Phantom Rubies — Lucile Vernon Stevens

When Norah Hartley moves into her late great-uncle's mansion to complete her university education, she is ready to meet the conventional rich. But she is not prepared for the odd group she does encounter, including Viola Pinson, with the sharp features and the blunt tongue; Elmo Erwin, who behaves like a rabbit and aspires to be a fox; and devastating Spencer Berglund, with the curls of gold and ethics of brass, who is much too attractive for anyone's good.

Soon after her arrival, Norah is surprised to learn of the fabulous missing rubies that actually belong to her. Her greedy family's remorseless search for the priceless gems frightens her. And fear turns to stark terror when a murder is committed--and Norah realizes she may be the next victim!