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Philip Pullman
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The Ruby In The Smoke: 1 (A Sally Lockhart Mystery) Paperback – 1 Jan. 2015

by Philip Pullman (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,538 ratings
Teachers' pick for school years 1–9
Reading books is a kind of enjoyment. Reading books is a good habit. We bring you a different kinds of books. You can carry this book where ever you want. It is easy to carry. It can be an ideal gift to yourself and to your loved ones. Care instruction keep away from fire.
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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Book 1 of 4
    Sally Lockhart Mysteries
  3. Print length
    240 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Dimensions
    20.6 x 1.6 x 14.6 cm
  6. Publisher
    Scholastic
  7. Publication date
    1 Jan. 2015
  8. ISBN-10
    9781407154190
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1407154190
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1407154192
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic; 1st edition (1 Jan. 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781407154190
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1407154190
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 20.6 x 1.6 x 14.6 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,538 ratings

About the author

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Philip Pullman

Philip Pullman

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PHILIP PULLMAN is one of the most acclaimed writers working today. He is best known for the His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass), which has been named one of the top 100 novels of all time by Newsweek and one of the all-time greatest novels by Entertainment Weekly. He has also won many distinguished prizes, including the Carnegie Medal for The Golden Compass (and the reader-voted "Carnegie of Carnegies" for the best children's book of the past seventy years); the Whitbread (now Costa) Award for The Amber Spyglass; a Booker Prize long-list nomination (The Amber Spyglass); Parents' Choice Gold Awards (The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass); and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, in honor of his body of work. In 2004, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

It has recently been announced that The Book of Dust, the much anticipated new book from Mr. Pullman, also set in the world of His Dark Materials, will be published as a major work in three parts, with the first part to arrive in October 2017.

Philip Pullman is the author of many other much-lauded novels. Other volumes related to His Dark Materials: Lyra’s Oxford, Once Upon a Time in the North, and The Collectors. For younger readers: I Was a Rat!; Count Karlstein; Two Crafty Criminals; Spring-Heeled Jack, and The Scarecrow and His Servant. For older readers: the Sally Lockhart quartet: The Ruby in the Smoke, The Shadow in the North, The Tiger in the Well, and The Tin Princess; The White Mercedes; and The Broken Bridge.

Philip Pullman lives in Oxford, England. To learn more, please visit philip-pullman.com and hisdarkmaterials.com. Or follow him on Twitter at @PhilipPullman.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,538 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an easy but captivating read with an expertly crafted mystery/thriller plot. The writing is brilliant, with one customer noting the author's skill in setting the scene, and customers appreciate the well-paced narrative. They enjoy the characters, with one review highlighting the strong female characters, and consider it a fun read that's well-suited for young readers.

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24 customers mention ‘Readability’24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy and captivating to read.

"...This was now excellent read and I really enjoyed it very much and looking to read the remaining books in the series." Read more

"I chose to read this series by the great writer Philip Pullman after reading the brilliant 'dark chronicles', I found him to be such a good story..." Read more

"Good and intresting book." Read more

"...I've enjoyed reading the first couple of books, but I'm frustrated by the sudden little pockets of bad language - to me, they really jar with the..." Read more

22 customers mention ‘Story quality’22 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's expertly crafted mystery/thriller elements and well-rounded plot, with one customer noting that the excitement is more subtle to suit the story.

"...audio narration, by Anton Lesser, and this has turned a good story into a first-class, personal 'book at bedtime'...." Read more

"...I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, mysteries, or even anyone who just wants to see how to correctly write a book set..." Read more

"...London of the day forms a perfect setting for a rich and gripping mystery. Sally is a courageous and likeable lead in this immersive thriller...." Read more

"...is an original one for YA fiction of the time, and it is an interesting plot - one that does get better the further you read...." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Writing quality’14 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with several noting its brilliance, and one customer highlighting the author's skill in setting the scene.

"Very good. Phillip Pullman is one of these prolific writer’s who keeps you gripped from the beginning to the end...." Read more

"...Mr Lesser's wonderful range of voices comes as no real surprise for such a versatile actor, at present in roles as wide apart on the dramatic..." Read more

"...The writing in this book is brilliant, the pacing is intense, the characters have a lovely depth to them and it’s just so well executed...." Read more

"...", and been amazed by the vast scope of Pullman's ideas and entranced by his writing, I wondered if The Ruby could be so beguiling...." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Character development’8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer specifically noting the strong female characters.

