JULY - SPOILERS - The Westing Game

I've finished it, just need to write up the review.

And, NO, I didn't read the end first. But I might as well as. I'm not sure what was the surprise?

I read and enjoyed this. It was cute. I'll get an "official" review written soon.

I reread this a while ago and have forgotten to post my thoughts. I gather this is a childhood favourite for a lot of Americans; I only read it for the first time a few years ago when my then-husband told me I'd missed out on a classic. I enjoyed it then, as I did on this reread. I like the focus on characters of all ages and backgrounds, and the role that each person gets to play in the plot. I loved finding out about everyone as the story progressed and details and secrets were revealed. The first time I read this I couldn't connect the random words, not being terribly familiar with America the Beautiful; those of you who do know it, was it easy to make the connection?

The mystery is fun but for me it is the characters who make me love the book. Turtle is awesome but I also really like Angela, Sybil, the Judge and Theo.

I had managed to forget the whole last section where we find out what everyone does after the mystery is solved. So there were some nice surprises there.

For some reason this book is always linked in my mind with From the mixed-up files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler, maybe only because my ex also heartily recommended it, or maybe they have a similar style and tone. I'll have to reread it too now.