He and his assistant had gone ahead and would meet the four children at the end of their journey, a mystery destination. The journey would be broken into several legs and the children would be accompanied by their own personal bodyguard and another assistant. To know where to go for each part of the trip, the children were required to solve clues that had been specially designed so that they would have to use their unique talents and gifts. As they arrived at each new destination, another clue awaited them.
Sounds fun and exciting, doesn't it?
But there's a catch.
Somewhere along the trail they were leaving for the children, Mr. Benedict and Number Two, his assistant, were kidnapped by his evil arch nemesis/long-lost-twin-brother, Ledroptha Curtain. Instead of a holiday, the trip becomes a dangerous rescue mission that the children, much to the dismay of their parents and guardians, embark upon alone.
As the story unfolded, the reason for the kidnapping became clear: duskwort. This was a mysterious plant said to have the ability to put entire cities to sleep. Mr. Curtain had learned that his benevolent brother apparently discovered the last remaining specimens on the planet and planed to use them in some important research linked to finding a cure for narcolepsy. Mr. Curtain, of course, wanted to appropriate the plant for less than benevolent purposes. With it, he believed he could rule the world.
To prevent the untimely demise of their beloved friends and the unscrupulous overthrow of society, the children raced the clock to travel around the world, solving clues and dodging danger at every turn. They didn't know who could be trusted and who couldn't. Mr. Curtain had placed his minions along their path, hoping to intercept them before they could render his victims aid. Even with their most gallant effort, would they find Mr. Benedict and Number Two in time? How could they thwart the ruthless evil mastermind, Mr. Curtain and his wicked henchmen, The Ten Men? Or would this journey be their last?
We enjoyed this second installment in the series very much. It was not, however, as well executed as the first book. The plot seemed to be rather loosely woven in spots and, even after an attempt by the author to tie up loose ends in the concluding chapter, that's exactly what it felt like he was doing. There was an entire subplot about the attempted theft of a large number of diamonds that was introduced, I think, for the purposes of setting up book three. It was awkward.
Still, it was a fun read, all 440 pages of it. And, just to make sure you take the bait, the first chapter of book three is included after the conclusion of this installment.
We did, as it came up, discuss the direct disobedience displayed by the children. They believed they had to sneak out of the house and travel alone on this adventure because of the threat to their friends. Even after their body guard, Milligan, caught up to them, they continued to disobey his instructions.
Another very good discussion was had concerning the character of Sticky, one of the four children. He was brilliant and had a photographic memory that enabled him to remember every single page of every single book he had ever read. After their success in the first book, Sticky had begun to grow a little pompous. He, though loved, grated on everyone's nerves when he tried to show off for adults wherever they went. The book dealt with the internal struggle he had with himself when he realized the bad habit he had gotten into. At the very climax of the story, Sticky, desperate to save his friends from the terrible danger he had gotten them into, rose to heroism and inspired all his friends to hold out to the very end.
This is #34 in the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge.
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| Link to the website for the challenge |
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