Winterhouse

Gutterson, Ben. Winterhouse. 2018. 370p. ISBN 978-1-250-12388-6. Available at FIC GUT on the library shelves.

Elizabeth Somers has been living with her aunt and uncle ever since her parents died in a fiery explosion when she was very little. Now eleven, Elizabeth has spent a lifetime dealing with two people who really don’t want her there and would rather not spend any money or energy dealing with her. When an anonymous benefactor pays to send Elizabeth to the Winterhouse Hotel for three weeks during Christmas vacation, her aunt and uncle are thrilled. Elizabeth is concerned, but at the same time she looks forward to time away from her mean-spirited aunt and her lazy uncle.

Traveling to Winterhouse on a bus, Elizabeth finds herself attracting the unwanted attention of two strange passengers, a thin man and his equally thin wife. Shaking it off, Elizabeth returns to reading her book, one of the seven she owns. Arriving at Winterhouse, Elizabeth discovers that the hotel possesses a massive library with more books than she could ever read. There are large puzzles, skating, sledding, swimming, lectures and concerts after dinner, and a myriad of other activities. The owner, Norbridge Falls, is peculiar, and Winterhouse contains memories from three generations of Falls. Finally, there’s Freddy, another teen spending his vacation at the hotel. The two hit it off immediately.

Searching the reference section of the library for a book to read, Elizabeth discovers a book called A Guide for Children: Games, Secrets, Pastimes, and More, and on impulse she steals it from the library. Soon she discovers that this book is The Book, a legendary volume left behind by Norbridge’s grandfather that can be used to solve a mystery that has plagued the hotel since its construction. Connected to the Falls family somehow, Elizabeth is eager to discover the solution to this mystery, but malevolent forces have other plans for her in mind. As Elizabeth gets closer, the stakes get higher, and Winterhouse will never be the same.

A grand setting and a fast-moving plot keep the reader engrossed in Elizabeth’s adventure. The cast of characters is unique, and illustrations help provide context to the story. Fans of mystery and light magic will enjoy and cheer Elizabeth on as she takes necessary risks to solve the curse of Winterhouse.