Winterhouse - Ben Guterson

Eleven-year-old Elizabeth spends Christmas break at Winterhouse Hotel under strange circumstances. There, she discovers that she has magic, and her love of puzzles helps her solve a mystery in this enchanting first book in a trilogy. \n \nAn Edgar Award Finalist \nAn Agatha Award Finalist \n \nAn enchanting urban fantasy middle-grade debut--the first book in a trilogy--set in a magical hotel full of secrets. \n \nOrphan 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? \n \nMystery, adventure, and beautiful writing combine in this exciting debut richly set in a hotel full of secrets. \n \nChristy Ottaviano Books \n \nPraise for Winterhouse: \nAn Indie Next List Pick \n \nClever and captivating. --Kirkus Reviews \n \nA 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\n