The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Book 1

By: Trenton Lee Stewart

Reviewed by: Madeline S.

The book The Mysterious Benedict Society was written by author Trenton Lee Stuart. I think Stuarts’ style brings you close to the story because he tells it through an omniscient narrator that can see into Reynie’s thoughts. Occasionally the narrator describes the thoughts of the other three supporting characters. I personally think that anybody ages 9+ who likes a book that keeps you on your toes and likes mystery should look forward to reading this book. The plot will keep you guessing and waiting for more.

This book opens with a boy walking to his second test of the day. His name is Reynard Muldoon nicknamed Reynie. He is an orphan and is very bright. He even gets his very own tutor named Miss Perumal. At first Miss Perumal does advanced work with him, but Reynie speeds through it and the tutor starts reading the newspaper with him. One day an ad shows up in the newspaper that reads, “Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” Miss Perumal thinks that Reynie should go and try to pass. Reynie says, “ I suppose I might be interested, if you think I would qualify.” So on Saturday he gets driven to the place where he is to take the tests. He takes five tests and passes all of them. In the end he becomes friends with three of the kids who take the tests along side him. They form a group called The Mysterious Benedict Society led by a man called Mr. Benedict. The world is in danger and they will find out why by being Mr. Benedict’s spies. They will have to go to a special school for the ‘Enlightened’ called the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. Mr. Benedict explains to them a lot about the school and what they are to do, but they must act as new kids. They meet the head of the school and he looks just like Mr. Benedict. Is it Mr. Benedict? Has Mr. Benedict just been tricking them? Will they save they world from disaster?

I really enjoyed the suspense that is present throughout the book. There are some twists and turns in the plot that keep you guessing about what will come next. Stuart makes this story believable by using an all-knowing narrator.  This also allows the reader to see what other characters in the book are thinking and feeling, adding more depth to the story. The adventure continues with two sequels, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey and The Mysterious Benedict Society the Prisoner’s Dilemma.