What do you think?
Rate this book
Martin McMillan and the Secret of the Ruby Elephant
The Secret of the Ruby Elephant is the second installment in the Martin McMillan middle-grade series (ages 8-13). Thirteen-year-old Martin and his friend Isabel skate their way through this fast-paced adventure, traveling from Chicago to Thailand to solve the theft of the Ruby Elephant. The 15th century Thai statue is part of a mysterious legend that holds the secret to a hidden treasure. The friends must decipher a complicated puzzle of clues from Buddhist symbols and ancient ruins, as they track down the thieves and try to stay out of harm's way.
184 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2012
1 person is currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Russell
10 books49 followersI am the author of three historical novels and six children's book, which have won numerous awards. Writing is a journey that takes me down many unexpected paths. When I begin a new novel, it feels like some of my characters and their unexpected personalities soon take over. Equally enjoyable as the writing, is the research I do for my books (I have a BA in history). I'm always finding fascinating events or facts that help shape the story. My love of travel and history have contributed significantly to my writing, as I enjoy weaving in the culture and past of other countries into my stories.
My latest historical novel, "When the Tamarind Tree Blooms," (April 2024) is about a young métisse, half-Lao/half-French, in 1931 French colonial Laos, trying to determine where she belongs in the deeply divided French and Lao societies, where neither group readily accepts her mixed heritage. I am also the author of the historical novels "In the Company of Like-Minded Women" (2018) and "Across the Mekong River" (2012) -- now available in a French, "De l'autre côté du Mékong."
My children’s works include two picture books, "All About Thailand" (2016) and "Thai Celebrations for Children," (2022) with Tuttle Publishing. I am also the author of the middle grade Martin McMillan mystery/adventure series, which features skateboarding heroes Martin and Isabel: "The Lost Inca City," "The Secret of the Ruby Elephant," and "The Sacred Stones". And finally, my young adult novel, “Montana in A Minor,” stems from my passion for music, an interest in the complexities of modern family life, and a belief that everyone appreciates a good love story!
I was born in San Francisco and raised on the peninsula. I attended the University of California at Davis where I earned a bachelor’s degree in history, then California State University Sacramento for a master’s degree in economics. I always wanted to write, but came to it somewhat late in life. I live with my husband in Sacramento, California.
My latest historical novel, "When the Tamarind Tree Blooms," (April 2024) is about a young métisse, half-Lao/half-French, in 1931 French colonial Laos, trying to determine where she belongs in the deeply divided French and Lao societies, where neither group readily accepts her mixed heritage. I am also the author of the historical novels "In the Company of Like-Minded Women" (2018) and "Across the Mekong River" (2012) -- now available in a French, "De l'autre côté du Mékong."
My children’s works include two picture books, "All About Thailand" (2016) and "Thai Celebrations for Children," (2022) with Tuttle Publishing. I am also the author of the middle grade Martin McMillan mystery/adventure series, which features skateboarding heroes Martin and Isabel: "The Lost Inca City," "The Secret of the Ruby Elephant," and "The Sacred Stones". And finally, my young adult novel, “Montana in A Minor,” stems from my passion for music, an interest in the complexities of modern family life, and a belief that everyone appreciates a good love story!
I was born in San Francisco and raised on the peninsula. I attended the University of California at Davis where I earned a bachelor’s degree in history, then California State University Sacramento for a master’s degree in economics. I always wanted to write, but came to it somewhat late in life. I live with my husband in Sacramento, California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 13, 2012
The author provided me a copy of this book to read and post an honest review. That is what I have done.
“Martin McMillan and the Secret of the Ruby Elephant” by Elaine Russell is the second book in the author’s middle-grade adventure series. It follows “Martin McMillan and the Lost Inca City”. Ms. Russell expended a great deal of research in the writing of this book, and it shows in the resulting product. This story is about almost-thirteen Martin McMillan, whose parents are both respected archaeologists. The local museum is featuring a special display of ancient Thai artifacts, centered on the famous Ruby Elephant, which legend places in a key position regarding the rumored lost treasure of an ancient Siamese king. Mr. Sommat, of Thailand, currently owns the Ruby Elephant, and has graciously lent it to the museum for its display. But it seems somebody wants to do more than admire the Ruby Elephant. In a daring, clever plan, the elephant is stolen from the museum the night before the display is scheduled to open. But security was as tight as it could be. Stealing the elephant should have been all but impossible! How did the thief – or thieves – pull off the caper? And what part does Martin McMillan play in the tale?
