Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Westing Game summary
Brief summary
The Westing Game is a captivating mystery novel by Ellen Raskin. It follows the story of a group of heirs who are brought together to solve the enigmatic puzzle left behind by the eccentric millionaire, Samuel W. Westing, in order to inherit his fortune.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Westing Game
Summary of key ideas
The Mysterious Will of Samuel W. Westing
In The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, the story begins with the reading of the will of the wealthy Samuel W. Westing. Sixteen people, all seemingly unrelated, are called to the reading. They are divided into eight pairs and given clues to solve the mystery of Westing's death. The pairs are then given a set of clues and a substantial amount of money to start the game.
The game is afoot, and the pairs begin to investigate each other, trying to figure out who among them is the murderer. The clues are cryptic and lead the players to believe that the murderer is one of them. The game is designed to be a contest, and the pair that solves the mystery will inherit Westing's fortune.
The Unlikely Pairing of Players
Among the players are the heirs of the Westing fortune, including the Wexler family, the Hoo family, and the Theodorakis family. The players are a diverse group, including a judge, a doctor, a secretary, a bomber, a bookie, and a cleaning woman. The pairs are unlikely, and the game forces them to work together, despite their differences.
As the game progresses, the pairs begin to form alliances and uncover secrets about each other. They also start to unravel the complex web of clues left by Westing. The game becomes more intense as the players realize that the clues are not just about Westing's death but also about their own lives.
The Twists and Turns of the Game
As the game progresses, the players' lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. They discover that Westing was not murdered but had faked his death to bring them together. The game was designed to help them understand their true selves and each other. The clues were not about finding a murderer but about solving their own personal mysteries.
Amidst the game, the players' lives continue to unfold. They face personal challenges, confront their pasts, and form unexpected friendships. The game becomes a journey of self-discovery, and the players realize that the true prize is not the Westing fortune but the lessons they learn about themselves and each other.
The Unexpected Winner and the True Prize
In the end, the game comes to a close, and the players gather for the final reading of the will. The true winner is revealed to be Turtle Wexler, a young girl who had been playing the game with her partner, Flora Baumbach. Turtle had solved the mystery, not of Westing's death, but of the game itself.
As the story concludes, the players realize that the true prize is not the Westing fortune but the personal growth and understanding they have gained from the game. They leave the Westing mansion with a new perspective on life and a deeper appreciation for the people around them. In the end, The Westing Game is not just a mystery but a story of friendship, self-discovery, and the unexpected ways life can bring us together.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Westing Game about?
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is a gripping mystery novel that follows a group of sixteen heirs who are brought together to solve the puzzle of the late millionaire Samuel W. Westing's will. With clever plot twists and intricate clues, the book keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The Westing Game Review
The Westing Game (1978) is a captivating mystery novel that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Here are three reasons why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With its clever plot twists and intricate puzzles, it's a thrilling and unpredictable ride.
- The diverse cast of characters and their compelling backstories add depth and intrigue to the story, keeping readers engaged.
- The author's skillful blending of mystery, humor, and suspense creates an entertaining and enjoyable reading experience, making it anything but boring.
Who should read The Westing Game?
- Readers who enjoy mystery novels with a unique and engaging plot
- Those looking for a thought-provoking book with intriguing characters and unexpected twists
- People who appreciate clever writing and puzzle-solving elements in a story
Categories with The Westing Game
Book summaries like The Westing Game
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Westing Game FAQs
What is the main message of The Westing Game?
Discover the truth in the midst of a baffling murder mystery in The Westing Game.
How long does it take to read The Westing Game?
The reading time for The Westing Game varies. However, you can read the Blinkist summary in just a few minutes.
Is The Westing Game a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Westing Game is an intriguing read with surprising twists that keep you engaged throughout.
Who is the author of The Westing Game?
The author of The Westing Game is Ellen Raskin.
What to read after The Westing Game?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Westing Game, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda