When 13-year-old Lemony Snicket runs away to a fading seaside town, he becomes an apprentice to S. Theodora Markson, part secret agent, part private investigator. They’re hired to track down a precious statue, but it seems they’re not the only ones desperate to get their hands on it. Why is it so valuable? That’s definitely the wrong question.

Before you consider reading Who Could That Be at This Hour? ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you curious about what is happening in a seaside town that is no longer by the sea?

2. Do you want to know more about a stolen item that wasn’t stolen at all?

3. Do you really think that’s any of your business? Why? What kind of person are you? Really?

4. Who is standing behind you?