The central mystery of The Westing Game revolves around identifying the individual responsible for the supposed death of Samuel W. Westing. The entire premise of the novel hinges on the reading of Westing’s will and the subsequent game he devises, challenging sixteen potential heirs to uncover a murderer within their ranks.
Unmasking the alleged perpetrator drives the narrative forward and provides numerous benefits to the characters involved. It forces them to collaborate, examine their own biases, and ultimately grow as individuals. The historical context of the novel, published in 1978, reflects a fascination with puzzles and mysteries that captivated readers and provided a sense of intellectual engagement. The solution to the mystery offers resolution and closure, delivering satisfaction to both the characters and the reader.
