The Smugglers' Secret

A Girl Called Justice #2

by Elly Griffiths

Justice Jones, super-smart super-sleuth, is back for her second spine-tingling adventure! For fans of Robin Stevens, Katherine Woodfine and Enid Blyton.

When Justice returns for spring term at Highbury House, it's not long before murder is back on her mind. Assigned to look after the elderly Mr Arthur in Smugglers' Lodge on the other side of the marshes from school, Justice is initially dismayed. But dismay quickly gives way to intrigue as she finds herself drawn to Mr Arthur and his stories of piloting in the First World War - and especially when Dorothy, who lives nearby, tells her that the lodge is haunted.

But when Mr Arthur dies in mysterious circumstances, Justice soon has a list of questions in her journal: why hasn't he been given a proper military funeral? Why does the new Matron not seem to know much about First Aid? And what secrets does Smugglers' Lodge really hold?

Justice sets out to uncover the deadly truth in this brilliant follow-up to A Girl Called Justice.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Childrens, Crime, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2020

About the author

Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton. Though not her first novel, The Crossing Places is her first crime novel.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highbury House Boarding School for the Daughters of Gentlefolk was where Justice Jones’ schooling had taken place since her mother had died. Her barrister father was always busy with murder trials and thought Justice would be better and happier at the school. And she was – to a degree. As in all schools, whether they’re boarding or day, there were good teachers and bad. Now, as Justice returned for the second term, she was looking forward to seeing her friend Stella and looking for any mysteries that needed solving.

Once a week a group of students went to various houses in the village not far from the school and helped out for a couple of hours. Justice was allocated Smugglers’ Lodge and when she met the elderly Mr Arthur who was blind from injuries in the war, and his dog, Alsatian, Sabre, she found she enjoyed keeping Mr Arthur company. She read to him from the newspapers and he asked Justice if she could help solve a mystery for him. But a few weeks later, Mr Arthur was murdered. Justice was shocked and saddened – but determined to discover the killer…

Secret tunnels and misty fog, teachers who weren’t who they were supposed to be. Smugglers and the crashing waves of the ocean. Justice just knew she needed to uncover the truth.

A Girl Called Justice: The Smugglers' Secret is the 2nd in the Justice Jones series by Elly Griffiths and I loved it. Written for young adults, it’s a historical mystery – set in 1937 – with a touch of cozy mixed through. Justice is an excellent character, full of mischief, often doing the opposite to what she’s ‘told’, with a caring, compassionate nature. Highly recommended.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half of the book 5 stars, second half 3 stars.

We were really looking to the second girl called justice book and the first half was very good. Elly Griffith is wonderful at creating characters and we enjoyed the mystery and the setting of the school for girls of gentle folk set just before the start of WWII.

This term saw the start of some community voluntary work and the girls were assigned a family in the village to help in some way. Justice was assigned an elderly gentleman who wanted someone to read the paper to him and soon a mystery unfolds. We really enjoyed the addition of some new characters, a wonderful dog character who understands all you say and we liked the way the story kept us guessing about the various characters.

The second half and ending left us wondering about some things why Mr Mr Arthur kept so many books for someone who was totally blind and how did he write that message so well? We tried to recreate this by trying it ourselves and came up with several tactics he could have used but concluded that an elderly, totally blind man couldn't have done this and it was never explained. We thought the motive for the killing seemed unlikely too

As with the first Justice book this story has about three or four mentions of details which give you a clue for the period of time this was set in. One mention of Hitler and a possible war, one mention of a divided skirt and 'buck up' and 'super' mentioned once or twice. Nothing else to set the scene, apart from those details it could have been set in present day. There needed to be more slang words that would have been used a lot during that period in time and other things like food or sweets specific to the 1930s. In true Elly Griffith style no fruit or vegetables were mentioned, plenty of meat and cake. This would have been a good opportunity to mention a traditional pudding like spotted dick or some sweets no one eats anymore like bullseyes or something. This story was quite short and some historical interest would have really helped the story come alive.

