15 Books Similar To Series Of Unfortunate Events [2026 Updated]

If you are reading this, it is likely because you have recently finished A Series of Unfortunate Events and find yourself in a state of despair. Not because the ending was tragic , but because there are no more pages left to turn. You miss the Baudelaire orphans. You miss the intricate conspiracies. Most of all, you miss that very specific feeling of reading a story where the children are brilliant, the adults are woefully incompetent, and the humor is as dark as a coal mine at midnight.

Finding books similar to A Series of Unfortunate Events is no easy task. Lemony Snicket’s voice is unique in the world of children’s literature. However, do not panic. We have scoured the libraries and bookstores to find stories that scratch that same itch. Whether you crave gothic atmospheres, secret societies, or wordplay that makes you feel smarter than everyone else in the room, this list has you covered.

Below is a curated selection of books that share the DNA of the Baudelaire saga. These titles range from modern masterpieces to timeless classics, all guaranteed to provide the mystery, wit, and slightly unsettled feeling you love.

1. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

If you enjoyed the puzzle-solving aspect of the Baudelaire journey, this book is your next logical destination. The story begins with a peculiar newspaper advertisement asking for “gifted children looking for special opportunities.” Dozens of children apply, but only four pass the rigorous and bizarre tests. These four children Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance are not just smart; they are observant and resourceful in ways that most adults are not.

The group is recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to infiltrate the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, a school run by a man who suspiciously resembles Mr. Benedict himself. The stakes are incredibly high, involving mind control and global domination, which should feel very familiar to Snicket fans. What makes this book a perfect match is the celebration of intelligence. Like Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, these children must rely on their specific talents to survive. The tone is slightly less grim than Snicket’s work, but the intricate plotting and the bond between the orphans will make you feel right at home. It is a modern classic that demands to be read.

2. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood

This series is often cited as the closest spiritual successor to A Series of Unfortunate Events. The story follows Miss Penelope Lumley, a young governess who is hired to take care of three children found living in the woods. These children (Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia) were literally raised by wolves. They bark, they chase squirrels, and they have absolutely no table manners. It is Miss Lumley’s job to teach them Latin, geography, and how not to howl at the moon.

The narrative voice is the star here. It possesses that same dry, witty, and slightly Victorian tone that Lemony Snicket perfected. The narrator frequently interrupts the story to offer definitions of words or philosophical musings on the nature of governessing. The setting is a massive, mysterious manor filled with secrets, hidden passages, and adults who are clearly hiding something. The humor is sophisticated and often pokes fun at the absurdity of polite society. If you loved the “bad guardian” trope but wanted a governess who is actually competent and kind (though surrounded by chaos), this series is an absolute delight.

3. The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

From the very title, you know you are in for a meta-fictional ride. The author, who writes under the pen name Pseudonymous Bosch, spends a significant amount of time warning you not to read the book. He claims the story is too dangerous and that he cannot reveal the names of the protagonists (whom he calls Cass and Max-Ernest) for their own safety. This playful interaction with the reader mirrors the “look away” warnings that Snicket is famous for.

The plot involves a magician’s journal, a secret society of alchemists, and a quest for immortality. Cass and Max-Ernest are two social outcasts who find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that is much bigger than they are. The villains are suitably terrifying yet eccentric, and the humor is sharp. The book is filled with puzzles, anagrams, and footnotes that add layers to the reading experience. It captures that feeling of being part of a secret club. The series, known as The Secret Series, maintains this high level of mystery and humor throughout all five books, making it a robust commitment for any reader.

4. The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln (New Data Update)

Published in 2023, with a sequel A Gallery of Rogues released in 2024, this is the freshest addition to the genre and a perfect match for Snicket fans. The Swift family is not normal. By tradition, every child is named from the dictionary, and it is assumed they will grow up to match their definition. Enter our heroine, Shenanigan Swift. She is mischievous, clever, and determined to prove that she is more than just a troublemaker.

The story takes place during a massive family reunion at the crumbling Swift House. The event turns into a murder mystery when a relative is pushed down the stairs. Shenanigan must use her wits to find the killer among her eccentric aunts, uncles, and cousins. The book is heavily focused on wordplay, definitions, and language, which Klaus Baudelaire would appreciate deeply. The atmosphere is gothic and quirky, with a “closed room mystery” vibe that feels like a game of Clue played by people who love dictionaries. It tackles themes of identity and destiny with a dark humor that is rarely found in middle-grade fiction today. It is widely considered one of the best books of its kind in recent years.

5. A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Fairy tales were originally much darker than the Disney versions we know today. Adam Gidwitz takes this concept and runs with it. In this book, Hansel and Gretel do not just escape the witch’s house; that is only the beginning. They wander out of their own story and through eight other classic Grimm fairy tales. Along the way, they encounter warlocks, devils, dragons, and some very violent scenarios.

