logo

62 pages 2 hours read

Kevin Sands

The Blackthorn Key

Kevin SandsFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Kevin Sands

The Blackthorn Key

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 1660s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Set in 17th-century London, Kevin Sands' The Blackthorn Key follows fourteen-year-old Christopher Rowe, an orphan and apprentice to apothecary Master Benedict Blackthorn, as he uncovers a threatening secret endangering the city's apothecaries. After Master Benedict is murdered, Christopher must solve the mystery through ciphers and subterfuge while evading suspicion from authorities. This book includes depictions of violence, including murder and injury.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Exciting

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

14,078 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Kevin Sands' The Blackthorn Key enthrals with its gripping mystery and historical insights. Readers praise the fast-paced plot, rich descriptions, and endearing protagonist. Some found the narrative dense with historical detail, which could slow the pace, but overall, it captivates both young and adult audiences, making it a commendable addition to historical fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Blackthorn Key?

A reader who enjoys fast-paced historical mysteries with a mix of adventure and friendship would relish The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands. Fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society or The Apothecary would find its blend of puzzles, codes, and 17th-century London intrigue captivating. Ideal for middle-grade readers seeking excitement and clever protagonists.

4.3

14,078 ratings

81%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 1660s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.