The Westing Game

Rating:
Summary: A Great "Who Done It?" Murder Puzzle
Review: A fun book all around. It is a murder mystery with a twist. There are really 2 mysteries: who killed Sam Westing and what is the hidden message from the list of clues. Sam Westing's will calls together 8 pairs of heirs who must solve the mystery of Westing's death. As expected, many of the individuals are paired with someone they do not like or identify with.

One of the difficult aspects of this novel is keeping track of the 16 major characters who are working together. There are 3 or 4 major families, and a few scattered individuals. However, it is great how Raskin is able to intertwine all the complexities of each character and still keep the plot moving rather quickly. We learn, as the story progresses, the events of the past that individuals are trying to keep secret for various motives. With each secret revealed, the Westing Game gets closer to being solved.

I highly recommend this book for anyone, but especially for the young adult. This is one of the rare books that allows you, as a reader, to also try to solve the mystery with the characters. And remember, "it's not what you know, but what you don't know, that counts."

Rating:
Summary: Was it a murder
Review: The annual announcement of the Newbery winner sometimes elicits surprise (particularly when the medal is bestowed on a mediocre book) but the committee members were right on target the year they honored Raskin's clever, captivating novel. Even those seldom drawn to mysteries will likely find this one hard to resist. Don your sleuth's cap and enjoy trying to solve the puzzle.

Rating:
Summary: A perfect mystery
Review: The Westing Game is one of those books that you will return to time and time again. It's not just an amazing mystery, it's an acute study of human nature, all wrapped up in wonderful writing. Somehow, knowing the ending doesn't change your pleasure in re-reading this completely original book. In fact, it will certainly enhance it once you know how everything fits so precisely, perfectly together.

The premise is that Sam Westing's multimillion-dollar fortune is up for grabs among 16 heirs - if one of them will find out who murdered him! The will divides the quirky heirs (including Chinese restaurant owners, a socialite, a dressmaker, a judge, a podiatrist, an engaged couple, a shin-kicking teen, and a private investigator) into unusual pairs. With all the heirs working or living in the same remote apartment complex, suspicions are rife and feelings are high. In the midst of all this tension, there is also a bomber, a thief, and a mistake when a snowstorm isolates them. Then the accidents begin...

The heirs are finely portrayed, and each is subtly revealed without giving away the plot. Ellen Raskin creates a sense of history and personality for each of the characters. She shows us their inner thoughts and actions in random, episodic scenes. As a result, the action moves quickly and memorably, which is good because there is a lot to take in. This isn't one of those mysteries you can figure out, so don't bother trying to remember it all. Just sit back and let Raskin work her magic. The Westing Game is deliciously clever, wildly funny, tightly organized, and delightfully captivating.

Raskin was a marvel and there aren't many of her books, so treasure this one. The story has a few shivers and plenty of suspense, but nothing truly frightening or gruesome. Every child deserves to experience this book, as do any adults who missed out as a kid. Cannot recommend this enough!

Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: This book is about 16 "heirs" who, if they solve The Westing Game, will recieve a large sum of money. The characters are sorted into eight groups of two and are given a small list of clues.

The 'Game' is full of mystery and alias'. You'll never guess it! Go ahead and try. Read this book.