Module 8: The Ruby in the Smoke, by Philip Pullman

Summary: This is the story of Sally Lockhart, whose father has just mysteriously died at sea, leaving her an orphan in Victorian England. At her new home with a sour and unaffectionate relative, Sally receives a confusing note warning her to "beware the Seven Blessings," and to locate a man called Marchbanks. Sally soon finds herself in mortal danger as she tries to solve the mystery of her father's suspicious death, and becomes embroiled in the hunt for a priceless ruby.

Reference: Pullman, P. (1985). The Ruby in the Smoke. New York, NY: Random House Children's Books.

Impressions: This book is so much fun, especially for fans of historical fiction. It's moody and atmospheric, and the villains are genuinely creepy in a Dickensian sort of way. I love how this book takes the template of a Victorian mystery, but instead of making Sally dainty and mercurial, as a true Victorian-era thriller like The Moonstone would, Sally is tough and take-charge, navigating the opium dens and slums of London to find her father's murderer and locate the ruby that is his legacy to her. The supporting characters are equally entertaining.

Review: The first volume in Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart series (Random, pap. 1988) offers listeners an exemplary experience with classic melodrama. Sixteen-year-old Sally was orphaned when her father's investigation of illicit activities in his trading company led to his death halfway around the world from their home in 19th century London. When mysterious messages lead Sally to his old offices and, apparently, involve her in frightening a staff member there literally to death, she realizes that she needs to explore more fully what led to Lockhart's death and take matters of her present living conditions into hand. With the assistance of a young photographer and his bohemian household, the information provided by an opium addicted sailor and his vicious landlady, and the energetic guidance of the messenger boy at her father's old workplace, Sally uncovers not only the reasons for her father's death but the truth about her own parentage. Shakespearean actor Anton Lesser creates a host of accents and personalities to match this diverse cast of characters. Not only is this a rip-roaring mystery, but the insights offered on Victorian society and technology will intrigue both newcomers to historical fiction and those who thought Dickens would have the ultimate word on representing the era in fiction.

Goldsmith, F., & Mandell, P. L. (2004). The Ruby in the Smoke[review]. School Library Journal, 50(12), 78.

Suggested Use:  COSTUME NIGHT! Kids could come dressed as their favorite characters from historical or steam punk fiction. I think kids who enjoy steam punk would find this book entertaining. It lacks the sci-fi/fantasy element of steam punk, but it really nails the smokey, gritty atmosphere of London during the era of steam power, so I'd include this in a list of suggested books for steam punk or historical fiction costume night!