I didn't know this was book 2, but from a reading standpoint, it didn't really matter. 
 Ruby Redfort is cute, witty, and intelligent. I liked her and I loved the idea of a modern Nancy Drew, but the story fell flat for me. Maybe it was due to the wordiness of the it or the fact that Ruby is so intelligent, but it took her so long to put it all together. Even as a 10-13 year old I think I would have figured it out before Ruby did.