Children's · Mystery
The Bad Beginning
After their parents die in a fire, the three Baudelaire children are placed with a distant relative, Count Olaf, who wants their fortune. The narrator warns readers throughout that the story will not be a happy one.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1999
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 188
- Format
- Book 1 of 13 in A Series of Unfortunate Events
Read this if you like darkly funny children's books with an arch, bookish narrator.
Skip this if you want a cheerful story, because the misfortunes are the whole joke.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Bad Beginning
- What is The Bad Beginning about?
- After their parents die in a fire, the three Baudelaire children are placed with a distant relative, Count Olaf, who wants their fortune. The narrator warns readers throughout that the story will not be a happy one.
- Who should read The Bad Beginning?
- Read it if you like darkly funny children's books with an arch, bookish narrator. Skip it if you want a cheerful story, because the misfortunes are the whole joke.
- How long and how fast is The Bad Beginning?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 188 pages, first published in 1999.
- Does The Bad Beginning have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death.
- Can I borrow The Bad Beginning for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Bad Beginning; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Bad Beginning?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Matilda, Coraline, James and the Giant Peach.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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