The Westing Game

Raskin, Ellen, The Westing Game, Puffin Books,1997( Originally published in 1978) 217 pgs.

Summary: Let the game begin! Old man Sam Westing was not known as a very loving man, in fact he was more of a trickster and game player, so it should come as no surprise that when he is found dead, his will is one big game. When the tenets of Sunset Tower apartments are called to his mansion, most have no idea why. They are paired up in unlikely sets and given clues to solve who murdered Sam Westing. As an added incentive money is of course involved, lots of money, millions of dollars in money. The pair that is able to figure out the clues will get the inheritance. The fun is just beginning. When a snow storm hits and the players are snowbound they have no other choice, but to try and figure out who the murder is. Add in a couple bombings, the stock market, a track star, a non-English speaking Chinese, and an over bearing mother and you are sure to get some exciting situations. Don’t forget about the judge who really did know Sam Westing and has a debt to repay! Who is the murder? Is Sam Westing really dead? Who will win the Westing game?

Evaluation: Although an older book, this puzzle novel is truly a hard book to put down. The twists and turns will keep the pages flying and the only reason a reader may turn back and re-read something is to catch a clue they missed. I can see readers of all levels and ages loving this book and trying right along with the characters to figure out who the murder is. The only time I got confused is with the names. Some of the names are long and a bit hard to grasp. Overall, a true classic and one that really defines a puzzle novel!

Annotation: Anybody could be the murderer! The answer isn’t the clues you have, it is the clues you don’t have!

Significance of Book: This is a very well written puzzle novel. The character development and the twists are well captured and make for a delightful read.

Genre/subject: mystery, fiction, detective stories

Awards:

National:

• ALA Popular Paperbacks: 2004,
• Child Study Children's Book Committee: 1995,
• Newbery Medal: 1979

Why I selected the book: I remember my sister reading this book when I was younger and her and my brother talking about it, but I was too young to read and understand it. Now that I had the chance I wanted to find out what they were so excited about!

Price: $6.99