Diverse residents of a Wisconsin town are inveigled to rent apartments in the same building, then informed that they are competing with one another for the inheritance of Sam Westing's fortune - but one of them murdered Westing! Readers solve the puzzle along with the characters, with successive clues.

This Newbery Medal winning text has aged well; readers will find little to date the engaging, fast-paced mystery. Each character's point of view is considered, ultimately leading to a feeling of community among the disparate residents. This would be a good recommendation for upper elementary students who like solving puzzles. ( )

I read this halfway through 4th grade probably, but it was one of the few books I ever read for school and didn't think the teaching of it ruined the book. ( )

I read this halfway through 4th grade probably, but it was one of the few books I ever read for school and didn't think the teaching of it ruined the book. ( )

A mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie, The Westing Game (winner of the 1979 Newbery Award) is about seemingly unrelated people brought together to solve the mysterious death of a millionaire, with the possibility of inheriting his fortune. Nothing is as it seems to be. The mind-bending clues will interest young readers, but it is also dated. ( )

Justin Safarik
July 20, 2009

The Westing Game

For a book to be remembered by its reader it must capture their attention, and heighten the need for further reading when you have reached the end of an exciting chapter. As the reader you are drawn to learn more about the constantly thickening plot of murder and deceit, which is exactly what The Westing Game entails. There are however, a few potential flaws in the overall presentation of the novel. There are too many characters throughout the story, which can easily confuse the reader as a result of all of the names. Although a possible down side of the book, it is actually one of the factors that got me interested in it because of the unique aspect of having so many interesting characters. Another reason I enjoyed this book is that it is both a mystery and an adventure book, and brings together two reading demographics. The story is able to capture those essences very well, in its main conflict, of who the true heir to the Westing fortune is. Also that fact that it is told from a third person perspective allows the characters to be analyzed in greater depth.
Overall, it was the storyline that was one of the greatest highlights of the book because it never seems to have a resolution until the end scene, even though it provides many different explanations throughout the story for the game, its creator, and the heirs. This trait is also a big part of the mystery. Every character seems to have their intake on the events. Even though they all seem reasonable, it is shown that most of them have flaws. An important lesson that I took away from this story was to expect the unexpected because as demonstrated in this story no matter how solid and airtight your solution about the back story of one of the heirs seems, there is always one flaw that proves your solution to this great mystery false.
The most interesting aspect that The Westing Game embodies for me was that of guessing, and how throughout the story, you too are always trying to reason out the events, through either logic or misperception of the characters. Not only was it the intertwining plotline and the guessing game that intrigued me, but it was also the 16 or so main characters in the book, which is uncommon in any novel. By doing this the author was able to make a very deep and intuitive story with less background of each character. Due to all of these factors this book easily became one of my favorite novels. From the great writing style and the multitudes of underlying plotlines of the heirs and heiresses that change the story in so many ways to the number of intriguing characters. I would recommend it for any age reader and having won the Newberry medal greatly distinguishes this book that has broken boundaries with the writers intuitive style and new age thinking. Overall this is an essential read for both thrill-seekers, and mystery fanatics alike, no matter what their age. ( )

This is an entertaining mystery perfect for all ages. Ellen Raskin does a wonderful job of keeping the reader in the dark at the beginning of the novel and then gradually pulling out more and more back story to illuminate the plot. My only real criticism is the limited setting. It seemed like the residents of Sunset Towers never left, with the one or two exceptions when Otis Amber was followed. I understand such narratives were likely left out to keep the novel more concise, but at the same time, it also makes it more limited. ( )

I like books that layers and layers (clues within clues). This is one of those books. Just when you think you have some of the characters or clues figured out, there's another layer uncovered to get you thinking again. Sixteen characters are a lot to develop in a story, but Raskin pulls it off. She writes the story in a sophisticated way that I think mystery lovers of all ages will enjoy. ( )

lov this book, too. made me crave chinese food and coffee. ( )

It is a charming puzzle mystery full of clever plot twists and humorous characters . The omniscient narrator provides numerous subtle clues to draw readers into the deductive process. The fast-moving plot and plain language make it a great choice for reluctant readers, particularly with middle school students. ( )

Raskin, E. (1978). The Westing Game. New York: Scholastic Inc.



