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In "The Ruby in the Smoke," Sally Lockhart, a recently orphaned 16-year-old, finds herself entangled in a complex mystery involving her father's death, a stolen ruby, opium dens, and sinister characters in Victorian London. As Sally navigates through the dark and dangerous alleys of the city, she must use her intelligence and courage to unravel the secrets hidden behind the smoke-filled opium dens and solve the mystery before it's too late. Pullman weaves a gripping tale filled with intrigue, betrayal, and treasure, drawing readers into a world of murder and suspense through vivid descriptions and compelling characters.

Sally Lockhart emerges as a strong and independent protagonist, defying societal expectations and facing off against villains while showcasing her cleverness and charm. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Sally and her companions delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding her father's past and the enigmatic ruby. Pullman's skillful storytelling captures the essence of Victorian England, blending elements of adventure, danger, and dark secrets to create a captivating young adult mystery that appeals to readers of all ages.

If you liked The Ruby in the Smoke, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Face of a Stranger - William Monk by Anne Perry
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    "The Face of a Stranger" by Anne Perry is the first novel in the William Monk series, set in Victorian London. The story follows William Monk, a detective who wakes up in a hospital with total amnesia after a serious accident. Despite his memory loss, Monk returns to work in the police department and is assigned to investigate a murder case. As Monk delves into the murder investigation, he also embarks on a journey to rediscover his own identity and past. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, memory loss, and the complexities of Victorian society, offering a suspenseful and compelling mystery.

    The writing style of Anne Perry in "The Face of a Stranger" is praised for its vivid depiction of Victorian era London, intricate character development, and engaging plot twists. The author skillfully weaves together multiple mysteries within the story, keeping readers intrigued as Monk unravels the layers of the murder case and his own past. Perry's exploration of psychological themes, historical details, and complex character relationships adds depth to the narrative, making it a captivating read for fans of historical mysteries.

    He opened his eyes and saw nothing but a pale grayness above him, uniform, like a winter sky, threatening and heavy. He blinked and looked again. He was lying flat on his back; the grayness was a ceil...

  2. #2

    The Case of the Missing Marquess - Enola Holmes by Nancy Connor Springer
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    'The Case of the Missing Marquess' in the 'Enola Holmes' series by Nancy Springer follows the adventures of 14-year-old Enola Holmes, the spirited younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. When her mother mysteriously disappears, Enola is determined to find her and avoid being sent to a boarding school by her brothers. As she embarks on her investigation, Enola discovers a kidnapping case involving a young marquess, leading her to London where she faces dangerous foes while unraveling mysteries with her wit and independence. The narrative paints vivid scenes of Enola's journey, her unconventional approach to solving mysteries, and the challenges she faces in a Victorian society that underestimates her.

    Enola Holmes emerges as a brave and intelligent heroine, navigating through a male-dominated society with determination and cleverness. delves into themes of independence, feminism, and family bonds, offering a fresh perspective on the Sherlock Holmes universe through Enola's eyes. Readers are drawn into Enola's world of mystery-solving, where she defies societal norms and showcases her unique skills in unraveling puzzles and secrets, all while staying true to herself and her values.

    I would very much like to know why my mother named me “Enola,” which, backwards, spells alone. Mum was, or perhaps still is, fond of ciphers, and she must have had something in mind, whether forebodin...

  3. #3

    Murder Most Unladylike - Murder Most Unladylike Mini Mystery by Robin Stevens
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    'Murder Most Unladylike' by Robin Stevens follows the adventures of two girls, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, who form the Wells and Wong Detective Society at their boarding school in the 1930s. When Hazel discovers a body that later disappears, they embark on a mission to solve the mysteries that unfold. The story is a mix of light-hearted fun, intriguing mysteries, and interesting character dynamics, set against the backdrop of an English boarding school in the 1930s.

    This is the first murder that the Wells & Wong Detective Society has ever investigated, so it is a good thing Daisy bought me a new casebook. The last one was finished after we solved The Case of Lavi...

  4. #4

    The Secret Commonwealth - The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman
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    'The Secret Commonwealth' is the second book in 'The Book of Dust' series by Philip Pullman, set twenty years after the events of the first book. The story follows Lyra, now a young adult studying at Oxford, as she embarks on a journey across Europe after her daemon witnesses a murder. The narrative delves into themes of daemonology, the power of roses, and the struggle between reason and superstition. Pullman's writing style is praised for its world-building, intricate plot, and the exploration of complex characters in a fantastical setting.

    Pantalaimon, the dæmon of Lyra Belacqua, now called Lyra Silvertongue, lay along the windowsill of Lyra’s little study-bedroom in St. Sophia’s College in a state as far from thought as he could get. H...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Book of Dust )

  5. #5

    La Belle Sauvage - The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman
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    La Belle Sauvage is a prequel to Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, focusing on a young infant Lyra. The story follows Malcolm, the son of innkeepers, who embarks on an adventure to protect Lyra from various threats. is praised for its dense and slow-moving narrative, the inclusion of characters from the original trilogy, and the ability to stand alone as a good read. The writing style is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the plot involves elements of fantasy that blend seamlessly with the more realistic style of the series.

