When the eccentric paper tycoon Samuel Westing dies, sixteen unlikely people are summoned to the reading of his will at Sunset Towers. These heirs are paired off and tasked with solving a complex puzzle involving cryptic clues and five-dollar checks. Among them are Turtle Wexler, a bratty girl with a penchant for kicking shins, and various neighbors including a judge, a delivery boy, and a dressmaker. The game challenges them to identify the murderer and claim a massive inheritance while navigating internal sabotage and hidden identities.
Young readers and mystery enthusiasts choose this story for its intricate logic puzzles and fast-paced red herrings. It appeals to those who enjoy deciphering wordplay and tracking multiple character perspectives simultaneously. The narrative provides a lesson in social observation and the realization that people are rarely who they appear to be on the surface. Instead of a standard detective story, it functions as a mental exercise where the reader attempts to piece together a solution alongside the protagonists.
Outward-looking; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1978
- ISBN
- 9780673817815
- Language
- EN
