The Westing Game
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 10+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Sixteen people move into a fancy apartment building next to the house of a rich man named Samuel Westing. When he dies, his will turns them into partners in a puzzle game to find out who killed him and win his money. A clever 13-year-old girl named Turtle finally figures out the real answer. Clean and clever, but one heir's daughter took her own life. Age 10, set by Common Sense Media.
For parents
Age 10, set by Common Sense Media's 10+ rating. Read aloud from 8. Common Sense notes adults drinking heavily, explosions and a shin kick. LitCharts says Westing's daughter Violet killed herself the night before a wedding her mother arranged with a crooked politician. Her mother, Mrs. Crow, turns to prayer, penance and a soup kitchen. Talk about Violet gently: every life is a gift from God, and despair is never the answer. Westing fakes his own death.