I had high hopes for this book, especially since it felt like it was aiming to be a middle-grade version of The Inheritance Games, which I absolutely loved. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

There were definitely some highlights—the puzzles were fun and engaging, and I enjoyed all the book references scattered throughout. They added a nice touch and gave the story an extra layer of appeal. However, the character of Hope didn’t work for me. She came across as a bit annoying at times, which detracted from my overall enjoyment.

The story itself felt longer than it needed to be. It seemed like the plot could have been tightened up a bit to maintain a more focused narrative. As it stood, the pacing dragged in parts, making the read feel a bit sluggish.

Overall, while there were aspects I appreciated, such as the puzzles and book references, the book fell short of the expectations set by The Inheritance Games. I’m giving it 3.5 stars—it's not a total miss, but it didn’t quite deliver the gripping experience I was hoping for.

Janet Sumner Johnson's "The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word" is a delightful read that offers a charming mix of mystery and adventure tailored for middle-grade readers. As the first book in the series, it introduces us to a world filled with intrigue, clever puzzles, and a cast of endearing characters.

The puzzles and clues in "Final Word" are cleverly crafted, encouraging readers to think critically. This interactive element is a great way to engage young minds and make them feel part of the adventure. Additionally, the setting of the Winterton Chalet, with its quaint yet mysterious atmosphere, adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative.

While the book excels in many areas, it does have a few minor drawbacks. Some plot points feel a bit predictable, and a few secondary characters could have been fleshed out more to add depth to the story. However, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.

In summary, "The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word" is a solid start to what promises to be an engaging series. With its appealing protagonist, intriguing puzzles, and charming setting, it's a book that will entertain and delight middle-grade readers. Janet Sumner Johnson has crafted a story that is both fun and thought-provoking, making it well worth a read. Three stars!

Winterton Deception is an adorable children's read combining quite a lot of wishfulfilment but also with warm cosy familial love. The plot follows a pair of siblings who are excellent at spelling bee competitions; they are invited to a sudden event (basically a spelling bee competition held by a family Run business) in which they are clearly not welcome. The kids have to figure out exactly why they are in this competition because there are numerous clues left for them to solve and they also need to beat the family to get the reward money that they desperately need.
I liked the character development with the main female character forced to confront her flaws and grow out of them. Some of the aspects of plot were entirely too unbelievable but I do think it's an excellent book for children.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

Perfect for fans of puzzle mysteries, like The Westing Game, and anyone who finds magic in words. Johnson expertly drops clues over the course of the story, so by the end, the entire mystery unfolds in a satisfying way. The characters are flawed, but not in an off-putting way, and the setting is fantastic. My only critique is the number of characters, which made it hard to keep track of who was related to whom. Very compelling read!

I had no idea that a spelling bee could be so compelling! Twins Hope and Gordon are living in a motel with their mother as they try to navigate a difficult situation. However, Hope and Gordon are quite smart and Gordon feels the way out of their troubles is a spelling bee held by the Winterton family. Little to they know it's much more than a spelling bee, it's a treasure hunt and their invitation is no coincidence. Recommended for mystery lovers young and old.

The setting is every kids dream! A mansion filled with games, puzzles any mystery galore. There is also a wonderful message about family and its importance. Thought it was a fun middle grade book filled with adventure.

Twins Hope and Gordon are roped into the world of the wealthy Winterton family when they win a spelling bee contest that wins them entry into an elite game. Who knew spelling bees could be so competitive...and dangerous.

I am a huge fan of middle grade puzzling mysteries and this title did not disappoint! Hand to fans of the Westing Game, York: The Shadow Cipher, and Book Scavenger.

Good choice for the Westing Game kids. I enjoyed the twins' relationship, and their bond with their mom. Required some suspension of disbelief, but that didn't bother me much.

I was drawn in by the cover and the promise of clues to solve a mystery but something about this didn't click with me. I think maybe I was just a bit slumpy and didn't care to engage more, but that said, usually a good mystery is what pulls me out of slumps. I don't think the book was bad, it just wasn't for me.

If you know someone who loved The Westing Game, this is a twenty-first century read-alike. Hope and Gordon Smith have discovered they are the children of a deceased son of the famous (and rich) Winterton family (of dictionary fame) When Gordon arranges for them to enter the famous Winterton Spelling Bee, they have a chance at a cash prize, and oh so much more. Hope learns what family is through clues left by "a friend" and she learns that she and her brother don't have to go it alone. This fast-paced mystery is a must read!

