Who Could That Be at This Hour?
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
| Website | www |
Who Could That Be at This Hour? serves as the inaugural installment of the All the Wrong Questions series by Lemony Snicket, taking place prior to the events of A Series of Unfortunate Events. The plot centers on a young Lemony Snicket beginning his apprenticeship with the V.F.D., under the guidance of its lowest-ranking agent, S. Theodora Markson. Released on October 23, 2012, by Little, Brown and Company and featuring illustrations by Seth, this novel blends elements of mystery with themes of mentorship and suspense.
Plot
The story commences with a cover letter addressed to "Walleye," with a carbon copy sent to V.F.D. headquarters.
At twelve years old, Lemony Snicket flees from his impostor guardians to begin training under S. Theodora Markson, who holds the last place (52nd) among V.F.D. agents. Their destination is Stain'd-by-the-Sea, a deteriorating town once renowned for its octopus ink industry, where their mission involves acquiring the Bombinating Beast statue from the Mallahan family.
The Mallahans reside in a lighthouse that also houses the town’s newspaper office. Moxie Mallahan, aspiring to join her mother in journalism within the city, reveals the statue to Snicket, which appears legitimately owned despite Markson’s intention to steal it.
At the local library—managed by sub-librarian Dashiell Qwerty—Snicket encounters Stew Mitchum, son of the town’s sole police officers. Stew mocks Snicket while his parents patrol in a customized station wagon equipped with a red flashlight replacing a siren. Snicket discovers a secret method to communicate with his sister Kit by requesting specific books containing hidden messages.
Under cover of night, Snicket and Markson infiltrate the lighthouse to take the statue. Moxie assists but conceals herself when Markson arrives. Their escape route leads them along a hawser linking the lighthouse to the abandoned Sallis mansion. Upon noticing the Mitchums’ light at the mansion, Snicket climbs into a tree where he meets Ellington Feint, who desires the statue as leverage to free her kidnapped father from Hangfire.
During a police search led by the Mitchums, Ellington conceals the statue inside a package. The following day, Snicket discovers Ellington has exchanged it for coffee and takes a taxi driven by two boys named Pip and Squeak Bellerophon to continue his investigation.
Together with Moxie, Snicket explores Sallis Mansion and rescues Murphy Sallis—actually Sally Murphy, a celebrated local theater figure—who confesses that she and an accomplice orchestrated events to manipulate Markson into stealing the statue on behalf of Hangfire.
Snicket locates the statue hidden in an attic at a coffee shop and secures it at the library before closing time. After delivering a package containing substitute books to hotel concierge Prosper Lost, Snicket receives a deceptive call from someone pretending to be Ellington. While pursuing this false lead, Hangfire breaks into Markson’s hotel room, restrains her, and searches for the statue.
Reuniting with Ellington at the coffee shop, they agree to return the statue to the Mallahans while planning to locate her father. The next morning, after entrusting Moxie with the statue at the lighthouse, they realize Ellington has again swapped it for coffee and escapes into the forest carrying it.
The concluding chapter depicts Snicket recounting these occurrences to Hector, another V.F.D. apprentice referenced in A Series of Unfortunate Events, before Hector departs via hot air balloon.
An illustration closes the book showing young Kit Snicket investigating the Fountain of Victorious Finance prior to its placement in the city’s financial district.
Main
- Lemony Snicket serves as the central character and is an apprentice affiliated with V.F.D.
- S. Theodora Markson acts as Snicket’s assigned chaperone, holding the 52nd position on the V.F.D. chaperone roster.
- Ellington Feint, characterized by her tall stature, green eyes, and long black hair, is determined to obtain the statue in order to save her father.
- Moxie Mallahan, an aspiring reporter residing in a lighthouse alongside her father, is eager to join her mother at a metropolitan newspaper.
Supporting
- Dashiell Qwerty works as the sub-librarian at the Stain'd-by-the-Sea public library and is viewed with suspicion because of his unruly appearance.
- Pecuchet (Pip) and Bouvard (Squeak) Bellerophon manage the Bellerophon Taxi, earning tips while sharing books during their rides.
- Stewart "Stew" Mitchum is a cruel boy whose parents serve as the town’s only law enforcement officials.
- Prosper Lost owns the Lost Arms hotel, which provides accommodation for Markson and Snicket.
- Officers Harvey and Mimi Mitchum, a married police couple, show favoritism toward their son Stewart and frequently disregard formal legal procedures.
- Murphy Sallis (also known as Sally Murphy) hires Markson to steal the Bombinating Beast statue; in reality, she is an actress impersonating Mrs. Sallis.
Guest
- Kit Snicket, described as Snicket’s "trusted associate," communicates through titles of library books; they miss a joint meeting early in the narrative.
- Hangfire is a skilled voice impersonator pursuing the statue for reasons that remain secret.
- Hector makes a brief appearance near the conclusion, expressing shared disappointments about V.F.D. apprenticeships with Snicket.
Literary references
The storyline bears strong resemblance to Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 novel The Maltese Falcon. Several nods to Duke Ellington are evident throughout, including the character Ellington Feint, Snicket’s stay in the Far East Suite, and mentions of the library book An Analysis of Black, Brown and Beige.
Reception
Ryan Britt from TOR commended the book for its unique "Lemony Snicket voice," which merges "absurd melancholy" with hopeful undertones. Claire Hayes of INIS Magazine emphasized its attraction for readers who appreciate intricate mysteries and traditional detective narratives. Josh Lacey of The Guardian referred to it as a "charming, clever, and enormously enjoyable little mystery" that provokes thoughtful questions while building excitement for future installments.
Noah Cruickshank of The A.V. Club highlighted the story’s suspenseful nature and how it heightens eagerness for what follows. Jenni Laidman from Chicago Tribune noted that the novel operates on various levels—plot development, humor, and cultural allusions—making it captivating for both young and adult audiences, with wordplay taking precedence over complex plotting.