    Three miles up the river Thames from the center of Oxford, some distance from where the great colleges of Jordan, Gabriel, Balliol, and two dozen others contended for mastery in the boat races, out wh...

  6. #6
    A Spy in the House
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:The Agency

    A Spy in the House - The Agency by Y.S. Lee
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    'A Spy in the House' by Y.S. Lee is the first installment in 'The Agency' series, a young adult historical fiction mystery set during Queen Victoria's reign in Victorian England. The story follows the main character, a half-Chinese young woman, as she navigates through a world of espionage and intrigue. Readers mention that the book has a slow start with a lot of exposition in the beginning, but it picks up pace as the story progresses, leading to a well-loved series with a fantastic slow-burn romance.

    Mary took the attic stairs two by two. It was tricky in a steel crinoline and buttoned boots, but she needed some sort of outlet for her nervous energy. Since requesting a meeting with the head teache...

  7. #7

    Crocodile on the Sandbank - Amelia Peabody by Elizabeth Peters
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    Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters is the first book in the 'Amelia Peabody' series, introducing readers to the adventurous and independent protagonist, Amelia Peabody, a Victorian gentlewoman who inherits a fortune and decides to travel the world, indulging her passion for Egyptology. Along the way, she meets Evelyn Barton Forbes and the Emerson brothers, leading to a series of mysteries and adventures in Egypt. The book is described as a cozy mystery with elements of light romance, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, set in the late 19th century.

    The plot of 'Crocodile on the Sandbank' revolves around Amelia Peabody's journey to Egypt, her encounters with a reanimated mummy, and the development of her relationships with Evelyn and the Emerson brothers. The writing style is praised for its witty narration, engaging characters, and vivid descriptions of the Egyptian settings, creating a fun and light-hearted read that offers a mix of mystery, humor, and historical elements.

    (I am informed, by the self-appointed Critic who reads over my shoulder as I write, that I have already committed an error. If those seemingly simple English words do indeed imply that which I am told...

  8. #8

    Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief - Sammy Keyes by Wendelin Van Draanen
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    'Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief' follows the story of Sammy Keyes, a seventh-grader living with her grandmother while her mother pursues a career in Hollywood. Sammy's keen observation skills lead her to witness a robbery at a nearby hotel, making her inadvertently involved in solving the crime. Despite facing challenges and being misunderstood by the police, Sammy takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery and clear her name. The plot unfolds with suspenseful elements, showcasing Sammy's determination and courage in navigating through the complexities of school, family, and friendship. The writing style captures the essence of a middle school mystery, engaging readers with relatable characters and unexpected twists.

    It’s not like I was trying to get into trouble. And it’s not like it was my fault I was stuck inside the apartment. If it was anybody’s fault it was Mrs. Graybill’s. Mrs. Graybill lives down the hall ...

  9. #9

    A Study in Scarlet Women - Lady Sherlock by Sherry Thomas
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    A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas is a gender-bent retelling of the Sherlock Holmes story, featuring Charlotte Holmes as the brilliant detective. Set in Victorian London, the book follows Charlotte as she navigates society's expectations, solves mysteries, and forms unexpected alliances. The plot intertwines multiple murders, female friendships, and the challenges faced by women in the 19th century, all while paying homage to the original Sherlock Holmes stories with a fresh perspective and creative character development.

    It never failed to astonish Livia that, after having known Charlotte all her life, sometimes she was still surprised by her sister’s appearance. Especially at moments like these—well, there had never ...

  10. #10

    The Illyrian Adventure - Vesper Holly by Lloyd Alexander
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    In "The Illyrian Adventure" by Lloyd Alexander, readers are introduced to Vesper Holly, a spirited young woman determined to clear her late father's name and uncover the secret of Illyria's greatest legend. Alongside her resourceful uncle, they embark on a thrilling journey through the Illyrian countryside, encountering assassins, betrayals, rebellions, and impending war. Vesper's fearless attitude and unwavering determination drive the plot forward, leading to a series of high-spirited adventures that highlight the excitement and danger of her quest. The book, narrated by Vesper's guardian Brinnie, captures the essence of a young readers' Indiana Jones tale, filled with archeological finds, mysterious characters, and exotic locales set in the late 1800s.

    Vesper Holly's character shines through as a charming yet strong-willed protagonist who fearlessly navigates through perilous situations with a touch of humor and determination. The plot unfolds swiftly, offering a fun and rapid-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged with its blend of adventure, mystery, and historical elements. Despite the book's shorter length of 132 pages, the story manages to deliver an entertaining and delightful read suitable for young readers seeking a lighthearted yet adventurous tale.


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