I did not care for the whole spelling bee parts of this book, nor did I care about finding the manuscript. The clues weren't to my liking and I didn't even try to find the answers on my own like I like to do, but all in all this book was an enjoyable one, lol.

The author's writing style was so good that even though I did not care for the context of the book, I still had fun reading it. I wanted to know what happened at the end and I was not disappointed. I knew who the culprit was, only because I'd read enough books to know it's always the perfect you least expect.

The ending was unexpected and I have no idea how the family is going to take the news, but I know it's going to be interesting.

"The Winterton Deception" by Janet Sumner Johnson is a thrilling middle-grade mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats! Twins Hope and Gordon enter a spelling bee in a last-ditch effort to save their family from financial ruin but soon find themselves embroiled in a cut-throat competition to uncover a fortune and dark secrets. Johnson's writing is fast-paced and full of twists and turns as the twins navigate a web of lies and deception. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the setting is richly described, creating a vivid and immersive world. Fans of mysteries like "Knives Out" and "The Westing Game" will love this book!

Dive into the intriguing world of middle-grade mystery with "The Winterton Deception." The narrative follows thirteen-year-old twins, Hope and Gordon Smith, on a quest to uncover their family history. Set against the backdrop of the annual Winterton spelling bee, the story blends adventure with deeper themes of love and loss.

The review appreciates the author's ability to weave mystery and adventure with a focus on love, loss, and human connection. Drawing parallels with the 39 Clues series, the reader commends the more realistic approach and the personal, empathetic narration.

Hope and Gordon Smith's character development is highlighted, particularly Hope's growth from disdain for the wealthy Wintertons to understanding and forgiveness. The ensemble cast contributes to a well-paced narrative, with the spelling bee adding an extra layer of fun.

The dual storylines of the spelling bee and the quest for a missing Jane Austen manuscript are masterfully balanced. The mystery serves as a catalyst for family reconciliation, offering twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.

"The Winterton Deception" is an engaging middle-grade mystery that captivates readers with a scavenger hunt, family secrets, and a heartfelt exploration of forgiveness and fresh starts. The recommendation extends to 8–12-year-old mystery enthusiasts, promising a satisfying conclusion while paving the way for an anticipated series.

📖🕵️‍♂️ Overall, a delightful read that combines the thrill of mystery with the warmth of family dynamics. 📚✨

This new middle grade mystery follows thirteen-year-old twins Hope and Gordon Smith as they search to find out more about their history. The book begins when their search for the name of their father ends with a graveside visit. Their father Brendon Winterton was famously rich; Gordon is obsessed with the family and Hope wants nothing to do with them. When Gordon enters Hope into the annual Winterton spelling bee she enters despite her feelings because they need the prize money. Eventually, they find themselves exloring an estate for treasure hunt clues while also exploring family secrets. Johnson does a fine job of combining mystery and adventure with deeper themes of love and loss. The clues are thoughtful and fun, there are literary references throughout the story, The adventure reminded me of the 39 clues series that I read with my son when he was young. However, this story, although improbable, is a lot more realistic. The narration is more personal and empathetic

This review is based on an Advanced copy that I received from Holiday House / Pixel and Ink publisher and NetGalley. Although the story is wrapped up to a satisfactory conclusion, the number 1 in the title indicates that this will be a series. I can’t wait to read the next one. I recommend this for any 8–12-year-old mystery lover.

I would love the opportunity to tell you my thoughts on this book. I was actually very much enjoying it, but with over 30 days before expiration, it disappeared from my NetGalley app. I have no way of completing it at this time.

I found the characters compelling so far. I did love the premise. I think the conflict was set up very well with the tension between one sibling wanting to know more about his father and the other sibling having a traumatic experience in the past that makes her distrust her father's family. I would love to see where it goes.

“We all say and do things we wish we hadn’t. That doesn’t make us bad. It makes us human. What matters is what we choose to do afterward. A little determination to make things right can go a long way.”

