Everything you need to understand or teach The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman.
'The Ruby in the Smoke' is a mystery story set in Victorian London. Sally Lockhart's father has just died and she has received a mysterious letter telling her to seek out Marchbanks and to avoid 'The Seven Blessings.' Sally begins to investigate and is soon drawn into two dangerous mysteries, one revolving around a much-desired Ruby, and the other concerning her father's death. By the end of the story, with the help of new friends, she manages to solve both mysteries.
Sally goes to the offices of her late father's shipping firm, Selby and Lockhart. She has received a letter that warns her about the 'Seven Blessings.' She asks the company Secretary about this and he immediately dies of fright. A boy called Jim overhears this and decides to help Sally with her mystery. Sally returns to Mrs. Rees' house, a distant relative whom she has been living with since... View more of the The Ruby in the Smoke Summary
Philip Pullman