The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma

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The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma.jpg
First edition
Author Trenton Lee Stewart
IllustratorDiana Sudyka
Language English
Series The Mysterious Benedict Society
Genre Children's, juvenile fiction
Publisher Little, Brown
Publication date
October 6, 2009
Publication place United States
Pages391
ISBN 978-0-316-04552-0
OCLC 318879201
LC Class PZ7.S8513 Myg 2009
Preceded by The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey  
Followed by The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages  

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma is a 2009 children's novel written by Trenton Lee Stewart and illustrated by Diana Sudyka. For a decade it remained the third and final book in the Mysterious Benedict Society series; however, a new adventure followed in 2019.

Contents

Plot summary

In the third installment of the Mysterious Benedict Society series, Reynie, Sticky, Kate, Constance, and various loved ones find themselves holed up in Mr. Benedict's house, which is teeming with security. The evil Mr. Curtain is at large and hunting for the Whisperer—now in Mr. Benedict's possession—so he can control minds from afar. When a shady businessman shows up with false records claiming that he is Constance's father, Mr. Benedict is compelled to use the Whisperer to uncover her short past. Distraught and confused after all is revealed that she is an orphan, Constance runs away, with the whole household after her—just the distraction Mr. Curtain and his men need to steal the Whisperer and set his evil plans into motion. Of course, the rest of the Mysterious Benedict Society soon find themselves on his trail. [1]

Soon, Reynie receives messages telling him a code number. He realizes it is a library code number, and Sticky tells them that that book's only copy is located in a library. They find Constance and an apparent clue to where the Whisperer is, but it turns out to be a trap. They are captured by Mr. Curtain. Kate makes several attempts to escape but does not prevail. Finally, their various loved ones come to the rescue, particularly Milligan, who fights McCracken, leader of Mr. Curtain's team of "Ten Men". Realizing that he is now bound for defeat, Mr. Curtain attempts suicide, but S.Q. prevents him out of love. In the end Mr. Curtain is arrested and sent to prison. Milligan retires, Constance is adopted by Mr. Benedict, and the families settle in the first and second floor of Mr. Benedict's house. (Or in Sticky's case, across the street.) The Whisperer was then later disabled by Mr. Benedict. His narcolepsy is later cured by Constance, thanks to her unusual gifts.

Characters

Reception

Booklist stated "Displaying much of the charm of the first book, this would make a fitting end to the series, but the Society's legion of fans probably wouldn't say no to more." [2] while the School Library Journal wrote "the story lacks the facile agility of its predecessors. On the other hand, the opening gambit is fresh and frightfully funny ... If this is the last Society installment, readers had better, as Reynie says, "acquire a taste for the bittersweet."" [2] Common Sense Media wrote "But the story takes awhile to get going (the first 100 pages could have been condensed to 20)," and "A few more surprises and twists would have been welcome. Not that the simpler story will keep fans away -- and once the action picks up in the last third, kids will definitely be engaged." [3]

References

  1. "The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma - Book Review" . Retrieved 2016-09-30.
  2. 1 2 "The mysterious Benedict Society and the prisoner's dilemma". www.buffalolib.org. Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
  3. Carrie R. Wheadon. "The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma". www.commonsensemedia.org. Common Sense Media Inc. Retrieved 2 January 2016.

Further reading