Chapter 1 Summary

After escaping the clutches of Count Olaf at Prufrock Prep, The Baudelaires guardian, Mr. Poe, has found them a new set of guardians. Violet, Klaus and Sunny will now be placed in the care of Jerome and Esme Genevieve Squalor. The Squalor's live in the city in which the Baudelaire children grew up, and coming back to the city brings many memories for the children.

The children soon find that their new address, Dark Avenue, is more than just the name of the street; it is an apt description of their new environment. Dark is in, so enormous trees have been planted along the Avenue, which completely block out the sun. The Baudelaires are about to learn just how important "in" is to their new guardians.

Greeted by their new doorman, they quickly learn that elevators are out of fashion, so they must...