We also thought the cover, with the pink writing and cartoon drawing (in completely different uniform to what the book describes in the opening pages) made the book look as if it were aimed at 6 to 8 yr olds whereas this does have a lot of interest for the older reader.

I did want this book to have more details to set the scene, a better thought out and explained conclusion but we still enjoyed this Justice mystery and hope this developes into a series.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Smugglers’ Secret is the second book in the Justice Jones series for junior readers, by British author, Elly Griffiths. In early 1937, Justice Jones returns to Highbury House with mixed feelings: It’s certainly not home, but she finds she did miss her friends at the school. After the exciting events of the previous term, Herbert Jones QC advises his daughter to try not to break too many rules.

There are two new staff at the school: the Matron, sinister-looking Maureen Robinson reminds Justice of a witch, while her friend Dorothy thinks she resembles the villain from a horror story; the Games Mistress, Margaret Heron, seems to have everyone, staff and students alike, charmed. But Justice is reserving her judgement: “My father says it’s the innocent-looking people you have to look out for.”

The Headmistress, Miss de Vere, has instituted a Good Citizenship Programme that will see the girls spending Wednesday afternoons with families needing help in the village. She also reiterates that the basement is out of bounds, immediately intriguing Justice.

Justice is surprised and delighted to find she is able to excel at a physical activity, cross-country running, but disappointed with her part in the school play. Her suspicions are quickly aroused when she sees the new Matron prowling around the House and the forbidden basement in gym shoes, late at night. What could she be up to?

When her assignment for the Good Citizenship Programme is Smugglers Lodge, Justice is only a little disconcerted by rumours of it being haunted by drowned sailors. Mr Arthur only required her to read newspapers, and his housekeeper is generous with hot chocolate and cakes.

As always, Justice diligently noted down her suspicions in a notebook she keeps hidden. Before long, in between lessons and extra running, Justice has met a wonderfully intelligent dog, is on the trail of a missing daughter and fascinated by tales of smugglers’ tunnels. And then there is a murder…

Justice is not persuaded with the police assessment of what happened. Her own investigations reveal some surprising facts about the victim, but Justice and her sidekick, Stella are certainly not expecting to be held at gunpoint and trying to escape the murderer in a smugglers’ tunnel.

These novels are inspired by her mother’s experiences at boarding school, and as usual, Griffiths evokes the era perfectly. Her plot twists will keep even older readers guessing, and she leaves plenty of scope for further adventures. She never talks down to her readers; this is entertaining historical crime fiction for all ages. The third instalment, A Ghost In The Garden, is eagerly awaited.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first Justice Jones book, these are great fun to read. I really couldn't put it down. Justice is back at boarding school for her second term and soon involved in another mystery. These are much more sophisticated books than when I was a child. Looking forward to the next one!

[Rowena ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novela de misterio y aventuras infantil (+11 años)

Es la segunda parte de la serie "Los Misterios de Justina", cuya protagonista, está inspirada en la abuela de la autora del libro, que asistió a un internado, es una niña de 12 años que es enviada al internado después de la muerte de su madre. El libro está ambientado en la década de los años 30, un periodo entre guerras (en este volumen lo comenta).

En este segundo libro de la serie, además de conocer a la protagonista, su padre, las compañeras y amigas que ha hecho en el colegio, alguna profesora y la directora, conoceremos a nuevas profesoras. Aunque Justina no terminó de adaptarse del todo en el primer libro a la vida en el internado, veremos que gracias a una serie de personajes y acciones, la vida en el internado se volverá más agradable y por supuesto, aunque no lo busque, encontrará nuevos misterios que resolver, sola y junto a sus amigas.

Una serie muy recomendada para lectores que disfrutan de historias ágiles de detectives amateur. En concreto para alumnos de primaria o principios de secundaria, en general para adultos también.

Me entretuvo mucho más que el primero de la serie.
Lo escuché en audiolibro y está muy bien.

