No endearing beginnings this time, this third book goes almost straight from bleakness to tragedy. A brief respite ensues, but not with much happiness Captain Sham, a brand new nemesis, swiftly appears on their doorstep, and calamity strikes, yet again. After leaving the Reptile House and uncle Monty behind, the Baudelaire orphans travel to Lake Lachrymose, to a secluded house on the top of a perilous cliff where they meet their new caretaker Aunt Josephine, a brave and fearless sweet old lady who loves grammar and is never afraid of anything, least of all realtors.