"...'s wonderful range of voices comes as no real surprise for such a versatile actor, at present in roles as wide apart on the dramatic spectrum as..." Read more

"...in this book is brilliant, the pacing is intense, the characters have a lovely depth to them and it’s just so well executed...." Read more

"I do like Miss Lockhart, she is a fiesty heroine who seems to have found herself in the crosshairs of a hidden enemy...." Read more

"...Well written, action packed, great characters." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one describing it as extremely engaging and another noting it's never boring.

"...ago and enjoyed it, and later titles in the series, as an entertaining adventure with an authentic period feel...." Read more

"...An enjoyable read as much as it goes, but not a memorable one in comparison to some of the Author's other works." Read more

"This book was extremely engaging in both it's depiction of character and place...." Read more

"...Here is what she had to say. Really good and catching, never boring and always left you wanting to know more.All in all, a very cool book!!" Read more

7 customers mention ‘Pacing’7 positive0 negative

Customers praise the pacing of the book, describing it as a brilliant series that is very well-paced, with one customer noting it's a real page turner.

"...The writing in this book is brilliant, the pacing is intense, the characters have a lovely depth to them and it’s just so well executed...." Read more

"...that she must face make this book and the others in the series, real page turners." Read more

"...The unraveling of the story itself was enthralling, and was very well -paced ensuring the reader's complete attention." Read more

"Starts slowly, building tension all the while. You are never sure what is coming next. A great climax. Masterful story telling." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Book age’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suitable for young readers, with one mentioning it's perfect for early secondary age pupils and another noting it's a great kids/young teen detective novel.

"...Amazing read for youngsters such as 10+, great book for high school students to learn about and what goes on in the fake but real world that is..." Read more

"This book is perfect for early secondary age pupils. Though it was written recently, it is set in the Victorian era...." Read more

"...Very readable- engaged my students well." Read more

"A great kids / young teen detective novel set in Victorian times." Read more

Creased pages
1 out of 5 stars
Creased pages
Not really happy that I’ve paid for a brand new book for a gift and the pages are creased in the book. I now have a book that I have no use for and I have to purchase another
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • John1953
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 December 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Very good. Phillip Pullman is one of these prolific writer’s who keeps you gripped from the beginning to the end. This was now excellent read and I really enjoyed it very much and looking to read the remaining books in the series.
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  • Elizabeth Harris
    4.0 out of 5 stars Even better when read by a fine actor.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 March 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I read this in paperback form some years ago and enjoyed it, and later titles in the series, as an entertaining adventure with an authentic period feel. Having recently downloaded it onto Kindle, I treated myself to the audio narration, by Anton Lesser, and this has turned a good story into a first-class, personal 'book at bedtime'. Mr Lesser's wonderful range of voices comes as no real surprise for such a versatile actor, at present in roles as wide apart on the dramatic spectrum as Qyburn (Game of Thrones) and Reginald Bright (Endeavour). In this first of the Sally Lockhart series, he is equally good at male and female voices - something quite rare among narrators, I find, and therefore to be treasured - and slips readily and easily from character to character, bringing them all into vibrant life. My particular favourites were timid, whispering little Adelaide and the bovine, bestial Mr Berry... oh, and the sibilantly evil Mrs Holland ought to have a mention, too.
    So, my thanks to Philip Pullman for the story, and even more to Anton Lesser for making bedtime for one 68-year-old so special and magical by his outstanding interpretation.
    28 people found this helpful
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  • Miss A G Thompson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book about a year after reading Pullman’s most popular works His Dark Materials, and I’m sorry to say that I enjoyed this so much more than HDM! I really need to crack on with the other three books in this series because I was gripped. The books are only short but Pullman’s writing sucks you in.

    “The Ruby in the Smoke”, is the first book in a series of “Sally Lockhart Mysteries”, which I figure is a little like a Victorian England version of Nancy Drew (which I still have not read any of). Anyway, Sally Lockhart is a young girl whose father recently passed away, he drowned in suspicious circumstances and left Sally an Orphan, all alone in London. Sally soon comes across something her father left her to protect and suddenly the world and everyone in it is chasing her down for it. I can’t say too much else because of spoilers.

    The writing in this book is brilliant, the pacing is intense, the characters have a lovely depth to them and it’s just so well executed. Despite Sally Lockhart basically falling under the “special snowflake” syndrome where she is good at everything for no real reason, she is an enjoyable character. The world building is perfect. I have seen books written by some authors, where their versions of “victorian london” make me cringe (sadly this often is a result of American authors writing scenes or stories set in “victorian england”- which tends to be a weird mixture of too much “Oliver!” and “Jack the Ripper” crap).

    I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, mysteries, or even anyone who just wants to see how to correctly write a book set in “Victorian London”. Because this is how it is done.

    For more of my reviews, please visit The Book Heap at wordpress, via http://thebookheap.wordpress.com
    7 people found this helpful
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  • ND1234
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Pullman masterpiece
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 April 2005
    Verified Purchase
    Having read "His Dark Materials", and been amazed by the vast scope of Pullman's ideas and entranced by his writing, I wondered if The Ruby could be so beguiling. After all the huge, multi-dimensional sets aren't available any more - Sally is confined to Victorian England - and His Dark Materials could have been a one-off.
    No need to worry, gentle reader, this is a rare gem (sorry!) of a book.
    The claustrophobic London of the day forms a perfect setting for a rich and gripping mystery. Sally is a courageous and likeable lead in this immersive thriller. The book is full of dark characters, believable acts of derring-do, and plenty of nasty turns.
    I can't get over how much decent fiction has been written recently for the teenage market, and what a tragedy it would be if adults miss out.
    If you like Holmes-esque thrillers, this is for you. Not as violent as some, but it doesn't hold back. Don't save it for the kids.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Dan Thompson
    3.0 out of 5 stars Opium Fuelled YA Crime
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 August 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The Ruby in the Smoke is one of those books I've been meaning to read, but somehow, always missed. Philip Pullman, one of all time favourite authors, clearly has a huge following for his Sally Lockhart novels, but there always seemed something a little off while I was reading this.

    Opium addiction, a crime story, a thriller of sorts - all set in a Victorian period, the author does well setting the scene, dragging us into the Victorian English culture and social etiquette usually associated with the period. It is especially creepy reading such niceties when you know certain characters are evil.

    The opium and drug storyline is an original one for YA fiction of the time, and it is an interesting plot - one that does get better the further you read. It is cleverly thought-out, and the inclusion of in book newspaper headlines and letters is again, unusual but not a hindrance.

    My only complaint, as such, is Sally, I guess. She just doesn't do it for me a protagonist. I much preferred the other side cast - Jim, the scallywag, ready to stick two fingers up and anybody, and Frederick and Rosa - the entrepreneur siblings who take Sally under their wing.

    An enjoyable read as much as it goes, but not a memorable one in comparison to some of the Author's other works.
    10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Julia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tip top
    Reviewed in Germany on 6 December 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Fast delivery, good condition as described
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  • Jaqueline Silva
    5.0 out of 5 stars Chegou conforme prometido.
    Reviewed in Brazil on 27 February 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Tudo certo !
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  • 🔥 Gonzalico 🔥
    5.0 out of 5 stars 🥇 Satisfecho con la Compra 🥇
    Reviewed in Spain on 8 September 2022
    Verified Purchase
    ✅ Lo recomendaría. Buena lectura. 👍🏼
    👉🏼 Vocabulario no muy complejo.
    📚 Entretenido y divertido de leer.
    Si te ha gustado mi opinión, no olvides darle al botoncito de "ÚTIL" de aquí abajo. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
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  • Peppekite
    4.0 out of 5 stars Dopo His Dark Materials ci vuole Sally Lockhart
    Reviewed in Italy on 15 July 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Dopo His Dark Materials ci vuole Sally Lockhart. Se avete già completato la trilogia e volete continuare a leggere Pullman, è sicuramente piacevole anche se meno stimolante rispetto ai precedenti. Attenzione la lettura sarà più difficile per lo slang e le parle tipiche di un'altra epoca (1800) che vi richiederà spesso di ricorrere al vocabolario. Un inglese non pulito e poco didattico, che richiede un buon livello di padronanza della lingua per essere godibile.
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  • Luke Edward
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Gift
    Reviewed in the United States on 30 January 2010
    Verified Purchase
    The Sally Lockhart Mysteries - novel one - The Ruby in the Smoke.

    I rented the first three books (Ruby in the Smoke, Shadow in the North, The Tiger in the Well and The Tin Princess) on audio from the library and purchased from amazon "The Tin Princess" brilliant series! Someone I know loves audio books and we have been talking about what books we have listened to on cd for a while. I only in passes mentioned to the Sally Lockhart Mysteries to her. I purchased this book as a gift to her and I hope she enjoys it. Phillip Pullman is a fantastic story teller. I recommend the series.
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