This series of books has been a part of the Mustard Seeds Library collection of fantastic books for some time. The first book of this series is called The Bad Beginning and the second is The Reptile Room. The series is about the stories of the unfortunate Blaudaire orphans who lost their parents, as well as their grand house, in a terrible fire. Now, all they are left with are themselves and their family fortune which Violet, the eldest among them, is entitled to receive when she is 18 years old. Mr. Poe, their caseworker sends them to stay with their distant relative, Count Olaf. Evil Count Olaf and his group of play actors never miss an opportunity to get their hands on the Blaudaire fortune. At last Count Olaf takes the little infant brother, Sunny, as a hostage and compels Violet to marry him. But Violet, and her clever plan, saves the children from this disaster and they end up framing Count Olaf - who, unfortunately, manages to flee with his band of crooks.

In the second book, the story goes on. Mr. Poe sends them to their distant uncle's place next after their escape from Count Olaf's evil schemes. Uncle Montgomery, a herpitologist, is very kind to the children and for once the children finally begin to feel like they have found a home Š until Count Olaf shows up again! This time he appears as Uncle Monty's assistant, Stephano. Can you believe how unfortunate this becomes? Count Olaf murders Uncle Monty and forces the children to go to Peru with him. Fortunately, Mr. Poe reaches there just in time and manages to stop Count Olaf in his tracks. Like the last time, Count Olaf finds an escape leaving us ready for the next story in this series! These very unfortunate children are homeless again, but safe from Count Olaf for the time being.

I read these books many times. One can really feel the incidents, and Count Olaf's evil schemes, coming alive through the words of the writer. I most definitely recommend all the members to read this book as soon as possible ... if they can take the thrills, that is!!