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Winterhouse

Book 1 in the series:Winterhouse

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Winterhouse is a captivating middle-grade mystery novel that follows Elizabeth Somers as she is sent to the magical Winterhouse Hotel for Christmas vacation, where she uncovers a generations-long puzzle with life and death stakes. The story is filled with word puzzles, mysteries, and a hint of magic, making it a page-turner for readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a fantastic element.

The book is set in a magical world where Elizabeth befriends Freddy and Norbridge Falls, the proprietor of Winterhouse, and together they delve into the mysteries and riddles that surround the hotel. With engaging characters, a captivating plot, and a mix of puzzles and dark mysteries, Winterhouse is a delightful read that keeps readers hooked till the very end.

Characters:

The characters, including Elizabeth and her friend Freddy, are engaging and relatable in their quest for solution and friendship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is descriptive and whimsical, featuring engaging prose intertwined with puzzles.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a young girl sent to a magical hotel where she uncovers family mysteries and engages in puzzles.

Setting:

The story takes place in the magical Winterhouse hotel, set against a cozy winter backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing blends moderate action with suspense, ensuring continued reader engagement.
Elizabeth read the note once more. She stuffed it into her jacket pocket with the money and the ticket, and then unzipped her backpack. From the bottom of it, beneath the four paperbacks the school li...

Notes:

Elizabeth Somers is an orphan raised by unloving relatives.
She is sent to a luxurious hotel called Winterhouse for Christmas vacation.
At Winterhouse, Elizabeth makes her first real friends, including a boy named Freddy.
The hotel is full of fun activities, like skiing and solving jigsaw puzzles.
Elizabeth gets involved in a mystery about a missing family member and a magical book.
The story has similarities to Harry Potter, with themes of magic and adventure.
Winterhouse includes word puzzles and references to other popular middle-grade books.
Readers find the setting of Winterhouse enchanting and wish to visit it themselves.
The book blends elements of mystery, magic, and adventure, making it appealing for young readers.
Critics noted some predictable plot points, but still found it enjoyable.

From The Publisher:

An Edgar Award Finalist

An Agatha Award Finalist

An enchanting urban fantasy middle-grade debut-the first book in a trilogy-set in a magical hotel full of secrets.

Orphan Elizabeth Somers's malevolent aunt and uncle ship her off to the ominous Winterhouse Hotel, owned by the peculiar Norbridge Falls. Upon arrival, Elizabeth quickly discovers that Winterhouse has many charms-most notably its massive library. It's not long before she locates a magical book of puzzles that will unlock a mystery involving Norbridge and his sinister family. But the deeper she delves into the hotel's secrets, the more Elizabeth starts to realize that she is somehow connected to Winterhouse. As fate would have it, Elizabeth is the only person who can break the hotel's curse and solve the mystery. But will it be at the cost of losing the people she has come to care for, and even Winterhouse itself?

Mystery, adventure, and beautiful writing combine in this exciting debut richly set in a hotel full of secrets.

Christy Ottaviano Books

Praise for Winterhouse:

An Indie Next List Pick

"Clever and captivating." -Kirkus Reviews

"A charming, atmospheric mystery with some fantasy elements, for fans of Kate Milford's Greenglass House and Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society. . . . Bristol's art is whimsical and enhances the spirit of the story." -School Library Journal

Ratings (3)

Loved It (3)

Reader Stats (9):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (6)

About the Author:

Ben Guterson was born and raised in Seattle. Before working at Microsoft as a Program Manager, Ben spent a decade teaching public school on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico and in rural Colorado. He has written features and book reviews for newspapers, magazines, and websites, as well as a nature-travel guide to the Southwest. Ben and his family live in the foothills of the Cascades east of Seattle. Winterhouse is his first book.

Chloe Bristol is an animation artist whose work has been featured on Disney Junior and Cartoon Network, among others. She is also the illustrator of the popular Winterhouse series by Ben Guterson. She lives in Southern California.

 
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