Before writing "A Series of Unfortunate Events," Lemony Snicket asks all the wrong questions. Four, to be precise. This is the report of the second question.

In the declining town of Stain’d-by-the-Sea, young apprentice Lemony Snicket has a new case to solve when he and his chaperone are hired to find a missing girl. Is the girl a runaway? Or has she been kidnapped? Was she last seen at the grocery store? Or perhaps she stopped at the restaurant? Is it really your business?

In the tradition of great storytellers, from Dickens to Dahl, comes an exceptionally dark comedy that is as literary as it is unruly. You will only laugh if you find humor in the gothic and mysterious things concerning detectives and crime-solving.

Lemony's other literary outings, in "A Series of Unfortunate Events," have sold 60 million copies worldwide and have been adapted into a Hollywood movie starring Jim Carrey. And in the future, things are scheduled to get much worse, thanks to the upcoming Netflix series directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. You have been warned.

Have you read the four mysterious titles in the series Wrong Questions?

• "Who Could That Be at This Hour?"
• "When Did You See Her Last?"
• "Shouldn't You Be in School?"
• "Why Is This Night Different from All Other Nights?"

Author Lemony Snicket was born before you and will probably die before you too. He was born in a small town where the residents were suspicious and prone to riots. He grew up near the sea and currently lives beneath it. Until recently, he lived somewhere else. He is a broken man, filled with sorrow and despair because of writing "A Series of Unfortunate Events." He spends his days wandering the countryside crying and whining and his nights eating hastily prepared meals.

Artist Seth has depicted suspicious circumstances and odd characters in many of his works. He is an award-winning cartoonist, author, and artist, whose works include Palookaville and Clyde Fans.

Pages: 288, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm