The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands

Christopher Rowe is a 14 year old boy living in the 16th century with his master, Benedict Blackthorn. He works in his master’s shop, Blackthorn Reliefs For All Manner of Malignant Humors, as an apprentice. There have been murders in the town where Christopher lives, specifically Apothecaries. Christopher is worried about his master’s welfare, even though Benedict says not to. Can Christopher find out who the killer is before they kill Master Benedict?

This book is very fun, and it has all sorts of twists and turns in it. However, it has lots of gore and blood in it, so people who have thanatophobia or hemophobia should steer away from this book. It was very fun, coming up with ideas of who the killer was with Christopher, and the ending really surprised me. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it!

If you like books with lots of mystery and will keep you guessing, read this book! If you like The Shadow Cipher and/or The Story Thieves (Book #1), then you’ll love this book!

Review by Amelie S.