “Numbers” is a former accountant who turned to the grifter’s life after a corporate scandal ruined his career. He’s meticulous, detail-oriented and obsessed with precision. Numbers handles the money, tracks the marks and ensures that every con is profitable.
Though he can be socially awkward, Numbers is indispensable when it comes to planning and executing complex financial schemes. His loyalty to Dani is unwavering, and his dry wit adds levity to the group’s dynamic.
Reader Fit
The Blonde with the Dangerous ‘Do is perfect for readers who love fast-paced caper novels, witty dialogue and strong, complex female protagonists. Fans of heist stories, crime comedies and character-driven mysteries will find much to enjoy.
If you appreciate the clever cons of Ocean’s Eleven, the humour of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, or the heart of classic Elmore Leonard, this book will be a delight. It’s also a great fit for those interested in stories about found families and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Quick Facts
Genre: Crime, Caper, Mystery
Publication Year: 2018
Reading Time Estimate: 7–9 hours
Notable Awards: N/A
Related Books
- The Grifter’s Daughter by Duane Lindsay (Book 1 in the series)
- The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
- Get Shorty by Elmore Leonard
Buy the Book
Dive into the dazzling world of Dani Silver and her crew – where every con is a work of art and every twist keeps you guessing. The Blonde with the Dangerous ‘Do is your ticket to a thrilling, witty and unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss out – grab your copy today!
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