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The new tenants of Sunset Towers become aware of a mystery when smoke rises from the Westing Mansion nearby, the owner of which was thought long gone. A few days later, all of the building’s residents are called together and partnered up to compete for the deceased Samual W. Westing’s fortune. Not everyone is who he or she seems. And some will go to drastic measures to claim the what they want.



This classic mystery has been sparking interest in students for over thirty years now and is still regularly used or recommended in middle grade elementary schools. It includes subtle themes of empowerment in terms of disability, gender and race, while incorporating a lot of humor and even more tension to keep the student reading.



There are only two potential hesitations that I would have over sharing this text. First, the narrative does include a bomber who sets several small explosions with fireworks. There are a few injuries due to the bombs, but nothing too serious and there’s no real damage to the building. But nonetheless, in a post 9/11 world, that alone could give some teachers and parents some serious pause. The other reason is the fact that the book jumps from perspective to perspective, including those of adults. The adults would still manage to entertain most readers, but the repeated shifting in points of view may be more difficult for some.

Also, while the text still manages to feel very present, there are a few references that a teacher could take on as a "teaching moment." One example is a mention of the Black Panthers.



After finishing this book, a teacher could recommend Agatha Christie herself as a comparative follow-up.





Activities to do with the book:



This is a wonderful book to encourage students to create charts to track characters, their traits, their relationships and plot developments involving them. But instead of presenting it as homework or an organization technique, a teacher can introduce the process as a detective’s tool. That may spark some interest.



This is a fun and classic literature circle mystery or read aloud that does a good job of creating interest with most readers. It could provoke discussions on race, disabilities, feminism, death and the classic sketch “Who’s on First," as well as lessons on how to play chess.





Favorite Quotes:



“The sun sets in the west (just about everyone knows that), but Sunset Towers faced east. Strange.

Sunset Towers faced east and had no towers” (p. 1).



“Who were these people, these specially selected tenants? They were mothers and fathers and children. A dressmaker, a secretary, an inventor, a doctor, a judge. And, oh yes, one was a bookie, one was a burglar, one was a bomber, and one was a mistake. Barney Northrup had rented one of the apartments to the wrong person” (p. 6).



“[Turtle Wexler] was pure of heart and deed; she only kicked shins in self-defense, so that couldn’t count against her” (p. 20).

For more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.

I am re-reading this book after many many years and find it as delightful now as I did then. I recommended it to many of my students and would recommend it to anyone that loves mysteries. Raskin keeps you guessing as she pits neighbor against neighbor in an inheritance game. I dare you to figure it out. ( )

A clever mystery with puzzles for the reader to solve along the way. ( )

This mystery was very crazy at first-you get introduced to a dozen different characters in just a few pages, all from their own perspective. Keep going in the book though and you begin to make sense of everything and it turns out to be a great whodunnit mystery. ( )

What a fun read - even as an adult! Working at keeping who's who and what the aliances are among the characters are the challenges to reading this novel. The writing is solid and the story line plays to the true human spirit - whether looking at the good side of man or the bad. It teaches a wonderful lesson while pointing out all of man's flaws. ( )

A children's mystery classic, Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game is a remarkable whodunit, with a likable cast of characters and a complicated and enjoyable storyline. Sixteen heirs are brought together by the will of an odd and quirky millionaire by the name of Samuel Westing. What these characters have in common, and why they were chosen is the ultimate mystery of the book, but wrapped up in this is the fortune itself, which can be won only by deciphering the one-word clues each set of heirs is given at the will's reading. From this comes an adventure that was as enjoyable to me at age 6 as it is now. The book, with funny, appealing(albeit mildly stereotyped and somewhat cartoonish) characters, is an enthralling mystery and a quick and enjoyable read. Children, I imagine, will relate as I did to Turtle Wexler, the youngest (and possibly the smartest) potential heir, either with her smarts or her annoying traits is up to the reader. However there are also other characters to enjoy, and the situations they often find themselves in lead to interesting and often laugh-out-loud interactions. As it was first copyrighted in 1978, this book is only beginning now to slightly show its age a little in the storyline, but not so much that it should be alien to new young readers of the tale. (Anyone who can should get their hands on the book on CD with the reading done by Jeff Woodman - it's a lot of fun to listen to). Touted as a puzzle mystery, the main 'selling point', if you will, of the novel is that it allows the reader insight into all of the clues, something that is not an initial privilege of any of the characters. This allows readers to be empowered to solve the mystery themselves, an interesting plot element that has caused, according to one reviewer on here, this novel to be featured as part of their math class, and a definitely alluring approach for junior sleuths out there. Raskin is adept at presenting an ensemble cast that rivals the best Robert Altman film in its twists and turns, comedic elements, quirky character intricacies, and a deviously clever conclusion. At a mere 196 pages, this is well worth a read. ( )

