The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey

by: Trenton Lee Stewart

Published by: Megan Tingley Books / Little, Brown and Company

Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann

This is the second book in this exciting children’s series for ages 8-12. Compared to Lemony Snicket, Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett, this book has spunky and brilliant child heroes, with unusual backgrounds, almost unbelievable talents and nearly impossible quests.

Kate can do most anything physical, carries a red bucket with all sorts of useful tools and lives on a farm with a circus strong man. Her often-absent and newly rediscovered father, Milligan, is a master spy. Reynie was adopted by his teacher and he is intuitive, able to find solutions to the most difficult situations. Sticky knows many languages, can read very fast and recalls everything he has ever read. Constance is only 3, but has talents she is just beginning to learn about, including predicting the weather.

After the children’s first adventure, they returned to their ordinary lives, but they miss each other and write often. Mr. Benedict has arranged a special surprise for them, an expedition and reunion. They meet at Kate’s farm, then leave to go to Mr. Benedict’s house, but find him missing, along with Number 2–and a pigeon with a message has been delivered by a minion of their old nemesis, Mr. Curtain, who also happens to be Mr. Benedict’s twin brother. The children escape from the house and the government agents that were sent to help, following the clues Mr. Benedict left for their reunion, knowing he and Number 2 have been kidnapped from somewhere along this route. First comes a trip on the Shortcut, the world’s fastest and most secure cargo ship, then a train trip to Amsterdam, where they visit the library where Mr. Benedict’s parents’ papers are stored, and they are helped by a very smart librarian and meet up again with Milligan. Then on to a remote and mysterious island, one not on any map, for the stunning and terrifying conclusion.

A fantastic summer read for all ages. My favorite character was three-year-old Constance, who would get cranky if she missed her nap.

Armchair Interviews says: Wonderful addition to the series.