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readingcat1832's review against another edition
4.0
This was a solid and sweet conclusion (or what used to be the conclusion now that Riddle of Ages exists) to a really great middle grade series. While the first Mysterious Benedict Book is by far the best and most exciting--it's the only one that really felt high-stakes and there's just something inherently thrilling in kids working as spies trying to uncover a nefarious plot in a sinister setting, not to mention seeing the kids' friendship form--Prisoner's Dilemma is more than satisfying as a conclusion.
The characters in this series are all fantastic, and it's in the dynamic between the children where the book really shines. It was such a delight to revisit these books and I'm excited to see where the newly released fourth book takes me.
The characters in this series are all fantastic, and it's in the dynamic between the children where the book really shines. It was such a delight to revisit these books and I'm excited to see where the newly released fourth book takes me.
introverted_reader's review against another edition
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
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
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)
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
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.
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
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
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
5.0
rachelb36's review against another edition
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.
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
4.0
Wonderful children's literature - not as good as the first two though
ariiw's review against another edition
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