Title: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
First published October 6, 2009
391 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316045520 (ISBN10: 0316045527)
Rating: 4.29
Overview
CAN THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY SURVIVE THEIR BIGGEST CHALLENGE YET? Trenton Lee Stewart invites you to rejoin Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance as they face their most perilous mission yet.
When a sudden power outage sweeps through their town, the four must work together to uncover the sinister plot behind it all. But as they delve deeper, they realize that this time, their enemies are even more cunning and ruthless than before.
With danger lurking around every corner, the Society must rely on their wits and each other to survive. Will they emerge victorious, or will this be the end of the Mysterious Benedict Society?
Join them on their heart-pounding journey and find out.
About the Author
Meet Trenton Lee Stewart, the talented author behind the beloved Mysterious Benedict Society series for young readers, as well as The Secret Keepers for kids and the adult novel Flood Summer. Trenton resides in Little Rock, Arkansas and would love to hear from you! You can send letters to him at PO Box 251358, Little Rock, AR 72205.
For those interested in arranging virtual author visits, please reach out to [email protected].
Editoral Review
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma is the third installment in the YA series by Trenton Lee Stewart. First published on October 6, 2009, this book continues where the previous novel left off and follows the further adventures of the team of gifted children that make up the titular society.
The novel follows four main characters: Reynie Muldoon, Kate Wetherall, Sticky Washington, and Constance Contraire, who must again use their wits and skills to solve a series of dangerous puzzles and unravel a nefarious plot. The setting is a world similar to our own, but with supernatural elements and a certain whimsy that makes it feel like a more innocent time.
Although aimed at a younger audience, the book deals with themes such as loyalty, friendship, betrayal, and the meaning of freedom and responsibility. Stewart’s writing style is engaging and accessible, with a flair for exploration and mystery that keeps the reader constantly engaged.
He also has a knack for creating memorable characters that are both quirky and relatable, especially in the case of the four main protagonists. The pacing is also spot-on, with just the right amount of action, suspense, and humor to keep things interesting.
One of the strengths of the book is its ability to appeal to a wide range of readers without pandering or talking down to them. It is equally enjoyable for children and adults, and offers a thoughtful commentary on issues such as individualism, surveillance, and propaganda, without ever feeling preachy or didactic.
That being said, one weakness of the book is its tendency to rely on formulaic plotting and character arcs, which can lead to a sense of predictability and lack of risk-taking. Additionally, certain aspects of the world-building can feel underdeveloped or inconsistent, which may lead to some confusion or frustration for more discerning readers.
Overall, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma is a fun, engaging, and well-written novel that is sure to delight fans of the series and newcomers alike. It is a worthy addition to the YA genre, and offers a refreshing break from some of the more grim and gritty dystopian tropes that have become so prevalent in recent years.
4 out of 5 stars.