It flows well, the characters are great, I think they should make it a movie!

It has a "Series of Unfortunate Events/Nanny McPhee/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" feel to it.

There are twists and turns everywhere. Bravery, puzzles (it even ends with one), suspense. I read the whole thing in 2 days, I couldn't put it down.

My 5th grader and 7th grader enjoyed this book. What I really liked about the book is that each of the children are different and have different skills, but that all their skills / talents are needed.

When I first read the jacket cover of this book, I threw it into the back of my closet for awhile. The next summer I was cleaning out my closet and found the book. I immediately stopped what I was doing and sat down to read this book. It was so intriguing that I just couldn't put it down. I read it cover to cover finally finishing it. Let me just tell you one thing: Don't judge a book by it's cover. Or if you prefer, jacket cover. The jacket cover only talks about the first two chapters. Which, isn't the best part of the book.

Have you ever found yourself feeling alone? Out of place? Too smart to be cool? If so, maybe you have what it takes to be a member of the Mysterious Benedict Society.

Reynie Muldoon is all of these things and more. When he answers an ad promising a special opportunity, little did Reynie realize that he would save the world - a task only children could accomplish!

I purchased this book (kindle edition) to read to my almost-10 year old son. Unfortunately, the long descriptions and slow pace seemed to thrill me more than him. As my son was adopted, I thought the premise would entice him (the children were all orphans or without parents) - and in that respect it really did (good for him to see it as a positive). However, I felt this book would capture the attention of kids that can relate to Reynie's feelings of being alone and "different" - and in that respect, I think it was speaking to my nerd-like bookworm tendencies. As a child, I would have loved this book for seeing brainiacs as the protagonists.

I felt the characters very believable and enjoyed their antics, especially Kate. While there is little action, there are some very tense moments that kept me on edge. And, it was (at least for me) a page turner. The feel good ending was a little too convenient, but there were some VERY surprising reveals.

If you have a boy's boy who tends to like dragon books and the like, maybe this is a pass. The lack of action seemed to be his complaint, although he said he liked it - just didn't love it. Otherwise, if you have a bookworm on your hands, it's a great read.

Note on the kindle edition: as of the date of this review, the code to figure out Mr. Benedict's first name is missing.

I bought this book to read aloud to my eight-year-old son on the recommendation of our outstanding local bookshop. I am really surprised by the raves this book received. Its plot is bloated and the prose is in need of some serious editing. It almost seemed like the publisher believed it had a real blockbuster on its hands and failed to take the time to get a potentially great book ready for market. Instead the novel falls completely flat, lacking any dramatic tension or pace. I'm glad I only paid $6.99 for it.

I was excited to read this novel and share it with my 10 year old. We both came away disappointed. Although the kids always are in "danger" the book doesn't feel very exciting. The gifted kids, with the exception of Sticky, don't seem very gifted. The ending was a little too trite (even for my 10 year old). The pacing is uneven and the puzzles aren't very puzzling.

Its an OK book but definately not deserving of the hype.

While I am an adult and not chronologically a child (one could argue my outlook is somewhat childlike at times), I certainly enjoyed this book and think children would enjoy it as much if not more than I. It feels a bit like reading a Harry Potter book in that fantasy and real world happily combine. Highly recommended for all children and some adults, especially those who enjoy reading Harry Potter books.

Reynard (or Reynie, as he prefers to be called) Muldoon is not your average eleven-year-old boy. First of all, he lives in an orphanage where he is constantly teased by all the other children. Then there's the fact that he's a genius. He's so smart that he needs his own tutor, Ms. Perumal, who is really more of a friend to him. It's because of Ms. Perumal that Reynie happened to be reading the newspaper that held a one-of-a-kind advertisement. "Are You a Gifted Child Looking for Special Opportunities?" Not only does this advertisement catch Reynie's eye, but that of many young children. All of these children enroll to take several tests consisting of many brain teasers. Out of all the children, though, only four succeed, with Reynie being one of the four.

The children are all immediately drawn to each other. Not just because of their exceptional mental abilities, but also because they are all alone. Reynie, Kate, and Constance are all orphans, and Sticky has run away from a miserable home life. When they all finish with their tests they are led to a mysterious old house where they are introduced to Mr. Benedict. Mr. Benedict is an intriguing and incredibly smart man who has a secret mission for the children that only they can complete.