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just as amazing, if not better than the 1st! I love Justice so much..as well as all these terrific characters, this boarding school, the setting, the mysteries so far, & the superb writing. We’ve already gotten to know the main cast of characters pretty well in the 1st book, & I just got even more attached with this one to these characters. I loved the added assignment they received to do in town, & how it connected to this mystery. I also loved the confidence 1 teacher especially brought to Justice by bringing out her potential in an area Justice would have probably never even realized or tried otherwise. I was so proud of her. This has new teachers, a new mystery, new adventures, creepy fog, secret tunnels, & more. Still just as much danger & intrigue. Justice is prone to mischief, & doing the exact opposite of what told not to do, but she’s in no way a trouble maker sort. She’s compassionate, kind hearted, with a need for mystery, adventure, & justice. These are so atmospheric for all the reasons I’ve mentioned before, but now you add in the Smugglers’ Lodge, & the secret tunnels & it amps up that atmosphere even more if possible! Sabre has my heart. He’s a guide dog, & is an Alsatian(German shepherd). My pup had some in her, & I’ve always loved the breed as well, & this dog was AMAZING. Dorothy & Stella are just as terrific as usual, & Rose is same old Rose lol. These are just such incredible reads. I can’t express enough how well this author writes historical fiction detective style MG. With the best characters who you LOVE. Reading them gives you reading by the fire, snuggled up in a blanket drinking hot chocolate, cozyyyyy vibes. Highly recommend! Another STUNNING cover by Nan Lawson too.💜

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this series of kids books, they are exactly what i would have loved to have read as a kid and i get a lot pleasure from them now. This is the second in the series and is really enjoyable and the plot is gruesome enough to be enjoyable without causing nightmares. Elly is a fab writer and this series is another not to be missed

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice Jones: Secrets of Smuggler’s Inn is the second book in Elly Griffiths’ Justice Jones children’s mystery series. Yes, that Elly Griffiths, the brilliant author of the Ruth Galloway series, the Stephens and Mephisto (the Brighton) series, and the Harbinder Kaur series that have been on mystery/crime best selling and award lists for years. Now, with this children’s series, which is also a great read for adults, the author has given children and young adults a jump start on reading great mystery stories.

I got the same sense of thrilling suspense from reading both Justice Jones books as I did reading The Westing Game, my favorite young adult mystery up until now. I can’t imagine any better books to instill the love of mysteries in a young reader than Griffiths’ new adventures. While set in England in 1937, they are completely relatable, as the only effect seems to be no cell phones, which would be all the rage for pre-teens and teens now. I find that a refreshing absence, and I think all readers of this series will, too. A dropped note is far more thrilling than a text message, any day or creepy night of the week.

Justice Jones has returned for her second term at Highbury House Boarding School for the Daughters of Gentlefolk. Although Justice would rather stay with her barrister father in their London house, she has the advantage of entering the spring term with some established friends and an understanding of the rules, which of course doesn’t keep her from breaking them. Justice’s two best friends are Stella, who is a roommate in her pod of five girls, and Dorothy, who is a maid at the school. Dorothy is only three years older than Justice’s twelve years and is as big a fan of mysteries and investigating them as Justice is. Stella, although not as enthusiastic about sneaking around trying to solve a mystery when it occurs, does support Justice in her curiosity. And, of course, there are mysteries aplenty this term, starting with the new matron, Miss Robinson, who doesn’t seem to recognize a broken bone when she sees one.

The headmistress, Miss de Verre, has decided the 2nd Levels class should volunteer in the village community this term, and Justice has been assigned to help an older gentleman named Mr. Arthur, who lives in Smugglers’ Lodge. Of course, Smugglers’ Lodge is rumored to be haunted. Mr. Arthur is blind and at first he just wants Justice to read the papers to him, but they develop a friendship and start using their one afternoon a week together to talk. He requests a favor of Justice, and it is one she jumps at the chance of undertaking, as it involves a mystery, and Justice is all about the mystery. Mr. Arthur is trying to connect with his adult daughter with whom he lost contact years ago, and he thinks she might be at Highbury. Justice is delighted to start investigating who it could be, and it coincides nicely with Justice’s puzzlements of why Miss Robinson is sneaking around at night and why the forbidden basement at Highbury seems to be attracting certain teachers’ interests.

