The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Reviewed by Lucas Najera
Grade 5

“I Samuel W. Westing did not die of natural causes.” This mystery begins with the reading of the will of Samuel W. Westing. Ellen Raskin is the author of The Westing Game, a suspenseful, mysterious book that attracts the reader. Which one of the heirs will win the Westing Game?

Only sixteen lucky people were given an invitation to live in a luxurious apartment building. Why? We find out they were picked by Samuel W. Westing to play a game. The game was a clue hunt. Each team received some clues. But all the clues were needed to figure out the puzzle. Who will be able to survive and win the fortune?

The author did an outstanding job on the plot all the way until the very end. At the very end it started to get confusing. It was difficult to understand because the author introduced many characters at the end of the story. Given that none of the characters previously existed, it was perplexing to understand the story.

I would recommend this book to someone who likes mysteries. The author of the book makes you guess what each character will do next. I could not stop reading this book because it was so good. Also, I like that it is realistic fiction. This is why I would recommend this Newbery Award winning book.