The naughtiest girl keeps a secret: book 5 by Anne Digby

Book Summary

In The Naughtiest Girl Keeps a Secret, Elizabeth Allen, determined to move past her mischievous reputation at Whyteleafe boarding school, promises herself she'll stay out of trouble. But when her friend John confides in her about entering a gardening competition and asks her to promise not to tell anyone, Elizabeth finds herself walking a tightrope. As misunderstandings pile up, she appears to be behind a series of pranks around the school—even though she hasn't done them. Unable to defend herself without betraying John's confidence, she must navigate her own integrity, loyalty, and trust. Ultimately, the secret reveals itself to be harmless—but the episode reminds Elizabeth and readers alike of the complexities of honesty and friendship in a closely knit school community .

Anne Digby’s contribution feels seamless alongside Enid Blyton’s original novels, maintaining the tone and dynamics of Whyteleafe while extending character arcs for a new generation. With the same school-wide governance system, student-led ethics, and Elizabeth’s spirited leadership, this volume deepens themes of responsibility and reputation. Bonus material includes a serialized story about a special school, photos from Blyton's life, and interviews with Blyton—making this edition both an engaging read and a tribute to the series' legacy.

About the Author

Anne Digby (born May 5, 1943, in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey) is a well-known British children’s writer best known for the fourteen-book Trebizon school series (1978–1994). After establishing herself in children’s publishing, she was invited to continue Enid Blyton’s beloved Naughtiest Girl series—writing six sequels between 1999 and 2001, including The Naughtiest Girl Keeps a Secret—widely regarded as faithful extensions of the original four novels by Blyton. A former magazine journalist and Oxfam press officer, Digby draws on her understanding of school life and youthful voice to revive and modernize Blyton’s progressive, student-centered boarding school world. As of 2020, she lives in East Sussex with her writer husband, continuing to be celebrated for revitalizing classic girls’ school stories for a contemporary audience