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?

Paperback | 320 pages.

Published: Quercus Children’s Books (2 May 2019)

Read: 23rd May, 2020.

Age Range (if applicable): 9-11 years.

I didn’t even realise this book was out!!! I’m shocked I was so behind in my book announcements. Anyway, I saw this in Sainsbury’s and snapped it up before anyone could stop me. It’s sunny as hell outside and I have a headache. I can’t wait to jump back into the world of Justice Jones.

Very easy and it helped that I was already familiar with the characters and setting that I just fell back into things.

Justice Jones is on it again and nothing is stopping her. I love her character and her fierce lessness and her ability to adapt to any situation. I mean, there was a murder in the school in the first term. Spring brings another case to solve and an adventure to be had, what on earth is going to happen during the summer term???

I love that I got to see more of Dorothy and her family. I also hope that the character of Rose gets more of a character trajectory because I feel like there is more to discover with her character.

Very easy to visualise and to see in my brain. Griffiths has a wonderful way of writing that makes the words come to life and its impossible not to see the image play out in your head.

It was so fun to read this and return to the world of Justice Jones. Justice has so many characteristics rolled into one. Griffiths had a very imaginative mind and her ability to write both crime for adults and children is inspiring.

There is something really magical about a secluded Girls school with mysteries aloof. I am glad that I am able to enjoy Griffiths children’s series as much as I love her adult series.

I loved reading this. It was the perfect reading for a sunny Saturday afternoon. This is definitely a series that I am invested in and eager for the journey. I thought the story itself was interesting, different and immersive. This didn’t take me long to read but it was an experience that pulled me out of reality for a little while.