In this second installment in the series, the Baudelaire orphans have, for the moment, escaped the clutches of Count Olaf, the evil, greedy relative who tried to steal their family fortune. Now the Baudelaires are on their way to meet another distant family member, Dr. Montgomery, Mr. Baudelaire's cousin's wife's brother. Dr. Montgomery (or "Uncle Monty" as he likes to be called) is a kindly herpetologist (a scientist that studies snakes) who happens to have a tasty recipe for coconut cream cake. But the children are in for a thrill when they accompany Uncle Monty on a research trip. And if Uncle Monty's slithery subjects aren't enough to worry about, Count Olaf makes another appearance, vowing to get the Baudelaire money he so desires.

   --- Reviewed by Shannon Maughan