Kindle
$8.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$7.28
Paperback
$9.99
Buy new:
-9% $9.99
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$9.99 with 9 percent savings
List Price: $10.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Friday, May 10. Order within 20 hrs 15 mins
In Stock
$$9.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$9.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$7.72
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
The item may be fairly worn but still readable. The dust jacket if present, may be marked, and have considerable heavy wear or might be missing. The book might be ex-library copy, and may have the markings and stickers associated from the library. The book may have considerable highlights, notes, underlined pages but the text is legible. Safe and Secure Mailer. No Hassle Return. Used books may not include supplementary material. The item may be fairly worn but still readable. The dust jacket if present, may be marked, and have considerable heavy wear or might be missing. The book might be ex-library copy, and may have the markings and stickers associated from the library. The book may have considerable highlights, notes, underlined pages but the text is legible. Safe and Secure Mailer. No Hassle Return. Used books may not include supplementary material. See less
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Friday, May 10. Order within 20 hrs 15 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$9.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$9.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Philip Pullman
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Ruby in the Smoke: A Sally Lockhart Mystery Paperback – September 9, 2008

by Philip Pullman (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,504 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$9.99","priceAmount":9.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"bcMDfLxXn9sKJWJFXMO9lpAmwiofrmscuZVHUtEzygDgYgoxQBkR0SbCGiu4VW6rBcsJhPbUSt%2BDnyqstyWwarmBUy2iJJ8o2AndOuNkvqt99JAO91QNcJN30OLlT43n3zuTf5lKaLk%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$7.72","priceAmount":7.72,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"7","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"72","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"bcMDfLxXn9sKJWJFXMO9lpAmwiofrmscZiMIi28RswyHfTAOXqNgsAFAhbbEX3LK9LVD1npP5pn22cgEq5Ip7yWyJ5SJCDrYRia%2BnBAAs2H990yd%2BrlkBxC6EjrWmH%2FstQyFJCy6oNnIv69ldzzhWm1S7%2Bl3k%2Bfl%2FZdNWkLFVa0O5jbVFE%2Bov%2Ff9FGgIGc3k","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

“BEWARE THE SEVEN blessings . . . ” When she first utters these words, 16-year-old Sally Lockhart doesn’t know their meaning. But when an employee of her late father hears them, he dies of fear. Thus begins Sally’s terrifying journey into the seamy underworld of Victorian London, in search of clues to her father’s mysterious death.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    12 - 17 years
  2. Book 1 of 4
    Sally Lockhart Mysteries
  3. Print length
    230 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    7 - 9
  6. Lexile measure
    HL740L
  7. Dimensions
    5.31 x 0.57 x 8 inches
  8. Publisher
    Ember
  9. Publication date
    September 9, 2008
  10. ISBN-10
    037584516X
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0375845161
  12. See all details
Next page
Books with Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Frequently bought together

The Ruby in the Smoke: A Sally Lockhart Mystery
$9.99
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Shadow in the North: A Sally Lockhart Mystery
$12.00
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
Only 15 left in stock - order soon.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Tiger in the Well: A Sally Lockhart Mystery
$9.99
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
Only 13 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" A rip-roaring adventure story filled with cutthroat villains, dastardly deeds, sleazy opium dens, filthy London slums, and a delightful heroine...Splendid descriptions, plot twists and turns, and understated humor engage readers in this tale of murder, mayhem, and mystery." --School Library Journal (starred review)

"A rip-roaring adventure story filled with cutthroat villains, dastardly deeds, sleazy opium dens, filthy London slums, and a delightful heroine...Splendid descriptions, plot twists and turns, and understated humor engage readers in this tale of murder, mayhem, and mystery."--School Library Journal (starred review)

From the Back Cover

In search of clues to the mystery of her father's death, 16-year-old Sally Lockhart ventures into the shadowy underworld of Victorian London. Pursued by villains at every turn, the intrepid Sally finally uncovers two dark mysteries--and realizes that she herself is the key to both.
"In Dickensian fashion, Pullman tells the story of 16-year-old Sally Lockhart, who becomes involved in a deadly web of events as she searches for a mysterious ruby. The novel is a page turner, peopled with despicable hags, forthright heroes, and children living on the underbelly of 19th-century London. The story's events are exciting, with involved plotting. Settings and characterizations are exquisitely drawn. The first entry in a planned trilogy."--(starred) "Booklist. Reading level: 6.7.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ember; Reprint edition (September 9, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 230 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 037584516X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0375845161
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 17 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ HL740L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.57 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,504 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Philip Pullman

