Summary
Scavenger Hunt is a gripping crime thriller and the latest instalment in Duane Lindsay’s acclaimed Grifter’s Daughter series. The novel plunges readers into the fast-paced, shadowy world of Julie Wyatt, a cunning con artist known as the “Grifter’s Daughter”. Julie is drawn into a perilous scavenger hunt masterminded by a mysterious billionaire, Victor Kane, whose true motives remain shrouded in secrecy. The prize? A fortune that could change Julie’s life forever – if she can survive the deadly game.
The story begins with Julie reluctantly accepting an invitation to participate in Kane’s scavenger hunt, a contest filled with cryptic clues, hidden traps and rival players who are just as ruthless as she is. Each clue leads her deeper into a dangerous maze of deception, forcing her to rely on her wits, street smarts and years of experience in the con artist underworld. Along the way, Julie is forced to confront ghosts from her past, including her estranged mother, Eleanor Wyatt, a legendary grifter whose shadow looms large over Julie’s life.
As Julie races against time and deadly adversaries, she forms uneasy alliances – most notably with Raymond “Ray” Decker, a skilled thief with his own agenda. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape of double-crosses, betrayals and unexpected twists. Julie must decide whom to trust in a game where loyalty is fleeting and survival depends on staying one step ahead.
The novel’s climax is a tense showdown where Julie’s cunning and resolve are pushed to the limit. With everything on the line, she must choose whether to claim the prize or dismantle the entire game to protect those she cares about. Scavenger Hunt is a masterclass in suspense, blending razor-sharp dialogue, intricate plotting and richly developed characters to create a thrilling reading experience.
Key Themes
- Deception and Trust: The novel explores the fragile nature of trust in a world where everyone is hiding something. Julie’s journey highlights how deception can be both a weapon and a shield.
- Legacy and Identity: Julie struggles with the legacy of her mother’s infamous reputation, seeking to define herself on her own terms while wrestling with family ties.
- Survival and Morality: The story probes the moral ambiguity of survival in a ruthless environment, questioning what compromises are acceptable when lives are at stake.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: Amid the chaos, Julie’s path is also about seeking redemption for past mistakes and finding a way to forgive herself and others.
Character Details
Julie Wyatt
Julie Wyatt is a complex and compelling protagonist. In her late twenties, she is a consummate con artist, sharp-tongued, quick-thinking and fiercely independent. Raised in the shadow of her mother Eleanor Wyatt – a legendary but morally ambiguous grifter – Julie has spent her life learning the art of deception. Her defining traits include a razor-sharp intellect, a sarcastic sense of humour and an instinct for reading people that borders on uncanny.
Despite her tough exterior, Julie harbours deep vulnerabilities, especially around her fractured family relationships and the loneliness that often accompanies her lifestyle. Throughout Scavenger Hunt, Julie’s character arc involves not only outwitting her rivals but also confronting the emotional scars left by her upbringing. Her moral compass is fluid, shaped by necessity, but she is not without a conscience, often wrestling with the consequences of her actions. Julie’s resilience and adaptability make her a magnetic lead, and her witty internal monologues provide levity amid the tension.
Raymond “Ray” Decker
Ray is a former safecracker and professional thief in his early thirties who serves as Julie’s reluctant ally. He is methodical, calm under pressure and possesses a strong sense of loyalty – qualities that contrast with Julie’s impulsiveness. Ray’s technical skills and strategic thinking often save the day, but his guarded personality hints at a troubled past.
Throughout the scavenger hunt, Ray’s relationship with Julie is complicated by mutual distrust and unspoken feelings. He is pragmatic and sometimes cynical, yet beneath his tough exterior lies a man who values honour in a world rife with betrayal. Ray’s presence grounds the story, providing a foil to Julie’s more chaotic energy and adding emotional depth through their evolving partnership.
Eleanor Wyatt
Eleanor is Julie’s estranged mother and a legendary figure in the con artist world. In her fifties, she is a master manipulator whose past schemes have left a trail of broken alliances and shattered trust. Eleanor’s cold, calculating nature and enigmatic motivations make her a formidable presence, even when she is only glimpsed through Julie’s memories or cryptic messages.
Her complicated relationship with Julie forms a core emotional thread in the novel. Eleanor’s influence is both a burden and a source of inspiration for Julie, who struggles to break free from her mother’s shadow while grappling with feelings of abandonment and betrayal. Eleanor’s role in the scavenger hunt adds layers of psychological intrigue, as Julie must decide whether her mother is a mentor, adversary, or something in between.
Victor Kane
Victor Kane is the wealthy and enigmatic billionaire who orchestrates the scavenger hunt. Charismatic and inscrutable, Kane’s true intentions remain ambiguous throughout much of the novel. He presents himself as a patron of games and puzzles but harbours darker motives that gradually come to light.
Kane’s presence is a constant reminder of the stakes involved. His resources and influence make him a dangerous opponent, and his ability to manipulate events from behind the scenes adds a layer of menace. The mystery surrounding Kane’s identity and goals drives much of the suspense, keeping both Julie and the reader guessing.
Lila Marquez
Lila is a fierce rival con artist with a personal vendetta against Julie. In her late twenties, she is as ruthless as she is intelligent, driven by a desire to settle old scores. Lila’s cunning and willingness to cross moral boundaries make her one of the most dangerous players in the scavenger hunt.
Her history with Julie is fraught with betrayal and competition, adding emotional tension to their encounters. Lila’s presence raises the stakes and forces Julie to confront not only external threats but also the consequences of past decisions. Her character embodies the theme of rivalry and the fine line between competition and enmity.
Reader Fit
Scavenger Hunt is perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Fast-paced thrillers with intricate plots and unexpected twists.
- Strong, morally complex female protagonists who defy stereotypes.
- Heist and con artist stories that blend suspense with clever puzzles.
- Character-driven narratives with emotional depth and sharp dialogue.
- Fans of authors like Gillian Flynn, Megan Abbott or Scott Lynch will find Lindsay’s work compelling.
Whether you’re a lover of crime fiction, suspense or simply a good page-turner with smart characters, Scavenger Hunt offers a thrilling ride that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Crime Thriller / Heist Fiction
- Publication Year: 2022
- Reading Time Estimate: 6–8 hours
- Notable Awards: None to date
Related Books
- The Grifter’s Daughter by Duane Lindsay — The first book in the series, offering a deeper look at Julie Wyatt’s origins and early cons.
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch — A richly imagined fantasy heist novel featuring a clever and morally ambiguous protagonist.
- The Blonde with the Dangerous ’Do by Duane Lindsay — Another thrilling Julie Wyatt adventure filled with twists and dark humour.
Buy the Book
If you love stories where every clue could be a trap and every ally might be an enemy, Scavenger Hunt is a must-read. Join Julie Wyatt as she races against time in a deadly game of wits and survival – grab your copy today and experience the ultimate con artist thriller!
