Parents' Guide to

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey

By Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Positive lessons, but more danger than 1st book.

Book Trenton Lee Stewart Mystery 2008
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 9+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Cristina W.
Cristina W. Parent of 0-year-old
September 8, 2020
age 8+

Great book

Second in the series, still very adventurous, Scary a bit, because Mr. Curtain's,(Mr. Benedict's identical twin brother) soldiers known as Ten men because they can hurt their victim ten different ways. But still good. It does say the ten men curse, but it does not tell you what they said. The youngest member of the society, Constance, they find out she is psychic. Kate did attempt to throw a calulater/bomb at Mr. Curtain and his crew, (that the ten men had set),but then realizes that if she throws it at them, she is as bad as they are, so she through it in the ocean, instead. Another adventure with the society.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
My4sons
My4sons Adult
May 16, 2012
age 10+

Good series - like this author

My sons really enjoys this series. It is one of the few newer kids series that is actually appropriate for kids.
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Mr. Benedict's evil twin, Mr. Curtain -- who was on the run at the end of The Mysterious Benedict Society --has regrouped, recruited business suit-wearing goons called the Ten Men, and even kidnapped Mr. Benedict on the eve of a big surprise trip he has planned for his special child protégés: Constance, Reynie, Sticky, and Kate, aka The Mysterious Benedict Society. Immediately, the foursome decides to take action, abandoning their caregivers, following the clues, and hopping on the ship that Mr. Benedict booked for their passage to Portugal. As they pick up more clues and continue their journey, they soon realize that the Ten Men are hot on their trail -- one that leads to Mr. Benedict, an elusive plant with astounding properties, and, unfortunately, directly into the hands of the nefarious Mr. Curtain once again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (17):

You can say the same thing about the second installment of the Mysterious Benedict Society as you could about the first: It doesn't need to be 450 pages long. But once again, the author's indulgence is forgiven by the time you get to the last 100 of them -- the ending is action-packed. And the peril is at the hands of some pretty entertaining villains.

Readers also can't help but love Constance, Reynie, Sticky, and Kate. Constance and her moods are still hilarious, and here she further advances her gifts -- and develops some surprising new ones, too. Kate, with her falcon training and superior dexterity, is a spy in the making like her father Milligan, and they have a sweet father-daughter rapport. Reynie's conscience and quick problem-solving work overtime, and Sticky finds courage and strength he never knew he had. These are wonderful characters you'll want your kids spending hours with, even if they won't be truly riveted until the last act.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the lessons the kids learn on their journey. How do you think Kate's father Milligan influenced her decision to not use violence? How often do you find that kind of nonviolent message in the books you read or the TV shows and movies you watch? Has Reynie's opinion of people changed? Have you ever thought the way he did? What did Constance and Sticky learn about themselves? How did Mr. Benedict help Constance be more confident with her gifts?

Book Details

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