A prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mysterious Benedict series! 'This book reminded me of some of the children’s books I grew up with, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Phantom Tollbooth.' RICK RIORDAN, author of the PERCY JACKSON series on book 1 'Like the Potter books, this story goes beyond mere adventure' BOOKLIST on book 1Before there was the Mysterious Benedict Society, there was simply a nine-year-old orphan named Nicholas Benedict. When Nicholas is sent to a new orphanage, he encounters vicious bullies, selfish adults – and a mystery that could change his life for ever. 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 ... A prequel to the New York Times bestselling adventure series – ideal for children aged 10 and up Join a group of smart and resourceful junior sleuths as they solve a series of page-turning puzzles and mysteries Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens's MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE series