Today Little, Brown Books for Young Readers announced that they will publish a mysterious new series by novelist Lemony Snicket (pictured), the pseudonymous author’s first new series since the blockbuster “A Series of Unfortunate Events” books. The series will feature four hardcover titles, and the first book will appear in 2012.

Snicket is the pen name for Daniel Handler, who will also be publishing a young adult novel under his own name with Little, Brown. It will be illustrated by Maira Kalman, and is set for 2011 release. Handler followed his editor, Susan Rich, from HarperCollins. She now serves as editor-at-large at Little, Brown.

Publisher Megan Tingley played along with the joke in a statement: “We are proud to be joining forces with this literary genius along with the talented Mr. Handler, Ms. Kalman, and Ms. Rich. While I wish I could tell you more, I’m afraid I have been sworn to secrecy, but trust me: These will be highly inventive and entertaining works that will enthrall Lemony Snicket’s legions of fans as well as firmly establish Mr. Handler as a force to be reckoned with in the world of young adult literature.”