Ruby in the Smoke

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

"Historical thrillers, that's what these books are. Old-fashioned Victorian blood-and-thunder. Actually, I wrote each one with a genuine cliché of melodrama right at the heart of it, on purpose: the priceless jewel with a curse on it – the madman with a weapon that could destroy the world – the situation of being trapped in a cellar with the water rising – the little illiterate servant girl from the slums of London who becomes a princess … And I set the stories up so that each of those stock situations, when they arose, would do so naturally and with the most convincing realism I could manage." --Philip Pullman

I enjoyed The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith and The Maisie Dobbs Mysteries by Jacqueline Winspear. They aren't too scary, you learn something about the time/place the stories take place, there's a mystery to solve, and they have engaging characters. Sally Lockhart has all those qualities, but the writing is smarter. You'll be on the edge of your seat, but you won't be scared to turn off the light when it's time for bed.

In typical Pullman style, he weaves in ideas about religion, politics, and culture, but he is more subtle about it than in His Dark Materials. This leaves you more wiggle-room to develop your own ideas and opinions.

These are teen books that adults should be reading too. There is a bit of sex and violence some parents may object too. But the most objectional element of these books are that they encourage the reader to ask questions, think freely, and to take action.

PS: I'm a sucker for strong female protagonists and great book covers. Yes, I judged a book by its cover and it was damn good!