To fulfill their mission, the children must go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. The headmaster of the school, Mr. Curtain, is up to no good, and it is up to the children to figure out what he is up to and hopefully stop him. It will be no easy feat, as the children will have to wrap their minds around puzzle after puzzle and face challenges that not even their wildest dreams could have ever created. With no choice but to turn to each other, the children embark on a journey that will forever change their lives.

I have heard nothing but good things about this book. Needless to say, I had high expectations for it. Overall, I really enjoyed THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, except I found that at times it was a bit lacking. First, I want to say that the author's writing style was marvelous. It definitely had the magic feeling that Roald Dahl put into his books that made them so wonderful. There was that extra umph to the book that made it quite enjoyable. Returning again to my reference of Roald Dahl, I felt like the adventure these kids went on was much like the adventure Charlie from CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY went on, without the candy!

While the book is directed at a more middle grade audience, I still found myself enjoying the adventure and solving the riddles along with the children. Overall, I enjoyed the story and think it would be a great book for both reluctant readers and middle graders.

Reviewed by: Tasha

My 11 year old said that this book was the BEST book ever. I bought it because it was the book club selection for DUKE University TIP program. I think she finished it in a day and a half. She can't wait to read the sequel. It is about gifted children-

I read this book myself and when I finished I couldn't wait to start reading it with my own children. We are about three-quarters of the way through and they are loving it as much as I did. This is the story of four children who are alone in the world but who become a team after answering a newspaper ad promising 'special opportunities' and passing a series of tests, which are themselves unique and fun -- testing for traits that are not immediately apparent. After the team is formed, the kids must attend an isolated school run by a villainous mastermind trying to (of course) take over the world! The book is immediately engaging and tists and suspense capture children's interest quickly and continue unabated. The book has clues, puzzles, adventure, kid heroes and a terrrific ending. I can't wait to read the next one -- I'm not waiting for the kids!

I really liked that the children are a true team, each with unique and essential talents, and they help each other -- they could not succeed in their mission without each one of them. There are bad guys who are evil but not nightmare-inducing; there are dilemmas and doubts which are surmounted; not all the adults are bad or stupid, as in many children's books; and the resolution is believable, fun and satisfying. What I didn't like was ... well, I can't think of a thing.

This book can be read alone by capable 5th graders (and despite its length it will keep them interested) or it's a terrific read-aloud book.

Highly recommended.

*This was reviewed by my 9 yr old son*

The Mysterious Benedict Society is practically hands-down the best book I've ever read. It's a long book but it's definitely worth reading. I recommend it for everyone ages 8 and up. Anyone younger might not be able to follow it as it has a detailed plot. I can relate to most of the characters in the story and it has a very fascinating plot and a surprise ending concerning one of the characters. Another thing I like about it is it has you thinking about what the villain is up to and what the kids are going to do about it.

it is a rather long book but it keeps the reader wanting to continue to read. It is entertaining and clever. I would recommend this book to my higher level readers, especially those who like to read longer books.

My son and I both read and loved this book when it first came out. We enjoyed the beautiful illustrations by Carson Ellis as well. When I saw the kindle version, I decided to try a sample of it because I felt that Carson Ellis' illustrations are perfect for the Kindle. However, when I downloaded the sample of the book, I found that with the exception of the front cover, none of her illustrations made it in. I encourage people to read this delightful book, however, as much as I am hooked on my kindle, I suggest buying the physical copy.

Wow, what an amazing book. Deliciously similar to A Series of Unfortunate Events, this book follows the adventures of four intrepid orphans, each with their own idiosyncratic skill sets as they battle against phenomenal villian, Mr. Curtain. His twin brother Mr. Benedict is spearheading a fight against him and his mind control machine. While the story is about some courageous kids, it also features many wonderful turns of phrase. It captures the spirit of using language inventively, without resorting to the pedantic device of using dictionary entries. Lots of thought provoking stuff about family, friendship, bravery and happiness. The book wraps up rather neatly, without hints of a sequel, but I for one, am hoping for more, because I didn't want it to end! This book has all the elements in place: great language, wierd and unique spy games (Morse Code, coded messages, etc), superior villians, and a plot that races along. Loved it!

