Lemony Snickett tells the "unfortunate" story of the three Baudelaire children, who are orphaned in the first book and are pursued by the dastardly Count Olaf for the fortune they will inherit when they come of age. Snickett begins each book with a warning about how tragic and horrible a tale he is telling, and, indeed, the dangers the children face and events they witness are dire. Each child possesses unique talents, and by working together, they manage a series of narrow escapes.
