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Cover of The Westing Game

Age rating and parents' guide:The Westing Game

by Ellen Raskin

Ages 12–14

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is best for children aged 12–14. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Death/will premise (playful).

When eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing dies, sixteen very different people are invited to the reading of his will. Paired up into unlikely teams, each duo receives ten thousand dollars and a puzzling set of clues to solve the mystery of his death, with a massive fortune at stake. Packed with wordplay, secret identities, and clever twists, this fast-paced puzzle mystery keeps readers constantly guessing as they piece together clues alongside the quirky ensemble cast.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: Death/will premise (playful)

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 4 October 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Emotionally light

Great for kids who like

  • Mystery & Detective

Reading mood

  • Warm & heartfelt
  • Mysterious
  • Thoughtful

Good to talk about

  • Mystery & Detective

Books like The Westing Game

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  • Cover of Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess

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    Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess

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    On her fourteenth birthday, Enola Holmes discovers her mother has vanished, leaving behind clever ciphers and little else. Rather than submit to the boarding school chosen by her older brothers Sherlock and Mycroft, she disguises herself and runs away to London. Along the way, she stumbles upon the kidnapping of a young lord and decides to solve the mystery herself. Young readers enjoy Enola's quick wits, daring independence, and the atmospheric Victorian setting packed with secret codes and close escapes.

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  • Cover of Spy School

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    Spy School

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    Twelve-year-old math whiz Ben Ripley dreams of becoming a top CIA agent, but he never expects to be recruited into a top-secret academy for middle-school spies. Once there, he quickly realizes he is completely out of his depth—and that he may have been brought in as bait to catch a dangerous mole. Packed with awkward mishaps, gadget-fueled action, and clever twists, this fast-paced adventure appeals to readers who enjoy hilarious school stories mixed with exciting undercover missions.

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  • Cover of Murder Most Unladylike

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    Murder Most Unladylike

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    At Deepdean School for Girls in 1934, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong establish their own secret detective agency. When Hazel stumbles upon the science teacher's lifeless body in the gym, the pair have a real crime to solve—especially when the corpse vanishes before any adults can be summoned. Combining classic boarding-school dynamics with clever Agatha Christie-style clues, this engaging whodunit appeals to young sleuths who love solving puzzles alongside memorable friends.

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  • Cover of The Mysterious Benedict Society

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    The Mysterious Benedict Society

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    Framed!

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    Twelve-year-old Florian Bates has invented TOAST—the Theory of All Small Things—a keen method of observation that lets him notice hidden details everywhere. After moving to Washington, D.C., his unique skills catch the eye of the FBI, who recruit him and his new friend Margaret to help solve a high-stakes art heist at the National Gallery. Fast-paced and full of clever deductions, this witty mystery will delight young readers who enjoy puzzles, secret agent adventures, and relatable middle-school friendship.

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The Westing Game for?
The Westing Game suits children aged 12–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is The Westing Game appropriate for a 12 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 12–14. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Death/will premise (playful).
Q: What should my child read after The Westing Game?
Try Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess and Spy School. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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