Searching for Gatsby: A page-turning mystery series

by Niki Danforth

318 pages, Paperback

Expected publication November 18, 2025

About the author

Niki Danforth, daughter of a Cold War covert intelligence officer, has the "thriller/adventure" gene in her DNA. After a career as a successful TV/video producer and director in New York, this empty-nester is picking up her first love of mystery books and recreating herself as an author in the genre. Danforth lives in the New Jersey countryside with her husband and two drama-queen dogs.

Reviews

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notable author Danforth writes our mind-bending mystery that explores different themes. Love, loyalty, and courage are some of the themes. The protagonist, Ronnie Lake, is turning a new leaf in her life. Being in her fifties doesn’t prevent her from starting a career as a private investigator. When a dinner at the Watsons comes to an end due to the death of a burglar, Ronnie’s curiosity is piqued. Determined to solve the mystery she uncovers, a rare version of Gatsby is missing.

Ronnie’s resilience is admirable as she finds herself in death’s hands a couple of times. Labelled a rookie, her attention to detail is her superpower. Danforth's storytelling creates an immersive, fast-paced narrative. She carefully unravels the plot, holding the readers’ attention till the end. Join Ronnie in this world of clues, twists, suspense, and satisfying payoffs.

[Muhammed · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Searching for Gatsby, Niki Danforth delivers a clever and layered mystery that blends rare books, hidden pasts, and a touch of romance. When a masked intruder dies during a friend’s dinner party, private investigator Ronnie Lake finds herself entangled in a case that is as personal as it is puzzling. The victim’s cryptic final words—hinting at a copy of The Great Gatsby—pull Ronnie into a hunt that stretches from modern-day intrigue to the lingering shadows of World War II. The pacing starts deliberately, introducing the party’s cast of characters, but quickly builds into an engaging, high-stakes investigation.

Danforth makes Ronnie an appealing and distinct lead—sophisticated yet relatable, with enough wit and determination to navigate both dangerous suspects and unexpected romantic entanglements. The mystery unfolds through a tangle of clues: missing rare books, hidden coins, wartime friendships, and family secrets. The supporting cast, from her steadfast dog Warrior to a charming but possibly duplicitous collector, keeps the tension sharp and the stakes high. The book’s literary nods and historical layers add depth, making the case more than just a whodunit—it’s also about the enduring power of objects and the stories they carry.

The final act accelerates into a satisfying mix of reveals and confrontations, tying together the novel’s threads without losing its emotional undercurrent. Fans of traditional mysteries will appreciate the polished plotting, while those who enjoy amateur sleuths with a unique personal flair will find Ronnie Lake memorable. Searching for Gatsby isn’t just about solving a murder—it’s about uncovering the hidden chapters in people’s lives, and it’s a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys a mystery with elegance, history, and heart.

[Purnima Khanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niki Danforth's "Searching for Gatsby" is a gripping murder mystery. Despite being Book 2 of 4, it may be read as a stand-alone book.

The plot revolves around Ronnie Lake, a private investigator in her fifties looking into a murder case. She has a strong and relatable character. Her investigating companion, her dog, gives her a more affable personality.

Storytelling is powerful and fluid. A strong female lead searching for the culprit while facing risks to her own life makes the read all the more engrossing. The characters are skilfully developed. There is no dearth of suspenseful twists and turns, mystery, and excitement in the plot. The author has given a befitting title to the novel as the murder turns all the attention towards the mysterious third copy of "The Great Gatsby". Beginning with the first chapter, the plot quickens and keeps the reader turning the pages until the climax. A treat for those who are fans of murder mysteries.