Author: Kevin Sands
Middle grade, history, and science – The Blackthorn Key combines my favorite genres into an exciting, high-stakes mystery. Apothecary’s apprentice Christopher Rowe starts this adventure with the phrase, “Let’s build a cannon.” He builds one, although testing it inside the apothecary shop was probably not his best idea. Ah, well. What does a London store in 1665 need with a stuffed bear, anyway?
I love this science in here. Was alchemy real? Yes and no. No one ever turned lead into gold, or created a philosopher’s stone. Alchemy did lead directly to modern science based on research, experimental techniques, and scientific theory. Some of their cures, like willowbark tea and poppy tea, were later studied, concentrated and turned into modern pain relievers like aspirin and the opiates. Author Kevin Sands clearly researched equipment, herbs, and common medications.
This is definitely an upper-middle-grade novel. There are a few mildly graphic scenes that would have disturbed my 8-year-old self, though not my daughter when she was 8. It’s no worse than Percy Jackson, Harry Potter or anything by Neil Gaiman.
Christopher uses his wit and training to hunt down and outsmart the murderers. His trusty friend Tom watches his back. And, just a hint, the Blackthorn Key is not the kind of key you use to lock a door. This book was such a thrill that I ordered the sequels as soon as I finished reading the last page.