Secrets of the Purple Pearl (The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science 2) by Kate McKinnon

What worked:

The characters and story are odd, which should appeal to middle-grade readers. The main characters are the three Porch “sisters” with their unique personalities. Gertrude is the oldest at 13 years, and she is a lover of animals and nature. Staying at the Purple Pearl Hotel evokes memories, and she spends most of the plot trying to make sense of them. Dee-Dee is the youngest, and she has the most useful, creative ideas. She’s always chewing on a toothpick, and she believes she can’t think without one in her mouth; she even gives them names! Eugenia is in the middle, and her sarcasm and emotions are a highlight. The three sisters are guided by Millicent Quibb, a kind mad scientist, and she takes them aboard her Flycycle to sort out the mystery of the Purple Pearl. The oddity of the book creates weird humor.

The KRA is a group of evil mad scientists, and they are the antagonists of the story. The two main evil characters are Majestina DeWeen and Ashley Cookie, Esq. Ashley clearly has a huge crush on Majestina, while she detests his attention. They believe Millicent Quibb died in the first book, so they don’t take the threat of the Porch sisters seriously. Ashley and Majestina are plotting to recover the Purple Pearl from the bottom of a lake using an unusual method. The Porch sisters know it has something to do with a Shrimpmaid, but no one seems to know what that means. The sisters must avoid their Aunt Desdemona during their investigation, since she thinks they’re troublemakers. She would just as soon see them back in an orphanage or returned to the School for Failures.

The secrets behind the Porch sisters’ past are the most emotional aspect of the book. Gertrude’s memories indicate she once stayed at the Purple Pearl Hotel, but she doesn’t know how that’s possible. She’s always making up stories about growing up to make her younger sisters feel good. If she discovers the truth about her past, then she must admit that she’s been lying to Dee-Dee and Eugenia. Growing up in an orphanage brought the three girls together and helped them form their family. Revealing Gertrude’s lies could undermine her sisters’ trust and break the family apart.

What didn’t work as well:

The book is narrated by a non-character named Dr. G. Edwina Candlestank, and readers may have mixed feelings. The narrative is playful when it speaks directly to readers, but there are interruptions throughout the book. At one point, a collection of short bios is shared, giving readers a chance to recover from the story’s drama. The story breaks are amusing, but they’re not necessary.

The final verdict:

This book can be read independently, but I recommend reading the prior book first. I did not, and I missed out on previous knowledge about the KRA and its members. The general plot and storyline are funny and entertaining, and I suggest you check out the book for yourself.