This first middle school novel in Trenton Lee Stewart’s four book, award winning, New York Times bestselling series, The Mysterious Benedict Society , starts off slow but quickly develops into a quick moving story filled with suspense and intrigue. You just need to get past the the eccentric narcoleptic genius’ selection process for finding four orphans to help him and his associates uncover and end the threat to the world. Then there is no turning back. Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance, Mr. Benedict, Rhonda, Number 2 and Milligan captivate and ingratiate the readers with their wonderfully complicated and sad lives.
How can four precocious children, ages 12 and younger, possibly help Mr. Benedict save the world from a madman inventor who is ready to unleash his mind altering “Improvement” plan on humanity? After twists and turns and a little humor, these clever children show, you can do anything with perseverance, determination, friendship and love. Watch as four lonely, forlorn orphans become friends with confidence and a cause. Many loose pieces are tied up and you feel good at the end of this story.
Adult or middle school reader will both enjoy this book. The characters are endearing. Their flare for uncovering the truth, working together and leaning on all their strengths are worth thinking about. Let their simple desire to please each other be a lesson for each of us to heed.
After reading the first of the four books, I want to read more. I’m interested in seeing how the relationships of the four children and the adults develop and evolve over the next three books (The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages).