"[S]hort, fun, fast and easy to read. Ardagh talks to his readers a lot, which is okay, because he's a scream." --Time Out New York Kids
"The famously large and hairy author of the 'Eddie Dickens' trilogy opens a new trio of Unfortunate Events--er 'Unlikely Exploits', with the fatal plummet of young Fergal McNally from a 14th floor window. What follows, with a great deal of backtracking, scene-jumping, and silly authorial interjections, introduces the rest of the beleaguered McNally clan, from kindhearted Le Fay, surprise finalist in a nationwide typing contest, and her four siblings, to embittered, alcoholic ex-war hero--and, thanks to a doctor's dispensation, ex-parent--Rufus. Depicting these, along with a supporting cast that includes the likes of porky, arrogant contestant Graham Large and decidedly peculiar ventriloquist Hieronymus Peach, with pop-eyed panache in a profusion of comical sketches, Ardagh carries his tale through triumphs and tragedy, ending on a down note--through there are signs that Fergal (or, at least some significant parts of him) will be back in subsequent episodes. Dahl and Snicket fans will find themselves on familiar ground." --Kirkus Reviews
"The tragic event around which the novel revolves provides plenty of black comedy to keep readers entertained." --Publishers Weekly
"Downright cheeky! . . . .The Fall of Fergal is a funny, well-written entry into what promises to be a great series for kids." --BookPage