To reveal anymore of the story would rob readers of the same pleasures of discovery I had, and I never want to do that. I can add that there is a murder, which shouldn’t be too surprising. There’s a new Games Master, Miss Heron, and, Justice finds out she’s not hopeless at athletic activities, although she still and forever hates lacrosse, and Justice discovers other abilities she has, outside of being an ace detective. Justice shows lots of growth in this book, with a nod to the future of a well-balanced person and productive adult. She is a highly likeable character, and how she handles the challenges she faces endears her to the readers even more.

So, if hidden tunnels and disorienting fog and secrets around every corner and people who go bump in the night catch your interests, this second Justice Jones book is right up your mystery alley. Did I mention towers with mysterious lights? As a delightful bonus to it all is an inclusion of the blueprint of the Highbury House and a list of the cast of characters. This bundle of thrilling mystery is bound together in a cover (both books) that can only be described as a work of art. Share this series with your children or grandchildren but be sure to buy a copy for yourself. I do.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Justice Jones series and am so pleased that I found it. I wish that it was around when I was younger because I would have been her biggest fan. In book 2 of the series Justice is back for another term at school and is secretly hoping for another mystery. She soon becomes suspicious of the new Matron who seems out of place. When a new assignment pairs year 2 and 3 girls with someone from the community, Justice gets to investigate the Smugglers Lodge and what it is hiding. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more about Justice and her friends.

[Nina Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it's very interesting and you cant put this book down because you always want to know what happens next.......

[David Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, even appeals to an old foggy like me. Am loving this series.

[KatForsyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, always enjoyable and I'll definitely read the next one!

[Krimiormen Seidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endnu engang har forfatteren Elly Griffiths skrevet en krimi for det yngste segment i absolutte topklasse. Bøgerne i serien Mit navn er Justice er bestemt velegnede for børn fra 10 år og vil være et nyt og spændende input, hvis i læser bøgerne sammen.

Hovedkarakteren Justice Jones er en pige på 12 år, der lige er startet på Kostskolen Highbury House i 1930`erne. Justice har en indre detektiv der straks spotter et mysterium i sine omgivelser. Justices far er advokat og hendes mor er død for nyligt.

Moderen var forfatter af en krimiserie og underviste Justice hjemme. Af samme grund, så er det først nu, som 12-årig at Justice omgås børn på sin egen alder. I ”Smuglernes hemmelighed” er 2. semester på skolen netop begyndt og pigerne i Justices årgang får til opgave at skulle hjælpe lokalbefolkninger en eftermiddag om ugen med diverse opgaver.

Justice får til opgave at hjælpe den blinde Mr. Arthur med at læse ugens avis. Det værste ved at skulle besøge Mr. Arthur er, at han bor i et hus, der kaldes Smuglerhytten og er fyldt med mysterier og lidt uhyggeligt, synes Justice. Mr. Arthur har en husholderske Mrs. Kent og en førerhund Schæferhunden Sabre.

Justice har ikke besøgt Mr. Arthur, mange gange da hun får til opgave at finde hans datter Bunny, som Mr. Arthur ikke har set siden før 1. Verdenskrig. Datteren er omkring 37 år og er også på Kostskolen Highbury House. Nu bliver Justices opgave at finde ud af, hvem det er.

Ingen af lærerne på skolen hedder Bunny til fornavn og har måske skiftet navn. Selvom bøgerne om Justice er uhyggelige og fyldt med mysterier og mord, så er jeg alligevel overbevist om, at børn med hang til uhygge og spænding, vil elske bøgerne om privatdetektiven Justice.

