I liked this book a little less than the other Series of Unfortunate Events books. This one was an even faster read (I read it in about 2.5 hours vs the 4-6 the previous books took) and seemed to lack the depth and layering of elements that the previous books have had. It furthered the main story, but it seemed like it held less as its own story. Although I did get a tickle from seeing Haruki Murakami's name, since I've got The Wind-up Bird Chronicle sitting on my kitchen table waiting for my attention.