Reviews

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart

introverted_reader's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

clairedeperry's review against another edition

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3.0

I liked this book more than the second one but not as good as the first one. I love the idea of Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance collaborating together. It was a great addition to add another skill for Constance that ultimately helped them in the end.

ninjakiwi12's review against another edition

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4.0

Fun(ny) fact(s): One of these days I will have to try out Mr. Curtain's exclamation for myself, simply to see others' reactions. Snakes and dogs!

Favorite quote/image: "You aren't responsible for all of us, Kate had said in the prison. We're all responsible for each other, right?" (pg. 387)

Honorable mention: "'I guess you like falling asleep willy-nilly?' said Mr. Gaines angrily. 'I certainly prefer it to laying aside my moral concerns.'" (pg. 64)

Why: Friendship and ingenuity continue to be tested in the third novel. While perhaps my least favorite of the original trilogy, I cannot help but be inspired, entertained, and reminded, as Reynie says, "Maybe we should acquire a taste for bittersweet." (pg. 386)

nolemdaer's review against another edition

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5.0

Although I adore this series and just want more, "...the Prisoner's Dilemma" ended it neatly and competently.

The setting found a middle between the first book's contained island and the second's adventurous romp. It added more compelling character engagement, including the advanced and advancing stages of Constance's abilities, and a tense showdown between Mr. Benedict and Curtain that included the children. The writing continued to be respectful of its characters and never devolved into unfortunate attempts to be hip, instead favoring the same storytelling that made the first two books so good.

jenisliterate's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

jenniferwillis's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious

5.0

rachelb36's review against another edition

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4.0

I do wish there had been more puzzles to solve in this third book, but it had a sweet ending, so I'm happy.

Also, 4-year-old Constance Contraire reminds me so much of my 5-year-old niece, so that made me smile throughout the whole book.

saralynnburnett's review against another edition

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4.0

Wonderful children's literature - not as good as the first two though

ariiw's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

libbith220's review against another edition

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2.5

Honestly, this book kind of let me down. It was 391 pages, yet I felt that the entire story could've been in 100 pages. I think that the first book in this series was the best, and that the author should have just left it at that. I felt that the last two books in the series were somewhat random, for lack of a better word.