Book Review: The Westing Game
Book: "The Westing Game"
Author: Ellen Raskin
Available: In paperback at Amazon.com
Background: First printed in 1978, this book was awarded the distinguished "Newbery Medal" and was hailed by critics and fans alike as a "classic whodunit" (New York Times).
Summary: 16 possible heirs are invited to participate in a game that could win them $200 million if they can figure out who "caused the death of Samuel J. Westing," a reclusive millionaire entrepreneur. As tensions mount and people's true sides are revealed, it becomes more and more apparent that the man behind it all might not be exactly what he said he was.
Mad Parts:
+ The ending. The reader was kept guessing up until the end. This would make an amazing movie (other than the one made for TV a couple of years ago).
Mad Props:
+ The characters. Each one was carefully crafted and built up and you knew where each one was going to end up and their actions before they did. However, each twist and turn made sense when it was revealed.
+ The plot. This was a very good "whodunnit." I was personally not aware of who was going to be the murderer until the very end.
Mad Slops:
+ For a little bit of a "contrived" plot. The story was very good, but some of the events seemed a little too contrived to be realistic, but then, the whole novel was a stretch. The important part was that you had a great time getting there.
Mad Minister's Verdict: This book was an extremely enjoyable read. Even though the target audience for it doesn't seem to be anyone over the age of 21, it was still a great read. I have to admit that when I re-read this book, I had completely forgotten the outcome and I was kept guessing until the very end. For a fun night's read, or to give your kids something that's just plain fun… I can recommend "The Westing Game."
Mad Points: 3.5 outta' 5.