Jeg indrømmer gerne, at selvom jeg er noget ældre end målgruppen, så er jeg meget begejstret for Justice Jones og Highbury House og ville have elsket at læse dem for mine egne børn, da de var i målgruppens alder. Bøgerne om Justice har den helt rette mængde af mysterium, spænding og uhygge og samtidig kan Mit navn er Justice sagtens udvikle sig til en favoritserie for alle piger med hang til spændende detektivhistorier.

Jeg skriver ”piger” fordi, de eneste mænd eller drenge der er skrevet ind i historien, er fædre, brødre eller Mr. Arthur og har egentlig ikke en hovedrolle i historien. Serien er bestemt velegnet til piger der interesserer sig for mysterier.

”Smuglernes hemmelighed” er bestemt en børnebog i absolutte topklasse, som fortjener at blive læst af unge piger og deres forældre. Personligt ville jeg have elsket at læse disse bøger som barn og det er fantastisk, at en krimiforfatter i Elly Griffiths klasse har kastet sig over at skrive en fantastisk serie for de yngste læsere.

På mit bord ligger allerede 3. bind i serien ”Den hvide dame” og jeg ser meget frem til at læse dette 3.bind i serien. Mit navn er Justice er velskrevet og med den tilpasse mængde mysterium, drama og efterforskning til de yngste læsere og deres forældre.

Serien får mine varmeste anbefalinger med på vejen, hvis du er en ung sjæl med hang til mysterier.

Vurdering: 5/6 Roser.

Krimiormen.dk

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Justice Jones and this time she is back at the boarding school and there is going to be a big mystery again! I just loved seeing her back at the school and see all the new activities (a play, some sort of community service which turned out very fun for Justice, cross-country runs and that Justice finally found something to love). We have new teachers and of course I was immediately suspicion of matron and was eager to find out more about her (though I hadn't though it was THAT). There is a murder (of course), there is a smugglers mystery, and plenty more. I just love Justice and love how smart she is. I cannot wait for the next Justice Jones book! I need more!

[Jenthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I am now officially completely done with my masters, I finally allowed myself to continue with one of the children's historical boarding school mystery series that I wrote about in my thesis :D

Justice and the secondary characters are great, and just like the first book, this story is mysterious and very cosy at the same time. I'm glad that the girls (and us readers) got to explore the area around Highbury House a bit more, and any scenes in which the girls are actually fed decent food and hot chocolate by kind adults in the village warmed my heart (and made me hungry).

[Mie Lundberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always good to be back at Highbury House! Justice is a rather unlucky girl at some points 😅 like she has had murderes teachers in both semesters so far.. but I love the detective work and the sneaking around! Always fun to read about what Justice Jones is up to this time! I definitely recommend these if you like lighthearted detective work!

[Susana Castillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

El misterio de este segundo libro me ha gustado más que el del primero. Supongo que porque es algo más adulto y más serio y que da más miedo.
Me ha gustado volver con Justina y sus amigas al internado. Espero con ganas el siguiente libro.

[Violet Middleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5

[Sofia Denmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG ITS SO GOOD !! this is the 2nd book get the first one first but genuinely amazing!

[Luna Lofbad · Rating 4 out of 5]

No decepciona.

[Fran Salinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiero mucho a Justina ❤️‍🩹 Me gusta mucho leer sobre ella y sus aventuras en el internado Highbury House.
Me encantó los personajes que introdujeron en este libro y también los temas que tocaron (profundizando un poco sobre la pérdida que vivió Justina)
Es muy bonito leer el crecimiento de personaje de Stella, Dorothy y Justina (y del resto de las niñas igual) y cómo fortalecen su amistad.

[♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Smugglers’ Secret is the second book in the Justice Jones series. It follows Justice as she heads back for the spring term at Highbury House and soon finds herself involved in a new mystery.

