Winterhouse

Winterhouse
Ben Guterson
Holt, 2018 369 pages
Grades 4-8
Fantasy

Orphaned Elizabeth lives a miserable existence with a horrible aunt and uncle of Dursley proportions who don't appreciate books or creative thinking. Elizabeth is a bookworm and a puzzler, so it comes as a relief when she is sent solo for the school winter holidays to Winterhouse, a rural hotel with activities. The amazing facility makes Elizabeth instantly feels at home at Winterhosue with its eccentric proprietor, Norbridge Falls, and his quirky staff. She even makes her first friend, who also enjoys puzzles and word games. Only all is not idyllic as it seems. A mysterious and creepy couple keep behaving strangely around her and odd sounds and goings-on attract her attention. When a book from the hotel library presents itself to Elizabeth, she feels as if she must secretly remove it from the reference section and read it privately, only to discover that a secret message is slowly revealing itself. Elizabeth and her new friend must uncover the hidden truth behind Winterhouse, the strange couple, and the mysterious book, while also discovering interesting bits about themselves along the way.

Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, this new "orphan who discovers magical powers" book will spark the imagination of smart and creative kids, especially those who enjoy solving puzzles and scavenger hunts. The story leads to many little mysteries that all come together by the end. Readers will figure out Elizabeth's true identity before she will, but it comes with satisfaction and reassurance once Guterson finally gets there. The setting is comforting, mystical and fully realized, making the reader long for a winter escape, especially while being read in the middle of a hot summer. The story is a bit long, but the plot buzzes along and never flags. The intended audience of smart kids will not be put off by the length. Elizabeth and her friend Freddy will be instantly relatable to "bookish" readers who will see themselves reflected in characters pursuing science experiments and puzzles with no video games in sight. I would have liked to see a book list in the back of the volume of the titles read by Elizabeth during the course of the story to lead readers to some of these great titles.  The ending leaves the story open to a sequel, which is set for release at the end of the year. A fun title perfect for puzzlers, readers, and dreamers in need of a winter escape.