This Book Is Not Good for You

This Book Is Not Good for You

Company type	Novel
Industry	Publishing
Founded	2009
Founder	Pseudonymous Bosch
Products	Fantasy novel

This Book Is Not Good for You is a 2009 novel authored by Pseudonymous Bosch, and it forms part of the "Secret Series" pentalogy. The narrative centers on Cass, Max-Ernest, and Yo-Yoji as they face off against the Midnight Sun, a clandestine organization pursuing eternal life via the mythical Tuning Fork.

Plot

The tale begins with Simone, an African girl possessing heightened taste sensitivity, who loses consciousness after sampling chocolate intended for the Midnight Sun. At the same time, Cass and her companions investigate her background and uncover that the Midnight Sun’s base operates under the guise of an orphanage and chocolate plantation in Côte d'Ivoire, managed by the sinister Ms. Mauvais.

Cass and her mother join a culinary class led by Señor Hugo, a blind chef who later abducts Mel to compel Cass into handing over the Tuning Fork. Members of the Terces Society—Pietro Bergamo, Mr. Wallace, Lily Wei, and Owen—assist the youngsters in unveiling the Midnight Sun’s schemes involving both the Tuning Fork and enchanted chocolate.

With clues from Cass’s grandfather’s deserted fire station and leveraging their principal through blackmail, the group secures the Tuning Fork and delivers it to Señor Hugo. However, they soon discover he is allied with the Midnight Sun and refuses to free Mel. Further inquiry reveals that what appeared to be a plantation is actually situated within an artificial rainforest park located in the United States.

The trio infiltrates this plantation but falls victim to a trap involving magical chocolate that induces hypnotic states. During this ordeal, Cass experiences visions connected to her lineage and the Secret but cannot recall them when confronted by Ms. Mauvais, Dr. L, and Señor Hugo—the leaders of the Midnight Sun. Captured along with Simone and Mel, Cass waits for salvation.

Max-Ernest manages to rescue Yo-Yoji, who is entranced in a samurai-like trance, commanding him to release Cass and the others. Together, they recover the Tuning Fork, free enslaved orphans, and make their escape. Upon returning home, they use the Tuning Fork to restore Yo-Yoji’s normal consciousness.

The book concludes with Cass appointed as the new Secret-Keeper, Max-Ernest’s family issues resolved, and Cass slipping into a trance after consuming potent chocolate—setting the stage for the follow-up This Isn't What It Looks Like.

Characters

• Cass: A 12-year-old adopted girl descended from the Jester, founder of the Terces Society—a covert group dedicated to safeguarding the Secret against the Midnight Sun. She is resourceful and leads adventures alongside Max-Ernest and Yo-Yoji to prevent the Midnight Sun’s pursuit of immortality.
• Max-Ernest: An analytical and talkative boy with obsessive traits who dreams of becoming a comedian and magician. He is a member of the Terces Society and close friend to Cass and Yo-Yoji.
• Yo-Yoji: Having lived in Japan, Yo-Yoji studies violin and enjoys rock music. He also belongs to the Terces Society.
• Melanie: Cass's adoptive mother who is kidnapped by Señor Hugo as leverage to force Cass into surrendering the Tuning Fork.
• Larry and Wayne: Cass’s adoptive grandparents residing in an old fire station filled with antiques; Larry was once Melanie’s teacher.
• Mr. Wallace: The archivist for the Terces Society who entrusted Cass to her grandparents’ care.
• Pietro Bergamo: The leader of the Terces Society and former circus magician with synesthesia. Pietro is Dr. L’s twin brother; thought killed by the Midnight Sun but now mentors Cass and her friends.
• Lily Wei: A Terces Society member who teaches violin to Yo-Yoji; she possesses synesthesia and oversees physical defense within their ranks. Kidnapped by Ms. Mauvais during events.
• Señor Hugo: A celebrated chef secretly working for the Midnight Sun who kidnaps Melanie and crafts magical chocolate capable of time travel.
• Ms. Mauvais and Dr. L: The masterminds behind the Midnight Sun’s quest for immortality through alchemical means. Ms. Mauvais is an ageless French woman; Dr. L is Pietro’s estranged twin brother and her partner.
• Simone: A supertaster enslaved by the Midnight Sun to test magical chocolates; later rescued by Cass’s group.
• Romi and Montana Skelton: Twin pop icons secretly affiliated with the Midnight Sun who maintain their youth through concealment.
• Amber and Veronica: Popular girls at school who admire Cass’s group; indirectly linked to the Midnight Sun via connections to the Skelton sisters.

External links

• This Book Is Not Good for You on Google Books