I like this book because i's a good mystery and fun to read, and you can test your smarts along with the characters. ( )

This is one of the best books I"ve ever read, and definitely up there in my top five or so children's books. It's a mystery for people who don't necessarily love mysteries, a logic puzzle, a comedy, a story about community, and it's fantastic. ( )

This is a mystery for people who love word games. Sam Westing, the millionaire whose will orchestrates a game for the 16 potential heirs, is described as eccentric. It seemed to me that most of the heirs are eccentric, too. Each character has a habit or distinguishing trait that seems to define his or her personality and relationships with other people. The puzzle itself, rather than the prose, is the book's main attraction. I enjoyed the puzzle, but now that I know the solution(s), I don't think it's a book I'll be picking up again. ( )

Very good mystery book. Full of humor and twists. I recommend this book fully. Characters are unique and interesting. ( )

This is a children's classic. The mystery aspect is reminescent of the game, Clue. A definite reread due to Raskins's ability to put reader's in the story and keep them on the edge. Also, the book has characters who are relatable. ( )

This is a book of mystery. From the beginning, you are dropped right into the middle of the story. There are many characters in this story from a young girl named Turtle, an Oriental family, to a fired ex-employee of Mr. Westing named Sandy and many more. The setting is at the center of the plot. Sunset Towers is a brand new apartment complex facing east instead of west (where the sun goes down). The characters eventually discover the huge windows in almost every apartment face the Westing estate. Mr. Westing, a man who is soon found dead has arranged a game to discover who has taken his life. As the story progresses we begin to see how the characters are not just random apartment dwellers, but rather a carefully chosen cast who are somehow interconnected. Who killed Mr. Westing? Why have each of the characters been chosen? And the final question, who is Mr. Westing?

From the first chapter of this book, I was hooked. You are immediately drawn into the cast of characters and each clue that is uncovered leads to another unanswered question until you reach the end where the mystery is finally unraveled. I would recommend this book for middle school. It has some references to death, which are mild but the story line would be hard to follow for young readers. It had me guessing and thinking the whole time. It was a fun, inventive and creative story.

I would use this book for literature circles in middle school. As the story unfolds it will surely spark many theories of how the “murder” took place. I would also try it with my alliterate readers. The story moves quickly and boys as well as girls could enjoy it. It is a great mystery to solve. You could use this story to link to science by using forensics. You could discuss how we now use DNA to help solve crimes and really get the students interested in science and reading at the same time. ( )

This is a perfect book. I LOVED it! I can't wait to read it again, and again. It is a challenge, and a mind game, and a mystery, and a murder story, and it is so good. You will never expect what will happen next! Read this story if you want to be stumped, bamboozled, freaked out and even if you don't like reading, you will enjoy this book. ALOT! The book is all about these people that win a chance for a million, and it turns horribly wrong. The host gets murdered! So they get split up into teams to figure out the mystery. Someone keeps picking them off one by one, and no one knows who it is! So at the same time, they are trying to win the million and figure out the murderer, and NOT DIE! ( )

From the beginning to the very end, this book will keep you guessing as to who killed Mr. Westing. This is a great book to teach students how to keep notes on the many character and making inferences as to who they believe is the murderer. The best part?? They will beg to read just a little more! ( )

This was a great little book recommended to me by a friend. I'd somehow never read it before and she insisted that I read it. It's quite adorable and fun to read (as well as play along with the game mentioned in the title). I think that probably the best part of the book is how Ellen Raskin wraps up the story at the end of the book. It's something authors try to do and many aren't very successful. Raskin, on the other hand, does it extremely well. It's a fun, entertaining little book. ( )

I recently rediscovered this dearly loved childhood friend. This may have been the first real mystery I read, and it was as satisfying to read as an adult as it was 25 years ago. The characters in the book, while written to a level that a child can understand, have complexity and real emotions. The mystery is enchanting and full of surprises. I recommend this book for mystery lovers of all ages. ( )