The narrator of this book is a standout feature. He frequently pauses the action to warn the reader that things are about to get bloody or scary, urging the faint of heart to put the book down. This intrusion of the authorial voice is very “Snicket-esque.” The book does not shy away from the grotesque or the unfairness of the world. Parents are often cruel or misguided, and the children must fend for themselves in a hostile environment. Despite the darkness, there is a strong undercurrent of humor and a deep moral core about taking charge of your own life. It is a bloody, brilliant, and thoughtful read that respects the intelligence of its audience.

6. The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

Lois Lowry is a legend in children’s literature, and in this book, she satirizes the very genre that A Series of Unfortunate Events belongs to. The Willoughby children (Tim, Barnaby A, Barnaby B, and Jane) are convinced that they would be better off as orphans. They have read all the old-fashioned books where orphans have grand adventures, so they decide to get rid of their parents. Simultaneously, their parents are plotting to get rid of the children so they can go on vacation.

The book is a hilarious subversion of tropes. It references “old-fashioned” stories constantly, poking fun at the idea of the benevolent benefactor or the wicked nanny. The tone is dry and unsentimental. The parents are despicably selfish, but in a way that is played for laughs rather than true horror. It is a shorter read, but every page is packed with wit. If you loved the literary references in Snicket’s work and the idea of children taking control of their destiny against terrible adults, The Willoughbys is a must-read. It was also adapted into a film, but as always, the book offers a unique flavor that shouldn’t be missed.

7. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Morrigan Crow is a cursed child. Born on Eventide, she is blamed for every local misfortune, from hailstorms to heart attacks. Worse, she is doomed to die on her eleventh birthday. But just as the clock strikes midnight, she is whisked away by a man named Jupiter North to a secret magical city called Nevermoor. To stay, she must pass four difficult trials and join the Wundrous Society.

While Nevermoor is more high fantasy than Snicket’s urban gothic setting, the tone shares a similar DNA. Morrigan is a lonely, misunderstood child entering a world of whimsy that has a dark, dangerous edge. The world-building is phenomenal, filled with giant magnifying cats and hotels that change their interior design on a whim. The humor is British and dry, and the stakes feel genuinely perilous. Morrigan’s relationship with Jupiter North offers a look at what a good guardian looks like eccentric, yes, but fiercely protective. It captures the wonder of discovery mixed with the fear of not belonging, themes that resonate deeply with fans of the Baudelaire orphans.

8. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

If the “creepy” factor was your favorite part of A Series of Unfortunate Events, Coraline is the gold standard. Coraline Jones moves into a new flat with her distracted parents and discovers a door that leads to an alternate world. There, she meets her “Other Mother,” a woman who looks like her mother but has black buttons for eyes. The Other Mother is attentive and cooks delicious food, but she wants to keep Coraline forever.

The atmosphere in this book is masterfully unsettling. It deals with the fear of being unloved and the realization that getting what you want is not always a good thing. Coraline is a brave, smart protagonist who must outwit a powerful, ancient evil using only her wits and a seeing stone. The writing is tight and evocative. Gaiman understands that children like to be scared, provided they can see a way through the darkness. It shares the gothic aesthetic and the theme of a child alone in a dangerous world where adults are either useless or malicious. It is a short novel, but it leaves a lasting impact.

9. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken

Long before Lemony Snicket picked up a pen, Joan Aiken was writing gothic adventures for children. Set in an alternative 19th-century England where wolves roam the countryside, this story follows cousins Bonnie and Sylvia. When Bonnie’s parents go on a sea voyage (a classic catalyst for misfortune), the girls are left in the care of the distant relative Miss Slighcarp. Miss Slighcarp is a villain of the highest order cruel, greedy, and intent on stealing the family fortune.

This book essentially created the blueprint for the “evil guardian” genre. The setting is snowy and perilous, the governess is wicked, and the children are cast out into a harsh world where they must survive on their own. The writing is lush and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the Victorian melodrama that Snicket often parodies. Reading this book feels like reading a piece of history; you can see exactly where the Baudelaires came from. It is a thrilling adventure that balances danger with the warmth of friendship between the two cousins.

10. Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye by Tania del Rio

This book is a visual and literary treat. It is part novel, part graphic novel, with stunning Victorian-style illustrations on every page. Warren is a lonely, toad-looking boy who works as a bellhop in his family’s ancient hotel. He is the sole heir, but his lazy, evil aunt Anaconda is currently in charge. She is convinced the hotel hides a magical treasure known as the All-Seeing Eye and tears the place apart looking for it.

