The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma
by Trenton Lee Stewart
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Book Summary Information
Author: Trenton Lee StewartIllustrator: Diana Sudyka
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-10-06
ISBN: 0316045527
Number of pages: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Book Reviews of The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma
Book Review: "Kate Had Finally Figured Out a Good Rhyme for Constance"
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're a fan of the series, that alone should persuade you pick up a copy of this book, eh? Well, if that's not enough, than on with my real review...
"The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma" begins with Reynard "Reynie" Muldoon, George "Sticky" Washington, Kate Wetherall and Constance Contraire reunited once again. Yet, as with the beginning of the previous installment ("The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey,") all is not entirely well. The children are prisoners of a sort. Not that they are in prison, but they and their families have been uprooted from their normal homes and, for protection, are being housed by Mr. Benedict, as it has been deemed necessary to keep them under ground due to the continued schemes of the evil Mr. Curtain.
The beginning of the story sees the group being tested with a classic conundrum known as the "Prisoner's Dilemma." I was familiar with the concept going in through the show "Numb3rs," but for those that don't know, Sticky provides an excellent explanation of it in the book-- two prisoners, partners in crime, are arrested, but the police do not have needed evidence against them, so they try to get them to talk. If one talks and the other doesn't, the one that talks goes free, while the other receives a harsh sentence. They can choose to both remain silent, in which both receive a very light sentence. Or if they both betray the other, they both receive a middle of the road sentence. If you're familiar with this series, you may have guessed that the monkey wrench in the works here is Constance, but that the Mysterious Benedict Society comes through in the end.
With events taking place in Stonetown with everyone together, the supporting cast of the series is explored in greater depth than ever before. Also to be found in this book are answers to long-awaited questions regarding a couple of the key mysteries of the series. The book begins with a growing tension until, about halfway through, the other shoe drops and The Mysterious Benedict Society faces their greatest test yet. The group will have to rely on their combined talents and friends, as well a most intriguing new power of Constance's that is almost supernatural.
So many plot threads are seemingly resolved in this book that it feels very much like this book is intended as a finale to the series. If this is the case, then I am pleased to see the series ending in fine form. If I am, in fact, mistaken, then I will be delighted to discover so.
At 391 pages, "The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma" is actually a fair bit shorter than either of the books that preceded it. Despite this, the novel sizzles with the sharp wit and growing tension of the previous "Mysterious Benedict Society" stories, leading towards a most satisfying conclusion. Don't miss the bus! Read "The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Priosoner's Dilemma" to discover what's in store for this group of talented children.
Summary of The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma
Reynie, Kate,Sticky and Constance are back - but so is Mr Curtain, with another devious scheme! Can the Mysterious Benedict Society thwart Mr Curtain's plans, even whilst held prisoner? Join them on their adventure as they face all sorts of dilemmas, in a bi to save Stonetown. The third book in the New York Times bestselling seriesProduct Description
Join the Mysterious Benedict Society as Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance embark on a daring new adventure that threatens to force them apart from their families, friends, and even each other. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the foursome must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before.
Filled with page-turning action and mind-bending brain teasers, this wildly inventive journey is sure to delight.
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