The Penultimate Peril (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 12)

After any harrowing struggle, it is nice to consider checking into a hotel for a rest. In fact, this might be just the break Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire could use after their wearying deep-sea adventure.

A hotel can be a good choice for any family vacation. With so many floors, such a variety of rooms, and a curious array of guests, spending time in the safety of the right hotel can be the perfect learning environment for children of any age. A keen researcher like Klaus, an adept inventor like Violet, and a sharp-toothed culinary master like Sunny are all sure to find engaging diversions during their stay.

Regardless of how they pass their time while at a hotel, the three siblings will be sure to take in all the interesting sights and sounds -- and write them down -- just in case this episode turns out to be the darkest yet in a series of unfortunate events.

Tom Jones - Children's Literature

It is to the Hotel Denouement, a place of intrigue, danger, and momentary safety, that the Baudelaire orphans are sent in this, the popular and tremendously entertaining A Series of Unfortunate Events. Taken there by the mysterious Kit Snicket, who is either a helpful volunteer or a nefarious villain, the orphans must pose as hotel concierges and try to uncover clues that will either free them from the misery inflicted on them by the dastardly figure of Count Olaf, or lead them into even more despair and peril. The twist is that they must do this in a hotel which is organized using the Dewey Decimal System. In typical Lemony Snicket style, nothing is ultimately resolved, but the reader is teased in the most tantalizing manner, which here means that the author tempts us with the most delectable pastries but then snatches them away at the last second. Readers who have read along with this series from the beginning will recognize almost all of the characters as they return to either haunt or protect the orphans. While the plot is like Swiss cheese, the action is fast and furious and Snicket's inimitable style is ultimately satisfying. I had not read any of the previous books in the series, nor have I watched the popular film, but I was duly impressed with this book and its uniqueness. Youngsters and even adults have every right to laud this book and this series. I cannot wait for the next title. 2005, HarperCollins, and Ages 10 up.