This fourth installment in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS felt like it zoomed by and seemed like a set-up for the next few books. This is an action-packed episode with the Baudelaires reversing roles to expose Count Olaf (Klaus inventing and Violet researching, for example) and a few more enemies in their corner this time around. But there are also bursts of goodness with the optimistic Phil and the kind Charles. These bursts are new to the series and give the orphans hope that there are good people out there in this unfortunate world they're encountering. With the prospect of new friends at boarding school in Book #5, it seems like the Baudelaires may be getting some positive reinforcements to balance out the evil lurking around every corner.