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Before there was a Mysterious Benedict Society, there was simply a boy named Nicholas Benedict. Meet the boy who started it all....
Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict has more problems than most children his age. Not only is he an orphan with an unfortunate nose, but also he has narcolepsy, a condition that gives him terrible nightmares and makes him fall asleep at the worst possible moments. Now he´s sent to a new orphanage, where he encounters vicious bullies, selfish adults, strange circumstances -- and a mystery that could change his life forever. Luckily, he has one important thing in his favor: He´s a genius.

On his quest to solve the mystery, Nicholas finds enemies around every corner, but also friends in unexpected places -- and discovers along the way that the greatest puzzle of all is himself.

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Praise for The Mysterious Benedict Society: "Great cast of characters, lots of cool puzzles and mysteries. This book reminded me of some of the better children´s books I grew up with, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Phantom Tollbooth." --Rick Riordan

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Trenton Lee Stewart is the author of the award-winning and New York Times bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series. He lives in Arkansas with his wife and two sons.

Diana Sudyka received a master of fine arts degree from Northwestern University. She lives and works in Chicago as an artist.

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