Secret organizations, mysterious statues, and deserted towns fill Lemony Snicket’s new series of books, “All the Wrong Questions.” The first of which, entitled “Who Could That Be at This Hour?” evokes the same witty, compelling tone that readers of his “Series of Unfortunate Events” so loved. As in “Unfortunate Events,” Snicket draws us in with a myriad of shadowy things. Things that aren’t what they initially appear, making for a story full of biting humor and clever intrigue.

The first book of the four-volume series takes place long before “Unfortunate Events,” focusing on Snicket’s own tale of involvement with the enigmatic group, VFD. Told in first person, Lemony narrates his journey as a thirteen-year-old apprentice to the organization. Within the first chapter, by way of an emerald green roadster, we have arrived at Stain’d-by-the-Sea—a practical ghost town—wherein Snicket will take on his first reconnaissance mission and, consequently, find himself in the depths of an unfathomable mystery.

The novel is a labyrinth of twists and turns, a journey that seems to raise more questions than it answers. Yet it’s enjoyable every step of the way. Snicket has a talent for guiding us into the thickening plot slowly but surely—leading the reader through each moment with a building sense of foreboding and anticipation until we find ourselves chin-deep in quicksand. We unknot the threads of the narrative along with young Snicket, yet he always manages to stay one step ahead of us, moving us forward without our realizing what might happen next. It is like wearing literary blinders.

This unpredictability is one of the central draws of the story. Echoing “Unfortunate Events,” Snicket harbors a sense of ingenuity in his plot lines, angling them so that we can just foggily see where things may lead can never be sure of where we’re headed next. For, just when one riddle seems to be solved, our “aha!” moment is usurped by a flurry of lingering questions.

In contrast, the novel’s characters are kept sharp and distinct from one another. Their personas are clear enough that there is room for reader interpretation without the exasperation of flipping back and forth in an effort to keep up with ambiguous names and faces. Rather, each character serves a purpose while keeping Snicket’s signature whimsy—among them a substitute librarian, an aspiring journalist, taxi-driving twins, and Snicket’s wild-haired, ignorantly inane mentor.

Likewise, the author’s brand of storytelling is sharp and concise. Each event cleanly leads to a web of others until we find ourselves entangled by the possibilities—enthralled but not overwhelmed. Snicket resolutely pulls readers in the right direction, opening new doors and challenging our initial perceptions and assumptions throughout. Despite the unpredictability of the narrative itself, Snicket keeps the reader on a clear path, unencumbered by meandering details or side tangents. Rather, this is a focused story, and he refuses to let us get distracted.

“Who Could That Be at This Hour” is a light yet surprisingly thought provoking read. Like “Unfortunate Events,” there is enough behind the story to keep an older audience interested. Complicated motivations and implications make this new novel more than just a young adult mystery, pulling the original readers of Snicket’s breakout series back into his readership and left anticipating the next piece of the puzzle.

Reach reporter Kelly Belter here.