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A review by readingwithrylanne
Winterhouse by Ben Guterson
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.0
After finishing Winterhouse, I’m already convinced that 2023 is going to be my middle grade era because I LOVE the genre and always have so much fun with it. Winterhouse was a great book to start the year with; it was full of mystery, puzzles, and secrets as the main character Elizabeth learns about the history of and people inside Winterhouse, the hotel her aunt and uncle sent her to for Christmas break. It was such a quick read, and I loved the use of word puzzles throughout the book!
Elizabeth’s parents died when she was only four or five years old, and since then, she has lived with her aunt and uncle, who she doesn’t really like (they don’t like her either). When they send her to Winterhouse for Christmas so they can go on vacation, Elizabeth is frustrated and upset, but she quickly embraces the hotel and even makes friends. During her stay there, a mystery about the hotel owner’s family comes to light, and Elizabeth realizes that she is a big part of it.
Winterhouse is the first book in a trilogy, and I definitely plan to continue with it soon. Elizabeth was an entertaining character who had growth throughout the book, and I cannot wait to see what adventure she goes on next. The plot was fast-paced and fun, and I loved the hotel setting. The illustrations were adorable as well. I would recommend this one!
CW for loss of parents (in past, car accident), some grief.
Elizabeth’s parents died when she was only four or five years old, and since then, she has lived with her aunt and uncle, who she doesn’t really like (they don’t like her either). When they send her to Winterhouse for Christmas so they can go on vacation, Elizabeth is frustrated and upset, but she quickly embraces the hotel and even makes friends. During her stay there, a mystery about the hotel owner’s family comes to light, and Elizabeth realizes that she is a big part of it.
Winterhouse is the first book in a trilogy, and I definitely plan to continue with it soon. Elizabeth was an entertaining character who had growth throughout the book, and I cannot wait to see what adventure she goes on next. The plot was fast-paced and fun, and I loved the hotel setting. The illustrations were adorable as well. I would recommend this one!
CW for loss of parents (in past, car accident), some grief.
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief and Death of parent