You might have heard someone say old is gold, but is that the case with the team? Can they still fight off the bad guys even after many changes in their lives, appearances, and feelings? This is a book review for The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages. You should definitely read the end of this series because it is one you don’t want to miss.
This series is about a group of children who go on adventures to save lives and solve mysteries, keeping evil at bay with their sagacity and skills. However, now they are older and closer to becoming adults. Reynie, Sticky, Katie, and Constance are all meeting up, and they see a child named Tai has followed Constance. Mr. Benedict, the adult who brought the four together, was visiting Dr. Curtain, his brother, in prison, and an outbreak of Ten Men has been observed. Evil has now been released, and it’s up to the group to defeat them once and for all.
Not only that, but there are many plot twists and unexpected details. For example, Constance is a mind-reader as we know. However, she isn’t the only one. It was assumed she was, but there are other people who have an incredible, special mind like her: Tai, a mysterious new woman, etc. The woman seems to have been brainwashed into helping Dr. Curtain and invading the minds of the Mysterious Benedict Society. Plus, Tai is a very young child, who barely knows how to use his powers properly.
Katie, Sticky, Constance, and Reynie still have issues with themselves and each other. No matter how “grown-up” they appear, they still have those problems. Constance is viewed as childish and immature, which she sort of is due to her rudeness, but she wants to be included. Katie feels like she’s not the most helpful sometimes. Sticky feels inferior to Reynie, and Reynie feels super pressured as a leader and is afraid of messing up things. Will they be able to hold it together and make it through to defeat Dr. Curtain and the Ten Men? Will Tai let the secrets slip accidentally to the mind-reader? Read the book to find out!
I can say this book is a solid 4.5 stars. It’s an incredulous finale, and frankly, this series is underrated. More children should read it due to the inspiration, excitement, and creativity in the story. I would recommend this book to middle schoolers and people who love mysteries and adventure. Go ahead and whisk yourself away to the village of Stonetown and tag along on the team’s journeys.
