The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman {Reviewed by STELLA}

You will know Philip Pullman’s 'His Dark Materials' trilogy and you may be a fan awaiting the third installment of 'The Book of Dust' — fingers crossed for later this year. In the meantime, you can always delve backward. Pullman's excellent 'Sally Lockhart' series is worth seeking out. Sally Lockhart’s father has drowned at sea. Orphaned sixteen-year-old Sally doesn’t wait around to be rescued from her plight. Marriage? No thanks. She’s ready to head into the world and is spurred on by a letter of anonymous origin. The letter contains a warning of dire consequences and adds fuel to the strangeness of her father’s death. Sally sets out to unpick the mystery. Not an easy task. It’s Victorian England and young women are not meant to be independent, let alone smart or feisty. That won’t hold Sally Lockhart, Detective back, and with a little help from some new acquaintances including the young photographer Frederick (rather hapless yet brave and quick-witted), Jim (the sharp office lad), and an assortment of useful but not necessarily trustworthy characters, Sally Lockhart delves into the underbelly of London. It’s a risky business of cutthroat villains, aspirant investors, the pull of the opium den, poverty, and the allure of wealth; and at the heart of it all is a jewel with a bloody history. Fortunately, Sally’s father has equipped her for a life of independence, schooling her in accounting and marksmanship — useful; even if her French and embroidery are lacking. The Ruby in the Smoke is the first in the series and it’s a rip-roarer — gripping drama, daring escapades, an excellent heroine, humour laced through, and a bit of romance thrown in for good measure; as well as some spiky history (the dark side of the Victorian era) and intriguing social commentary. Great for 12+ and appealing to older teens as well.