The Grifter’s Daughter – Summary
Dani Silver, daughter of legendary con artist Leroy Amadeus Logan, steps out of her father’s shadow to orchestrate her first solo long con. Fresh off swindling her abusive billionaire fiancé Nick out of $1.2 million, Dani settles in a small town, where she impulsively decides to help her neighbour escape an abusive husband – by conning him. This small-scale success fuels her ambition to assemble her own crew for a high-stakes scam in New Orleans.
As Dani recruits a motley team of seasoned grifters – including a sceptical hacker, a disgruntled forger and a reluctant getaway driver – she battles self-doubt and her father’s lingering influence. The crew’s dynamic is fraught with tension, as they question her leadership and ability to pull off a complex “big store” con. The narrative accelerates into a rollercoaster of twists, near-misses and dark humour, with Dani’s resilience tested at every turn.
Themes of self-reliance, family legacy and moral ambiguity underpin Dani’s journey. The story blends slapstick humour (like a hacker infiltrating a corporate office for no reason) with gritty stakes, balancing light-hearted capers and genuine emotional weight as Dani confronts her insecurities and proves her mettle.
Key Themes
- Self-reinvention: Dani’s struggle to carve her own identity beyond her father’s reputation.
- Moral complexity: The blurred lines between justice and greed in cons targeting “deserving” victims.
- Found family: Dani’s evolving relationship with her crew, who transition from sceptics to allies.
- Gender dynamics: Navigating a male-dominated world of grifters and criminals.
Character Details
Dani Silver
The protagonist and narrator, a sharp-witted con artist determined to prove herself. Raised in Leroy’s shadow, she combines street smarts with vulnerability, often doubting her abilities while projecting confidence. Her resourcefulness shines in high-pressure scenarios, though impulsive decisions occasionally backfire.
Leroy Amadeus Logan
Dani’s ageing father, a larger-than-life figure in the grifting world. Though mostly off-page, his legacy looms large, symbolising both inspiration and intimidation for Dani. Their strained relationship drives her need for independence.
Sammy
An eccentric hacker who prefers infiltrating corporate offices over working remotely. His quirks (like using a fake ID to access a company’s server room) add comedic relief but occasionally jeopardise missions.
Maggie
Dani’s abused neighbour, whose rescue becomes a catalyst for Dani’s confidence. Though not part of the main crew, her subplot highlights Dani’s protective instincts and moral code.
The Crew
A rotating ensemble including a forger, a pickpocket and a getaway driver, each with distinct personalities and scepticism toward Dani’s leadership. Their gradual loyalty marks her growth as a leader.
Reader Fit
Fans of light-hearted heist stories (à la Ocean’s Eleven) or character-driven crime fiction will enjoy Dani’s wit and the crew’s antics.
Readers seeking strong female protagonists or intergenerational family dynamics will find her journey compelling.
Quick Facts
Genre: Crime Fiction / Humorous Thriller
Publication Year: 2017
Reading Time Estimate: 6–8 hours
Notable Awards: N/A
Related Books
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch: A clever, humorous fantasy heist novel with intricate cons.
- Heist Society by Ally Carter: A YA series following a teen thief navigating high-stakes scams.
- Tap Doubt by Duane Lindsay: The prequel novella introducing Dani Silver
- Missing Amanda from Lindsay’s Lou Fleener series offers similar wit.
Buy the Book
Dive into Dani Silver’s world of high-risk cons and razor-sharp wit – grab your copy of The Grifter’s Daughter today and join the ultimate grifter’s ride!
