The Westing Game
Book - 1978
9781439516119
9780142401200
9780758702241
0758702248
9780525423201
0525423206
9780380679911
0380679914
9780140386646
0140386645


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Age
Add Age Suitabilityviolet_butterfly_8881 thinks this title is suitable for between the ages of 10 and 12
Summary
Add a SummaryIn this book you follow a bizarre chain of events that all began when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. Though no one knew why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire chose a virtual stranger--and a possible murderer--to inherit his vast fortune, one thing’s for sure: Sam Westing may be dead, but that won’t stop him from playing one last game.
16 unlikely heirs get called to Sunset Towers, which faces east despite the name. They are invited to live there by a mysterious man named Barney Northrup. On top of that, they get invited to the reading of a man's will named Sam Westing who none of them knew, or so they said. The will states that he was killed by one of the heirs, and that they must find who killed him. So the heirs are paired and each get a set of clues, but not everything is as it seems. Will they find the killer before the killer finds them? Read The Westing Game to find out!
A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, on things for sure: Sam Westing may be dead…but that won’t stop him from playing one last game!
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Add a CommentThe Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin, is an exceptionally written whodunit murder mystery of eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing. The story begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very stranger will of Westing. They could become millionaires, and all they have to do is find an answer. But an answer to what? It’s gripping plot, unique characters, constant uncertainty, along with the fantastic ending make this one of the best books I have ever read. It’s so good that I, not even being an avid reader, stayed up till 1 o’clock in the night just to know what happened. I recommended reading slowly, at times it can get confusing and convoluted; thankfully though this work is only 240 pages. Overall an outstanding composition by Ellen Raskin, this Newberry Medal winner will not disappoint any and all readers.
By Ellen Raskin, The Westing Game is a suspense novel in which heirs to a mysterious Sam Westing’s fortune must solve a puzzle through clues. This is a book full of twists and turns that will keep you awake and reading all night long. The sixteen heirs are housed in Sunset Towers, and when a character sneaks into the large and spooky mansion only to discover a body, the game is afoot.
This novel is a personal favorite of mine as it is one of the best suspense novels I have read so far. There are several allusions to patriotic phrases and people such as “America the Beautiful” and Uncle Sam. With detailed imagery and character development, Ellen Raskin has written this book with a certain charm that will captivate you.
Star Rating: 5/5
Age Rating: 9+
This was an okay book. Not great, but okay. It had a lot of twists that you have to keep straight.
I loved this book! It has a wonderfully complex plot, which admittedly confused me the first time I read it, but as I have reread it multiple times, I find something new every time. I would definitely recommend it.
Don't listen to the age recommendations that don't include adults - I'm 62 and loved it! Terrific variety of characters of all ages, clever puzzles, lots of humor, satisfying ending.
Not my thing (pace is too slow) but can’t deny it’s a well written mystery. It’s a very grown-up style for a children’s book. What I mean is that it reads like a classic, old-school mystery and has some pretty advanced twists and tricks. If you enjoy word play and riddles or brain teasers then you will probably love this book. Would absolutely recommend it to a tween or even teen that loves this genre.
I really enjoyed this book! My only criticism would be that sometimes it was confusing with all the characters. But all in all, I would definitely recommend this!
Enjoyed it so much. Smart and warm. The ending though could have been a little more realistic. It was too happy.
first read this in second grade. it was my favorite book for the next four years. really good book. I think it is best if you read it in elementary school. I am now in high school and still love it!
Pure genius! This book has been described by The Horn Book as "A fascinating medley of word games, disguises, multiple aliases, and subterfuges." Nailed it. What a treasure this book is for the middle grade reader who loves word puzzles and mysteries. A book you can read over and over and make new discoveries with each visit. Highly recommended!