The Mysterious Benedict Society

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 10 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #116 in Books, #9,201 overall

The Mysterious Benedict Society ... Just what are they up to anyway?

The newspaper advertisement is addressed to "gifted children looking for special opportunities". Well, that certainly describes Reynie Muldoon! The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks and dub themselves the Mysterious Benedict Society. The team has been recruited to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened (L.I.V.E.) to derail a plot to take over the world. Their intellect, imagination and resourcefulness are called upon to discover the secrets on the island where L.I.V.E. is located, and their only chance to succeed is by working together.

My Review 

These are the times when I love the success of Harry Potter even more. Proof positive that long books can be popular, kids can be brilliant and the gritty parts of life don't need to be made shiny.

Our four protagonists - Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance - fit the typical personality types you tend to see in groups. Well, except for Constance. She's quite the fly in the ointment and it's not until the end that you actually discover why. (Shhh. Don't tell.) They're a group that you actually really get behind and root for from the beginning. Reynie serves as the leader and tends to be the point of view for the reader, so it's easy for him to be the favorite, but I think Kate has potential for future stories to be a breakout star.

The adventure is a bit on the unbelievable side at times, but that's part of what makes it an adventure. And just plain old fun.

The story reminds me a little of the Series of Unfortunate Events with the crazy acronyms, over-the-top villans and self-reliant children. If you enjoyed those, I'm confident you'll like these.

Here's the Book 

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 11/25/2009)Buy Now
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Used Price: $2.43

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Mysterious Benedict Society Videos 

Mysterious Benedict Society

A message from Trenton Lee Stuart, author of The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey.

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Continue the Adventures with the Society 

Just finished this one. The kids are back on an adventure again that has them relying almost completely on themselves to figure out clues, outsmart the bad guys and execute a daring rescue.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey

Amazon Price: $11.04 (as of 11/25/2009)Buy Now
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It Was a Puzzling Story ... 

Mr. Benedict uses a series of puzzles to help him find the members of the Mysterious Benedict Society. While none of the members arrive at the same answers, they apparently all passed with flying colors.

Would you have been able to pass the test?

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Oh yes!! I love puzzles and got them all.

Kate says:

Duh Yah!

bobby situy says:

i go them all and love puzzles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cranki says:

i'm most like constance cause
I like to make a whiny fuss

mcenzy says:

never!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!well maybe

Calley says:

Maybe. I'm smart, get straight A's, But not that smart

No puzzles for me, please!

binny says:

nope, since i don't have any mental talent!

kate says:

i would not because i am smart but not that smart

wheateater121 says:

I love puzzles... but surely could not have passed the tests.

Madeline says:

I don't think anyone on this planet, except for Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance could ever do those tests! I am positive I could not do them. Well almost.

Melissa says:

I probably wouldn't pass but I love the series but I do love puzzles

 
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The Society Members 

benedict6


Reynie Muldoon
A careful thinker, Reynie becomes the leader of the group almost by default. He takes the time to think through every twist of the story, every puzzle thrown his way. He worries about being brave enough and stresses about suddenly having people who depend on him.

Kate Weatherall
A bit of a jump-first and look-later type, Kate takes an unconventional view of things. Her handy-dandy bucket contains a strange collection of odds and ends, things that turn out to be quite useful at the strangest of times.

benedict4


Sticky Washington
The opposite of Kate, Sticky (real name George) is nervous and overly cautious. He is able to read at lightening speed and remember everything he reads perfectly. He finds inner strength he never knew he had and acceptance at a time when he really needs it.

Constance Contraire
Tiny, cranky and constantly tired, Constance doesn't seem to add much to the team. She has to be carried in order to keep up, provides obnoxious answers to any question and needs words explained to her constantly. In the end, she plays a crucial role in helping the team win out over Mr. Curtain.

The Curiousity Chronicle 

The Curiousity Chronicle
Official website for the Benedict Society

Which Character are You Most Like? 

benedict3


We'll assume for the moment that no one here would be like any of the bad guys. So which of the good guys are you most like?

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Mysterious Benedict Society: What's the Buzz? 

Todd's Blog » Blog Archive » And Then I Read: THE MYSTERIOUS ...
And Then I Read: THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PRISONER'S DILEMMA. Nov 25th, 2009 by Todd. mbsprisonersdilemma. © Trenton Lee Stewart, illustration © Diana Sudyka. This third book about four plucky and intelligent children, ...
Jump Into A Book: The Mysterious Benedict Society
'The Mysterious Benedict Society' written by Trenton Lee Stewart and Illustrated by Carson Ellis. What would you do if you were specially chosen to take a series of tests? These aren't ordinary, usual tests, but the sort which tries to.
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma « Kids ...
These kids are smart and motivated by something powerful - the desire to save the family they've built for themselves in The Mysterious Benedict Society. A terrific addition to The Society's adventures. Author: Trenton Lee Stewart ...

Random and strange phrases are really trigger words.

How Would You Rate The Book? 

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You never know how brave you can be until you challenge yourself.

If You Liked This One, You Might Like These ... 

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Postscript of utmost importance 


If you buy any of the books recommended above, this page automatically makes a donation to the incredible nonprofit, Room to Read, which partners with local communities throughout the developing world to establish schools, libraries, and other educational infrastructure.

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  • Reply
    Happyhalloween! Happyhalloween! Oct 30, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
    I absolutely adored the books! They're one of my favorites. It you haven't read them, you have to!
  • Reply
    fromthegreenroom fromthegreenroom Sep 25, 2009 @ 9:38 am
    Love these books. I am actually reading The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey now. I have been dreaming as Kate Wetherall. This is a great lens. Thanks for sharing! Check out my lens on young adult fantasy at www.squidoo.com/yafantasyfiction.
  • Reply
    sam3erry sam3erry Sep 9, 2009 @ 4:20 am
    cool lens!
    i want to read this book now ;)
    awesome pictures aswell
    cheers
    sam
  • Reply
    loy! loy! Aug 12, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
    i love these books and i have read them a many times! i plan on reading the third to. i liked how i had too test my brain and i would somtime figure it out. i'm glad my friend showd me them or i would've never bought them! :)
  • Reply
    tanviiiiiiiiii tanviiiiiiiiii Jul 12, 2009 @ 2:52 am
    i really enjoyed this book.It was hard to stop reading it.
    As Bob wrote :
    bey the book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    bey the book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    i will agree to him:
    bey the book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If not buy, atleast read it!!!!!!!!
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