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SCMP Reporter

The Mysterious Benedict Society
Trenton Lee Stewart
Published by  Chicken House
ISBN 978 1 905294 57 2
An intriguing advert appears in a newspaper that asks the question: 'Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?'
Hundreds respond. They are put through a series of mind-bending tests, but only four of the applicants pass.
These special children unknowingly become members of the Mysterious Benedict Society. Their lives will never be the same again.
The main character is Reynie, a humble  but highly intelligent 11-year-old orphan.  Reynie feels he has nothing to lose,  completing all the tests - and puzzles within puzzles - with ease.
Reynie  meets Sticky, Constance and Kate, the other three  who have passed these mysterious tests.
Mr Benedict explains why he has brought together four of the most exceptional kids in the world. They are needed for   an undercover mission.
He tells the quartet they are to foil an evil plot conceived by the principal of the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened.
But what has the kindly old Mr Benedict got to do with the evil mastermind?
The plot thickens.
Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society is great fun.  It is  fantasy of the highest order - a cleverly written novel well-stocked with twists, intrigue and appealing characters guaranteed to leave you satisfied.



Fantasy fun of the highest order