The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Title: The Westing Game
Author: Ellen Raskin
Page Count: 216
Rating: B
Keywords: Murder Mystery, Game, Challenge, Family, Friends
Genre: Children's Fiction
Younger Readers: Language and content are both appropriate for children.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

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, one thing's for sure: Sam Westing may be dead... but that won't stop him from playing one last game!

My Review:

This was another book that I read for work. The premise was interesting and I have always been a fan of mystery so I was hopeful going into this one.

Things I did like were the mystery itself, some of the characters, and the fast pace of the novel. Sam Westing's murder and the ensuing game are a bit outlandish in the way that only children's books can be but are certainly entertaining. Working through the nonsensical clues with the sixteen heirs is great fun and each character is unique. Many will enjoy the varied heirs from the stunning and obedient Angela, to the mildly crazy Sydelle, the angry Mr. Hoo, and Turtle the kicker. All of these oddball characters transform throughout the novel as they chase down clues pointing to Westing's murderer. From one chapter to the next, there is no slowing in action. Plus the mystery is truly a mystery until the very end.

What I did not like was that there was so much going on so quickly and there were too many characters introduced at once. Younger readers enjoy this book but are quick to become confused from one chapter to the next. All sixteen characters are introduced at once and it takes time to piece together who is who while a fast pace lends itself more to nonstop action than plot development. Big mystery, big characters, and a short book led to general confusion for many.

I did enjoy The Westing Game as an overall fun read with a sweet ending. However, I did not love it. For younger readers who are not great at keeping details straight this could prove to be a difficult read. As an adult, I found myself losing track of who was who up until about half way through the book. If you think it sounds interesting and are up for the challenge then I fully recommend checking it out. I certainly do not regret doing so.