I enjoyed the first one but I liked this one so much more! I found it really difficult to put down! I love Justice so much and the boarding school setting and the other characters and what they bring to the story, it’s so cool. I liked how the task they’d been assigned with in the local village was entangled with the mystery this book was about. It was all very creepy- the foggy atmosphere, the secret tunnels and just the Smugglers’ Lodge itself. I’m really looking forward to reading book 3!

[angela lectoravoraz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reseña en IG @angela.lectoravoraz
⭐3,3

Un nuevo trimestre comienza en el internado Highbury House para señoritas de buena familia. Y nuestra intrépida protagonista, Justina Jones, ya está deseando resolver un nuevo misterio. Bueno, pues parece que su deseo ha sido concedido. Una celadora que no parece ser lo que dice, un sótano al que está terminantemente prohibido acceder, una casa llamada la Guarida del contrabandista y que según dicen está encantada. Parece que Justina va a tener mucho trabajo este trimestre.

Un cozy mistery juvenil con una protagonista con un gran talento para meterse en problemas, aunque a su favor he de decir que ese intrernado es demasiado aburrido como para no meterle un poco de emoción.

Justina es una niña valiente, y una gran detective para alguien de su edad. Aunque, siempre prefiere la compañía de su padre, no puede obviar que no le desagrada la idea de volver a reencontrarse con sus amigas. Porque este libro transmite un bonito mensaje sobre como la amistad puede unirnos si somos capaces de salvar nuestras diferencias.

También me ha gustado la ambientación algo lúgubre con ese internado lleno de túneles y secretos. Hay un personaje perruno que es de lo más adorable.

El misterio es sencillo, pero es entrañable ver como la protagonista lleva a cabo sus cavilaciones y resuelve los misterios gracias a una gran determinación.

Una lectura ideal para que los más jóvenes comiencen con la lectura si le gustan las historias de detectives. Y si quieres una lectura juvenil, ágil y sencilla, que se lea rápido, también la recomiendo; porque la lectura no tiene edad.

[Summer Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little children’s book, a good starting point for kids wanting to read a crime based booked. It has the mystery with out being graphic. I must read the first one now as I didn’t realise I’d picked up the 2nd one.

[Olwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun episode in this series

[Lauren Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the A Girl Called Justice series that I read and I had no idea how much I would love this book or how quickly I would read it. Despite not reading the first book I quickly picked up what was going on and it was not long before I learnt who everybody was.

This term there is not only a new and quite honestly useless matron but a new PE teacher the firm but fair Miss Heron who decides to create a cross country running team. Dorothy who believes everything is a mystery is convinced that the new Matron is a fraud after failing to notice Ada had broken her leg (ouch!)

As part of a school project, Justice is sent to the haunted Smugglers Lodge in order to help the old and kindhearted Mr Arthur who had recently moved to the Lodge in an attempt to try and reconcile with his long lost daughter; Mr Arthur lost his sight on active service in the First World War and wanted somebody to come and read the newspapers for him and his guide dog Sabre. For almost a year Mr Arthur saw nobody but his housekeeper Mrs Kent who is an excellent cook compared to the food served at Highbury Hall.

After a few weeks of reading the newspaper and chatting to Mr Arthur about his daughter who he believes is a teacher at Justice's school she is devastated to learn that he had been killed during a robbery and begs to be allowed to attend the funeral which she attends with Miss Morris and Miss Heron; later she is later invited back to Smugglers' Lodge by Mrs Kent to choose a small memento to remember her friend by.

Naturally Justice begins to snoop around for clues and finds something unexpected in a drawer that changes almost everything; Justice was convinced that this was not an open and shut case like the police believe but murder and is sure that the mysterious daughter has something to do with it. I would never have guessed who was behind such a sad murder and I really loved Dorothy and her family.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Girl Called Justice series. Once again, I am consoled that children do not witness a murder (never mind that they are threatened with a gun), and they do not view the body--though they do find an old skeleton, unrelated to this plot, just the consequence of escaping through a smugglers' tunnel(!)--even when they attend the funeral which appears to be closed casket.

