The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is a mystery novel where a group of strangers are invited to a luxury apartment building, Sunset Towers, and discover they are heirs to the fortune of the recently deceased Samuel Westing. Paired into teams, they must solve a series of clues to uncover the mystery of Westing’s death. Their investigations are complicated by explosions, paranoia, and the revelation that Westing had multiple identities.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is widely praised for its intricate plot, clever puzzles, and memorable characters, making it a beloved choice for both young readers and adults. Critics admire its wit and the surprising twists that keep readers engaged. However, some feel the large cast can be confusing and the ending somewhat rushed. Overall, it's celebrated for its originality and enduring charm.

A reader who enjoys intricate mysteries, puzzle-solving, and quirky characters will be captivated by Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game. Ideal for fans of books like From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg and Holes by Louis Sachar, it appeals to middle-grade to young adult readers seeking intelligent and engaging whodunits.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Humorous / Challenging / Playful

**Grace Windsor Wexler**  
Grace Windsor Wexler is the wife of Jake Wexler and mother of Turtle and Angela. She presents herself as an interior designer and is focused on maintaining appearances. Throughout *The Westing Game*, she becomes involved in the operations of Mr. Hoo's restaurant and later grows it into a chain.  

**Jake Wexler**  
Jake Wexler is Grace’s husband and the father of Turtle and Angela. He is a podiatrist and secretly a bookie. Over the course of *The Westing Game*, his relationship with Grace improves, and he eventually works for the state lottery and becomes the state crime commissioner.

**Turtle Wexler**  
Turtle Wexler is a brave and independent-minded young girl, often seen with her long braid. She is the first to step into the Westing mansion and plays a pivotal role in solving the mystery. She has a close relationship with Flora Baumbach and eventually takes over Westing Paper Products.

**Angela Wexler**  
Angela Wexler is initially viewed as a beautiful and obedient bride-to-be. Over the course of *The Westing Game*, she grows more independent, eventually pursuing academic interests and becoming a successful doctor.

**Denton Deere**  
Denton Deere is engaged to Angela Wexler at the start of the novel. He is a medical intern who, throughout *The Westing Game*, develops a personal connection with his game partner, Chris Theodorakis. 

**James Shin Hoo**  
Mr. Hoo owns a restaurant in Sunset Towers and struggles with health issues. An aspiring inventor, he finds success with his idea for paper insoles during *The Westing Game*.

**Sun Lin Hoo**  
Madame Hoo, Mr. Hoo's second wife, struggles with loneliness and language barriers. She is initially isolated but begins to connect with others throughout *The Westing Game*.

**Douglas Hoo**  
Doug Hoo is Mr. Hoo's son and a dedicated high school track athlete. His running skills are useful during *The Westing Game*, and ultimately, he excels in sports.

**Sydelle Pulaski**  
Sydelle Pulaski is an outsider in Sunset Towers who seeks attention. She becomes an unexpected participant in *The Westing Game* and forms a meaningful bond with Angela Wexler.

**Otis Amber**  
Otis Amber is introduced in *The Westing Game* as a 62-year-old delivery boy with a playful demeanor. He is later revealed to be a private investigator with ties to Westing.

**Flora Baumbach**  
Flora is a dressmaker who forms a significant bond with Turtle during *The Westing Game*. She is warm and maternal, taking on a motherly role in Turtle’s life.

**Christos “Chris” Theodorakis**  
Chris Theodorakis is a young birdwatcher with mobility impairments. In *The Westing Game*, he finds support and friendship with Denton Deere, his game partner.

**Theo Theodorakis**  
Theo is Chris's supportive older brother, working in their family's coffee shop and aspiring to be a writer. His competitive nature is evident throughout *The Westing Game*.

**J. J. Ford**  
Judge Ford is a determined and educated character with a complex past connected to Westing. Her rational approach is key in *The Westing Game*.

**Berthe Erica Crow**  
Crow is depicted as severe and devoutly religious in *The Westing Game*. She has a mysterious past with Westing and forms a connection with Otis Amber.

- Ellen Raskin initially worked as an illustrator and designed the original dust jacket for Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time before becoming a celebrated children's author.
- The Westing Game won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1979, an annual award given for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
- The novel was adapted into a 1997 television movie titled Get a Clue, starring a young Ashley Peldon and Ray Walston.

Ellen Raskin

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Chapters 1-5

The Westing Game Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

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Chapters 11-15

The Westing Game Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

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Chapters 21-25

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Chapters 26-30

The Westing Game Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

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