Against his parents’ expressed prohibition, Martin and his friend Isabel, along with Mr. Sommat’s granddaughter, Junya, follow a laundry list of clues through much of Thailand, unknowingly followed by the thief and his cohorts. The story was not only amusing and entertaining; it was also very instructive, delving into the history of early Siam, and the history of the Buddha. While I am not spiritually interested in Buddhism, the historic and cultural elucidation was enlightening and interesting. This series is written for middle-graders, but I believe most parents would also find it to be worth reading. I rate this 5 stars without hesitation, and I will be hunting for the “Lost Inca City” to read, as well. This is an excellent book!
“Martin McMillan and the Secret of the Ruby Elephant” by Elaine Russell is the second book in the author’s middle-grade adventure series. It follows “Martin McMillan and the Lost Inca City”. Ms. Russell expended a great deal of research in the writing of this book, and it shows in the resulting product. This story is about almost-thirteen Martin McMillan, whose parents are both respected archaeologists. The local museum is featuring a special display of ancient Thai artifacts, centered on the famous Ruby Elephant, which legend places in a key position regarding the rumored lost treasure of an ancient Siamese king. Mr. Sommat, of Thailand, currently owns the Ruby Elephant, and has graciously lent it to the museum for its display. But it seems somebody wants to do more than admire the Ruby Elephant. In a daring, clever plan, the elephant is stolen from the museum the night before the display is scheduled to open. But security was as tight as it could be. Stealing the elephant should have been all but impossible! How did the thief – or thieves – pull off the caper? And what part does Martin McMillan play in the tale?
Against his parents’ expressed prohibition, Martin and his friend Isabel, along with Mr. Sommat’s granddaughter, Junya, follow a laundry list of clues through much of Thailand, unknowingly followed by the thief and his cohorts. The story was not only amusing and entertaining; it was also very instructive, delving into the history of early Siam, and the history of the Buddha. While I am not spiritually interested in Buddhism, the historic and cultural elucidation was enlightening and interesting. This series is written for middle-graders, but I believe most parents would also find it to be worth reading. I rate this 5 stars without hesitation, and I will be hunting for the “Lost Inca City” to read, as well. This is an excellent book!
August 22, 2019
If your child liked 39 Clues or the Magic Tree House series then this series by Elaine Russell is a great fit for older children ready to move on to something more challenging. It meshes history, mystery, and adventure in a way that middle-aged children (and older) would find exciting.
The main characters are likable for both sexes with interests most children could relate to (skateboarding and rollerblading). They also face typical growing pains (not wanting to be babied and making their own decisions -while not always the best ones).
Characters are multinational with strong females in an exotic setting. History and education is imparted in a way most children wouldn't find teachy or preachy. My only complaint - where were these books when my children were young? I think they would have loved this series.
The main characters are likable for both sexes with interests most children could relate to (skateboarding and rollerblading). They also face typical growing pains (not wanting to be babied and making their own decisions -while not always the best ones).
Characters are multinational with strong females in an exotic setting. History and education is imparted in a way most children wouldn't find teachy or preachy. My only complaint - where were these books when my children were young? I think they would have loved this series.
March 29, 2013
While this book is written for young adults, it is a great read for any age level! It is the second book in the Martin McMillan series, and it follows Martin, his friend Isabel, and others to the country of Thailand. The kids, along with a new friend, Junya, try to discover who stole the Ruby Elephant statue from a museum in Chicago. The mystery takes them to Thailand, the original home of the precious Ruby Elephant, and a whole new set of adventures. The writing is very easy to follow and the story is intriguing. Elaine Russell does a great job of ending her short chapters in ways that make you want to keep reading, either with foreshadowing or in the middle of an anxious event. The descriptions of Thailand are very realistic and I would love to travel there some day and see the temples and the monkeys! :) I teach 5th grade (10-11 year old kids), and I recommended this book to my students. They absolutely loved it! I had some students that read it in one day because they were so intrigued and into the characters and the story. They commented that they loved how fast-paced it was and that it was funny, thrilling, not predictable (which is good!), and just a good all-around read!
November 18, 2013
This adventure tale has a solid mystery plot line which explores a variety of intricate settings. The historical background information was detailed, yet at points read more like an interesting textbook rather than a novel. I struggled with connecting to the characters because at points they seemed to be acting quite a bit younger than their ages, and others older.
While I would suggest that my nieces read it when they are a bit older, I probably would not read it again myself.
While I would suggest that my nieces read it when they are a bit older, I probably would not read it again myself.
October 1, 2014
We are proud to announce that MARTIN McMILLAN AND THE SECRET OF THE RUBY ELEPHANT by Elaine Russell is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
January 15, 2013
It was a good children's book. My son was very focused on it, it just kept his attention until the very end and he enjoyed it very much.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews