MM Book of the Week: The Mysterious Benedict Society

These days, almost every children's and teen's novel is centered on fantastical creatures. Whether it be vampires or werewolves, fairies or gods, you’re likely to find these mystical beings in any top seller. But what if you’re not a fan of the fantasy genre and magical adventures? Then Trenton Lee Stewart’s The Mysterious Benedict Society is for you.

The Mysterious Benedict Society series is a set of children’s books following the lives of four extraordinary children - Kate, Sticky, Reynie, and Constance – as they help the reclusive genius Mr. Nicholas Benedict save the world time and time again.

The first novel in this series, The Mysterious Benedict Society, tells the story of Mr. Benedict and how he brings together these four kids to form the Mysterious Benedict Society. Mr. Benedict tasks the kids with entering an exclusive and private school for extremely gifted children in hopes of solving the mystery behind rising pandemic in Stonetown. At this school, they encounter terrible and frightening dangers – including an evil genius, Mr. Curtain, his unscrupulous Ten Men (who can kill you in ten ways) and the enforcers (students hand-picked by Mr. Curtain to keep his secrets safe). But worst of all, they encounter “The Whisperer,” a horrible device that exposes your deepest fears and, if you don’t go along with Mr. Curtain’s orders, wipes your memories away forever.

With little time to spare and their lives on the line, the Mysterious Benedict Society must save their small town (and ultimately the world) from Mr. Curtain’s evil plans or all may be lost. But when Mr. Curtain finds out they’re spies and plans to brainsweep them for good, who will save them?

In the second novel of the series, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, the Mysterious Benedict Society are back and on the trail of Mr. Curtain who just escaped the clutches of the authorities at the end of the previous book. After kidnapping Mr. Benedict and his most trusted friends (his adoptive daughters), Mr. Curtain promises the children they’ll come to no harm if they can figure out the location of the ‘thing he wants the most.’ With thousands of miles of travel ahead and no idea of what they’re actually looking for, Reynie, Kate, Constance, and Sticky sure to have their work cut out for them. Can they survive the perilous journey and save the lives of Mr. Benedict , Number 2, and Rhonda before running out of time?

In the third, and final, novel of the series, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma, Mr. Curtain is up to his tricks yet again. After a year of using the Whisperer for good, Mr. Curtain steals the machine out of Mr. Benedict’s safe and cautious hands. With plans to turn the once cumbersome invention into a more deadly and portable format, he must be stopped at all costs. With Mr. Benedict preoccupied by the government’s meddling and the tricky situation of Constance’s adoption, it’s up to the Mysterious Benedict Society to save the day. Risking everything, including their safety and the safety of the ones they love, the children must use their talents and save the day just one last time.

The Mysterious Benedict Society is a great series for kids who love adventures and clever mysteries (and it won’t put the adults to sleep either!). Trenton Lee Stewart has created a remarkable set of novels that challenges curious, young minds while keeping them interested and engaged. The great thing about this novel is that it doesn’t assume that children are unintelligent. While the novel can be easily understood by children and adults alike, there’s no dumbing down of concepts or language. The mysteries are enticing and exciting, the riddles complex and fun, and the characters are full of depth and personality.

Lovers of adventure, mystery, and general cleverness will love The Mysterious Benedict Society and it’s guaranteed to please even the biggest sleuth in your family.

Interested in this book series? Check out The Mysterious Benedict Society's pages in Mibba's book section to share your comments or recommendations: The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Perilous Journey, and The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Prisoner's Dilemma. You can also check out the official, interactive website here.