In setting up the story there are a couple of scenes that have the potential to be very frightening. In one a group is gossiping and tells a story of two children who took a dare to see if they could stay in an old house for 5-minutes. The story goes that they ran out so terrified that one accidently ran off of a cliff and another lost his mind afterwards. Both were said to have blood on their hands. The start of this story includes a detailed description of how a body is supposed to be in the decaying in the home. Directly after that the character who responds by saying they will take the same bet, comes running out screaming, remembering a very scary scene in which a body was discovered. This sets the mystery off. Later it is mentioned that an older daughter of the family drowned, and many believed she committed suicide in order to avoid choosing a life choice she felt forced into. The other major concern category comes with the characters. The author makes for a long list of potential suspects by jumping back and forth between a collection of very unlikable people. This makes for an interesting ‘feel’ to the book, where you enjoy trying to figure out what is going on, but the lack of anyone ‘good’ is a bit disturbing as well. The author certainly doesn’t give the impression of being a Christian as the ‘religious’ character is dark and strange and is always mumbling about sin and judgement. A disabled character asks himself if there is a God why he is like this, a point that is mentioned and then never resolved. Maybe the worst character in the book, a self-absorbed, racist, terrible mother wears a cross. Other characters include a bratty young girl who kicks everyone, but still believes she is ‘pure of heart’, a dad who pushes his son too far for achievement and says things like, ‘the victim deserved to die’ and a woman who fakes an injury and is only focused on being noticed. Again, this adds to the mystery as they all seem to be potential criminals, but it is something to consider. There are no heroes here. This also leads to the occasional instance of terms like fat, freak, idiot, etc. There are also a few drinking references, including one character who drinks from a flask. One more caution. ChristianBook (surprisingly) sells this book, but please don't let that confuse you into thinking this is a Christian work. As described above, that is by no means the case.
Psalm 101:3
Quick Answer: Prayerfully Consider
Concern Level: Medium
In setting up the story there are a couple of scenes that have the potential to be very frightening. In one a group is gossiping and tells a story of... → Continue reading below
The Westing Game
VERDICT: Prayerfully Consider
Concern Level: Medium
Christian Parent Review
If you are contemplating this book for your child, you may want to seriously consider reading through the first few chapters of the book. These few pages will really help grasp whether or not to let a child read this well-known “whodunit” that is referenced in many other children’s books as a classic. This is helpful for this book in particular for a couple of reasons. First, by far and away the most potentially frightening content happens up front. Second, this will give you enough of a feel for the writing and characters as the style is pretty consistent throughout, up until the very ending, which feels lighter as everything is wrapped up nicely in the last few pages. Like the best of this genre, the ending of this book is unique and has you shaking your head. It is a relatively quick read and the style is fast-paced, always jumping between characters and conversations. It does end with an attempt to wrap everything up in a nice way. This is one a parent will need to prayerfully consider before handing to a child.
Note: This information is typically from the publisher.
Use with caution
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, is a highly inventive mystery that begins with sixteen unlikely people gathered for the reading of the very strange will of the very rich Samuel W. Westing. If they play the game right they could become millionaires, depending on how they play the game. The game is tricky and dangerous, but as they play on through blizzards, burglaries and bombings, Sam Westing may be dead but that won't stop him from playing one last game. Paperback, 240 pages. Ages 8 to 12 years old.
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Purchase Book Convenience LinkOther Reviews for this Book
Redeemed Reader
This is the second of two reviews on this site for this book. Short storyline review.
Unfortunately and surprisingly, this review mentions little to none of the concerning content you should consider before letting your child read this book.
Read ReviewRedeemed Reader
This is the second of two reviews on this site for this book. Short storyline review.
Unfortunately and surprisingly, this review mentions little to none of the concerning content you should consider before letting your child read this book.
Read ReviewPlugged In
Longer, more detailed review
Plugged In often 'buries the lead' when it comes to concerning content, and this is an example of that. The potentially frightening scenes are a big deal and need to be carefully considered. Also, not all of the concerning content is mentioned here.
Read ReviewScripture Reflection
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
— Matthew 7:13-14