The Mysterious Benedict Society ... Just what are they up to anyway?
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 11/10/2009)
List Price: $6.99
Used Price: $2.37
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Usually ships in 24 hours
Mysterious Benedict Society Videos
Continue the Adventures with the Society
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
Amazon Price: $11.04 (as of 11/10/2009)
List Price: $16.99
Used Price: $4.49
Avg. Customer Rating:
Usually ships in 24 hours
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?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byOh yes!! I love puzzles and got them all.
Ladder says:
Of course I would have, I aced the quiz at the back of the book, so DUH!!!
Posted November 01, 2009
hannah says:
I would have so been able to pass. I have a high IQ. Whether or not I use it now that's a different story
Posted October 19, 2009
Sam says:
Best series in the world!
Posted October 14, 2009
Joe says:
yes
Posted October 14, 2009
User says:
The chess one was a little puzzling at first- but if you look at the test in the back of the book, the answer to one of the questions is hidden in one of the others! It was kind of easy.
Posted October 13, 2009
No puzzles for me, please!
kate says:
i would not because i am smart but not that smart
Posted November 02, 2009
wheateater121 says:
I love puzzles... but surely could not have passed the tests.
Posted October 31, 2009
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.
Posted October 29, 2009
Melissa says:
I probably wouldn't pass but I love the series but I do love puzzles
Posted October 26, 2009
bobby jane says:
no, defintely not
Posted October 13, 2009
The Society Members
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.
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?
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?
Mysterious Benedict Society: What's the Buzz?
- Adventures in Nerdliness: Premature Book Review: The Mysterious ...
- Trenton Lee Stewart's Mysterious Benedict Society was supposed to be a one shot book, but is now on its third title. The Perilous Journey is the second in the series, and reunites the children with their former mentor. ...
- The Mysterious Benedict Society – Review « The Novel World
- Reny, Sticky, Kate and Constance are four highly intelligent children that who have been selected to be a part of the Mysterious Benedict Society after taking a series of cryptic tests. The challenge for the group is to infiltrate the ...
- My Round File: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous ...
- From the Amazon product description: The fabulous foursome readers embraced as The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission, significantly closer to home. After reuniting for a celebratory scavenger hunt, Reynie, Kate, ...
Random and strange phrases are really trigger words.
How Would You Rate The Book?
You never know how brave you can be until you challenge yourself.
If You Liked This One, You Might Like These ...
Amazon Error: Could not open remote connection
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.
Leave Your Message Here!
Just not in Morse code! We want to be able to read it!
Happyhalloween! wrote
I absolutely adored the books! They're one of my favorites. It you haven't read them, you have to!
Posted October 30, 2009
fromthegreenroom wrote...
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.
Posted September 25, 2009
sam3erry wrote...
cool lens!
i want to read this book now ;)
awesome pictures aswell
cheers
sam
Posted September 09, 2009
loy! wrote
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! :)
Posted August 12, 2009
tanviiiiiiiiii wrote
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!!!!!!!!
Posted July 12, 2009
All My Lenses
Like this lens? Want to see what else I've done? Here's my lensography.-
SusanVillasLewis
-
Well, probably for my mom and my husband. But I guess the rest of you won't love me just for existing. So here's more about me, links to my various lenses, thoughts on future lenses and just the general randomness that is Susan. This will forever be...
by SusanVillasLewis
Basic gal from the Dallas area who has a lot to say!! I'm working on lens related to my odd-ball interests, as well as some tying back to my husband'...
(more)