When I first started reading the first few chapters I wasn't sure I was going to like the book. I felt it had a bit of a slow start and it took sometime for me to bond with the main character, Reynie Muldoon. After sticking to my rule, which is to read the first 100 pages before putting a book down, I started to be drawn into the storyline. The Mysterious Benedict Society is about a bund of children who have either been orphaned, abandoned, or have run away from home. A man named Mr. Benedict has setup some tests to find gifted children among this groups of children. In which case he does and this is how Reynie Muldoon, Kate Wetherall, Sticky Washington, and Constance Contraire become the four members of The Mysterious Benedict Society.

What I do like about this book is it caters to reluctant readers. Boys and girls alike can relate to the story. These four friends find out through out the book, along with the reader, is children are an important part of our lives. Sometimes children can solve problems most adults can't see at the end of their nose. This four brainy, witty, and adventurous children set out to save the world from a mad man named Mr. Curtain. They must become spies at Mr. Curtain's institute, send secret messages, and work their way up to becoming Messengers so they can learn Mr. Curtain's secrets and stop him before its too late.

The action really gets going once the children arrive at the institute which is almost half way through the book, but it's well worth the wait. Also, readers will enjoy the child like humor and gross descriptions throughout the story.

Now here's what a young book review had to say:


The Mysterious Benedict Society Book Review
By: Carson King, Young Book Reviewer

I chose my book, The Mysterious Benedict Society, because it sounded like my type of book, a half-fantasy. It is a flawless story about four orphans, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance. In the beginning, they take a series of tests. All do well and make it into the Mysterious Benedict Society. They are sent on a mission to stop the founder of a mysterious school, (Mr. Benedict's brother, Mr. Ledorptha Curtain), from destroying the whole human race. The group, though best of friends, go through many ups and downs during their mission. The book ends in a whirlwind, and you find yourself content.

I loved it because of the way the author portrayed it and I felt I was witnessing every scene.

I have NEVER read a book aloud to my fifth-grade class that caused them to beg to stay IN FOR RECESS so that I could read another chapter! I was FLOORED! I saw this novel at a school book sale, randomly chose it due to its seemingly intriguing plot and mention of "Gifted Children", which describes the group of kids I teach. It turns out that this tale not only mesmerized my kids, but kept me interested and flipping the pages as well. All teachers know there is nothing worse than being stuck in a read-aloud that mid-way through no longer captivates the reader or the listeners. No worries with this novel. The characters are fun and easy for all children to relate to. The plot is mysterious, lively, and calls for the reader to think. Don't fear the length. It flies by. I would say all kids around the age of 10 and up will love joining The Mysterious Benedict Society, and will be THRILLED to know there is already a sequel.

The Mysterious Benedict Society
By Trenton Lee Stewart


Mr. Benedict is a genius who is trying to stop a very serious crime ring. With no way to get into the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, he devises a plan to find the most intelligent children.

Children come from all over to take Mr. Benedict's test. They are tested in obedience, following directions, honesty etc. Although hundreds of children take the test, there are only four children who can pass it.

All of these children are either homeless, or orphans. They will infiltrate the school on an island in the middle of the sea. They will communicate with Mr. Benedict, through a secret code. If they choose to take on this mission, their very lives may be in peril.

These children learn to depend on each other. They learn to be brave, while learning just how smart and needed they are.

Children and adults alike will be entranced by The Mysterious Benedict Society.

I highly recommend this unusual tale of responsibility and never letting your friends down.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Author:
Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)

Amazing, out-of-this-world stuff! Adventure, witty descriptions, comical actions. Lee perfectly paced the story and gave characters depth where I grew to love each and every one of them. Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance faced dangers that left me wondering whether luck shall befall them or not. Written in a very entertaining way, I never had a moment where I wished it weren't dinnertime or bedtime.

I had been looking for a book that would grasp me and not let me go. This was it. I marveled (and still do) at the author's talent for putting together such a wonderful and creative story. From the moment at Border's Bookstore I saw the cover and read the back description, I felt like this was for me. I'm ever so glad I took the risk of buying an unknown book (as in this risk you have about a 1 in 3 chance you'll like it).

If you are a person reading this review whether child or adult, I promise you, The Mysterious Benedict Society won't let you down. From beginning to end (and literally to the last page), the adventure and purity of storytelling will reach out to you, so when you're done you'll say "Wow," and write a review full of praise.

P.S. Pay close attention to the names. They're all really quite interesting.

A very simple but well written story. The characters are well developed.
I will definetely read the 2nd title.

