The Westing Game

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By: Ellen Raskin

The Westing Game is a mysterious, thriller novel that was written over 47 years ago. I read it in school, with my whole class, which shows how popular and loved it is, even after half a century.

The 16 heirs were all living standard, normal, calm lives, until one day, when a suspicious delivery boy handed out flyers for a place called “Sunset Towers.” Ignoring their gut instincts, they all accept the offer. Who could ever turn down a beautiful place like that? Once they all moved in, the real reason why they were called there was revealed; Sam Westing’s will was read at his “funeral.”Westing claims that his life was taken by one of them.” This starts a funny, complex mystery with 16 heirs, who want to inherit Westing’s fortune, and find and rat out the potential murderer. Was Sam really murdered, or is there a bit more to be uncovered?

What I liked about this book was the variety of characters; it was hard to keep track of at times, but they were all so interesting and funny that it made it easier. My favorite character was Turtle, a clever and sarcastic 13-year-old girl who lit up the somewhat dark times in the book. She was also very protective and brave. She took the blame for the bombings that Angela, her older sister, had committed, thus protecting her from getting arrested and saving her. Because, as the younger kid, she believed that she wouldn’t have gotten in as much trouble as Angela would’ve. This book also has perfect and hilarious humor. When they were reading the will, Sam Westing informed them that they were all cousins, which meant Angela and her fiancé couldn’t get married. Turtle says, “Oh no, the perfect model child was actually dating her cousin?!” I liked that the plot was complex, with many twists and turns, including a huge one at the end that you will have to read the book for. 

I think anyone who likes classic, mystery, thrillers that draw you in would love it. Personally, it was so hard to put down this book that I would beg the author for a sequel if I had the chance. I think this book was written to appeal to adults, but I think it is best for kids who are in 5th-8th grade, because there were parts that would not be appropriate for younger readers.