Skip to main content
The AR Booklist
"Who Could That Be at This Hour?" book cover

"Who Could That Be at This Hour?"

Also Published as "All the Wrong Questions: Question 1"

by Lemony Snicket

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2012

★★★★★

Great fit for 5th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

5th grade English Juvenile Fiction
142
Pages
5
AR Points
3.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.

Learn more about Accelerated Reading →
New York Times Notable Children's BookKirkus Best Book of the YearSchool Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Genre

Mystery

Themes

  • mystery and investigation
  • identity
  • deception and truth
  • independence
  • loyalty and trust
  • courage
  • coming of age
  • ethics and gray areas

About this book

This sly, noir-flavored mystery follows a young Lemony Snicket as he begins a secret apprenticeship in the strange, nearly abandoned town of Stain'd-by-the-Sea. Hired to solve a supposed theft, he finds himself surrounded by odd adults, unreliable clues, and questions that only lead to more questions. The witty narration, clever wordplay, and offbeat humor make it a hit with readers who like smart puzzles and a quirky voice. Great for middle-grade mystery fans who enjoy atmospheric settings and twisty plots without heavy scares.

Setting: the faded, quirky town of Stain'd-by-the-Sea with a moody, retro-noir vibe

Readers also enjoyed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" right for my child?

Yes — "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include mystery and investigation, identity, deception and truth.

How long does it take to read "Who Could That Be at This Hour?"?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" have an AR quiz?

Yes — "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is "Who Could That Be at This Hour?"?

"Who Could That Be at This Hour?" has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.