The Mysterious Benedict Society begins with a whole lot of children appearing at the appointed place in response to a newspaper ad asking, "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities." After a series of unusual tests (my favorite part of the book), only four remain. The foursome is destined to become a team of spies at The Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, run by mastermind genius Ledroptha Curtain. Their mission is to secretly investigate Curtain and his mind-altering device, while masquerading as regular students. Armed with little beyond brains, a bit of brawn, and a bucket, the kids are dropped off at the island school. They learn about its student leaders, the Messengers and Executives, who are given special privileges involving (beware of upcoming spoilers) the Whisperer, a machine invented by Curtain that filters his messages through the minds of certain pupils, which are then transferred directly into the brains of others by way of TV, radio and phone signals. They, in turn, trigger memories of longer, more specific doublespeak-like messages. Children must be used because (p 101) "Where adult thoughts would lumber into the mind like an elephant, children's creep in on cat feet and find a shadowy place to hide." Sticky, Reynie, Kate and Constance keep their leader, Mr. Benedict (thus the group's name), and his two odd intellectual assistants apprised of the situation by using riddles transmitted by Morse code. Keeping ahead of Curtain's minions and the evil Recruiters while trying to learn the mysteries of the Whisperer and its workings leads to several close calls (and a lot of entertainment for the reader). A mind is a terrible thing to waste. And it won't be as long as Mr. Benedict and his team are on the case. The Mysterious Benedict Society is a smart book about a varied group of pre-teens that push past their fears to solve a mental mystery, supporting the contention that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Its humor, challenging vocabulary, and original plot make it an excellent choice for nine to eleven-year-old science fiction and mystery fans. Also good: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo, A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, Coraline by Neil Gaiman, and The Giver by Lois Lowery.

Amazing, out-of-this-world stuff! Adventure, witty descriptions, comical actions. Lee perfectly paced the story and gave characters depth where I grew to love each and every one of them. Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance faced dangers that left me wondering whether luck shall befall them or not. Written in a very entertaining way, I never had a moment where I wished it weren't dinnertime or bedtime.
I had been looking for a book that would grasp me and not let me go. This was it. I marveled (and still do) at the author's talent for putting together such a wonderful and creative story. From the moment at Border's Bookstore I saw the cover and read the back description, I felt like this was for me. I'm ever so glad I took the risk of buying an unknown book (as in this risk you have about a 1 in 3 chance you'll like it).
If you are a person reading this review whether child or adult, I promise you, The Mysterious Benedict Society won't let you down. From beginning to end (and literally to the last page), the adventure and purity of storytelling will reach out to you, so when you're done you'll say "Wow," and write a review full of praise.
P.S. Pay close attention to the names. They're all really quite interesting.

I'm often drawn to the Juvenile Fiction section of our library. On this journey, I was not disappointed! This story offers clever puzzles, interesting character development, and a topsy-turvy adventure that keeps you turning the pages, but seldom cringing.

I picked this up in the bookstore looking for something new but yet classic feeling. This book definitely fulfilled its promise and I'll be putting it away for my kids to read when they are older. It's nice to find a book that doesn't talk down to its readers, but also doesn't fall into the trap of gutter-speak.

I am a 4th grade teacher and I just finished this book with my class. My students loved it, and we were able to talk about so many different issues that came out of the story, not to mention Morse Code! My 26 students range in ability level, but all of them love to be read to, and they got a kick out of this book. They especially liked Kate and her daredevil attitude and Constance's little one-liners. In fact, 5 of my students have gone to purchase this book, and are ready for the sequel.

I really enjoyed this book! I bought the 2nd book in the series, today. Looking forward to another good read!!

The book was fresh and irresistably entertaining from start to the bitter end.
-Amazning!

For some reason when I was ordering Gravity's Rainbow on Amazon I thought of this book immediately. The parallels are quite clear. The Mysterious Benedict Society is a book by, about, and for "lovers of the truth." And even while it entertains it takes that job quite seriously. The attention to detail will spark every reader's imagination-- I kept flipping back to the character descriptions to confirm them, so strong was my mental image. When it mentions as an aside the Nagorno-Karabakh territory, they're talking about an actual place in the world.

While the plot is of course a fantasy, it takes place not in some superhero universe but here on Earth, and you will see excellent descriptions of cult brainwashing, peer pressure, self-doubt, and the joy of taking on a challenge. I'd say a reader as young as 8 would be able to understand and enjoy this book, but I'm 20 and I still felt it spoke directly to me. I can't wait for the sequel!