The New Famous Five: Five and the Smuggler’s Code

When Maddy, Fran, Tom and Gilbert, the dog, arrive at Kirrin Cottage to stay with Professor George, their father’s cousin, they quickly realise that she is missing. Following a trail of clues, they are led to Smuggler’s Top, an ancient house with secret passages, which is now the home of a villain who must be stopped.

I was the BIGGEST ‘Famous Five’ fan as a child, proudly owning all 21 books, some of which had belonged to my mother when she was young. Despite, even as a child, being uncomfortable with some of the content, these stories offered the escapism of an excellent adventure, leaving me with fond memories of reading them and sharing this enthusiasm with my friends. As a result, I have always been reluctant to read ‘new’ stories or adaptations of the originals. However, it feels as if ‘Five and The Smuggler’s Code’ has been written by someone who understands the originals and has captured their spirit!

This second adventure for the New Famous Five bursts with nods to the original stories, including characters, locations- and food! Alf, who used to look after Timmy for George before she was allowed to keep him at home, is now looking after her new dog, Bobs, whilst she (George) is away. The children are Dick, one of the original Five’s, grandchildren and he makes an appearance towards the end of the book. Anne, also of the Famous Five, features in this story. For those who have read the originals, her treatment is really interesting. Now a detective, she is no longer the timid, girly ‘homemaker’ of Blyton’s stories, although she still makes sure everyone is well fed-  ‘clearly, she hadn’t changed completely from the little girl who’d arranged picnics for the others so long ago’! In fact, she calmly states, ‘I'm used to be underestimated…It’s been happening my whole life’ – something sure to make original readers smile with delight!

However, the story holds up well as an adventure in its own right with plenty of action, peril twists and turns, leading to the New Famous Five coming out on top just like their predecessors. A flashback to 55 years earlier ties this adventure to one had by the Famous Five- ‘Five Go to Smuggler’s Top’, the fourth story Enid Blyton wrote about them. Here, Chris Smith makes an effort to use more Blyton-esque language, contrasting with the modern day usage in the rest of the book.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

The New Famous Five: Five and the Smuggler’s Code

Chris Smith (inspired by Enid Blyton), illustrated by James Lancett

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444978759