Is it number 2 in the Justina Jones Mysteries series?
The novel brings back the charm of the Highbury House boarding school and adorns it with a fascinating mystery.
In this second installment, Justina returns to school after the Christmas holidays and must take care of visiting an elderly resident in the enigmatic “Smuggler’s Lair,” located on the other side of the marshes, a place surrounded by legends.
There, amid rumors of a haunted house and strange events at the boarding school, Justina senses that something doesn’t add up: a suspicious caretaker, forbidden passageways, and secrets hidden behind an apparently calm façade.
The story shows the protagonist’s perseverance and ingenuity, her ability to make decisions, and her personal strength.
It is a fast-paced narrative featuring endearing characters, suspenseful twists, and a warm, detective-like tone.