Book: Mysterious Benedict Society & the Riddle of Ages (2019)
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Genre: MG, Adventure
Basic plot: The Mysterious Benedict Society is back. The kids are older, and this time, they have a new recruit: five-year-old Tai. Their challenge is to break into the old institute-turned-prison to rescue Mr. Benedict and his criminal twin brother from certain death. But, with McCracken and the rest of the Ten Men close on their heels, it’s not going to be easy.
WHAT’S COOL…
1) What fun to be back with Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance. Even though they are considerably older. (From what I can guess is that the three older ones are around 16 or 17; Constance would be around 7.)
2) Tai was a nice addition. I was quite skeptical about him at first, and at times he was a little “too cute”. But he fits in nicely with the plot, especially the part at the end. I think it was also good to get another kid into the story since the three older ones have grown up so much.
3) Lots of riddles and adventure in this one. I’m horrible at solving riddles, but I do enjoy seeing the Society figure them out. (Or should I say, Reynie is the one that always figures them out.)
4) Milligan has a nice little cameo. Probably one of my favourite parts of the story. I wish he was in it a little more, but I understand why he wasn’t.
5) One of my least favourite developments of this series has been Constance’s telepathic abilities. However, I didn’t actually mind it in this story. I felt it worked really well within the plot. And I will say, overall, I have really grown to like Constance as a character. Sure, she’s moody. But she’s interesting. And not quite as contrary as she is in the other books.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I was excited when I first found out about the existence of this book about a year ago. BUT, I was also skeptical. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This book had all the fun worthy of a Mysterious Benedict Society book. The kids are older (and really, with the exception of Constance and Tai, no longer “kids”) but their characters remained true. And I liked how Stewart was able to bring together all the events of this book.
YOUR TURN…
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…
Of Maria Antonia 
I really enjoyed this one and thought it was a fitting end to the Mysterious Benedict Society series. Like you, I at first wasn’t sure about Tai. It seemed like he was brought in as a “replacement” kid to be cute because everyone else was growing up, but he grew on me. And, like you, I never really liked Constance’s telepathy–it never seemed to fit in with everyone else’s talents, seemed too “magical.” But it worked here. I loved returning to the world of the MBS!
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Agreed! I was worried about this book not standing up to the others. But I remember reading your review, and that gave me hope that I might actually like it! 🙂
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I haven’t started this series yet but have heard good things about it. Glad Krysta and you enjoyed this new book in the series so much.
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It’s definitely a fun series. 🙂
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I had no idea there was a new book in this series out! I didn’t love books 2 and 3 in the series, but book 1 was so great (as was the prequel about Mr. Benedict) that I may have to get a copy of this! I’m curious about what Reynie, Kate, and Sticky are like as teenagers. Thanks for the great review!
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I like books #2 and #3, but I didn’t love them as much as the first book. I rememeber being skeptical about the prequel but, like you, ended up loving that one! 🙂
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I’ve never read one of these books, but maybe I should. Thanks for your honest review.
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It’s a fun series. The are four books now + a prequel (when Mr. Benedict is a kid).
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Haven’t read this series. Thanks for introducing me to it. Kids who love solving mysteries will certainly enjoy this book. I like the characters, especially Constance and her “telepathy.”
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Yes, the riddles are a fun component. The telepathy only comes into the books in either Book #2 or 3 (I can’t remember which).
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I also haven’t read this series but have heard a lot about the first book. This one sounds like it successfully continues the story line. I’ve added them both to my TBR list. Thanks for featuring on MMGM and congratulation on your top spot today.
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I saw that I was top spot! I felt so honoured! 🙂
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There are four books in the series. (Not to mention the prequel.) You will definitely need to read them in order. (The prequel can be read at any time, though.)
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II haven’t heard of this series. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I enjoyed reading your review and seeing your enthusiasm about the books.
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Definitely a fun series. I really think it’s the group of kids that you learn to love and just want to read more about their adventures!
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I love the Mysterious Benedict Society! I didn’t know there was a new book out. I’m planning on reading the prequel about Nicholas Benedict this summer, but this will be next on my list!
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It’s been awhile since he published Book #3. I think that was supposed to be the final book in the series. So, I was also surprised to see this book pop up in my feed. I’m usually pretty skeptical when it comes to books like this. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. I’m glad I enjoyed this one!
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