THE MIDWATCH INSTITUTE FOR WAYWARD GIRLS

Magdalena Fishbone’s relegation to an institution for “orphans, runaways, and wayward girls” turns into an extraordinary adventure.

When Maggie arrives at the Midwatch Institute (after committing a satisfying, if somewhat violent, act of justice), she’s one of three new girls. As it turns out, the seemingly dreary orphanage is a front for a school that trains girls in useful arts and skills. Maggie’s classes in “Maps, Fencing, German, Motorcars, Drawing, Observing, Contriving, Hiding, and Dancing” comprise a fine beginning education for any spy or detective. Excerpts from Useful Things Every Girl Should Know, a book published in 1911 by the director, Miss Adelia Mandelay, appear between chapters and include instruction and advice on, among other things, disguises, decision-making, Morse code, knot tying, and escaping from quicksand. Most entries include anecdotes from the author’s madcap experiences as an international woman of mystery. Rich, quirky language and a well-imagined early-20th-century setting—including a port city with skyscrapers, airships, motorcars, and an elegant hotel—provide an immersive backdrop for the girls’ foray into detective work. The disappearance of a botanist and attacks by a creature the press calls “the night monster” are elements of the criminal conspiracy the girls uncover. Terrifically evocative black-and-white illustrations extend the narrative. Maggie and the adults appear white, and some of Maggie’s schoolmates have dark skin.

Cinematic, amusing, and exciting: a slightly subversive, delightfully empowering, all-around winner.