Who Could That Be at This Hour?: Also Published as 'All the Wrong Questions: Question 1' Audiobook

" I was initially slightly worried when my sister gave me this book for Christmas, because though I loved reading the Series of Unfortunate Events as a child, I always felt that "Lemony Snicket" was cheating. I felt sure that reading more from this author with more experience with literature would leave me feeling negatively towards a series that I did thoroughly enjoy as a youngster. However, this book certainly did not leave me feeling cold. It has all the familiar elements from S.o.u.E.; the ridiculous plot lines, the treacherous villains, the confusion, the odd definitions of words, and the penchant of Mr. Snicket to never reveal any real answers. This is all part of the charm, as frustrating as it sometimes seems when you read it. If the author had finally answered all the big questions in 'The End', I doubt that all the readers would have been satisfied (I do not think a Harry Potter-style conclusion would have been possible here; too many loose ends!). Mystery is an integral part of these works. Who could that be at this hour seeks to follow a different path; the trials of the Beaudelaire Orphins being well and truly told. This volume picks up the story of the 13 year old Lemony Snicket; who were know as the Narrator of the original series. Snicket's experiences seem to echo the orphins'; he is shunted around against his will in the care of the villainous S. Theodore Markson. Lemony has been taken on by this woman as an apprentice, a role which turns out to be more the executor of dirty work. Lemony takes matters into his own hands and gets help from two girls that he meets along the way. The familiar and almost cozy twist and turns of the plot kept me on my toes, and I found this a rollicking and enjoyable read. Lemony Snicket continues to leave everything unexplained and the poor reader scratching his head trying to figure out what it all means; but resolution is not the point; the process of reading is the whole point, and I think it takes a child's mind to 'get' this idea. "

" lots of Very Fine Dialog. "

" I Will never get to old for any Daniel Handler book ever. Will definetely continue reading these series "

" This book was really good- throughly enjoyed it! Now I can't wait to read The Series Of Unfortunate Events "

" Classic Snicket! Lots of twists & turns, lots of extraordinary vocabulary words, and just-plain-fun story. I'm looking forward to the second installment. "

" While Snicket's quirky wordplay shines, the characters pale in comparison to the Baudelaires. "

" Uhhh... I liked the illustrations. "

" such an interesting book to read. Nothing is at it seems "

" Great book!!! There must be a second one coming out soon, because it didn't quite wrap up the whole mystery.... :) "

" I adore the Series of Unfortunate Events and whenever I see Snicket's name I pick up the book. This is the first in a new series and it begins with Snicket's first mystery as a young man. Not as charming as SUE but there is potential. "

" A new mystery by Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler), that I found was very entertaining. "

" Fun read with my 8 year old. We're both bummed that we have to wait until fall for the next one. "

" Great book! A true Snicket novel. The book leaves the reader with lots of questions and no answers. Looking forward to the next installment (is there one planned?) "

" For children and pre teen is a great book! "

" This was a quick fun read. I enjoyed the book and will be recommending it to MG readers. "

" can't wait for the second book! "

" A fun crime/noir parody and novel for kids. If you want them to grow up to read Dashiell Hammett, you should probably start them here. "

" Oh dear. So self-consciously smart that I just can't take it. Will kids like this book? I sure didn't. And next to all the Agatha Christie books that I've read lately, the "mystery" in this book looks lame and undeveloped. "

" A rather rambling journey where we ended up where we started out. "

" It's very enjoyable. But very very short... I WANT MORE! "

" Hmm. I have really missed Lemony Snicket and this was a fun way for him to come back. His signature style is present, albeit a bit toned down, and mysteries abound. Something about the pacing felt off to me, but I am still looking forward to the next story. :) "

" Snicket has done it again. Another tour de force...which here means a book that is a fine example of a particular genre in the hands of a master who is clicking on all cylinders. "