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The Westing Game

Name: The Westing Game
ISBN: 9780380679911

by Ellen Raskin

7.96 / 10 241K ratings

Language: English
Published: 1978
Publisher: E P Dutton
Pages: 185
ISBN: 9780380679911

Sixteen strangers are summoned to the reading of a bizarre will. The deceased is the eccentric and reclusive millionaire, Samuel W. Westing. His instructions pit the unlikely heirs against each other in a game to solve the mystery of his death. Paired up and given a set of cryptic clues, they are challenged to uncover the truth. The prize: Westing's entire two-hundred-million-dollar fortune. Trapped together in the Sunset Towers apartment building, this diverse group of tenants must navigate a world of secrets, shifting alliances, and red herrings.

Among the players are a clever young girl, a secretive doctor, a frustrated inventor, and a meticulous judge. Each one is a suspect, and no one is who they appear to be. As they race to piece together the puzzle, they must decide whether to trust their partners and what secrets they are willing to reveal. The game is more than a simple contest for money; it's an intricate challenge that will force each heir to confront their own past and true identity. This is a story for anyone who loves a complex puzzle and a character-driven mystery where the ultimate prize might be more than just an inheritance.

Subjects

Original edition

The Westing Game

Originally published in 1978 English Dutton Juvenile

Other editions (31)

What other readers say

Liked

The book is widely praised as a thoroughly fun, engaging, and delightful mystery that stands the test of time, feeling surprisingly current despite its publication date. Reviewers consistently highlight its clever, twisty puzzle at the heart of the story, often noting its ingenious plot and brilliant logic that can surprise readers even on multiple re-reads. The diverse cast of characters is frequently mentioned as a strong point, with many finding them memorable, well-rounded, and undergoing meaningful development throughout the narrative. Readers appreciate the book's underlying depth of emotion, witty dialogue, and sardonic humor, which contribute to its overall enjoyment. Its structure, sometimes described as brief vignettes, makes it an easy book to pick up and put down.

Disliked

However, some adult readers found aspects of the book less satisfying, particularly if approaching it for the first time. Criticisms include a perceived lack of character depth for some of the large cast, with a feeling that many characters were merely "glossed over" and difficult to connect with. The narrative style, characterized by an ever-shifting third-person point of view and rapid transitions, was confusing for some, making it hard to track who was speaking, thinking, or where events were taking place. A few reviewers felt the central mystery's resolution was either unsatisfying or convoluted, requiring an "astronomical" amount of setup for an outcome that could have been achieved more simply. Additionally, some modern readers noted the presence of dated language and potentially "un-politically correct" remarks, which detracted from their enjoyment and made the book feel less suitable for contemporary audiences.

In short

Despite these mixed adult reactions, the consensus is that this remains a beloved and impactful children's classic. It is highly recommended for young readers, particularly those aged 10 to 13, who are likely to be captivated by its fast-paced plot and intriguing puzzle. Adults who encountered the book in their youth often cherish it as a nostalgic re-read, finding it holds up well to their fond memories. While new adult readers might find its narrative style challenging or its dated elements jarring, the book is generally celebrated for its cleverness and engaging characters, making it ideal for those who enjoy a smart, character-driven mystery that encourages active participation in solving the puzzle.

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