Hope and Gordon Smith live with their mom, facing eviction from the motel they live at now that she is unemployed. After Gordon finds out that their dad was a member of the Winterton family, he is determined to make a connection with them. Hope despises rich people―the Wintertons being some of the worst in her eyes―but she agrees to enter their annual spelling bee for the prize money. They go to the Winterton Chalet where they compete against their relatives in hopes of winning, but they get caught up in a mystery that puts money and secrets on the line.

The Winterton Deception, at its core, is about first impressions and second chances. As with most rich families, there is a lot of bad blood and misunderstandings that have caused everyone to become divided. When Jane Winterton, Hope’s estranged grandmother, died, she knew all of her children, and grandchildren, were struggling. In an attempt to bring the family together, she created a whole plot to find a missing Jane Austen manuscript, and every family member, desperate for some of their inheritance money, went in search of it. I always love when there is one person orchestrating everything, and the fact that Jane was dead just made her mystery even more genius. It reminded me of The Inheritance Games in that way, which I loved. Johnson masterfully balanced two essential storylines: the spelling bee and the mystery of the missing manuscript. Both were equally important to the story, and they each contributed to the heartfelt resolution between the family. Hope Smith, who I honestly disliked in the beginning, learned that not all rich people are bad. She showcased so much personal growth, which I really appreciated. Each Winterton had to learn to forgive each other, and themselves, and I enjoyed how the mystery and the spelling bee played a vital role in that outcome. Not only was the mystery so exciting, with twists and turns I didn’t always see coming, but it was essential to the relationships between the Wintertons, creating a beautiful ending that focused on forgiveness and fresh starts.

Overall, this was an amazing mystery and a heartfelt story that I highly recommend for middle grade and YA readers alike, especially if you like Jane Austen.

I really enjoyed this middle grade mystery! There's a scavenger hunt, family secrets, and a lot of money on the line. I also liked how we saw family come together and help each other get through tough times.

This is pretty fast paced and the spelling bee was a lot of fun, even if I've never heard of some of these words. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but it wasn't too bad and as long as you know the Smith's, you'll be okay.

I hope there's a sequel to this with more puzzles and surprises to come!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Pixel + Ink and NetGalley for the copy.

Final Word by Janet Sumner Johnson 📜🗝

Happy Pub Day @janetsumnerjohnson

series: Winterton Deception
genre: YA mistery thriller
format: epub arc
pages: 380
times read: 1
date (dd/mm/yy): 31/10/23
would reread: fosho
tropes: found family, treasure hunt, spelling bee contest, betrayal
rating: 4,7⭐

review:
once again I found this on @netgalley and it peaked my curiosity so I decided to requested it and they sent it to me so thank you for the arc in exchange for an honest review

the main characters are twins Hope and Gordon Smith, they find out their father (who's dead and whom they never met) is from a rich ass family, the Wintertorns, and Hope hates that family but Gordon is kinda obsessed with them. they live with their mom Betty in a motel which Betty barely manages to pay while working two jobs and whatever part time she can get. one day their landlady tells them she got them into a spelling bee contest that the Wintertorns host. when they get to the Wintertorn house they have to partake in the family contest. there's a lot of turns and a secret manuscript treasure hunt with a lot of clues in the form of letters that they need to decipher

my favorite characters were for sure Hope, Jennifer, Fitz and Jane, even tho I also rly loved Mary.

I absolutely loved how Hope went from disliking Jen to becoming best friends with her like hehehe.

I really loved Fitz (he's Jen's dad) as a character because he was supposed to he the bad guy but I always liked him (partly because i pictured him as a 40 something hot guy👀🫣) even tho he did some questionable sht.

Jen is my baby she can do no wrong, stan her

Jane is the absolute mastermind and I love that lady

Gordon pussed me off sometimes cs how you gonna ditch your twin yo go hang out with ppl you met 5 secs ago?

(spoilers ahead) Bob is a cunt, I hate him, how could he, I never trusted him after they said he used to spend Elinor's money

I love how this is a series but the plot wrapped itself at the end of this book and I have no idea what's gonna happen in the next book @janetsumnerjohnson if you need someone to beta read the next book or to join your arc team I'm available🙋🏻‍♂️

In some ways this is a typical kids winning a crazy contest in order to help out their parent, but as I kept reading, I fell in love with Hope, Gordon, Jennifer, and others. As the book moves along, we also get to know other Winterton family member and the tragedies from their past. If you like a book about kids solving puzzles to win a contest, pick up this one. If you like families trying to deal with grief, pick up this one.