Philip Pullman

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

PHILIP PULLMAN is one of the most acclaimed writers working today. He is best known for the His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass), which has been named one of the top 100 novels of all time by Newsweek and one of the all-time greatest novels by Entertainment Weekly. He has also won many distinguished prizes, including the Carnegie Medal for The Golden Compass (and the reader-voted "Carnegie of Carnegies" for the best children's book of the past seventy years); the Whitbread (now Costa) Award for The Amber Spyglass; a Booker Prize long-list nomination (The Amber Spyglass); Parents' Choice Gold Awards (The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass); and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, in honor of his body of work. In 2004, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

It has recently been announced that The Book of Dust, the much anticipated new book from Mr. Pullman, also set in the world of His Dark Materials, will be published as a major work in three parts, with the first part to arrive in October 2017.

Philip Pullman is the author of many other much-lauded novels. Other volumes related to His Dark Materials: Lyra’s Oxford, Once Upon a Time in the North, and The Collectors. For younger readers: I Was a Rat!; Count Karlstein; Two Crafty Criminals; Spring-Heeled Jack, and The Scarecrow and His Servant. For older readers: the Sally Lockhart quartet: The Ruby in the Smoke, The Shadow in the North, The Tiger in the Well, and The Tin Princess; The White Mercedes; and The Broken Bridge.

Philip Pullman lives in Oxford, England. To learn more, please visit philip-pullman.com and hisdarkmaterials.com. Or follow him on Twitter at @PhilipPullman.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
1,504 global ratings
“New” book arrived damaged
1 Star
“New” book arrived damaged
I ordered this “new” book but it arrived damaged. It was packed fine and no damage to the packaging. It looks like this book was water damaged. Not right to offer as new and send this to me.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Luke Edward
5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Gift
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2010
Verified Purchase
The Sally Lockhart Mysteries - novel one - The Ruby in the Smoke.

I rented the first three books (Ruby in the Smoke, Shadow in the North, The Tiger in the Well and The Tin Princess) on audio from the library and purchased from amazon "The Tin Princess" brilliant series! Someone I know loves audio books and we have been talking about what books we have listened to on cd for a while. I only in passes mentioned to the Sally Lockhart Mysteries to her. I purchased this book as a gift to her and I hope she enjoys it. Phillip Pullman is a fantastic story teller. I recommend the series.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
JET
4.0 out of 5 stars Quality Mystery for Young Adults/Pre-teens
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2004
Verified Purchase
Pullman's 'Ruby in the Smoke' is an intriguing and gripping mystery for young adults or pre-teens. It is not quite as deep, tightly woven, or well-written as a few other books for this age group (notably, Harry Potter), but it still presents a quality read.

Sally Lockhart, a Victorian girl recently orphaned by a horrifying but mysterious accident, is the heroine of the book. She is a great character - strong and intelligent, but still believable for her age and era. Throughout the course of the book, Sally will attempt to find out how and why her father died, where the title ruby is, who is trying to cause her harm, and whom she can trust. The plot is very exciting, and pushes you to keep reading, and the characters are varied and believable.

It should be noted that this is not a book for young children, as the plot often delves into the seedy side of London in the Victorian era, and many adult themes are present, including murder, greed, and drug use (opium), although NOTHING immoral is glorified in any respect.

I am eager to read the next book in the series and find out what happens to Sally and her companions! I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoyed Harry Potter or the Series of Unfortunate Events books. I also look forward to reading other Pullman books.
16 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Debra W. Bard
5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery and the plight of a young woman in a time when women had no voice
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
A newly orphaned Sally raised by her father to; think for herself, understand finance and fire a weapon. not what a Nineteenth century young lady should do. She struggles to understand a strange message from her father,written by his aide, just before his death.
Hampered by how society expects a young lady to act and the guardian she's been forced to live with. She uses her intelligence and the fact that most people will underestimate her to solve the mystery of her father's death and how it ties into the opium trade and a missing jewel.
A trip back in time that every woman(or girl) should take. You can't see how far we can go unless you know how far we have come.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
BethanyC
3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, but a bit hollow
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
If you enjoy mysteries that focus more on drama than action this is for you. But over all I found it a bit lacking in the character and plot areas. This is a well written book in it's own way, but I blame the Golden compass series for souring this for me. It just doesn't have the same charm. Though it is more reality based being a mystery rather than fantasy like the Golden Compass the story and the characters just didn't seem as real. It didn't have the same depth or compulsion to keep reading that the Golden Compass series did.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Olivier Dunrea
5.0 out of 5 stars Love All The Sally Lockhart Mysteries!
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
I have bought all four of the Sally Lockhart mysteries. Pullman is one of my favorite authors and these books/stories do not disappoint. Well written, action packed, great characters! Well worth the money. Nicely packaged. Quickly shipped.
Helpful
 Report
R. King Meeker
4.0 out of 5 stars Her name was Sally Lockhart; and within 15 minutes, she was going to kill a man
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2008
Verified Purchase
In The Ruby in the Smoke, Phillip Pullman combines three of my favorite things: young adult fiction, a good mystery and a Victorian era setting.

Sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart has recently lost her father in a shipwreck. After receiving a mysterious note warning her to "beware of the Seven Blessings", she visits her late father's shipping firm in the hope that someone there can make sense of the note. When she asks one of her father's employees about the Seven Blessings, the man is so terrified that he dies of a heart attack right in front of Sally. And so begins a chain of events that will have Sally questioning the circumstances of her father's death as well as her connection to a priceless Indian ruby. All the while Sally is pursued by a series of villains who are determined to kill her before she can learn the truth.

The Ruby in the Smoke is filled with colorful, vivid characters that seem ready to leap off the page. Sally is a strong female character, but she's not perfect by any means. Pullman avoided the pitfall of turning her into an unrealistic super heroine, while still highlighting her cleverness and charm. Even some of the villains are likeable while still being villainous; I was very amused by one soft-hearted thug who gives a temperance tract to a drunken man he's just beaten up.

With witty dialogue and twists and turns on nearly every page, The Ruby in the Smoke is a delightful and exciting read. I highly recommended it to any reader who loves a good mystery.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
F. Oakley
5.0 out of 5 stars Go Sally, Go!
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2008
Verified Purchase
A terrific example of a "Kid Power" book. A spunky 16 year old herione takes on a faceless enemy and a host of dangerous characters and, with the help of a troupe of intrepid friends, prevails. Well written, good use of English language. Informative regarding British economy and society in Victorian times. For that reason, rather dark. No objectionable language or references to sexual behavior, but does include murder and mayhem. Highly recommended as a book that young and old can read and talk about.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
H Potter
5.0 out of 5 stars Ruby in the Smoke Audio review.
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2004
Verified Purchase
If you like Harry Potter on audio your going to love the new audio version of Ruby in the Smoke. Anton Lesser equals if not surpasses Jim Dale in giving the characters individuality and life. If you like hearing the English accent and done just right for every character, Lesser gets five stars. If your out there Anton, great job and I hope you get the rest of the Sally Lockhart books. The story is great but the opium sections may not be for young children. This book like "His Dark Materials," makes a long road trip fly by.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Mr. Stuart Clark
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
Easy read. Very good
Report
Julia
5.0 out of 5 stars Tip top
Reviewed in Germany on December 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
Fast delivery, good condition as described
Report
🔥 Gonzalico 🔥
5.0 out of 5 stars 🥇 Satisfecho con la Compra 🥇
Reviewed in Spain on September 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
✅ Lo recomendaría. Buena lectura. 👍🏼
👉🏼 Vocabulario no muy complejo.
📚 Entretenido y divertido de leer.
Si te ha gustado mi opinión, no olvides darle al botoncito de "ÚTIL" de aquí abajo. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Report
Mary Bhalla
4.0 out of 5 stars Every chapter has action which alleals to 11 yr olds
Reviewed in India on August 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
I liked the fact that I could get a paperback. Unfortunately, the paper was old and yellowish.
Report
Peppekite
4.0 out of 5 stars Dopo His Dark Materials ci vuole Sally Lockhart
Reviewed in Italy on July 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
Dopo His Dark Materials ci vuole Sally Lockhart. Se avete già completato la trilogia e volete continuare a leggere Pullman, è sicuramente piacevole anche se meno stimolante rispetto ai precedenti. Attenzione la lettura sarà più difficile per lo slang e le parle tipiche di un'altra epoca (1800) che vi richiederà spesso di ricorrere al vocabolario. Un inglese non pulito e poco didattico, che richiede un buon livello di padronanza della lingua per essere godibile.
One person found this helpful
 Report