Originally published by PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on 6th March 2025: link
by Emma Kantor
Not unlike the enigmatic benefactor at the core of her most famous novel, author and illustrator Ellen Raskin left behind a trove of treasures for readers, and her legacy continues to grow since her death in 1984. International Literary Properties—a global company that invests in and manages literary estates—has acquired Raskin’s estate and, along with it, two previously unpublished manuscripts by the late author, including a sequel to her Newbery Award–winning mystery, The Westing Game.
Scott Hoffman, president and CEO of ILP, said in a statement, “Ellen Raskin’s books are timeless classics that hold a special place in the hearts of readers around the world. We are privileged to welcome her estate into the ILP family and look forward to exploring fresh opportunities to celebrate her work across publishing, film, stage, television, and beyond.”
John Silbersack of the Bent Agency took on the role of Raskin’s literary agent nearly two decades ago, when Ellen’s daughter Susan Moore and son-in-law John first approached him to represent the estate. “I was already a huge fan of Ellen’s work and believe strongly that authors deserve to have their literary legacies nurtured and perpetuated, so I was only too happy to come on board,” he told PW. Commenting on ILP’s acquisition he said, “When ILP expressed interest in working with Susan and John to ensure Ellen’s work would be managed for decades to come, it was clear that their vision for Ellen Raskin was aligned with our own.”
The Game’s Afoot
Silbersack shared that at the time of Raskin’s death in 1984, “she had been working on—and had very nearly completed—a marvelous new story, very much in the vein of The Westing Game, titled A Murder for Macaroni and Cheese. Ellen’s practice was to rewrite and re-edit each prior chapter on the completion of a new chapter, so the earliest sections of the book were pored over time and again, while the very final chapters were more sketched out.” In an example of life imitating art, he said, “Ellen’s daughter, Susan, devoted herself to ‘solving’ the mystery and tying up all the loose ends, and the manuscript awaits a final polish and a worthy collaborator to bring it to a finale, which is at the top of our to-do list.”
Of the second book, a Westing Game sequel, he said, “Crafting a follow-up to one of the most beloved titles of all time is no small task. In conjunction with ILP, we’re currently in the process of bringing in another iconic middle grade author to work with us on this eagerly anticipated literary event. Watch this space!”
As it happens, the timing of the publication news is auspicious. “We are not only three years shy of the 50th anniversary of The Westing Game, but also of the 100th anniversary of Ellen’s birth, so what better time to begin preparation for what we hope will be an extended celebration?”
Silbersack expressed his delight in expanding Raskin’s literary afterlife. “Ellen’s genius extended not only to The Westing Game but to Figgs & Phantoms—a Newbery Honor Book in 1975—The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel), and The Tattooed Potato and Other Clues. Through the years, her works have touched millions of lives, and a new, hitherto unpublished work can’t fail to excite old readers and entice a new generation.” He added, “I hope as we approach her centenary year that readers will remember her unique voice and legacy of provocative, intriguing, mystifying works for children of all ages.”
