Kevin Sands

In 1665 London, fourteen-year-old Christopher Rowe, apprentice to an apothecary, and his best friend, Tom, try to uncover the truth behind a mysterious cult, following a trail of puzzles, codes, pranks, and danger toward an unearthly secret with the power to tear the world apart.

The Blackthorn Key

Merasemer

Sarah Sammis

akynn 

Nadine 

#crime #mystery #historical 
somewhat confusing in the beginning, but good whodunit for the younger crowd, takes place in 1660. Gripping story, could have done with some historical context, preferably in a preface to the book.

Following a series of murders, an apothecary’s apprentice must solve puzzles and decipher codes in pursuit of a secret that could destroy the world in this “spectacular debut” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). “Tell no one what I’ve given you.” Until he got that cryptic warning, Christopher Rowe was happy, learning how to solve complex codes and puzzles and creating powerful medicines, potions, and weapons as an apprentice to Master Benedict Blackthorn—with maybe an explosion or two along the way. But when a mysterious cult begins to prey on London’s apothecaries, the trail of murders grows closer and closer to Blackthorn’s shop. With time running out, Christopher must use every skill he’s learned to discover the key to a terrible secret with the power to tear the world apart. In his stunning debut novel, Kevin Sands brings readers on a heart-stopping adventure rich with suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

Logan Schenk

This was one of the best middle grade books I’ve read in a while. I almost forgot it was one at one point because it read like an average… historical fiction(?). It was fantastic and I found myself unable to put myself down wanting to know how Christopher got himself in and out of each situation (typically with an explosion or two). I was hooked on the mystery till the very end and I am excited to start the next book to see what happens next! 5/5 Stars!!!

Follow the clues. Crack the code. Stay alive. Potions, puzzles and the occasional explosion are all in a day's work for young apothecary Christopher Rowe. Murder is another matter. It's a dangerous time to be the apprentice of Benedict Blackthorn. A wave of mysterious murders has sent shockwaves through London, and soon Christopher finds himself on the run. His only allies are his best friend, Tom, courageous Molly, and a loyal feathered friend, Bridget. His only clues are a coded message about his master's most dangerous project, and a cryptic warning - 'Tell no one!' The race is on for Christopher: crack the code and uncover its secret, or become the next victim . . . A brilliant, fast-paced adventure perfect for fans of Percy Jackson.

Amanda

Will never forget this series! U read it in grade 6 I think and I still love it

Lynn Braden

In 1665, Christopher Rowe is working for Benedict Blackthorn as an apothecary apprentice. Several apothecaries including one of Master Benedict's closest friends have been murdered and Christopher fears for Master Benedict, especially when he begins to stay out all night and comes home with strange injuries. When Master Benedict strikes Christopher and sends him away, he is in more emotional pain than physical. Christopher returns and finds that Master Benedict has been killed, so now he knows that Master Benedict sent him away in order to save his life. Christopher is under suspicion for his master's murder, so while he is in hiding, he starts to investigate what his master was working on that got him killed.
The Blackthorn Key is reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code and other similar stories that present lots of clues that lead to more and more clues until finally the mystery is solved. Overall, this is a good middle grade mystery set in the distant past.