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The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, #1)

The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, #1) book cover
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Mystery & Thriller Young Adult Historical Fiction Fiction Fantasy

by Philip Pullman

starstarstarstar_halfstar
3.75 (16.2K ratings)
calendar_today 1985
description 230 pages

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman holds a well received rating of 3.75 out of 5, based on 16.2K reader ratings. First published in 1985. The book spans 230 pages.

About The Ruby in the Smoke

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...

Detail Value
Author Philip Pullman
Published 1985
Pages 230
Genres Mystery & Thriller, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy
Average Rating 3.75 / 5.00
Total Ratings 16,214

Reader Ratings & Analysis

Rating Overview

3.8
starstarstarstar_halfstar
16.2K ratings
With a rating of 3.75, The Ruby in the Smoke is rated below the global average of 4.17. Compared to its genre average of 3.95, it performs below the genre benchmark.

How It Compares

3.75
This Book
3.95
Fantasy Average
4.17
Global Average

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre is The Ruby in the Smoke?

The Ruby in the Smoke is categorized as Mystery & Thriller, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Fantasy.

Is The Ruby in the Smoke worth reading?

Based on 16.2K reader ratings, The Ruby in the Smoke has an average score of 3.75 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."

How many pages is The Ruby in the Smoke?

The Ruby in the Smoke has 230 pages.

Who wrote The Ruby in the Smoke?

The Ruby in the Smoke was written by Philip Pullman. It was first published in 1985.

What is the ISBN for The Ruby in the Smoke?

The ISBN-13 for The Ruby in the Smoke is 9780394895900.0.

Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026