The Blackthorn Key

LoveReading4Kids Says

One of our Books of the Year 2015 - September 2015 Debut of the Month  Set in the uncertain, dangerous days of 1665, this is a thrilling tale of alchemy, intrigue and murder! Christopher Rowe is an orphan, apprenticed to an apothecary. He can be reckless, even disobedient – the book opens explosively in fact with Christopher creating gunpowder – but loves and respects his master, Benedict Blackthorn.

When Blackthorn is murdered, Christopher is determined to find out who committed the crime, and why. His master is not the only apothecary to have been targeted, and he’s left his clever apprentice a series of clues. Can Christopher solve them before his master’s sinister and ruthless enemies?

Well-plotted, exciting and with a fascinating, original background and lively group of dramatis personae , this is a terrific read.   ~ Andrea Reece

“In my fourteen years of experience in children’s fiction and even longer experience as a reader, The Blackthorn Key is without doubt one of the best historical novels I have come across”  Amanda Punter, Publishing Director

LoveReading4Kids

About The Blackthorn Key

London, 1665. Fourteen-year-old Christopher Rowe is apprenticed to master apothecary Benedict Blackthorn. In Blackthorn's shop, Christopher learns the delicate secrets of transforming simple ingredients into powerful medicines, potions and weapons.

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