The Mysterious Benedict Society: 04/22/11

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart had been on my wishlist since it was first published. I had a chance to buy it when it back then but I decided not too. Thus it was one of the first books to come off my wishlist when I began my project last summer.

The book begins with Reynie Muldoon taking a series of tests. Those who pass get to enroll in a special school. Reynie being an orphan has nothing to lose; if anything, the school will be a huge improvement. In all four students pass by different methods and they are invited to perform a secret mission to save the town and quite possibly the world.

The has all the hallmarks of a British children's story: the orphan going to a boarding school, a mysterious evil and lots of puzzle solving. But it's not; it's set in the United States. There was a time when these sorts of books were set and written here but it's been about a century. The Mysterious Benedict Society has a kinship with the Ruth Fielding series from the 1910s.

My favorite character in the book is Constance. She's portrayed as obnoxious, lazy and contrary, there are reasons behind her flaws. The observant reader might be able to decipher the clues behind her secret. I didn't but I was having too much fun seeing if the Mysterious Benedict Society could save the day.

Five stars.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Tuesday, April, 26, 2011 at 15:32:37

Julie @ Knitting and Sundries

Like you, this has been on my to-buy list for a while! I really need to move it up the list!

Comment #2: Friday, April 29, 2011 at 15:02:53

Pussreboots

It's worth a read. I'm glad my library had a copy.