Warren is an underdog protagonist you cannot help but root for. He is not traditionally handsome or talented, but he is diligent, kind, and loyal. The hotel itself is a character, full of strange guests and mechanical secrets. The aesthetic is pure gothic whimsy. The text plays with fonts and layouts, making the physical act of reading the book fun and engaging. The villains are over-the-top, and the mystery is satisfyingly complex. It appeals to the same audience that appreciates the visual style of the Series of Unfortunate Events illustrations and the downtrodden-but-hopeful hero.

11. All The Wrong Questions: “Who Could That Be at This Hour?” by Lemony Snicket

If you want more Lemony Snicket, the best place to look is… Lemony Snicket. This four-book series is a prequel to A Series of Unfortunate Events. It follows a teenage Lemony Snicket as he begins his apprenticeship with the V.F.D. (Volunteer Fire Department) in a fading town called Stain’d-by-the-Sea.

The tone is hardboiled noir mixed with Snicket’s signature absurdism. It answers many of the questions fans had about the V.F.D. while raising dozens of new ones. The writing is sharper and perhaps even more cynical than the original series, as it deals with a town that is literally disappearing. The young Lemony is a fascinating protagonist smart, confused, and trying to do the right thing in a world where morality is gray. It features the same love of language, codes, and incompetent authority figures. Since it is written by the same author, it is the only series that perfectly replicates the specific voice you are missing.

12. A Place Called Perfect by Helena Duggan

Violet Brown moves with her family to the town of Perfect, where everyone wears special glasses to stop them from going blind. The town is neat, tidy, and terrifyingly obedient. Violet, however, does not need glasses, and she soon realizes that the eyewear is doing something much more sinister than correcting vision. She teams up with a mysterious boy named Boy to uncover the truth about the town’s creepy leaders, the Archer brothers.

This book captures the “something is wrong with this town” vibe of The Vile Village. It explores themes of conformity and the danger of ignoring the truth for the sake of comfort. The adults in the town are brainwashed or complicit, leaving the children to save the day. The villainy is psychological and creepy, involving imagination stealing and mind control. It is a fast-paced mystery that encourages readers to question authority and look beneath the surface, a lesson the Baudelaires learned repeatedly.

13. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

This is a classic mystery novel that stands the test of time. When the eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing dies, sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of his will. They are divided into pairs and given a set of clues. The pair that solves the mystery of his death will inherit his vast fortune. The catch? One of them is the murderer.

While the setting is not gothic, the intricate puzzle element is exactly what Snicket fans love. The book is a masterpiece of plotting. The reader is given all the clues, but putting them together requires a high level of attention. The cast of characters is diverse and quirky, ranging from a judge to a bomber to a thirteen-year-old girl named Turtle Wexler. Turtle is a fantastic character smart, aggressive, and often underestimated by the adults around her. The book respects the reader’s intelligence and offers a satisfying, complex conclusion. It is widely regarded as one of the best children’s mysteries ever written.

14. Greenglass House by Kate Milford

It is wintertime at the Greenglass House, a creaky old smuggler’s inn. Milo Pine, the adopted son of the owners, is looking forward to a quiet holiday. Instead, the doorbell rings. And rings. Soon, the inn is filled with secretive guests, each with a strange story and a hidden agenda. Things start disappearing, and Milo must team up with the cook’s daughter, Meddy, to figure out the connection between the guests and the house’s history.

This book is a “cozy” mystery, but it shares the love of folklore and hidden histories found in Snicket’s work. The setting is atmospheric, with snow piling up outside and fires roaring inside. The mystery involves codes, role-playing games, and family secrets. Milo’s struggle with his identity as an adopted child adds an emotional layer that resonates with the themes of family and belonging. It is less cynical than A Series of Unfortunate Events, but it provides that same satisfaction of untangling a knot of secrets in a fascinating location.

15. The Bad Beginning: Rare Edition (or re-reading with new eyes)

If you have truly exhausted all other options, there is merit in returning to the start. The “Rare Edition” of the first book, The Bad Beginning, includes extensive footnotes and marginalia from Lemony Snicket himself. These notes offer new clues, cross-reference future books, and add another layer of meta-fiction to the story.

Re-reading the series as an older reader reveals the incredible amount of foreshadowing handler Daniel Handler (the real Lemony Snicket) planted from the very first chapters. You notice the V.F.D. references before they are explained; you understand the literary puns that might have flown over your head the first time; and you appreciate the melancholy philosophy of the narrator even more. Sometimes, the best book similar to A Series of Unfortunate Events is the series itself, viewed through a new lens.

Conclusion

The world is full of miserable stories, but fortunately for you, many of them are excellently written. Whether you choose the wordplay of The Swifts, the gothic wolves of Willoughby Chase, or the puzzles of The Westing Game, you are embarking on a journey that values wit, bravery, and the ability to see through the nonsense of the adult world.