This book all starts with 6 letters from Barney Northrup, who offered apartments in Sunset Towers, with one way windows in every room. The only downside, is that the Westing house is in view, most people think the house is haunted. Sixteen people (Samuel Westing's Nieces and Nephews), are to play a series of games, while trying to find the one who committed the crime. They all go through blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. They all want to win Samuel Westing's $money$.