A review by stacyrenee
Winterhouse by Ben Guterson

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

MG
Fantasy / Mystery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5 stars

This was a lot of fun!
The MC, Elizabeth, is an orphan who lives with an uncaring aunt & uncle that send her away during Christmas break while they go off on a private vacation. Not only do they only give her $3 and 3 outfits, but Elizabeth must find her way, by train, to Winterhouse, a hotel that has been mysteriously paid for the entirety of her stay despite her aunt & uncle’s tight-pursed ways. The hotel ends up being cozy and charming and full of mystery, including a enormous library and a new friend or two, as well as a few baddies to look out for.

I especially loved how the MC, Elizabeth, and her new friend, Freddy, enjoy wordplay, including word ladders that are shared at the beginning of each chapter and a few riddles within.