The seventh book in this upsetting series. It is yet another tale of how the Baudelaire children are a well placed razor away from death. The scoundrel Count Olaf is up to his old tricks. How he is able to baffle entire crowds of people with his guile, which in this case refers to his uncanny ability to fool adults. Luckily Violet, Klaus and Sunny are sharp children and are using their individual talents to stay alive.

Thanks to the heroic and mysterious efforts of Lemony Snicket it seems that this tale could come to a quick end for the children. Although these orphans are clever, resourceful they may find that their eyes may be plucked out by the birds of this vile village. On the other hand, they may find the answer to all their worried including the elusive meaning to VFD.

Cheering for these children to remain alive has been a pleasure and a joy. I am exuberant to say that this book into a tail spin which may be to difficult for the Baudelaire orphans to pull out of quickly. The big question is whether Mr. Poe will finally look after the children or ignore their cries for help.