Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22942 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-19
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Book Jacket
If you haven't met Sally Lockhart before, prepare to be howled over.

Sally is sixteen and uncommonly pretty. Her knowledge of English literature, French, history, art and music is non-existent, but she has a thorough grounding in military tactics, can run a business, ride like a Cossack and shoot straight with a pistol.

When her dear father is drowned in suspicious circumstances in the South China Sea, Sally is left to fend for herself, an orphan and alone in the smoky fog of Victorian London. Though she doesn't know it, Sally is already in terrible danger. Soon the mystery and the danger will deepen--and at the rotten heart of it all lies the deadly secret of The Ruby in the Smoke…

Synopsis
Sally Lockhart's father was an unconventional man. When he dies suddenly on a voyage to the Far East, Sally receives a mysterious letter containing a strange warning. Soon Sally finds herself at the heart of a deep and dangerous mystery, one she is determined to solve at all costs.

Customer Reviews

A first class book
I was bought this book as a child by my parents yet, at 31yrs old, it is still one of my favorite books!
It has wide appeal to children and adults alike as it is a gripping story of mystery, intrigue and discovery set amidst the seedy and cruel Victorian London.
The heroine of the tale captures your heart as, at a young age, she is left alone to investifate her fathers death and all that follows...you see her develop and grow into a young woman through all that happens.
A must read and also a must see, as the BBC has made a film of it!

Gripping, Thrilling and Slightly Chilling!
There is something about the way this book is written that sucks you into the story. You become Sally Lockheart and you cannot put it down!
A thrilling tale of mystery murder and intregue! A great read for anyone of any age! With dark alleys, opium dens, and murderous villans who could want more?? There is a dark edge to the book which keeps your eyes glued to the page and your thoughts firmly set in Victorian London! Worth every Star!

A Wonderful Surprise!
The story is about Sally Lockhart, a 16-year-old girl, whose father is killed, leaving Sally with no parents. Her father has left her a note, and as she tries to decipher the meaning, the story unfolds in to an exciting thriller!

I started reading this book, not previously interested in Philip Pullman, and not really paying attention to the story, but by the time I had finished I was entranced, and eager to read the next one.

I recommend it to teenagers and adults, and to anyone interested in mysteries/Victorian crime novels/historical books.