A Girl Called Justice Jones is a series of children's mystery books written by Elly Griffiths. The series follows the adventures of a young girl called Justice Jones, who is sent to a boarding school in the English countryside in the 1930s. The books are aimed at readers aged 9 to 12 and offer a fascinating insight into life in Britain during the interwar period.
Book 1: A Girl Called Justice
The first book in the series introduces us to Justice Jones, the daughter of a high-profile barrister in London. When her mother dies, Justice is sent to Highbury House School for the Daughters of Gentlefolk, a prestigious boarding school in the countryside. Justice is unhappy at first, but she soon discovers that the school is full of mysteries to be solved.
The main mystery in the first book is the disappearance of one of the teachers, Miss de Vere. Justice is convinced that Miss de Vere has been murdered and sets out to investigate. She soon finds herself in danger as she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to expose her as well.
The first book in the series is a gripping mystery that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. Elly Griffiths has created a cast of memorable characters, from the plucky heroine Justice to the eccentric headmistress Miss de Vine. The book is also rich in period detail, offering a vivid portrayal of life in 1930s England.
Book 2: A Girl Called Justice: The Smugglers' Secret
The second book in the series sees Justice return to Highbury House School for a new term. This time, she is drawn into a mystery involving smugglers who are operating on the nearby coast. Justice is convinced that one of the teachers at the school is involved in the smuggling operation and sets out to find the evidence to prove it.
As with the first book, A Girl Called Justice: The Smugglers' Secret is full of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Elly Griffiths has a talent for creating a sense of atmosphere and tension that draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are part of the story.
Book 3: A Girl Called Justice: The Ghost in the Garden
The third book in the series sees Justice and her friends investigating a ghostly presence that has been reported in the gardens of Highbury House. The girls are initially sceptical, but when they hear strange noises and see mysterious figures moving in the shadows, they begin to suspect that something sinister is going on.
The Ghost in the Garden is perhaps the most atmospheric book in the series, with Elly Griffiths expertly building tension and suspense as the girls uncover the truth about the ghostly presence in the gardens. The book also delves deeper into the characters of Justice and her friends, exploring their relationships and personalities in more depth.
Overall, the A Girl Called Justice series is an excellent choice for young readers who enjoy mystery and adventure stories. Elly Griffiths is a talented writer who creates engaging characters and vivid settings that will transport readers back in time to the 1930s. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone story, but together they form a compelling and enjoyable series that is sure to capture the imagination of young readers.
Titles in This Set:
- A Girl Called Justice (Book 1)
- A Girl Called Justice: The Smugglers' Secret (Book 2)
- A Girl Called Justice: The Ghost in the Garden (Book 3)
Description from the publisher:
A Girl Called Justice (Book 1)
When Justice's mother dies, her father packs her off to Highbury House Boarding School for the Daughters of Gentlefolk. He's a barrister - specialising in murder trials - and he's just too busy to look after her alone.
Having previously been home-schooled, the transition is a shock. Can it really be the case that blondes rule the corridors? Are all uniforms such a charming shade of brown? And do schools normally hide dangerous secrets about the murder of a chambermaid?
A Girl Called Justice: The Smugglers' Secret (Book 2)
When Justice returns for the 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?
A Girl Called Justice: The Ghost in the Garden (Book 3)
Justice and her friends are in their third year now and there's an intriguing new girl in Barnowls. Letitia has never been to school before and doesn't care for the rules - and the teachers don't seem to mind! She decides that Justice is her particular friend, much to Stella and Dorothy's distress. But Letitia just isn't the kind of girl you say no to.
Then, after a midnight feast in the barn, and a terrifying ghost-sighting in the garden, a girl disappears. Soon ransom notes appear, and they're torn from the pages of a crime novel.
About the Author:
Elly Griffiths is the pen name of Domenica de Rosa, a British author known for her mystery and crime novels. Born in London in 1963, Griffiths studied English at King's College London before completing a PhD in archaeology at the University of Sussex. Her academic background in archaeology has heavily influenced her writing, with many of her novels featuring archaeologists or exploring historical themes.
Griffiths first rose to fame with her debut novel, The Crossing Places , which introduced readers to the character of Dr. Ruth Galloway, an archaeologist who solves crimes. The book was a critical and commercial success, and Griffiths has since written a number of sequels featuring the character. She has also written several standalone novels, including The Stranger Diaries and The Postscript Murders.
In addition to her Ruth Galloway series, Griffiths has also written several books for children, including the A Girl Called Justice series. These books are set in the 1930s and follow the adventures of a young girl named Justice Jones.
Griffiths is known for her engaging characters, evocative settings, and skilful plotting. Her books often explore themes of identity, family, and history, and she has been praised for her ability to balance humour with the darker subject matter. In addition to writing, Griffiths is a frequent guest on BBC Radio 4's "Saturday Review" and has also appeared on "Woman's Hour" and "Front Row."