Module 9-The Ruby in the Smoke

Book Info:
The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman. Random House Children's Books, 2008.

Summary:
Sally Lockhart has run in to a bit of trouble lately. Her father's ship has been lost at sea, her father dead, and the money she was supposed to inherit is mysteriously missing. Add on to all of that a mysterious warning, "beware the seven blessings," and Sally has a mystery she can't solve all on her own. She seeks out one of her father's former employees, but when he hears the mysterious phrase, he dies of fright. After that Sally learns to be quieter as she delves into the mystery of her father's death and a stolen ruby. With death all around her and mysterious figures seeking her out for what she might know, Sally must keep her wits about her if she hopes to not only solve these mysteries but also to survive.
My Take:
I've never been a big fan of mysteries (though I do enjoy police procedurals and movie mysteries). I don't know if it's just that I got into fantasies really early and never really got around to mysteries, but for whatever reason I was never a big fan. In recent years, I've read a few more mysteries (and am still longing to read some Agatha Christie after that great "Doctor Who" episode), but it's never really something I gravitate so. So this week was an interesting one for me as I tried to figure out which mysteries I might like best. I settled on this one partly because I like Philip Pullman and because I'd watched part of one of the BBC adaptations of the books on PBS (starring another of my favorite things from "Doctor Who," Billie Piper). I wasn't disappointed. I ended up really liking this first book in the series, mostly because Sally was so resilient and brave no matter the danger she faced. Despite being a Victorian girl, she was no shrinking violet or some shrieking, fainting girl who needed a man to save her; she could save herself, but was also willing to ask for help when she needed it. This would be a great introduction to many young readers into the mystery genre.

Reviews:
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up A rip-roaring good adventure story filled with cutthroat villains, dastardly deeds, sleezy opium dens, filthy London slums, and a delightful 16-year-old heroine. Sally, orphaned when her father dies at sea, becomes ensconsed in mystery and treachery when she learns that a legendary ruby is rightfully hers. With the help of two friends, she sidesteps several attempts on her life, helps rescue a young girl from the clutches of a ruthless blackmailer, and finds the hidden fortune that her father had left her. There are twists and turns at every moment, with new characters constantly entering and old ones exiting (not by their own choice). Descriptions are vivid, colorful, and fully realized. Subtle innuendos enhance character development, and the understated humor keeps readers from taking the story too seriously. There are a few lapses in plotting and several contrivances, but these are minor flaws in a story that pulls together to become a rousing tale of murder and adventure in London in 1872. It's a book for sophisticated readers because of the variety of motivations and schemes as well as the shifts in setting within chapters, and one that's not for the timid because of the many murders. Trev Jones, ``School Library Journal''

 
Suggestions:
A really great mystery, especially for readers not too keen on or adept at mysteries. It wasn't so difficult that only an expert could figure things out, but it was tricky enough that it takes some thinking to figure out all the twists and turns. This could be very good for a discussion group or book talk, especially if you were trying to interest girls in reading mysteries and for readers looking for an interesting heroine who's strong and smart but not infallible.