UK Publishing Date: 3rd Sept 2015. 320 pages.

The Blackthorn Key is a great book aimed at tweens and teens but deserves a much wider readership. Christopher is an apprentice apothecary in 1665 London. When his master is suddenly murdered it falls to Christopher and his young friend Tom to try and find out what is happening and who is targeting members of he Guild.

It is a fast read as you keep wanting to read more. The puzzles are well thought out and the historical detail is good. It gives you a real feel for a dingy and dangerous medieval London and hopes that this will become a much longer series. I loved the discussion around the elements and ingredients in use by an apothecary of the time. The characters are really vivid and well thought out and it is easy to connect with Christopher and his quest.

This book feels like it will be a big hit for Christmas and I’ll definitely be getting a copy for my nephew.

Supplied by Net Galley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.