While the Society members share their own insecurities and fears and have their own personal flaws and faults, they reflect a sense of hope and reconciliation. But this doesn’t become a one-character show as the teamwork thread that weaves this series together shines all the more brightly here. However, this is very much Constance’s story, which doesn’t come as a complete surprise considering how a significant focus in previous books was on her uncovering her past and developing her telepathic gifts. While no knowledge of that novel is necessary, these characters’ inclusion makes for a sweet treat and fun call-back to the prequel book, and it’s a good way to tie all of these books together so they feel full-circle. Along these lines, we get re-introduced briefly to two characters who made their first appearance in this series’ prequel novel, The Mysterious Education of Nicholas Benedict.

He fits in well and possesses a unique gift that bonds him to one of the Society’s veteran members. I found him to be a delightful addition as he’s sweet, lovable, and loyal while his character avoids becoming too saccharine. Instead, the feared leader of the Ten Men has, shall we say, bigger fish to fry.īook four also introduces Tai Li as a new member of the Mysterious Benedict Society. Likewise, this is a very Ten Men-centric story with McCracken taking center stage – both of which were huge pluses for me! However, we learn the Society isn’t the main target in McCracken’s sights. But that time was well-spent as this serves as another strong entry into the series, if not also the strongest emotionally-speaking. It was a ten year wait between the release of Prisoner’s Dilemma and Riddle of Ages.

It’s probably fair to mention that this counts as a Happy Rant Review! After years of imprisonment, they have numerous scores to settle, none more so than their imposing leader, McCracken, and he has his sights set on a rather unexpected target. But life is never usual for members of the Mysterious Benedict Society as the young leads are preparing to face down thirteen of the most dangerous Ten Men who have escaped from a maximum security prison. They’re also joined by a new member – a smart, telepathically gifted four-year-old boy named Tai Li. Plot-wise, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages, penned by Trenton Lee Stewart, picks up a few years after the end of the events of Prisoner’s Dilemma where Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance are all a little older and a tad wiser.

The mysterious benedict