This plot is tightly woven and has a lot of twists and turns, but there is more freedom for the girls, somehow. Justice learns there is one sport she can be good at and that there is more than one kind of responsibility than acting in the production of a play. The school is still not heated, except for the teachers' rooms, and the food is still awful, but there is more sympathy and understanding from all the staff on beyond the headmistress who demonstrated good will in the first book. For instance, there seems to be more tolerance for the friendship between Dorothy, the maid, and Justice.

The girls are sent to the village one afternoon a week to perform "acts of good will." Depending on which adult or family each is helping, these tasks vary. Justice is sent to an old lighthouse home on the beach to read the newspaper aloud to a blind ex-Air Force pilot, and enjoys her time with him and his guide dog, to American audiences a German shepherd, in a British story an Alsatian. (Readers, bear in mind, this might be a clue! And again, it might not.) He tells Justice he is looking for his long-lost daughter, Bunny, whom he believes is at Highbury House. Justice thinks he is asking her to find out who the daughter is.

Justice now has something to investigate. And she does so with determination.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I discovered that one of my favorite authors, Elly Griffiths, was writing a series of mysteries for nine to twelve-year-olds featuring a young sleuth named Justice Jones, a girl who's attending a boarding school on the Romney Marshes of England's south coast, I decided those nine to twelve-year-olds were not going to have all the fun. I quickly discovered that this children's series is every bit as good as the series Griffiths writes for adults. 

The setting of the Romney Marshes reminds me of a favorite childhood Disney program starring Patrick McGoohan, Dr. Syn Alias the Scarecrow, and the landscape and its history of smuggling are perfect for this series. Justice Jones' father is a criminal lawyer, and her recently deceased mother wrote crime novels. With that sort of parentage, it's no wonder that this young girl has a mind like a steel trap. The boarding school with its Tudor Era cellars beneath a Victorian mansion is perfect for all sorts of late-night wanderings as Justice has midnight feasts with her classmates or tiptoes up to her friend Dorothy the maid's room in the attics.

Having the second-year girls perform good deeds each week in the local village is a perfect way to lead Justice straight into a mystery-- although there's already one in Highbury House itself. When our intrepid young sleuth learns that Mr. Arthur lives in Smuggler's Lodge, a former lighthouse that's supposedly haunted, she dismisses the idea immediately. After all, "in her experience, saying that a place is haunted is often a ruse to stop people going there."
 
Adults as well as children will be kept entertained by Justice's investigations as she treks between Smuggler's Lodge and Highbury House to answer all the questions she writes down in her journal every night. Who killed Mr. Arthur, and why? Why didn't he have a military funeral? Why doesn't the new Matron at school know much about first aid? And will she ever get a real speaking role in one of the school plays?
 
Although it makes me supremely happy that I was never sent to a 1930s English boarding school, Elly Griffiths' Justice Jones series is just plain fun, no matter your age. I highly recommend it.

[Alison C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Justice Jones is back at Highbury House Boarding School for the Daughters of Gentlefolk. It’s the Spring term of 1937, and the second and third formers are given a new assignment: each girl will be given a family in the nearby village to meet and help once a week, whether by helping with household chores, walking the family dog or what have you. Justice is sent to Mr. Arthur at Smugglers’ Lodge, who turns out to be an elderly blind man whose great need is having someone read him the newspapers. But he has a secret mission too, that of finding his long-lost daughter, and he believes that Justice may be able to help him there too….This is the second of (I believe) three Justice Jones middle school books by Elly Griffiths, and it’s just as gripping as the first. Twelve-year-old Justice is the very epitome of the plucky schoolgirl and Highbury House is the perfect setting for a girls’ school, with just enough creepy spaces, superior girls, terrible food and demanding teachers to create the exact atmosphere needed to fall into this particular (and particularly English, I think) subgenre, that of the girls’ boarding school. Ms. Griffiths’ writing is as wonderful as always, and her characters are always well-drawn and believable; recommended!