Ruby in the Smoke

It's Nancy Drew meets Sherlock Holmes! Billie Piper (Doctor Who) adopts a proper Victorian ladylike persona as Sally Lockhart, girl detective, in this Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of Philip Pullman's first novel in the Sally Lockhart YA quartet (Pullman's The Golden Compass is slated to hit the big screen this Christmas). Recently orphaned Sally's first investigation involves the strange case of her father's unexpected death. The ruby of the title is cursed, the smoke is of the opium variety (which does not shock the surprisingly worldly wise, pearl-handled-revolver-packing Sally), and enemies come in all guises, not the least of which is the mean old aunt (Julie Walters, having a ball) with whom Sally is now forced to live. Yes, there's intrigue here—what are the mysterious “Seven Blessings,” the mere mention of which induces heart attacks in strong men? Mysteries are solved, secrets revealed, and Sally even has a Watson who's sweet on her: Frederick (JJ Feild), who fools around with that newfangled invention the camera. Ably directed by Brian Percival, Ruby in the Smoke is lots of fun, and there are three more Lockhart films still to come! Recommended. (M. Johanson)