The circus or carnival is often a double edged sword. Of course this phrase is not meant to say that a carnival or circus is a weapon. Rather it is used to describe something that can have a positive and negative effect. The Baudelaire orphans continue their horrific adventure in this contrary place, a word which means people do and say things which make no sense at all. These unfortunate children have now been forced to do something they never thought they would need to do, wear a disguise.

No matter how hard the Baudelaires work, no matter how clever they act it always seems that Olaf has a step up on the children. Although their disguises may confuse the regular person, will it be enough to stay hidden from the count? More importantly these orphans are beginning to realize how difficult it can be to find the true meaning of VFD.

With no sign of Mr. Poe and the world suspecting them of being murderers can they survive? Is it truly possible for children with such bad luck to survive so long. Or could it be they have survived as long as they have because of their bad luck. Whatever the outcome of this story, it is clear their lives are not getting easier.