The Reptile Room

Dear Reader, If you have picked up this book with the hope of finding a cheery tale, I'm afraid you have picked up the wrong book. The story may seem cheery at first, when the Baudelaire children spend time in the compagny of some interesting reptiles and a giddy uncle, but don't be fooled. Thnigs go terribly wrong in no time. In fact, within the pages you now hold in your hands, the three siblings endure a car accident, a terrible smell, a deadly serpent, a long knife, a large brass reading lamp, and the reappearance of a person they'd hoped never to see again. I am bound to record these tragic events but you are free to put this book back on the shelf and seek something lighter. With all due respect, Lemony Snicket [4e de couv.]